Historical Time Line 1775 - 1799 |
1775. Per Mare Per Terram 'By Sea By Land' Per Mare Per Terram: Signifies the Corps' service both by sea and land. It is not known exactly when this motto was adopted, but it was worn on their caps by Marines at the Battle of Bunkers Hill in 1775. The Lion and Crown: The original badge of the Marines. The Crown also denotes that the Marines are a Royal Corps, an honour which King George III bestowed upon them in 1802, in token of their many gallant actions against the French. (This applies also to the Crown above the Foul Anchor at the bottom.) The Globe: Awarded by King George IV in 1827. Owing to the impossibility of inscribing on the Colours all of the 109 Battle Honours to which the Royal Marines are entitled the King personally chose 'The Great Globe itself' as a fitting emblem to describe the Corps' worldwide service. (The Globe displays the continents of the Eastern Hemisphere.) The Laurel: Awarded in commemoration of gallantry displayed by the Royal Marines at the Battle of Belle Isle in 1761. Gibraltar: The Battle Honour carried on the Royal Marines' Colours. This was awarded to commemorate the outstanding services performed by the Corps in the capture and siege of Gibraltar in 1704. The Foul Anchor: Is the badge of the Lord High Admiral and denotes that the Corps is part of the Royal Navy. It was first used during 1747. Royal Marines History & Traditional Facts © Copyright Royal Marines.)
1775. Tuesday 24th May. A reinforcement arrived at Boston from Ireland; and on the 26th, Major-Generals Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne in the Cerberus from England.
The following is an extract from the marine-battalion orders of the 20th of May, 1775 :— "The right-honourable the lords commissioners of the Admiralty, having directed a reinforcement of marines to serve under major Pitcairne in general Gage's army, consisting of 2 majors, 10 captains, 27 subalterns, 2 adjutants, 1 surgeon, 2 assistant-surgeons, 28 Serjeants, 25 corporals, 20 drummers, 600 privates, the commanding officer deems it necessary, for the good of the service, to form the whole under his command into two battalions : —
Officers in 1st battalion. Officers in 2nd battalion.
GRENADIERS.
Thomas Avarne, capt. George Logan. William Finney, 1st lieut. Alexander Brisbane.
George Vevers, 1st lieut. Francis Gardner.
FIRST COMPANY.
Stawel Chudleigh, capt. , Hon. John Maitland, capt. Richard Shea, 1st lieut. Jesse Adair, 1st lieut. Hewes, 1st lieut. Roland Carter, 1st lieut.
SECOND COMPANY.
Stephen Ellis,
capt. Charles Chandless,
capt. James Robertson,
1st lieut. Fenton Griffiths,
1st lieut. P. D. Robertson,
2nd lieut. Henry D'Oyley, 2nd lieut.
THIRD COMPANY.
Thomas Lindsay, capt. Thomas Groves, capt.
William Lycett, 1st lieut. John Hadden, 1st lieut.
David Collins, 2nd lieut. Titus Conyers, 1st lieut.
FOURTH COMPANY.
William Forster, capt. Samuel Davys, capt.
William Graham, 1st lieut. Walter Nugent, 1st lieut.
Isaac Potter, 2nd lieut. Robert Carey, 2nd lieut.
82 TWO MARINE BATTALIONS.
FIFTH COMPANY.
Robert Ross, capt. Edward Henvill, capt.
Charles Steward, 1st lieut. Thomas Biggs, 1st lieut.
Jonas Mathews, 1st lieut. James Lewis, 2nd lieut.
SIXTH COMPANY.
William Sabine, capt. George Elliott,
capt. B. M'Donald, 2nd lieut. Alex. M'Donald, 1st lieut.
Henry Tantum, 2nd lieut. John France, 1st lieut.
SEVENTH COMPANY.
J. H. Branson, capt. Archer Walker, capt.
William Creswell, 1st lieut. James Anderson, 1st lieut.
Thomas Trollope, 2nd lieut. Robert Moore, 2nd lieut.
EIGHTH COMPANY.
John Perceval, capt. John M'Fie, capt.
Aaron Eustace, 1st lieut. SirJ.Dalston bart. 1st lieut.
Thos. Woodcock, 2nd lieut. Francis Dogherty, 1st lieut.
LIGHT INFANTRY.
W. Souter, capt. Archibald Campbell, capt.
William Pitcairne, 1st lieut. John Dyer, 2nd lieut.
Philip Howe, 2d lieut. N. H. Nicholas, 2nd lieut.
ADJUTANT.
John Waller, 1st lieut. John Fielding, 1st. lieut.
QUARTER-MASTER.
J. Pitcairne, 1st lieut. Thomas Smith, 1st lieut.
Captain David Johnston, superintendent, adjutant, and de- puty-paymaster to the 2nd battalion.
— Hill, surgeon to the 2nd battalion; William Tervant and — Silven, surgeon's mates.
The following regulations for the payment of companies were notified in the battalion- orders of the 3rd of June " The right-honourable the lords commissioners of the Admiralty having directed, by their letter to major Pitcairne of the 2nd of March last, that the captain of marines commanding companies on shore at Boston should pay their companies in the same manner as practised by the land forces, the captains or commanding officers of companies will receive from captain Johnstone, deputy-paymaster, one month's subsistence for the non-commissioned officers and private men of their respective companies, deducting Is. b\d. per week each for provisions and the usual stoppages, as directed by the Admiralty, viz: — s. d. For one serjeant, per week ....2
For one corporal or drummer . . . \\
For one private man 1
Dollars to be taken at 4 8
Captains are to give the deputy-paymaster complete monthly pay-rolls, accounting for the subsistence distributed to their companies, and specifying every particular casualty that has happened in each company during the preceding month, and to commence this day."
1775. Thursday 8th of June the American congress resolved, " That the compact between the crown and the people of Massachusetts bay is dissolved." A proclamation was issued by general Gage establishing martial law and offering pardon to all who should return to their allegiance excepting Samuel Adams and John Handcock. Matters were thus fast approaching to a crisis, and both parties prepared in right earnest for the struggle.
At this moment, the town of Charlestown was not occupied by either party; and the rebels, anticipating the movement of the king's troops, sent a large body of men on the 16th of June to erect works upon Bunker's-hill, and during the night they raised entrenchments, and constructed a formidable redoubt. On the 17th at day-break the garrison of Boston was alarmed by a heavy cannonade from his Majesty's ship Lively, directed against the working-party on the hill; but as the Americans persevered in their labours with great firmness, general Gage considered it highly necessary to dislodge them from so important a position, and therefore resolved on an immediate attack.
The Lively, Falcon, and Spitfire, having anchored abreast of and below Charlestown for covering the landing of the troops, at nine in the morning the Glasgow, lying off Newpoint, and a battery of six guns and some howitzers, opened upon the rebels; but they perseveringly continued their work, nothing daunted by the heavy fire which was poured upon them. The Americans on the heights were in great force, and strongly posted in a redoubt, besides other works, on which they had mounted cannon. In the houses of Charlestown, which covered their right flank, they had also posted a large body of troops, while their centre and left flank were protected by a breastwork partly cannon proof; and these works reached from the left of the redoubt to the Mystic, or Medford, river. Ten companies of grenadiers and ten of light infantry, with the 5th, 38th, 43rd, and 52nd regiments under maj or-general Howe and brigadier-general Pigot, were embarked with great expedition, a & nd landed about noon on Charlestown Point, under the protection of the ships of war, whose well-directed fire kept the insurgents within their works. The troops formed in perfect order, the light infantry under brigadier Pigot posted on the right, and the grenadiers on the left; in rear of these the 5th and 38th regiments, and the 43rd and 52nd in a third line.
Major-general Howe, on examining the state of the enemy's defences, and observing fresh columns pouring in to their assistance, solicited a reinforcement, which soon joined him, consisting of some companies of grenadiers and light infantry, the 47th regiment, and the battalions of marines, who were led by majors Pitcairne, Tupper, and Short. The major-general then formed the corps under his command into two lines, and immediately advanced towards the enemy's works. About half-past three o'clock a smart fire was opened from the field-pieces and howitzers of the British as the troops slowly advanced, and occasionally halting to allow the artillery to fire with greater effect. The light infantry was directed to force the left point of the breast-work and take the enemy in flank; whilst the grenadiers were to attack in front, supported by the 5th and 52nd regiments. Not a shot was returned by the enemy until our troops were close upon them, when they opened a destructive fire, which was so well maintained, that it somewhat staggered the assailants. For some time, the British withstood this opposition, but their loss of officers and men was so great, that they recoiled a little and fell into disorder, until the animating presence of general Howe restored confidence, when the soldiers rallied, and again advanced upon the enemy.
At this time the left wing, from being much exposed to the enemy's fire from the houses of Charlestown, sustained considerable loss; orders were therefore sent to destroy the place, which was speedily effected by red-hot shot from the ships, and by Cape's-hill battery throwing carcasses. General Howe now renewed his attack, and overcoming the various impediments thrown in their way, the british soldiers rushed into the enrenchments with the bayonet and drove the gallant enemy from every part of the works across the peninsula, leaving five pieces of cannon in our possession. At the commencement of the action the rebels had above 5000 men, and their loss must have been considerable; but only 30 of the killed remained in the redoubt. In this hardly-earned victory, the loss on the part of the British amounted to 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 7 captains, 9 lieutenants, 15 Serjeants, one drummer, and 191 rank and file killed; 3 majors, 27 captains, 32 lieute- nants, 8 ensigns, and 758 privates wounded, — making a total of 1054 in killed and wounded.
The marine battalions sustained more than its proportionate share of casualties.
First battalion; major Short, captain Stephen Ellis, lieutenants Richard Shea and William Finnie, and 17 men killed; major Pitcairne, mortally, captains Thomas Avarne, Stawel Chudleigh, and David Johnstone, lieutenant Ragg, and 57 men wounded.
Second battalion; captain Archibald Campbell, lieutenant Francis Gardiner, and 5 men killed; captain George Logan, lieutenants John Dyer, Alexander Brisbane, and 30 men wounded.
The reputation of the marines was never more nobly sustained than in this sanguinary contest. Their unshaken firmness was conspicuous, and the valour they displayed in closing with the enemy when some part of the attacking column wavered, gained them, not only the admiration of their comrades, but the commendation of their distinguished chief.
"The commander-in-chief returns his most grateful thanks to major-general Howe for the xtraordinary exertion of his military abilities on the 17th instant. He returns his thanks also to major-general Clinton, and brigadier Pigot, for the share they took in the success of the day, as well as to lieutenant-colonels Nesbitt, Abercromby, Gunning, and Clarke; majors Butler, Williams, Bruce, Tupper, Spenlove, Small, and Mitchel, and the rest of the officers and soldiers ; who by remarkable efforts of courage and gallantry overcame every disadvantage, and drove the rebels from the redoubt and strong-holds on the heights of Charlestown, and gained a complete victory."
1775. Thursday 22nd June. The following interesting letter is from lieutenant J Waller, adjutant of the first marine battalion, dated, " Camp of Charles- town Heights, 22nd of June.
" My dear Brother,
" Amidst the hurry and confusion of a camp hastily pitched in the field of battle, I am sat down to tell you I have escaped unhurt, where many, very many, have fallen. The public papers will inform you of the situation of the ground and the redoubt that we attacked on the heights of Charles- town. I can only say that it was a most desperate and daring attempt, and it was performed with as much gallantry and spirit as was ever shown by any troops in any age.
"Two companies of the first battalion of marines, and part of the 47th regiment, were the first that mounted the breast- and you will not be displeased when I tell.you that I was with those two companies, who drove their bayonets into all that op- posed them. Nothing could be more shocking than the carnage that followed the storming this work. We tumbled over the dead to get at the living, who were crowding out of the gorge of the redoubt, in order to form under the defences which, they had prepared to cover their retreat. In these breast-works they had artillery, which did so much mischief; but these they were obliged to abandon, being followed closely by the light infantry, who suffered exceedingly in the pursuit. The rebels had 5000 to 7000 men, covered by a redoubt, breast-works, walls, hedges, trees, and the like; and the number of the corps under general Howe, (who performed this gallant business,) did not amount to 1500. We gained a complete victory, and entrenched ourselves that night, where we lay under arms, in the front of the field of battle. We lay the next night on the ground, and the following- day encamped. The officers have not their marquees, but are obliged to lie in soldiers' tents, they being more portable in case of our advancing.
" We had of our corps one major, 2 captains, and 3 lieutenants killed; 4 captains, and 3 lieutenants wounded: 2 Serjeants, and 21 rank and file killed; and 3 Serjeants and 79 privates wounded: and I suppose, upon the whole, we lost, killed and wounded, from 800 to 1000 men. We killed a number of the rebels, but the cover they fought under made their loss less considerable than it would otherwise have been. The army is in great spirits, and full of rage and ferocity at the rebellious rascals, who both poisoned and chewed the musket balls, in order to make them the more fatal. Many officers have died of their wounds, and others very ill: 'tis astonishing what a number of officers were hit on this occasion; but the officers were particularly aimed at.
" I will just give you a short account of the part of the action where I was particularly concerned. We landed close under Charlestown and formed with the 47th regiment close under the natural defences of the redoubt, which we drove the enemy from, climbing over rails and hedges. So, we closed upon them; but when we came immediately under the work, we were checked by the severe fire of the enemy but did not retreat an inch. We were now in confusion, after being broke several times in getting over the rails, &c. I did all I could to form the two companies on our right, which at last I effected, losing many of them while it was performing. Major Pitcairne was killed close by me, with a captain and a subaltern. Also, a Serjeant, and his majesty's thanks. 89 many of the privates; and had we stopped there much longer, the enemy would have picked us all off. I saw this, and begged colonel Nesbitt of the 47th to form on our left, in order that we might advance with our bayonets to the parapet. I ran from right to left and stopped our men from firing; while this was doing, and when we had got in tolerable order, we rushed on, leaped the ditch, and climbed the parapet, under a most sore and heavy fire. Colonel Nesbitt has spoken very favourably of my conduct, and both our majors have mentioned me to lord Sandwich in consequence of it. One capTain and one subaltern fell in getting up, and one captain and one subaltern was wounded of our corps: three captains of the 52nd were killed on the parapet, and others that I know nothing of. God bless you! I did not think, at one time, that I should ever have been able to write this, though in the heat of the action I thought nothing of the matter. Adieu, dear Jacob, your's, a complete victory."
The provincials constructed works on an eminence on the continental side of the Charlestown-neck, directly opposite to the british troops on Bunker's-hill, and by their frequent nightly incursions on the different islands, where the live-stock for the British was kept, they added much to the distress of the army. In one of those daring enterprises they burnt the light-houses at the entrance of Boston harbour; and when the principal one was under repair, protected by a detachment of marines, they surprised the party, and carried them all off to the continent. In the orders of the 27 th of September, the royal thanks were tendered to the forces in the following terms: " The King has been pleased to order the commander-in-chief to express his Majesty's thanks, both to the officers and soldiers, for the resolution and gallantry with which they attacked and defeated the rebels on the 17th of June last, who had every advantage of numbers and situation ; and more especially to express to generals Howe and Clinton, and to brigadier-general Pigot, the sense his Majesty entertains of the spirit, resolution, and conduct by which they distinguished themselves, to their honour, upon that day." sense his Majesty entertains of the spirit, resolution, and conduct by which they distinguished themselves, to their honour, upon that day."
The battalion-orders of that day also contained a notification that, the King had been pleased to make the following promotions in his marine forces serving in North America: — Captain W. Souter to be major, vice Short, killed in action. Capt.-lieut. Fras. Lindsay to be captain, v. Campbell, ditto. Robt. Ross to be captain, v. Ellis, ditto. „ David Johnstone to be capt., v. Souter, promoted. First-lieut. Jessie Adair to be capt-lieut., v. Lindsay, ditto.
„Sir John Dalston to be capt-lieut., v. Walker, returned home.
„Sir J. Hadden to be capt-lieut., v. Ross, promoted.
„William Pitcairne to be capt-lieut., v. Johnstone, promoted.
„Second-lieut. Jas Lewis to be first lieut., v. Shea, killed in action.
„Robert Moore ditto v. Finnic
„Thos. Woodcock ditto „ Gardiner.
„ Isaac Polden ditto „ Adair.
„ Robert Carey ditto „ Dalston.
„ Ronald McDonald ditto „ Hadden.
„ Philip Howe ditto „
„ Henry Tantum ditto „ Pitcairne.
„ David Collins ditto „ Spencer.
Volunteer S. D. Bowman to be 2nd. lieut. „ Lewis.
It was further intimated, " That in consequence of the application of major Pitcairne to have the same allowance for paying the companies of 1st and 2nd battalions of marines serving on shore in North America as the army, and that the captains should be answerable for the debts, &c, the lords commissioners of the Admiralty are ready to give every reasonable mark of their indulgence, and are pleased to consent that each captain commanding a company should be allowed after the rate of one shilling per day, being equal to the pay of two men per company, during their continuance on shore, as is practised in the army ; and the deputy-paymaster is authorized to issue the same." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1775. Thursday 12th October. General Gage obtained his Majesty's permission to return to England, and on the 12th of ctober the command of the british land forces in America devolved on major-general Howe. The disaffected Americans, encouraged by their increasing strength, looked boldly forward to a successful struggle in establishing an independent government of their own; and animated by these hopes, they no longer confined their operations to defensive measures, but availed themselves of every opportunity of assailing their enemies. In this state of enduring firmness on the part of the Americans, the distressed army at Boston looked anxiously for reinforcements and supplies of provisions. On the 2nd of March, general Washington opened a battery at Phipps-farm, and on the 5th some works were erected on Dorchester-point, from which a fire was opened from a twenty-four pounder and a mortar with such effect, that the town was soon in a blaze. Finding it impracticable to dislodge the enemy from their new position, major-general Howe was compelled to abandon the town, and the troops were consequently conveyed on board the ships. The embarkation rather resembled the emigration of a nation than the breaking up of a camp: 1500 of the inhabitants, attached to the royal cause, encumbered the transports with their families, which, together with the scarcity of provisions, occasioned much discontent, and increased the jealous feeling that prevailed between the army and navy. As the British were unable to carry off their stores and heavy artillery, the cannon on BunkerVhill and Bostonneck fell into the hands of the Americans, who reaped great advantage by our hasty departure. On the 17th of March, general Washington entered Boston in great triumph, and the british armament, amounting to 1 50 sail, proceeded to Halifax. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1776. Monday 1st
January. Liverpool and consorts burnt Norfolk Virginia.
1776. Thursday 4th April. Amongst the augmentations to the british forces voted for the year 1776, 2378 men were added to the marines, making their total establishment 6665 men. The fleet, with the army from Boston, reached Halifax on the 4th of April, where they continued in expectation of succours from England until the 12th of June, and arrived at Sandy Hook on the 29th. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1776. Saturday 6th
April. HMS Glasgow engaged American Squadron.
1776. Wednesday 17th
April. Halifax (Uniform).The O.C. desires the Captains will take care to have
the Arms, Accoutrements and Appointments of their men, in perfect order on
Tuesday next, as the General intend to see both Battalions on that day. When
it’s expected that every man will have a Clean Shirt with a Frill to it, a good
Black Stock, and a pair of half Gaiters. The Pouches to be slung and polished
as soon as possible.
Phillips. Molesworth. 2nd/Lieutenant. Chatham Division
12 June 1776.
Gibson. Samuel. Sergeant. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
Thomas. James. Corporal. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
Ledyard, John. Corporal. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
James. John. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.
Harrison. John. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
Hinks. Theophilus. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
Brown. Richard. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
Scruse. William. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
Girley. Thomas. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
McDonald. John. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
Jackson. John. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
Morris. Thomas. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
Allen. John. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.
Fatchett. Thomas. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
Perkins. John. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
McLeod. John. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.
Carley. Isaac. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
Harford. Thomas. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July
1776.
Portsmouth. Michael. Drummer. Joined 11th July 1776.
1776. Sunday 21st
April. Halifax (Uniform). The Officers of the 1st battalion to wear White Roses
in their Gorgets and to provide themselves with them immediately. They are like
wise to wear their hair (when under arms or on Duty) in a short Club.
1776. Tuesday 30th April. It is a tribute meritedly due to the Battalions of Marines who acted so gallantly in the field, to take a retrospective view of their general good conduct at Halifax, and the series of events connected with them.
As it has already been stated, they accompanied General Howe from Boston to that place. The active exertions of the subordinate ranks on board of the transports, not half manned, and encumbered besides with the persons and property of the faithful Loyalists while on the passage, were such, that a pecuniary recompence was given to many of them, on their reaching Nova Scotia.
Soon after their arrival, both Corps were reviewed by that distinguished Officer, Lord Percy, whose testimony, in consequence, was couched in the following terms:
"Lord Percy being well pleased with the appearance and performance of the Marine Battalions yesterday (April 30, 1776), desires his thanks to the Officers (in particular) and the men, for their steadiness and attention in their several movements."
Lieutenant Colonel (afterward General) Collins had assumed the command of them soon after their reaching Halifax and retained it until his health obliged him to return to Europe, when it devolved upon Major Souter, by orders from the Board of Admiralty. Both Battalions were extremely solicitous to have united with the Army under Sir William Howe, when on the eve of leaving Halifax for more active services; but the defence of Nova Scotia being at that period a very important object, it was partly entrusted to them, and the Grenadier Companies alone were permitted the honour. On the 1st of June the notice of an additional indulgence to the Captains of Marine Companies was published to both Corps.
"The Lords of the Admiralty are pleased to allow the Captains of Marines the pay of an additional man per Company, which will increase their present allowance to 1s. 6d. per day, for paying their Companies, providing necessaries, repairing arms, and burying their dead, in like manner as is practised in the Army, and still on shore in North America. The Deputy Paymaster will issue the same. The additional man per day to commence from the time the Army in America was allowed the same."
In order to inspire emulation, and to foster in the memories of all the glorious 17th of June, Colonel Collins issued the following Battalion-orders upon that day: "In consequence of this day being the anniversary of the 17th of June, when the Marines behaved in a brave gallant manner at the attack of the rebel redoubt on the heights of Charlestown, Colonel Collins extends pardon to all offenders to this day."
If the enemy had attempted Halifax, the line of battle directed by Major General Massey was, "That Lieutenant Colonel Collins, with the 1st Battalion of Marines, should draw up his right at the house this side of Pedley's Hill. The Royal Highland Emigrants, Royal Americans, Loyal Nova Scotia Volunteers, and 2d Battalion of Marines, under Major Tupper, on the left; the whole to form on the road. Lieutenant Gillespie, with the field-pieces, in the centre; Captain Ramsay, with his detachment of the 14th Regiment, to form on the grand parade, and wait for orders from the Governor or General. The faithful well-tried old Soldiers left here for garrison-duty, under command of Lieutenant Needham, and the other Overseers of the works to form on the Citadel Hill. Lieutenant Lindsay, with his troops, to form at the Dutch Church, where General Massey will have two mortars, with two howitzers fixed for his Corps; and he makes not the least doubt of their readiness to assist in crushing rebellion."
Lieutenant Colonel Collins having obtained leave to return to England for his health, bid farewell to his Corps in these words, upon the 16th of September:
"The Commanding Officer begs leave to assure the two Battalions of Marines, that it is necessity, not inclination, which forces him from hence. His highest ambition would have been to have conducted them to England, when this distempered state of America was settled. He begs leave to return the Officers thanks for their constant attention and flatters himself the service will be carried on in the same uniform line it has hitherto been, and if the change of climate permits the re-establishment of his health, he will join them as soon after as possible."
As a just compliment to the discipline established by Lieutenant Colonel Collins, Major Souter, who succeeded him, gave out these orders, to both battalions of Marines, on the 18th of September. "Major Souter desiring that the orders Lieut. Colonel Collins has issued for the regulation and management of both battalions be uniformly and invariably pursued; particularly those of an Officer of a Company seeing that the men are properly dressed and appointed, when ordered on duty, before they are brought to the parade, and that no drunken men are allowed to fall into the ranks at roll-calling. The Captains are likewise to keep up the necessaries and appointments that have been ordered."
The gallant conduct of the Light Infantry Companies of Marines on a preceding occasion, drew forth the encomium of Major General Massey, upon the 19th of December, in these handsome words:
"His Honour the Lieutenant Governor having made application to Major General Massey, that the two Light Infantry Companies of Marines should continue at Fort Cumberland, the General has consented to it, and takes this opportunity to inform their Brother Soldiers that Major Bald, (who commanded there in a late skirmish with the banditti rebels), in his report to Major General Massey, tells him "that the two Light Companies run at the rebels like lions, and behaved most bravely," which General Massey communicates to the garrison with vast pleasure."
That gallant and good Officer, now Lord Clarina, ever ready to attend to suppliant merit, and the Soldiers wants, in general orders of the 24th of February 1777, thus answers the Petition of the 1st Battalion of Marines:
"Major General Massey often receiving a petition from the 1st Battalion of Marines (signed Launcelot Poverty), is happy to comply with their request, as their uniform good behaviour, during the winter, well merits that indulgence. It is therefore his orders, that Major Souter permits the men to work as he shall judge proper, but that no substitutes must be allowed in their public duty."
In the month of March, the Commander in Chief expecting some actual service, was pleased to nominate Lieutenant (now Colonel) Trollope, with a party of Marines, to be trained under Lieutenant Gillespie, of the Royal Artillery, to practice quick firing and traversing the great guns.
Early in April the two Battalions were consolidated into one, by orders of the Board of Admiralty, addressed to Major Souter, to the following effect:
"By the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, &c.
"Whereas the Earl of Sandwich has signified to us his Majesty's pleasure, that the two Battalions of Marines, serving under your command, shall be formed into one Battalion, each Company to consist of one Captain, four Subalterns, five Serjeants, five Corporals, four drummers, and 100 private men each, conformable to the present establishment of the Corps, together with the following Field and Staff Officers, viz. two Majors, one Adjutant, one Chaplain, one Quarter Master, one Surgeon, and one Surgeon's Mate; you are hereby required and directed to form the said two Battalions into one Battalion accordingly, with the Field and Staff Officers as before mentioned, and having so done, you are to cause the non-commissioned Officers and private men which may remain after this Battalion is formed, to be embarked in such of his Majesty's ships serving in North America under the command of Vice Admiral Viscount Howe, as may be in want of them, agreeable to the requisition which will be made to you by his Lordship for that purpose; but with respect to the commissioned Officers, over and above the number necessary for completing the said Battalion, you are to send them to England by the first opportunity that offers, in order to join their respective Divisions, unless Lord Howe shall apply to you, for any of them to serve in the ships of his squadron, in which case you are to supply them accordingly.
"Given under our hands, 1st January 1777.
"SANDWICH”
“J. BULLER”
"H. PALLISER."
"To Major Souter or Commanding Officer
“Marines, Halifax."
"By command of their Lordships,
"PHIL. STEPHENS."
"In consequence of the above arrangement, such Officers as choose to return to England are desired to give in their names to the Commanding Officer."
Pursuant to this order from the Board, the following Officers, non-commissioned Officers, and drummers, were appointed to compose the new Battalion
FIELD OFFICERS. Majors Souter, Hon. John Maitland.
OFFICERS GRENADIERS. SERJEANTS. CORPORALS. DRUMMERS.
Capt. Averne Markhole Daffey Sweeton
Lieut. Ragg Sargent Martin Saul
Vevers Pollock Blake Pichen
Stewart West Pike Sidway
Cunningham Saul- Wallace Bryald
LIGHT INFANTRY.
Capt. Pitcairne Davis .Ross .Edwards
Lieut. Dyer Hill .Turtle Maclean
Short Collier .Sutherland Cook
Howe Pritchard Wilkinson .Leeson
Simms Jarvis Baker
Capt. Elliot Edwards Davis Wm. Cumine
Lieut. Ewing Gallaghar Flinn Grant
Moore Pugh Allen . Isgrove
J. Lewis Bible Gurney .Wood
Bowman Pulford- Watkins .Smith
Capt. D. Johnson Pitches Wheeler . J. Cumine
Lieut. Kempe Fitzimons .Jones Foliard
M'Donald Hillman . Cooper Flanagan
Tantum Newman .Almint .Lane
Trollope ,Franklin- Perry Coxan-Tooze
Capt. Macdonald Bowden .Crea Breffeld
Lieut. F. Lewis ,Higgins .Williamson ...Morris
Jacobs Southway Long . Birmingham
Shea Bottey .Pithrick .Higgins
Gilbert .Hardy Carey .Styles
Capt. Griffiths .Hayward .Silby . Parker
Lieut. Eustace Woodhouse Handford . Robinson
Carey . Poole Norraway .Shuter
Meredith .Traffles Brookes Roper
Creswell .Campbell Rowe Hill Miles
STAFF.
Doctor Boyles Chaplain.
John Waller Adjutant.
Thomas Smith Quarter Master.
Charles Hill Surgeon.
James Silven Surgeon's Mate.
An order, upon the 29th of April, to the Marine Battalion, extended the allowances of six contingent men to Captains of Companies, until the pleasure of the Admiralty Board was known.
In consequence of a review of the Battalion by the Commander in Chief at Halifax, the following after-orders were given out on the 9th of June:
"Major General Massey approves so very highly of the steadiness as well as the appearance of the Corps of Marines which he had the honour to review this day, that he returns Major Souter, the Officers, and Soldiers, his most grateful thanks for their performance in the field."
Lieutenant Trollope, of Marines, was appointed to the duty of attending the Commander in Chief; and Lieut. Waller as Brigade Major to the Provincial forces, during 1777.
In December of that year, Lieutenant John Oldfield, who had lately received a Marine commission, after having served with much credit as a Volunteer, was directed by General Massey to accompany Colonel Goreham to Fort Cumberland, in these handsome terms:
"Lieutenant Oldfield, of the Battalion of Marines, is to return with Lieut. Colonel Goreham to join the Light Infantry of that Corps, Lieut. Oldfield having acquired so thorough a knowledge of that country, which the General hopes will recommend him to farther notice and future promotion."
His Majesty's ship Milford having run on shore, was nearly lost in the beginning of December. Such were the exertions of the Marines upon the occasion, that Sir William Burnaby, her Commander, felt it his incumbent duty to tender them his thanks in these words "Sir
William Burnaby desires his thanks may be given to the Officers and men of the Battalion, who so actively assisted in getting off his Majesty's ship Milford." This was read to the Companies at evening roll-calling.
Lieutenant Trollope having been appointed Secretary to Major General Massey, Lieut. Tantum, a respectable young Officer (who was afterwards unfortunately drowned in the Ville de Paris), was attached as an assistant Artillery Officer in his stead; a party of Marines was trained to the great guns, and the command of the Half-moon Battery, as well as of the Citadel was allotted him under the event of an alarm.
Although neither the circumstances of the action, or name of the achiever, are alluded to in the following detail, still it carries in it that zealous anxiety to promote discipline, by recompencing merit, that I cannot omit its insertion.
"General Orders, Halifax, February 27, 1778.
"That good Marine Soldier who was yesterday with General Massey, and who now forgets his name and Company, the General wishes to see to-morrow morning at nine o'clock, as he wants to reward him for his loyalty. General Massey will be much obliged to Major Souter to order this to be read by an Officer, at roll-calling, to the different Companies."
In April, Lieutenant Jacobs who was an ornament to his Corps, (subsequently drowned at St. Lucia) was appointed to act as Overseer to the King's Works, which were carrying on.
No occasion seemed to have been lost by General Massey in calling forth talents wherever they were to be found and applying them to the public good. Such precedents, if generally adopted upon service, would stimulate the Marine Officer to the early study of every branch of military education. It is but rarely that we are inclined to devote our attention to sciences which may never be called into action, and what our professional views seem almost to render unnecessary. This knowledge may adorn the man, but it is too often restrained from being useful to our Country.
Upon the 25th of August the Marine Battalion was struck off the roster of duty in the garrison of Halifax, previous to its embarkation for Europe.
Major General Massey delivered, in Public Orders of the 30th, his testimony of the general conduct of both Officers and men to this effect:
"The Commander in Chief cannot part with the Marine Corps, without telling them he was pleased with their soldier-like appearance at the review of yesterday, and now has the pleasing satisfaction to say, that he has had the honour to command that Corps for above two years, without ever hearing of a Court Martial in it, or ever rebuking an Officer or Soldier.
"He will therefore make such a report of that respectable body of men as they merit, and now wishes Officers and Soldiers plenty of prize money and makes not a doubt but they will always contribute to the glory of his Majesty, King George's arms."
On the 1st day of September the whole embarked, but in consequence of a petition from the Lieutenant Governor and Council of the Province of Nova Scotia, intreating their continuance, in order to yield their tribute of respect, the Commander in Chief was pleased to intimate the following notice, in Public Orders of the 7th:
"The Lieutenant Governor and Council, having made application to Major General Massey, praying the Marine Corps may be detained here, and Lord Viscount Howe having left the determination to him, the Major General is happy to comply with the Lieutenant Governor's request; they, therefore, are to continue in the harbour till further orders, and Major Souter will please to land the men on board the transports, at either Dartmouth or the Eastern Battery, in order to give them an airing, at such times as he may choose to order."
Notwithstanding that the result of this liberal indulgence produced a constant intercourse between the town and transports during their stay, still the same harmony reigned during their social hours; and to the eternal honour of the meanest Marine Soldier, neither the merchant, the fatherless, the widow, or the orphan, could cast an eye after him for an unliquidated shilling. Such conduct necessarily drew the grateful sentiments of the Constituted Powers,
which were expressed to Major Souter by a letter from Mr. Bulkeley, of which the following is a copy:
"HALIFAX, Sept. 10, 1778.
"SIR,
"I have singular pleasure in obeying the request of the Members of his Majesty's Council, by conveying to you, and the rest of the Officers, our acknowledgments and thanks for the good order and discipline observed by the Battalion of Marines under your command, during the whole time they have been on duty in this town. I have the honour to be, Sir,
"Your most obedient humble servant,
"RICHARD BULKELEY."
Major Souter.
Those steady Soldiers soon after sailed for England, and they continued to preserve the same conduct through all their subsequent destinies.
I have thus placed this train of honourable retrospect under one connected view. To have interspersed the incidents amongst the successive and fleeting periods in which they occurred, and what have been already discussed, would have been uninteresting and less impressive. I have peculiarly addressed myself to my Corps throughout this domestic narrative; and while I have exhibited a bright pattern of valour, combined with steady discipline, in the Marine Battalions that were employed upon the soil of America, I am sanguine to hope, that after having viewed the picture, not one amongst our numerous ranks will ever deface its beauties. (Taken from Chapter 32 'An Historical review of the Royal marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1776. May. The loss of
Actacon (?)
1776. May. The Bombardment of Charleston.
As the rebels were strongly posted, both on Long Island and at New York, having upwards of 100 cannon towards the entrance of the north river, the commander-in-chief resolved to remain in his present position, and not commence offensive operations until he should be joined by the force under lord Clinton and the reinforcements from England. Lord Howe arrived at Staten Island on the 12th of July and assumed the command of the fleet; and on the 14th, commodore Parker, with the troops under general Clinton, arrived from the southward, which enabled general Howe to commence hostilities.
Preparations having been made for landing the troops in Gravesend bay, Long Island, the first division, amounting to 4000 men under lieutenant-general Clinton, was conveyed to the shore on the morning of the 22nd of August; and the debarka- tion continued to be so well conducted, that before noon 15,000 men, with forty pieces of cannon, were disembarked. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1776. Friday 12th July.
The voyage of HMS Resolution and HMS Discovery. Captain Cook set sail in a
repaired HMS Resolution along with HMS Discovery Commanded by Charles Clerke,
in search of the ‘North West Passage’. On the way to Cape Town South Africa HMS
Resolution stopped at Tenerife to top up on supplies, eventually arriving on
the 17th October. Immediately upon arrival HMS Resolution had it re-caulked
because it had been leaking badly, especially through the main deck. Mean time
HMS Discovery had been delayed in London, and did not follow Cook until 1st
August. When HMS Discovery finally arrived on 10th November she was also found
to be in need of re-caulking. The HMS Discovery was the smallest of Cook’s
ships and was manned by a crew of sixty-nine. The two ships were repaired and
restocked with a large number of livestock. They then sailed in company on 1st
December and on 13th December located and named the Prince Edward Islands.
Twelve days later Cook found the Kerguelen Islands which he failed to find on
his second voyage. Driven by strong westerly winds they reached Van Diemen's
Land on 26th January 1777.
The Marine detachment on HMS Resolution.
Kich. James. Sergeant.
Harrison. George. Corporal.
Kerwin. Christopher (or Kerwin). Private.
Moody. George. Private.
Thompson. Hamlet. Private.
Randall. William. Private. Corporal 23rd Sept on death
of Harrison G.
Herriott. John. Private.
Brown. William. Private.
Broom. William. Private.
Holloway. Jeremiah. Drummer. Joined at Plymouth 12
July 1776.
Broom. William. Private. Joined at Plymouth 24 July
1776.
Newman. Michael. Private. Joined at Plymouth 29 July
1776.
Poole. James. Private. Joined at Plymouth 29 July
1776.
1776. Saturday 27th July. After several encounters with the rebel force, the Americans were routed from the island on the 27th, with loss of five pieces of cannon, 2000 killed, wounded, or drowned, and 997 prisoners; whilst the loss of the British did not exceed 300 in killed and wounded. Captain Logan, 2nd battalion of marines, was killed; lieutenant Nugent, 1st battalion, wounded; and lieutenant Ragg, 2nd battalion, made prisoner. In the month of July, general Howe passed over with the army to Staten Island, and preparations were made for an attack on Philadelphia. On the 23rd, the armament, consisting of thirty six battalions, and a powerful artillery, sailed from Sandy Hook, and on the 31st arrived off the entrance of the Delaware; but finding that the rebels obstructed the navigation of that river, the fleet proceeded up the Chesapeake on the 14th of August, and the troops were landed at Elk ferry on the 25th. On the 3rd of September our troops began their march, whilst Washington, who had returned from the Jerseys to the defence of Philadelphia with 13,000 men, lost no opportunity of harassing them in their progress, without bringing on a general engagement; but several actions took place before our army entered Philadelphia, of which city they took possession on the 26th of September. Lord Cornwallis immediately gave directions for the erection of three batteries for 6 twelve-pounders and 4 howitzers, to act upon the enemy's shipping that might approach the town ; but before these batteries could be completed, two frigates, a number of galleys, gondolas, and other armed vessels, came up from Mud Island, and attacked the lower battery of two guns and two howitzers, the largest frigate, the Delaware, anchoring within 500 yards, and the other frigate somewhat more distant, whilst the other vessels took suitable stations. About ten in the morning they commenced a heavy cannonade, but the tide ebbing, the Delaware took the ground; upon which, the four battalion guns of the grenadiers did such execution, that in a short time she struck her colours, and was taken possession of by captain Thomas Avarne with his company of marines. The grenadiers of both marine battalions had been incorporated with those of the army previous to leaving Halifax and formed part of the force which entered Philadelphia.
Lord Howe, on being apprised of the progress of the army, proceeded with the fleet to co-operate with the land forces, and anchored on the western or Pennsylvania shore. The passage to Philadelphia was however rendered still impracticable by the Amei'icans, who had constructed numerous works to interrupt the navigation of the river. The principal of these were strongbatteries on a low and marshy island, at the junction of the Delaware and Schuylkill, and a considerable fort at Red Bank, on the opposite shore of New Jersey. In the deepest part of the channel between these forts, they had sunk several ranges of frames, composed of transverse beams firmly united, and of great weight and strength. About three miles lower down the river were similar machines, commanded by guns on the Jersey shore, and both were supported by floating batteries, a number of armed vessels, and some fire-ships. At the suggestion of captain Hammond of the Roebuck, two regiments were detached to dislodge the enemy from Billing's Point, the principal place of strength on the Jersey side. This service was effectually performed, whilst captain Hammond, after a sharp contest with the enemy's marine force, removed the chevauz de frise, and opened a narrow passage through the lower barrier.
General Howe now ordered batteries to be thrown up on the Pennsylvania shore to assist in dislodging the rebels from Mud Island and detached a strong body of Hessians to carry the redoubt at Red Bank; at the same time his lordship moved the men-of-war near Mud island, which was the main object of attack. Both these operations were unsuccessful: the Hessians were repulsed with great slaughter, and the ships, unable to produce any effect upon the island, were compelled to quit their position. The obstructions placed in the river by the Americans had so materially altered the channel, that Augusta of 64-guns, and Merlin sloop, unfortunately grounded, and both were destroyed.
????. Those untoward events did not deter the British from making another attempt, and the Americans were equally persevering in strengthening their points of defence. The Isis and Somerset passed up the east channel and attacked the enemy's works in front; whilst several frigates drew up against a newly erected fort near Manto creek, and two vessels, mounting 20 four-pounders, having made their way through a narrow channel, enfiladed the principal works. The cannonade continued the whole of the 15th of November, but towards evening the fire from the fort began to slacken, and the enemy perceiving that measures were taking for assaulting their works, set fire to everything that could be destroyed, and escaped under favour of the night. The forts on the main land were also silenced, and their capture afforded a considerable quantity of artillery and military stores to the victors. The enemy's shipping retreated up the river, but on being closely pursued they were burnt by their crews. These successes enabled the squadron to forward the supplies required by the troops and secured them good winter-quarters in Philadelphia. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1776. Tuesday 27th
August. Long Island. In this action 1 Officer and 20 Marine Grenadiers were
captured from having mistaken the blue uniforms of the Americans for those of
the Hessians. There were 2 battalions of Marines totalling 1172 men in General
Howe’s Army at New York at the time.
1776. September. The
Bombardment of New York.
1776. Friday 11th
October. Action on lake Champlain.
1776. Friday 6th
December. Fire in portsmouth Dockyard.
1776. HMS Repulse lost
with all hands off Bermuda.
1776. Corps Strength at
that time was 10,129 men. It included six field-officers with their companies,
three Lieutenant Colonels and three Majors, but on the formation of the
expedition for Botany Bay, whilst four companies were added, those of the field
officers remained reduced. On the retirement of Lord Howe, the Earl of Chatham
became first Lord of the Admiralty, and in consequence of the presentation of a
memorial from the three divisions the field-officers and their companies were
restored.
1776. November. Martha’s Vineyard. Taken from Beatson’s M. & N. Memoires: “The Diamond, Captained Fielding, having been driven by the weather into Martha’s Vineyard, sent a boat ashore under a flag of truce. The inhabitants suffered the boat to come within gun shot, and then fired upon her and one man was wounded. To punish this treachery the Diamond’s Marines were landed, and at once attacked and routed a party of the enemy, though strongly posted on a hill and sheltered by rocks and bushes, from behind which they kept up a brisk fire. One Marine was killed and one wounded, while the rebels lost 4 killed and many wounded. The Marines then set fire to their houses and barns and brought off as many oxen, sheep and poultry as they could.” (Sic)
1776 - 1783. During the American War of Independence, the following advertisement appeared in the Ipswich Journal of Saturday 26th February 1780. This newspaper, now defunct, had had a wide circulation in Suffolk and Essex.
VOLUNTEERS
For the First Division of Marines.
Twenty Recruits are wanted immediately to complete the 31st Company, Commanded by Captain Shairp.
Now is the time for young men of spirit to gain honour and make their fortune by captures from the enemy. The superior advantages attending the marines' service are well known; particularly at this time, when our ports are crowded (sic) with French and Spanish Prizes. Marine Soldiers have every advantage of his Majesty's royal bounty, excellent clothing, arms and accoutrements with the addition of provisions found them gratis when on board ship, besides their full pay; and when in service, they share in prize-money equal to able seamen; these are advantages well known, and can be testified by many in this county, who have made their fortunes in the last, but more particularly in the present war. All under the age of 40, and above the size of 5 feet 3 inches, will meet with due encouragement, by applying to Capt Shairp in Queen's Street, or to his sergeants at the Marlborough's Head, Botolph's Gate, Colchester.” (By H. Charles McBarron and John R. Elting.)
1776. Pattern 1776
infantry rifle was designed. One thousand are made and issued to British
soldiers fighting in the War of American Independence.
1776. From very early
times 'Press Gangs' had functioned in order to provide seamen. It was an
Admiralty rule, founded upon the believe, that every British male subject was
eligible to be pressed into service. However, the principal raids by press
gangs were usually on experienced seafarers, particularly those serving aboard
merchant vessels. There is little doubt that pressing for the naval service was
legal provided the press gangs held a warrant issued in the county and was
accompanied by a commissioned officer. There was also lawful protection
documents that barred press gangs from taking the person. These were of short
tenure and only for necessary skilled craftsmen, men with connections. It’s
interesting to note that to this day it has never been repealed.
1777. Thursday 13th March. The news of the defeat of general Bourgoyne's army produced such a change in the conduct of the court of Versailles with regard to the Americans, that it determined on the 16th of December 1777, to acknowledge the independence of the United States; and his christian Majesty was resolved to support that policy, even at a risk of producing a war with England. On the 13th of March 1778, the marquis de Noailles, the french ambassador, delivered a message from his court, expressive of its determination to maintain their commercial relations with America, and that measures had been taken in concert with the United States to maintain the dignity of the french flag, and effectually to protect the lawful commerce of their subjects.
This declaration was immediately laid before the House of Lords, with a message from the King, setting forth the perfidy of France, and contrasting it with his own steady adherence to the faith of treaties. Both houses replied to the message in a high strain of indignation and resentment against the restless ambition of the french court. The british ambassador having been recalled from Paris, the marquis of Noailles left London, and immediate measures were taken to prepare for hostilities, impress warrants issued, and the militia embodied to the number of 30,000 men.
While these preparations were going forward in Europe, nothing decisive occurred in America, and both armies continued in their winter-quarters. As the spring approached, general Howe sent detachments to open a communication by which provisions might be obtained for the army ; and on the 7th of May, major Maitland, with the 2nd battalion of light infantry, embarked in flat boats, protected by some armed vessels, to destroy the american ships lying in the river between (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1777. Sunday 18th May.
Beaver took Oliver Cromwell.
1777. Saturday 7th June. An action was fought off the banks of Newfoundland, between the american frigates Handcock and Boston, of 32-guns, and the british 32-gun frigate Fox, captain Patrick Fotheringham. After engaging two hours, the Fox was so much disabled that she could no longer contend against such superior force; and having sustained a considerable loss, she struck her colours. Among the killed was the honourable James John Napier, lieutenant of marines.
The province of Nova Scotia being threatened with an invasion from the eastern parts of New England, sir George Collier, with the Rainbow, Blonde, and Mermaid frigates, and Hope sloop, sailed from Halifax, and arrived at Machias on the 13th of August. On the following morning, finding that the enemy had assembled in force on each side of the river, whence they kept up a galling fire of musquetry, and also from the fort, it was found desirable to land the marines, who, after some resistance, routed the enemy; and the port, together with some stores and several small vessels, were destroyed. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1777. July. Fox taken
by Hancock and Boston.
1777. Monday 18th
August. The Rainbow took the Hancock.
1777. Tuesday 19th
August. The Flora took the Fox.
1777. Thursday 4th September. A very gallant defence was made by the Druid sloop, mounting 14-guns, against the american frigate Raleigh, of 32-guns, in which captain Carteret of the Druid and 5 men were killed; lieutenant James Nicolson of the marines and 20 men wounded. The Druid formed part of the escort of the West India convoy, under the Camel of 20 guns and Weazel of 16 guns; but being five miles astern, she sustained the action without any support from her consorts. The Raleigh withdrew from this unequal contest, after having suffered severely. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1777. Monday 22nd
September. The Albert took the Lexington.
1777. Wednesday 22nd
October. The Augusta and the Merlin blown up.
1777. Friday 26th
September. The Capture of Philadelphia. The two Marine Grenadier Companies
present with the rest of the Grenadiers belonging to the Army. During the
advance on the city the US rebel frigate Delaware ran aground and was taken
possession of by a company of Marines under command of Captain Avarne.
1777. Corps strength at
that time was 11,829 men.
1777. Stephen Davenports time in
the Corps 1777 - 1785. Little is known of Stephen Davenport other than brief
references in, the muster rolls of various ships and divisional records, yet
his brief 6 years in the Corps give an, insight not only into daily life of the
18th century marine but the hardships they suffered.
First mention as a Private Marine in HMS Augusta in 1777,
engaged in the assault on Mud Island in the Delaware River in support of Sir
William Howe's land attack on Philadelphia, where we have him dirty and tense
as the ships guns roared all around him, and the Augusta went aground as she
tried to squeeze through a narrow channel made narrower by the enemy batteries.
The ship lay quiet all night, with the men busy lightening her to catch the
morning tide, but the wind was unfavorable and at daylight the shore batteries
began firing again. At mid-morning an odd crackling was heard, and the ship was
on fire, started by fire rafts floated down stream by the American, or as the
Captain believed by burning wads from her own guns igniting cattle fodder on
board.
The crew scrambled to safety and the Augusta, a 64-gun ship of
the line blew up. Her crew including Steven Davenport were distributed amongst
the other ships of the fleet, Davenport to HMS Somerset doing duty out of New
York & Rhode Island. A year later, on the 2nd of November 1778 guarding the
entrance to Boston Harbour, Somerset was driven ashore on the Peak Hill Bars,
by Provincetown, some of the crew were saved by a boat engaged in a prisoner
exchange, but the captain and four hundred of his crew managed to get to shore
where they were taken by the Americans. No record has been found in the muster
lists of those saved who were dispersed into the other ships of the fleet, so
it must be assumed that Davenport was among the prisoners taken by the
Americans. These were exchanged by cartel the following year, and Stephen
Davenport next appears promoted to Corporal in the newly raised 129th Coy of
Plymouth Division, embarking on the 9th November into HMS Dublin whose log records
"come on from Head Quarters 110 marines 1 Captain 2 Subalterns 4 Sargent's
2 Droomers". Here occurred the only blemish found on his record. On the
27th December 1779 an 'R' was placed against his name on the muster list (R is
the mark of a man deserted), but Dublin was Portugal bound and was anchored in
the Sound on the 25th "getting ready for sea", "employed
unmooring on the 26th", and "under way" on the 27th. Fourteen
men were so marked between those dates, possibly caught ashore when the winds
came up and filled the sails, the 'R' would normally be removed on reporting to
their Divisional Office, with a plausible reason, it was not an uncommon occurrence,
when sailing time was decided by the wind. (sic)
At the end of March 1780, he is noted in the muster list of HMS
Diligence at Portsmouth without the 'R', and in June was discharged into HMS
Monarch, serving aboard until the end of September. In the December he embarked
in HMS Cormorant for passage to Plymouth. On the 5th October 1781 he was
mustered into HMS Nymph, where on the 28th June 1783 at Tortola in the West
Indies she caught fire, the Admiralty was informed "the fire ragged so
violently, the Greatest exertions of the officers and company proved
ineffectual". Only three men were lost, but a subscription had to be
raised to clothe the survivors. Davenport returned to England aboard the Caton
and was discharged to Headquarters at Plymouth on the 4th November 1783. Caught
in the reduction of the Corps strength because of the end of hostilities he was
discharged from the Corps on the 17th of February 1784, his pay being recorded
as 9.1s.1½d for service in HMS Nymph and 2.8s.6d for HMS Caton.
His last appearance is recorded in the Lent Assizes held in
Exeter on the 14th February 1785 charged with Robbery on the King's Highway,
together with three others, two former marines, and a servant. On the 17th, the
Exeter Flying Post announced the names of the eleven prisoners who had received
the death sentence, Stephen Davenport among them.
In the pages of the Devon Goal Book can still be seen the
dreaded black asterisk against his name. Before he left Exeter, the Justice,
Sir Francis Buller pleaded the King's Mercy about seven of the condemned, six
having their sentence commuted to "transportation beyond the seas for seven
years" and for Stephen Davenport, a Free Pardon. (sic)
1778. Eleven thousand Marines constituted the establishment of 1778.
Until the close of the last year France stood in awe and continued to cherish the flames of rebellion by assurances only of support.
Remarking the humbled spirit of our nation, at all times too prone to over-rate its calamities, that Power became less cautious, and in a little time avowed her inimical purposes. This was accelerated by a meditated plan of reconciliation, which had undergone the sanction of Parliament, and was about being submitted to the American revolters.
To circumvent its effects, our natural enemy closed with these States a treaty of commerce and defensive alliance upon the 6th of February, which inspired them with a well-timed hope of rising superior to all their pressures. Never did Mercy appear in such odious colours, as when she went forth to the Colonists. Her good offices were everywhere rejected with contempt and disdain, of which the American Congress gave a conspicuous example. The British Army too, could not recognize Her, and doubted much whether She was of true English origin.
Winter had suspended every active essay on the part of both armies, excepting in the case of some detachments that were from necessity pushed into the country for supplying our numerous forces in Philadelphia; to afford a protection to the suffering Loyalists, and to annihilate the ships and vessels of the rebels, which still remained higher up the Delaware river.
One of these was entrusted to the Hon. Major Maitland, who had long served with distinguished credit in the Corps of Marines, whose high military talents had recently paved the way for his transit into the line, and which placed him, at this time, at the head of a Battalion of Light Infantry.
In conjunction with Captain Henry, of the Royal Navy, who commanded a force of three gallies and other armed small craft, the Major embarked in some flat-bottomed boats, with the 2d Battalion of Light troops, upon the 7th of May. Agreeably to his instructions, he proceeded to destroy the rebel Marine between Philadelphia and Trenton.
At ten on the noon of the 8th, he landed at White-hill, where a superior force of the enemy, chiefly Cavalry, seemed determined to oppose his progress. After having got ashore some field-pieces,
Major Maitland pushed on towards Bordentown with great alacrity, driving before him the rebels, and surmounting, with much spirit, many local obstacles. Here he took five guns that commanded the river, and burnt a large quantity of provisions, tobacco, military stores, and camp equipage.
The enemy began to collect in great numbers at Trenton, where they looked for this flying detachment; but its leader, after indulging them in this idea, suddenly struck off towards the river, re-embarked, and took post on the Pennsylvania shore.
Early on the morning of the 9th, he advanced to Biles-island Creek, burnt some valuable vessels, moved on to Bristol, thirteen miles distant, in the afternoon destroyed every ship there, and returned, with his active followers, on board the boats at sun-set. Never was the distinguishing motto of "hilariter et celeriter" more truly exemplified than throughout these rapid duties. The manner in which this service was performed, was highly characteristic of the genius of that man who so completely achieved it.
The rebel loss amounted to 2 frigates, 9 large ships, 6 privateers, 23 brigs, and many schooners; besides an immensity of goods and stores.
The Navy very justly were entitled to their share in these honourable transactions.
General Howe soon after resigned his command to Sir Henry Clinton, whose first measure was the evacuation of Philadelphia, upon the morning of the 18th of June. In this retreat they were materially aided by the ships of war, as the whole Army, by the admirable dispositions of Lord Howe, were conveyed and encamped on the Jersey shore before ten at noon. Their retrograde progress to New York, with its attending incidents, are events unconnected with my purpose.
The preparations of France had preceded her hostile avowals.
Count D'Estaing, putting to sea from Toulon in April, made the Virginia coast early in the month of July. His hopes were to have found the British Fleet and Army, in the Delaware, and at Philadelphia, and by a united attack with General Washington on both, to have struck a blow at once decisive of the fate of America. Disappointed in these, he proceeded off New York, and after a few menaces he again disappeared, at first shaping his course to the Southward. But this was merely to cover his design against Rhode Island, in concert with a rebel force under General Sullivan. The French Admiral entered that harbour upon the 8th of
August, anchoring his fleet between Newport and Conanicut.
Advice having been sent to Lord Howe, at New York, of the enemy's motions, his Lordship hastened to relieve the Garrison, and arrived in sight of it on the morning of the 9th.
D'Estaing, seizing a favourable wind, pushed out again, and formed in line, with the evident resolution of hazarding a battle. After two days of able manœuvring on the part of Lord Howe to gain the wind, which was thwarted by adverse circumstances, he quietly awaited the enemy's attack. Just on the eve of conflict, Neptune interposed, and scattered the hostile fleets.
This produced some single actions, in which English valour uniformly triumphed against powerful superiority, but was rendered unavailing in every instance, by the contingencies of fortune.
The gallantry of Dawson, Hotham, and Raynor will appear indelible upon our Naval annals, as well as the bravery of those Seamen and Marines who so nobly seconded them.
The French Fleet, after recovering from the storm, again peeped into Rhode Island, from whence the rebels had retreated in confusion. It gladly took refuge in Boston, whither Lord Howe followed it, but durst not attempt so strong a position.
Thus, D'Estaing gained but little from his system of surprize. He was a fit agent to have executed the insidious schemes of his Court, when we recollect his breach of parole in the East, which would have made him the sanctioned victim to a halter, if he had fallen within our power.
The appearance of a new and natural foe seemed to revive in every breast the flame of patriotism. At no period of our national existence did the English character appear more great. The Commercial Sailor vied with his Majesty's servants in the Fleet and Army in this noble and emulous zeal.
Admiral Byron having sailed from England in the beginning of June, reached the American coast with his fleet, but in a detached and shattered state. An evil planet seemed to rule over all his destinies, and his good fortune fell much short of his merit.
Lord Howe having resigned the Naval command to that Officer, he proceeded off Boston, after having repaired all damages, from which he was driven to Rhode Island by a heavy gale that proved fatal to some of his ships. Of this D'Estaing took occasion to slip out, and with a powerful force aimed his future efforts against our West India islands.
Thither Commodore Hotham was detached with ten regiments, under General Grant, who joined Admiral Barrington at Barbadoes on the 10th of December, and on the 12th proceeded against St. Lucia. Here the army landed, while the squadron anchored in the Cul de Sac, where some Seamen and Marines were disembarked to man the batteries on each side of the harbour.
D'Estaing, who had reached Martinique, sailed also to realize his plans of conquest; but hearing of the descent upon St. Lucia, he resolved upon relieving it. The attempt was fruitless, but it yielded the display of much obstinate valour on both sides. The French were completely beaten, and the island fell.
It would carry me beyond my purposed bounds to dwell upon the many events of this year. The Marine Soldier was almost entirely limited to Naval duties, which were, in a detached sense, both numerous and brilliant upon the coasts of America.
In the indecisive battle of the 27th of July, between the grand Fleets of Britain and France, Lieutenant John M'Donald, of Marines, on board the Prince George, was wounded. (Taken from Chapter 31 'An Historical Review of the Royal marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1778. Monday 9th March.
The Ariadine and the Cores took the Alfred.
1778. Friday 24th
April. King George visited Chatham and Sheerness.
1778. Thursday 7th May.
The Capture of Borden town and the destruction of rebel shipping. Carried out
by the Marine Light Infantry under command of Major Hon. John Maitland of the
Marines.
1778. Friday 8th May. Philadelphia and Trenton: two frigates and some smaller vessels were burnt, together with various magazines and storehouses. Sir William Howe having obtained his Majesty's permission to return to England, sir Henry Clinton arrived at Philadelphia on the 8th of May, and having assumed the command of the army, the first operation was to evacuate Philadelphia, pursuant to his instructions. This measure was deemed necessary, to enable the british forces to resist the united efforts of the Americans and their new and powerful allies. On the 18th the army proceeded to Gloucester Point, and having crossed the Delaware in safety, it continued its march to New York without interruption, until the 28th but from that period the rebel force kept close to the royal troops, continually harassing their retreat. On the 5th of July the army crossed the Navisink, over a bridge of boats, to Sandy Hook, and then moved up to New York, while the fleet anchored at Staten Island.
The french admiral d'Estaing, with twelve ships of the line, sailed from Toulon on the 13th of April, and pursuing their course to America, arrived on the coast of Virginia on the 5th of July. On the 11th, they appeared off the northern shore of New Jersey, and anchored off Shrewsbury-inlet on the following day. To oppose this formidable force, lord Howe had only six sail of 64-gun ships, three of 50, and two of 44 guns; yet, notwithstanding this inferiority of strength, there was such an earnest desire to meet the enemy, that 1000 volunteers from the transports presented themselves to man the fleet, and the troops were equally zealous to embark as marines, where their services might be required. Lord Howe made the necessary disposition of his fleet to resist any attack of the enemy, and on the 21st of July the movement of the french admiral seemed to indicate an immediate battle; when, to the astonishment of the British, M. d'Estaing bore away to the southward. On the 8th of August the french fleet anchored at Rhode Island, after cannonading the town and batteries as they passed. Advice having reached lord Howe of the enemy's position, he proceeded with a determination to save the garrison in Rhode Island, and on the 9th the british squadron made their appearance. On the morning of the 10th, the french fleet stood out to sea, followed by the english squadron; and after remaining two days in sight of each other without any opportunity of engaging, the fleets were dispersed by a violent gale of wind, in which several ships were dismasted.
The french fleet, after again appearing off Rhode Island, took refuge in Boston bay, where they were followed by lord Howe ; but as no attempt could be made upon the enemy in their then situation with a prospect of success, the british admiral returned to Sandy Hook Vice-admiral Byron, with two of his crippled ships, which were the only ones of his scattered fleet of eleven sail of the line that reached their rendezvous in America, arrived at Sandy Hook from Halifax on the 26th of September ; and after refitting his ships, that officer sailed for Boston on the 1 8th of October, in search of M. d'Estaing. A few days after he had put to sea, his squadron was greatly injured by a violent storm, when the Somerset was wrecked on Cape Cod, and the Culloden, from being dismasted, was forced to bear away for England.
Commodore Hotham, who had been detached from Staten Island with a small squadron, conveying 5000 troops under major-general Grant to afford reinforcements to our colonies, reached Barbadoes on the 10th of December, where he joined rear-admiral Barrington. It having been determined to make an immediate attack upon St. Lucia, the army landed without much opposition on the 12th and 13th, and on the 14th gained entire possession of the island. Just as this was accomplished, admiral d'Estaing's fleet of twelve sail of the line, and several frigates, made their appearance, and found the british squadron placed in line across the entrance of the bay, protected by heavy batteries on either point of land at the entrance of the cul-de-sac, where they were twice attacked by the french squadron on the 15th ; and on the following day the enemy disembarked about 8000 troops in Choc bay, but were repulsed by brigadier-general Medows, with the loss of 500 killed, and 1100 wounded. M. d'Estaing made no further attempts on the island, nor did he renew his attack on the british squadron; but on the 28th, having re-embarked his troops, the fleet returned to Martinique.
The arrival of admiral Byron just after the repulse of M. d'Estaing, enabled the british fleet to assume a superiority over that of the enemy; and although means were adopted to draw them to an engagement, they remained in the security which the harbour of Port Royal afforded them.
The marines serving with the army at Halifax were formed into one battalion, by an Admiralty order dated January 1777, under majors Souter and Maitland, with the undermentioned officers — Captains, — Avarne, Elliott, McDonald, Pitcairne, D. John- son, and Griffiths. Lieutenants, — Ragg, Vevers, Stewart, Saul, Ewing, Moore, J. Lewis, Bowman, F. Lewis, Jacobs, Shea, Gilbert, Dyer, Short, Howe, Simins, Kempe, M'Donald, Tantum, Trollope, Eustace, Carey, Meredith, and Creswell. Dr. Boyles, chaplain. John Waller, adjutant. Thomas Smith, quarter-master. Charles Hill, surgeon; James Silver, surgeon's-mate.
This battalion being ordered for embarkation on the 30th of August, major-general Massey delivered in public orders of that date the following testimony of his approbation: — " The commander-in-chief cannot part with the marne corps without telling them he was pleased with their soldier-like appearance at the review of yesterday; and now has the pleasing satisfaction to say, that he has had the honour to command that corps for above two years without ever hearing of a court-martial in it, or ever rebuking an officer or soldier. He will therefore make such a report of that respectable body of men as they merit; and now wishes officers and soldiers plenty of prize-money and makes not a doubt but they will always contribute to the glory of his Majesty King George's arms."
In consequence of a petition from the lieutenant-governor in council of the province of Nova Scotia, requesting that the battalion might be continued on shore, the commander-in-chief was pleased to intimate his compliance with their wishes in public orders of the 7th, when the thanks of the council were conveyed to major Souter in the following letter: — "Sir, "Halifax, 10M Septembe, 1778.
" I have singular pleasure in obeying the request of the members of his Majesty's council, by conveying to you and the rest of the officers our acknowledgments and thanks for the good order and discipline observed by the battalion of marines under your command, during the whole time they have been on duty in this town. I have the honour to be, sir, " Your most obedient humble servant,
" Richard Bulkeley."
" Major Souter:'
The battalion soon after sailed for England. A very gallant action was fought on the 3rd of November, about sixty leagues E. S. E. of Cape Henry, between the Maidstone, captain Gardner, mounting 28 nine-pounders, and the french 40-gun frigate Lion, captain J. Michel. After engaging for more than an hour, the Maidstone had sustained so much damage in her sails and rigging that she brought to, to repair damages; but the action was renewed with such vigour from noon until 1 p.m., that the Lion struck her colours, with the loss of 8 killed, and 18 wounded. On board the Maidstone 4 men were killed, the captain and 9 men wounded. The officer of marines on board the Middleton was second-lieutenant Henry Bromley.
The celebrated song of a favourite vocalist, " the Saucy Arethusa," is familiar to our readers, but perhaps it is not generally known that the ballad originated in the following gallant encounter. The Arethusa of 32 guns, captain Marshall, when cruising to the westward of the Lizard on the 17th of June, with the fleet under admiral Keppel, was ordered in chase of a strange sail, which proved to be the french frigate Belle Poule of 36 suns. Hostilities not having been declared, the french captain was requested to accompany the british frigate to the admiral but as he peremptorily refused to comply with this proposal, captain Marshall fired a shot across the frenchman's bows, which was instantly returned with a broadside, and a sharp action continued for two hours, when the Arethusa was so much disabled as to be^ incapable of following her opponent, who stood away to the french shore, having 48 killed and 50 wounded. The Arethusa had 8 killed and 36 wounded. First-lieutenant Joseph Driffield was serving on board the Arethusa. As soon as information reached Madras that hostilities had commenced against the French, the Presidency caused prepara- tions for an attack on Pondicherry. Major-general Munro had the direction of the force for that service, and on the 8th of August the troops under his orders encamped at Red Hill, about four miles from the place of attack, whilst sir Edward Vernon, with one ship of 64 guns and three small frigates, blockaded the port. Shortly after his arrival the french squadron under commodore Tronjolly, consisting of a ship of 64 guns and two large frigates, with two armed country ships, made its appearance. Chase was immediately given, and on the 10th the British bore down and brought them to action, which continued until the former were so much disabled in their masts and rigging, that the french squadron made sail on a wind, and escaped.
It having been determined to carry on two attacks against Pondicherry, the British broke ground on the 6th September, and on the 18th the batteries were opened, to which the enemy returned a very brisk fire. A gallery had been carried into the ditch from the southward, and a breach made in the bastion of l'Hopital, when it was resolved to pass the ditch by a bridge of boats, and to assault the place, whilst a simultaneous attack was to be made against the north side of the town. These arrangements having been determined upon, the marines and 200 seamen were landed from the squadron to assist in storming the place on the 16th of October; but M. Bellecombe, who had defended himself with great determination, proposed terms of capitulation. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1778. Saturday 30th May. James Weir was commissioned into The Marine Corps as a second lieutenant on 30th May 1778 At this time it was customary for an officer, upon promotion, to be posted to another company, and 2nd lieutenant Weir was no exception. On his promotion to full lieutenant on Friday 25th August 1780, he was drafted from 56 Company to 60 Company Division, which was then quartered round the Barbican, Plymouth.
After three years in The Marine Corps, however, Lieutenant Weir suddenly found his service career cut short. With the lifting of the siege of Gibraltar 1779 - 1783, and the end of the American War of Independence 1775 - 1783, The Marine Corps was drastically reduced. As a result, Lieutenant Weir found himself on half pay. His retirement was only for a brief period, as on Thursday 15th May 1783 he was reinstated and appointed to 7 Company, Chatham Division.
For the next ten years 1783 - 1793 peace existed between England and France. But during that period the Prime Minister, William Pitt, to save money, neglected the defence of the country. Consequently, when the newly formed French Republic declared war on England in February 17931) it was found that the Navy had been reduced to 16,000 men, of whom only 4,500 were Marines. Due to this shortage of men, it was found necessary for The Marine Corps to be reinforced by a number of Army regiments, who were sent to serve at sea on ships-of-the-line.
The situation was slightly improved, however, when an Order-in-Council in April 1795 voted for the recruitment of 15,000 men for The Marine Corps. With this increase in The Marine Corps, orders soon followed to supply all ships-of-the-line with detachments when they came into port without Marines or soldiers. This move caused a lot of drafts between Divisions.
It also led to the long awaited promotions among Marine officers. James Weir was one of them. After twelve year's service as a Lieutenant he was promoted to Captain on 4th May 1795, with a pay increase from £3.1Os.0d to £5.12s.Od per month.
Shortly afterwards he was given command of the Marine detachment on board HMS Audacious, a two-decker 74-gun ship-of-the-line which had been operating out of Gibraltar since 1795. But in 1796 with the British position weakened by the loss of the Coalition partners, Austria and Italy, the British fleet was withdrawn to the Atlantic. From that station Audacious began to visit ports along the coast of Portugal until early December 1796, when orders were given for her to return to Spithead. On 7th December Audacious arrived at that port before being ordered round to Plymouth, where most of her crew were paid off. Thereafter, Audacious spent the first quarter of the year 1797 refitting and recommissioning.
Battle of the Nile:
In May 1798 eight ships-of-the-line joined St-Vincent's fleet off Cadiz, with orders from the Admiralty to the C-in-C to send into the Mediterranean a squadron to report on intelligence received in London of large French force fitting out along the south coast of France.
Captain Weir was to learn of this news three days later when orders were received for Audacious to sail in company with ten other 74-gun ships the Cuioden, Bellerophon, Minotaur, Defence, Zealous, Goliath, Majestic, Swiftsure, Theseus, and the 50-gun ship Leander, to join Rear Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson off Toulon.
Nelson in his 74-gun flagship, the Vanguard, had been detached from the C-in-C's fleet on 2nd May and sent with two other 74-gun ships and two 32-gun frigates to find out the object of Napoleon's expedition assembling off Toulon, but on 19th May had been driven off that station by a strong gale.
As a result when the British squadron found Nelson off the coast of Corsica on 7th June with new orders from St. Vincent to destroy the French force, the thirteen French ships-of-the-line, and 280 transports carrying some 50,000 men had already sailed for an unknown destination.
Nelson aware that Napoleon had left Toulon, but not where he had gone, went in search with his force which now, up to fleet strength, could challenge the French. While Nelson sailed back and forth among the Italian islands and along the north-west coast of Italy, Napoleon had arrived off the island of Malta.
Malta was Napoleon's first military destination. By a decree dated Thursday 12th April 1798, given by the French Directory, Napoleon had been instructed to seize the island. Although Malta was under the sovereignty of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and at peace, Napoleon soon found a pretext to land his troops. With few knights and troops to resist the invaders the Grand Master von Hompesch himself with no heart for a fight, the Order soon capitulated to the French. The articles of surrender were signed on board the 120gun flagship L 'Orient in the early hours of the morning of the Tuesday 12th June 1798, Thus brought to an end 268 years of rule in Malta by the Knights of the Order of St. John.
Napoleon himself only remained in Malta for one week. On Monday 18th June he re-embarked on board L'Orient with treasure plundered from the churches and government buildings, and sailed on the following day for Egypt. The French force Napoleon left behind, under General Vaubois, consisted of 3053 infantry and five companies of artillery which in all amounted to 3350 officers and men who during the following weeks began a campaign of rape and pillage throughout the islands.
While these atrocities were being carried out by the French on the island, Nelson in pursuit of Napoleon continued to miss the French armada, which arrived at Alexandria on 1st July, and where the troops were immediately put ashore by Napoleon. The French fleet, however, unable to moor in the shallow harbour was ordered to go to Corfu or to Malta, but Vice-Admiral Brueys, aboard L 'Orient, instead sailed fifteen miles along the coast to Aboukir Bay, where Nelson on 1St August found the enemy fleet anchored across the bay close inshore.
Nelson ordered action stations at 6.20 p.m. Weir's ship was fifth in line, in front of Nelson's flagship Vanguard, when the British fleet entered the bay, but when Goliath went round to landward side of the French fleet, Audacious followed and attacked that end of the enemy's ships. The first was Le Guerrier 74, which Audacious raked with a broadside on passing, and then engaged the next ship, Le Conquerant 74. This action soon developed into a murderous upper deck battle.
The Audacious forecastle men turned their guns which were loaded with grape and almost swept clear the upper deck men on the enemy ship, while the Marines fired their muskets up into the riggings to dislodge the French seamen who with small arms were firing down onto the British gunners.
It only took twelve minutes of ferocious fighting for Le Conquerant to be reduced to a wreck, compelling it to surrender to Audacious. During the battle, a note sent by David Gould, the Captain of Audacious, to Nelson on board the Vanguard, said:
"I have the satisfaction to tell you Le Conquerant has struck to the Audacious the slaughter on board is dreadful".
Le Conquerant's loss was 220 killed and wounded from a crew of 550. Audacious's casualties in the battle were Lieutenant John Jeans killed, and thirty five seamen and Marines wounded. While the seamen and Marines tended to the casualties of Audacious and to those of the enemy on board their newly won prize, the rest of the British Fleet was still in action.
The battle raged all night. The flagship, L 'Orient became the most severe casualty in the fight. First engaged by the Bellerophon, which was forced to withdraw when dismasted, the attack was taken up by Swiftsure and Alexander. At about 10 p.m., the flagship, her commander Admiral Brueys, already killed early in the engagement, was set alight. The ship continued to burn until the fire reached the magazine, and with a deafening roar L'Orient blew up.
So tremendous was the explosion that for several minutes there was silence amongst the other ships, and then the battle commenced again until daylight when only three French ships remained from the thirteen ships-of-the-line which had sailed from Toulon. One ran aground and was burned by her crew. The other two Guillaurne Tell 80 bearing the flag of Rear Admiral Villeneuve, and Le Genereux 74, with two frigates, La Diane and La Justice made sail and escaped into the Mediterranean.
The battle over, work immediately was put in hand to refit and jury rig the captured French prizes. This took up to twelve days to complete. This time allowed Captain Weir to complete a number of drawings of the battle as seen through his eyes. His artistic hobby was, however, cut short on 14th August when orders were received for his ship to make ready for sea.
On that day, Tuesday, instructions were given by Nelson to Sir James Saumarez of the Orion, to take under his command the Bellerophon, Minotaur, Defence, Theseus, Majestic, and Audacious and escort the prizes Le Franklin, Le Tonnani L 'Aquilon, Le Souverain Peuple, Le Spartiate, and Le Conqiierant, to Gibraltar. (Sic) (From Brian N. Tarpey from his book ‘Nelson’s Marines at Malta’ – RMHS 1995)
1778. Wednesday 17th
June. The Milford took the Licorue.
1778. Thursday 18th
June. The Foudreyant and consorts captured the Pallas.
1778. Wednesday 8th
July. The Lively taken by French Squadron.
1778. Wednesday 8th
July. The Ostrich took a French privateer.
1778. Monday 27th July.
Keppel and d'Orvilliers off Brest.
1778. Wednesday 29th
July. HMS Kingfisher was captured by a French Squadron.
1778. Sunday 9th
August. Lord Howe and d'Estaing off Rhode Island.
1778. Monday 10th
August. The Siege of Pondicherry was the first military action on the Indian
subcontinent following the declaration of war between Great Britain and France
in the American War of Independence. A British force besieged the French
controlled port of Puducherry, which capitulated after ten weeks of siege.
1778. Sunday 16th
August. The Lois engaged the Cesar.
1778. Sunday 16th
August. The Vernon and Tranjolly off Coromandel Coast.
1778. Friday 21st
August. Pondicherry captured by the Vernon.
1778. Sunday 23rd
August. Sartine taken by a British Squadron.
1778. Tuesday 20th
October. Jupiter and Medea engaged a french ship.
1778. Wednesday 4th
November. Maidstone took Lion.
1778. Tuesday 15th
December. Barrington and d'Estaing at St. Lucia.
1778. Corps Strength at
that time 17,389 men.
1778. The Fox was taken
by the Junon.
1778. The Helena was
taken by the Sensible.
1778. The Arehusa
engaged the Belle Poule.
1778. The Zephyr was
captured by a french frigate.
1778. Eleven thousand Marines constituted the establishment of 1778.
Until the close of the last year France stood in awe and continued to cherish the flames of rebellion by assurances only of support.
Remarking the humbled spirit of our nation, at all times too prone to over-rate its calamities, that Power became less cautious, and in a little time avowed her inimical purposes. This was accelerated by a meditated plan of reconciliation, which had undergone the sanction of Parliament, and was about being submitted to the American revolters.
To circumvent its effects, our natural enemy closed with these States a treaty of commerce and defensive alliance upon the 6th of February, which inspired them with a well-timed hope of rising superior to all their pressures. Never did Mercy appear in such odious colours, as when she went forth to the Colonists. Her good offices were everywhere rejected with contempt and disdain, of which the American Congress gave a conspicuous example. The British Army too, could not recognize Her, and doubted much whether She was of true English origin.
Winter had suspended every active essay on the part of both armies, excepting in the case of some detachments that were from necessity pushed into the country for supplying our numerous forces in Philadelphia; to afford a protection to the suffering Loyalists, and to annihilate the ships and vessels of the rebels, which still remained higher up the Delaware river.
One of these was entrusted to the Hon. Major Maitland, who had long served with distinguished credit in the Corps of Marines, whose high military talents had recently paved the way for his transit into the line, and which placed him, at this time, at the head of a Battalion of Light Infantry.
In conjunction with Captain Henry, of the Royal Navy, who commanded a force of three gallies and other armed small craft, the Major embarked in some flat-bottomed boats, with the 2d Battalion of Light troops, upon the 7th of May. Agreeably to his instructions, he proceeded to destroy the rebel Marine between Philadelphia and Trenton.
At ten on the noon of the 8th, he landed at White-hill, where a superior force of the enemy, chiefly Cavalry, seemed determined to oppose his progress. After having got ashore some field-pieces, Major Maitland pushed on towards Bordentown with great alacrity, driving before him the rebels, and surmounting, with much spirit, many local obstacles. Here he took five guns that commanded the river, and burnt a large quantity of provisions, tobacco, military stores, and camp equipage.
The enemy began to collect in great numbers at Trenton, where they looked for this flying detachment; but its leader, after indulging them in this idea, suddenly struck off towards the river, re-embarked, and took post on the Pennsylvania shore.
Early on the morning of the 9th, he advanced to Biles-island Creek, burnt some valuable vessels, moved on to Bristol, thirteen miles distant, in the afternoon destroyed every ship there, and returned, with his active followers, on board the boats at sun-set. Never was the distinguishing motto of "hilariter et celeriter" more truly exemplified than throughout these rapid duties. The manner in which this service was performed, was highly characteristic of the genius of that man who so completely achieved it.
The rebel loss amounted to 2 frigates, 9 large ships, 6 privateers, 23 brigs, and many schooners; besides an immensity of goods and stores.
The Navy very justly were entitled to their share in these honourable transactions.
General Howe soon after resigned his command to Sir Henry Clinton, whose first measure was the evacuation of Philadelphia, upon the morning of the 18th of June. In this retreat they were materially aided by the ships of war, as the whole Army, by the admirable dispositions of Lord Howe, were conveyed and encamped on the Jersey shore before ten at noon. Their retrograde progress to New York, with its attending incidents, are events unconnected with my purpose.
The preparations of France had preceded her hostile avowals.
Count D'Estaing, putting to sea from Toulon in April, made the Virginia coast early in the month of July. His hopes were to have found the British Fleet and Army, in the Delaware, and at Philadelphia, and by a united attack with General Washington on both, to have struck a blow at once decisive of the fate of America. Disappointed in these, he proceeded off New York, and after a few menaces he again disappeared, at first shaping his course to the Southward. But this was merely to cover his design against Rhode Island, in concert with a rebel force under General Sullivan. The French Admiral entered that harbour upon the 8th of
August, anchoring his fleet between Newport and Conanicut.
Advice having been sent to Lord Howe, at New York, of the enemy's motions, his Lordship hastened to relieve the Garrison, and arrived in sight of it on the morning of the 9th. D'Estaing, seizing a favourable wind, pushed out again, and formed in line, with the evident resolution of hazarding a battle. After two days of able manœuvring on the part of Lord Howe to gain the wind, which was thwarted by adverse circumstances, he quietly awaited the enemy's attack. Just on the eve of conflict, Neptune interposed, and scattered the hostile fleets.
This produced some single actions, in which English valour uniformly triumphed against powerful superiority, but was rendered unavailing in every instance, by the contingencies of fortune.
The gallantry of Dawson, Hotham, and Raynor will appear indelible upon our Naval annals, as well as the bravery of those Seamen and Marines who so nobly seconded them.
The French Fleet, after recovering from the storm, again peeped into Rhode Island, from whence the rebels had retreated in confusion. It gladly took refuge in Boston, whither Lord Howe followed it, but durst not attempt so strong a position.
Thus, D'Estaing gained but little from his system of surprize. He was a fit agent to have executed the insidious schemes of his Court, when we recollect his breach of parole in the East, which would have made him the sanctioned victim to a halter, if he had fallen within our power.
The appearance of a new and natural foe seemed to revive in every breast the flame of patriotism. At no period of our national existence did the English character appear more great. The Commercial Sailor vied with his Majesty's servants in the Fleet and Army in this noble and emulous zeal.
Admiral Byron having sailed from England in the beginning of June, reached the American coast with his fleet, but in a detached and shattered state. An evil planet seemed to rule over all his destinies, and his good fortune fell much short of his merit.
Lord Howe having resigned the Naval command to that Officer, he proceeded off Boston, after having repaired all damages, from which he was driven to Rhode Island by a heavy gale that proved fatal to some of his ships. Of this D'Estaing took occasion to slip out, and with a powerful force aimed his future efforts against our West India islands.
Thither Commodore Hotham was detached with ten regiments, under General Grant, who joined Admiral Barrington at Barbadoes on the 10th of December, and on the 12th proceeded against St. Lucia. Here the army landed, while the squadron anchored in the Cul de Sac, where some Seamen and Marines were disembarked to man the batteries on each side of the harbour.
D'Estaing, who had reached Martinique, sailed also to realize his plans of conquest; but hearing of the descent upon St. Lucia, he resolved upon relieving it. The attempt was fruitless, but it yielded the display of much obstinate valour on both sides. The French were completely beaten, and the island fell.
It would carry me beyond my purposed bounds to dwell upon the many events of this year. The Marine Soldier was almost entirely limited to Naval duties, which were, in a detached sense, both numerous and brilliant upon the coasts of America.
In the indecisive battle of the 27th of July, between the grand Fleets of Britain and France, Lieutenant John M'Donald, of Marines, on board the Prince George, was wounded. (Taken from Chapter 31 'An Historical Review of the Royal marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1778. Monday 9th March.
The Ariadine and the Cores took the Alfred.
1778. Friday 24th
April. King George visited Chatham and Sheerness.
1778. Thursday 7th May.
The Capture of Borden town and the destruction of rebel shipping. Carried out
by the Marine Light Infantry under command of Major Hon. John Maitland of the
Marines.
1778. Saturday 30th May. James Weir was commissioned into The Marine Corps as a second lieutenant on 30th May 1778 At this time it was customary for an officer, upon promotion, to be posted to another company, and 2nd lieutenant Weir was no exception. On his promotion to full lieutenant on Friday 25th August 1780, he was drafted from 56 Company to 60 Company Division, which was then quartered round the Barbican, Plymouth.
After three years in The Marine Corps, however, Lieutenant Weir suddenly found his service career cut short. With the lifting of the siege of Gibraltar 1779 - 1783, and the end of the American War of Independence 1775 - 1783, The Marine Corps was drastically reduced. As a result, Lieutenant Weir found himself on half pay. His retirement was only for a brief period, as on Thursday 15th May 1783 he was reinstated and appointed to 7 Company, Chatham Division.
For the next ten years 1783 - 1793 peace existed between England and France. But during that period the Prime Minister, William Pitt, to save money, neglected the defence of the country. Consequently, when the newly formed French Republic declared war on England in February 17931) it was found that the Navy had been reduced to 16,000 men, of whom only 4,500 were Marines. Due to this shortage of men, it was found necessary for The Marine Corps to be reinforced by a number of Army regiments, who were sent to serve at sea on ships-of-the-line.
The situation was slightly improved, however, when an Order-in-Council in April 1795 voted for the recruitment of 15,000 men for The Marine Corps. With this increase in The Marine Corps, orders soon followed to supply all ships-of-the-line with detachments when they came into port without Marines or soldiers. This move caused a lot of drafts between Divisions.
It also led to the long awaited promotions among Marine officers. James Weir was one of them. After twelve year's service as a Lieutenant he was promoted to Captain on 4th May 1795, with a pay increase from £3.1Os.0d to £5.12s.Od per month.
Shortly afterwards he was given command of the Marine detachment on board HMS Audacious, a two-decker 74-gun ship-of-the-line which had been operating out of Gibraltar since 1795. But in 1796 with the British position weakened by the loss of the Coalition partners, Austria and Italy, the British fleet was withdrawn to the Atlantic. From that station Audacious began to visit ports along the coast of Portugal until early December 1796, when orders were given for her to return to Spithead. On 7th December Audacious arrived at that port before being ordered round to Plymouth, where most of her crew were paid off. Thereafter, Audacious spent the first quarter of the year 1797 refitting and recommissioning.
Battle of the Nile:
In May 1798 eight ships-of-the-line joined St-Vincent's fleet off Cadiz, with orders from the Admiralty to the C-in-C to send into the Mediterranean a squadron to report on intelligence received in London of large French force fitting out along the south coast of France.
Captain Weir was to learn of this news three days later when orders were received for Audacious to sail in company with ten other 74-gun ships the Cuioden, Bellerophon, Minotaur, Defence, Zealous, Goliath, Majestic, Swiftsure, Theseus, and the 50-gun ship Leander, to join Rear Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson off Toulon.
Nelson in his 74-gun flagship, the Vanguard, had been detached from the C-in-C's fleet on 2nd May and sent with two other 74-gun ships and two 32-gun frigates to find out the object of Napoleon's expedition assembling off Toulon, but on 19th May had been driven off that station by a strong gale.
As a result when the British squadron found Nelson off the coast of Corsica on 7th June with new orders from St. Vincent to destroy the French force, the thirteen French ships-of-the-line, and 280 transports carrying some 50,000 men had already sailed for an unknown destination.
Nelson aware that Napoleon had left Toulon, but not where he had gone, went in search with his force which now, up to fleet strength, could challenge the French. While Nelson sailed back and forth among the Italian islands and along the north-west coast of Italy, Napoleon had arrived off the island of Malta.
Malta was Napoleon's first military destination. By a decree dated Thursday 12th April 1798, given by the French Directory, Napoleon had been instructed to seize the island. Although Malta was under the sovereignty of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and at peace, Napoleon soon found a pretext to land his troops. With few knights and troops to resist the invaders the Grand Master von Hompesch himself with no heart for a fight, the Order soon capitulated to the French. The articles of surrender were signed on board the 120gun flagship L 'Orient in the early hours of the morning of the Tuesday 12th June 1798, Thus brought to an end 268 years of rule in Malta by the Knights of the Order of St. John.
Napoleon himself only remained in Malta for one week. On Monday 18th June he re-embarked on board L'Orient with treasure plundered from the churches and government buildings, and sailed on the following day for Egypt. The French force Napoleon left behind, under General Vaubois, consisted of 3053 infantry and five companies of artillery which in all amounted to 3350 officers and men who during the following weeks began a campaign of rape and pillage throughout the islands.
While these atrocities were being carried out by the French on the island, Nelson in pursuit of Napoleon continued to miss the French armada, which arrived at Alexandria on 1st July, and where the troops were immediately put ashore by Napoleon. The French fleet, however, unable to moor in the shallow harbour was ordered to go to Corfu or to Malta, but Vice-Admiral Brueys, aboard L 'Orient, instead sailed fifteen miles along the coast to Aboukir Bay, where Nelson on 1St August found the enemy fleet anchored across the bay close inshore.
Nelson ordered action stations at 6.20 p.m. Weir's ship was fifth in line, in front of Nelson's flagship Vanguard, when the British fleet entered the bay, but when Goliath went round to landward side of the French fleet, Audacious followed and attacked that end of the enemy's ships. The first was Le Guerrier 74, which Audacious raked with a broadside on passing, and then engaged the next ship, Le Conquerant 74. This action soon developed into a murderous upper deck battle.
The Audacious forecastle men turned their guns which were loaded with grape and almost swept clear the upper deck men on the enemy ship, while the Marines fired their muskets up into the riggings to dislodge the French seamen who with small arms were firing down onto the British gunners.
It only took twelve minutes of ferocious fighting for Le Conquerant to be reduced to a wreck, compelling it to surrender to Audacious. During the battle, a note sent by David Gould, the Captain of Audacious, to Nelson on board the Vanguard, said:
"I have the satisfaction to tell you Le Conquerant has struck to the Audacious the slaughter on board is dreadful".
Le Conquerant's loss was 220 killed and wounded from a crew of 550. Audacious's casualties in the battle were Lieutenant John Jeans killed, and thirty five seamen and Marines wounded. While the seamen and Marines tended to the casualties of Audacious and to those of the enemy on board their newly won prize, the rest of the British Fleet was still in action.
The battle raged all night. The flagship, L 'Orient became the most severe casualty in the fight. First engaged by the Bellerophon, which was forced to withdraw when dismasted, the attack was taken up by Swiftsure and Alexander. At about 10 p.m., the flagship, her commander Admiral Brueys, already killed early in the engagement, was set alight. The ship continued to burn until the fire reached the magazine, and with a deafening roar L'Orient blew up.
So tremendous was the explosion that for several minutes there was silence amongst the other ships, and then the battle commenced again until daylight when only three French ships remained from the thirteen ships-of-the-line which had sailed from Toulon. One ran aground and was burned by her crew. The other two Guillaurne Tell 80 bearing the flag of Rear Admiral Villeneuve, and Le Genereux 74, with two frigates, La Diane and La Justice made sail and escaped into the Mediterranean.
The battle over, work immediately was put in hand to refit and jury rig the captured French prizes. This took up to twelve days to complete. This time allowed Captain Weir to complete a number of drawings of the battle as seen through his eyes. His artistic hobby was, however, cut short on 14th August when orders were received for his ship to make ready for sea.
On that day, Tuesday, instructions were given by Nelson to Sir James Saumarez of the Orion, to take under his command the Bellerophon, Minotaur, Defence, Theseus, Majestic, and Audacious and escort the prizes Le Franklin, Le Tonnani L 'Aquilon, Le Souverain Peuple, Le Spartiate, and Le Conqiierant, to Gibraltar. (Sic) (From Brian N. Tarpey from his book ‘Nelson’s Marines at Malta’ – RMHS 1995)
1778. Wednesday 17th
June. The Milford took the Licorue.
1778. Thursday 18th
June. The Foudreyant and consorts captured the Pallas.
1778. Wednesday 8th
July. The Lively taken by French Squadron.
1778. Wednesday 8th
July. The Ostrich took a French privateer.
1778. Monday 27th July.
Keppel and d'Orvilliers off Brest.
1778. Wednesday 29th
July. HMS Kingfisher was captured by a French Squadron.
1778. Sunday 9th
August. Lord Howe and d'Estaing off Rhode Island.
1778. Monday 10th
August. The Siege of Pondicherry was the first military action on the Indian
subcontinent following the declaration of war between Great Britain and France
in the American War of Independence. A British force besieged the French
controlled port of Puducherry, which capitulated after ten weeks of siege.
1778. Sunday 16th
August. The Lois engaged the Cesar.
1778. Sunday 16th
August. The Vernon and Tranjolly off Coromandel Coast.
1778. Friday 21st
August. Pondicherry captured by the Vernon.
1778. Sunday 23rd
August. Sartine taken by a British Squadron.
1778. Tuesday 20th
October. Jupiter and Medea engaged a french ship.
1778. Wednesday 4th
November. Maidstone took Lion.
1778. Tuesday 15th
December. Barrington and d'Estaing at St. Lucia.
1778. Corps Strength at
that time 17,389 men.
1778. The Fox was taken
by the Junon.
1778. The Helena was
taken by the Sensible.
1778. The Arehusa
engaged the Belle Poule.
1778. The Zephyr was
captured by a french frigate.
1779. The public emergencies called for a very considerable addition to the Corps of Marines in 1779. Seventeen thousand three hundred and eighty-nine were voted, being an effective augmentation of 5560
Early in the year accounts were received of the capture of Pondicherry, by the united efforts of the Navy under Sir Edward Vernon, and a large force of European and Company's troops under Sir Hector Monro. After more than two months of very fatiguing duties, owing to the heavy rains, the siege was brought to that issue, which invited a general assault.
The works having been much battered in every quarter of approach, three different attacks were meditated; against L'Hospital Bastion to the southward, the East face of the North West Bastion, and from the sea to the northward.
These arrangements having been made, nearly 200 Seamen, and all the Marines of the squadron were landed on the 15th of October 1778, in order to have joined in the storm, which was to have taken place on the 17th. But Monsieur Bellecomb, who had hitherto defended himself with much obstinacy, dreading this event, proposed terms of surrender, which were accepted. Many were of opinion, that had he withstood the onset, its result would have been fatal to the British Army, from the extensive mines that he might have sprung.
Admiral Byron, who arrived in the West Indies in the beginning of 1779, rendered our Naval force in that country superior to the enemy. He was foiled in every attempt to bring D'Estaing to an action, who kept close in Martinique.
The English Admiral having gone to leeward, with a view to collect the homeward-bound at St. Kitt's, and to escort them, a small detachment of French troops took St. Vincent, after a very inadequate resistance; and the conquest of Grenada soon after followed, but under circumstances highly honourable to Lord Macartney and our arms. At this, D'Estaing, who united in himself the character of the Soldier and the Seaman, was present, and led a French column in storming the British lines upon Hospital Hill.
These were carried, after a gallant defence, which led to the immediate surrender of the Island. Scarcely was this accomplished, when he was called to act upon another element by the approach of Admiral Byron, who, deceived by intelligence as to the French force, hastened down under a press of sail and in a scattered order. A general ardour pervaded all to close with the enemy, whose numbers could only be gradually perceived as they stretched out from the land. They were at last discovered to be far superior to the chacing fleet, when the advanced ships of it, led by Admiral Barrington, nobly seconded by Captain, now Lord Gardiner, in the Sultan, and Sawyer in the Boyne, had begun the battle. To these names may be added Captains Collingwood, Edwards, and Cornwallis, as having been highly distinguished on the 6th of July. Lieut. Jonah Veale, of Marines, was killed in this action, and Lieut. Richards wounded.
D'Estaing evinced a total want of Naval enterprise through the day. He returned to Grenada during the following night, while Admiral Byron proceeded to St. Kitt's to repair his damages.
The approach of the hurricane season determined the French Admiral to take refuge, with his fleet, at Hispaniola, where he received an urgent call to unite with the Armies of America in recovering the Province of Georgia. Elated with his success at Grenada, he anticipated to himself the glory, not only of driving the British from this Colony, but of exterminating them from every post which they occupied along the sea-coasts of that Continent. There was not, to appearance, a force sufficient to stem his ambitious views; but they were opposed and frustrated by a spirit which often compensates the want of numbers.
D'Estaing's arrival on the coast of Georgia, early in September, was marked with a partial success by capturing the Experiment, of 50 guns, after a gallant defence on the part of Sir James Wallace. Unaccustomed to such an event as the capture of an English two-decker, it was considered as a favourable omen, and swelled his presumptuous hopes.
The appearance of such an armament struck wonder into General Prevost and the Garrison of Savannah, which were intended as the first victims to its power. General Lincoln, with the Rebel Army from South Carolina, hearing of their new allies, moved towards Georgia, to combine in the attempt.
General Prevost issued orders to concentrate his detachments and began to add to his works. Captain Henry, of the Royal Navy, commanded that force in the river Savannah with much zeal.
It became expedient, upon the nearer advance of the French Fleet, to move the ships of war close to the town, to land the guns and Seamen, and to incorporate their Marines with the Grenadiers of the 60th Regiment.
After D'Estaing had debarked his army of 5000 men, he instantly marched against Savannah, without waiting for Lincoln, and desired the Garrison to surrender, on the 16th of September. General Prevost solicited delay in answering his summons; in order to give time for his outposts to join him.
During the critical interval of 24 hours, which were allowed, that brave and active Officer, Lieut. Colonel Maitland, whom I have formerly mentioned, reached Savannah with a force of 800 men, after having encountered obstacles and difficulties of the most trying kind. Already, during the campaign of 1779, had he shown himself most consummate in all the requisites of a Soldier, by the stand he made at John's Island with a handful of men, against ten times his numbers, under General Lincoln. That deed alone was enough to fix his military fame, which acquired additional glory by his wading march from Beaufort, to the relief of Prevost. In this, few men could have equalled, and none surpassed his undaunted fortitude and steady perseverance. It was the means of saving Georgia and its Capital.
Such were his personal fatigues and anxieties to reach the scene of his future duties, that both struck at the vitals of his existence, which afterwards closed a lifelong valuable to mankind by habitual exercises of the most amiable benevolence, and happy to himself by the approving consciousness of its having never been stained by dishonour. The activity of his spirit, however, buoyed him up under every bodily suffering, while Savannah was besieged by the enemy.
My limits will not allow me the extent of detail, which was very creditable to the courage and exertions of all.
Count D'Estaing, little looking for such protracted operations, and growing impatient under them, determined to storm early on the morning of the 9th of October.
Two feigned attacks by the American Militia, were planned against the Garrison, to attract its attention to the centre and left, and it was also resolved that, whilst D'Estaing and Lincoln moved against Spring-hill redoubt in front, Count Dillon, with another column, should advance along the edge of a swamp which communicates with the river above the town, silently pass the redoubts and batteries, and thus gain the rear of the British lines. This column losing its way, was embarrassed in the morasses, and after the dawn was exposed to a heavy fire, that threw it into a disorder from which it could not recover.
D'Estaing, under the cover of darkness, got near the redoubt just as the day began to break; but he was received with incessant volleys and heavy discharges, which committed a dreadful carnage.
This part of defence was entrusted to Captain Tawse and his little Corps of Provincial Dragoons, who maintained it with enthusiastic bravery. Alternately had the French and American standard been planted on the parapet, when that gallant Chief, defending in person the gate of his redoubt, and his sword still unentangled from the body of an impetuous Frenchman, received his own death-wound. Here there still continued a doubtful contest for possession, when Lieut. Colonel Maitland, commanding the force upon the right of our lines, pushed on the 60th Regiment and the Marines, who, with charged bayonets, soon decided the struggle. The assailants were driven from the ditch, and retreated quickly, with the loss of 901 killed and wounded.
It was with difficulty the British could be restrained from following their superior forces, whose future operations were limited to the re-embarkation of their troops and stores, and the retreat of the Rebel Army into South Carolina.
The Count D'Estaing, with a part of his fleet, returned to France, after having achieved nothing worthy of notice, and his other ships proceeded for the West Indies.
Throughout this service the Navy were justly entitled to a great share of merit. Never were the exertions of the Sailors at the great guns more animated or useful.
Captain, afterwards Colonel Moncrieffe, of the Engineers, exhibited symptoms of the highest talents in his profession; and a share of honour truly falls to the lot of Captain Charlton, of the Corps of Royal Artillery, which has been eminently and uniformly great upon every service allotted them.
Lieut. Colonel Glazier, who led the Grenadiers and Marines in the charge which decided the fate of everything, attracted much praise.
Soon after the raising of the siege, Lieut. Colonel Maitland fell a sacrifice to his fatigues, which, producing a bilious fever, deprived his Country of a faithful servant, and the Soldier of a true friend.
Sir George Collier was most usefully active during the period of his command in North America. He undertook nothing in which he did not succeed, and in every instance of service exhibited a prompt and decisive mind. The enemy's Commerce and Naval Power suffered much by his spirited measures, in which I cannot follow him.
In the month of June, Spain, after having received her treasures in safety, entered the lists against Great Britain, whose situation now seemed desperate to all the surrounding Powers. But the hour of danger is the only occasion in which the native spirit of Englishmen can best be known or appreciated. It called forth that union which should ever constitute the pride, as it can alone secure the independence of a nation.
Notwithstanding the immense superiority gained by this accession, still the vigour of our combined enemies was by no means in an adequate proportion. Their fleets soon after appeared on our coasts, in numbers we were unable to oppose; but their exertions against them were at first repressed by discord, and finally averted by disease.
The only service upon which the Corps of Marines was employed during the remainder of the present year, was in the capture of Omoa, effected by parties from the Charon, Lowestoff, and Pomona frigates, in conjunction with the Seamen of these ships, who were trained to small arms, and a number of baymen and logwood cutters that were embodied at Truxillo. Commodore Luttrell conducted the naval part of the expedition, and Captain Dalrymple the land force.
Disembarking at Porto Cavallo, they sustained great fatigue in a night's march toward the fort, with a view to surprize it, on the 16th of October. Such were their obstacles from morasses filled by the rains, and intervening precipices, that they found themselves nearly six miles distant in the morning, and that they were discovered by the enemy. After giving the men a little respite, Captain Dalrymple pushed on, drove the Spaniards from an ambuscade, secured and established posts on the heights round the town and fort, and having been incommoded by musquetry from the place, he set it in flames, at which time Commodore Luttrell entered the harbour and completed the blockade by sea.
After cannon being landed, and the batteries opened during some days, they had produced but little effect upon the enemy's works; on which it was resolved to storm them with 150 Seamen and Marines, united with some loyal Irish, who were to be aided in their approach by a fire from the ships and the heights. Under this cover the assailants advanced at four in the morning, against walls 28 feet in height. To these they applied their scaling ladders, when the storming party, headed by two British Seamen, gained the top, and being instantly seconded, the Spaniards, paralysed at the daring act, begged for quarter.
It is to be regretted that the name and local origin of one intrepid Sailor, upon this occasion, should have been lost.
Ascending with two cutlasses, he soon found an enemy almost asleep, whom he disdained to sacrifice: rousing him from his slumbers, he put one into the Spaniard's hand, telling him they were now equal.
Whether from a dislike to the combat, or in gratitude for such generous conduct, the tender, however, was not accepted.
The Commanders declined some offers of ransom made by the enemy which would have been highly advantageous to themselves; but they militated against their Country's interest. This conquest was obtained with a very trifling loss.
Some valuable captures were brought into our ports during the year, and our Commerce was well protected.
Sir James Wallace, by an exploit in Cancalle Bay, recalled to the public mind the deeds of former times, by the capture or destruction of three frigates under the French batteries.
Lieutenant A. J. Field, of the Marines, still lives an instance of Providence, by an escape from the melancholy fate of too many of his shipmates in the Quebec frigate, which blew up in action with La Surveillante.
In this, British valour would have ultimately triumphed; but it was obliged to yield to destiny. The most amiable manners, in union with a cool courage, were the predominant features of Captain Farmer's character.
Captain Pearson, of the Serapis, ennobled himself by a brave defence against a much greater force, which assumes an historical importance, from its happy consequences in saving a large and valuable convoy entrusted to his care.
An action was fought between his Majesty's ship Pearl and the Spanish frigate St. Ammonica, which very much signalized Captain, now Admiral George Montague, and in which Lieutenant Fowke, of Marines, was also distinguished.
Nothing of attached moment farther, appears within the review of 1779. (Taken from Chapter33 ' An Historical Review ofne Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1779. (Uniform). It
seems that Silver Lace replaced the Gold Lace for the Officer from 1769, since
New Lace is refereed to and Silver Gorgets at the same time. The Lace and
Gorgets were always the same colour.
1779. Monday 4th
January. Savannah capitulated to the British.
1779. Saturday 30th
January. Weazel taken by the Bondeute.
1779. Sunday 31st January. The Apollo frigate of 32 guns, captain Pownall, being on a cruise on the coast of France on the 31st of January, at 1 p.m., when off St. Brieux, captured the french frigate Oiseau of 32 guns, but mounting only 26, after a gallant action of an hour and a half. The Apollo had 6 killed, her captain and 21 men wounded.
A secret engagement was entered into by Spain with France, as soon as the latter had concluded a treaty with our revolted colonies in America, and from that period preparations for war were making in all their ports; but it was not until the 18th of June that a proclamation was issued by the british government, authorizing the commencement of hostilities against Spain. On the 4th of June, a french fleet of twenty-eight sail of the line and several frigates, sailed from Brest: having formed a junction with the Spanish ships in Cadiz, the united force, amounting to sixty-six sail of the line, after cruising on the coast of Spain, entered the English Channel; and on the 16th of August this formidable armament paraded triumphantly for several days before Plymouth, while several of their frigates anchored in Cawsand bay. The Ardent of 64 guns, captain Boteler, standing down Channel, and mistaking the enemy for the british fleet, was captured in sight of Plymouth.
The combined fleet continued in the Channel until the 31st, when the wind, having veered to the westward, enabled sir Charles Hardy, with thirty-seven sail of the line, to obtain a view of the enemy; but the weather becoming very hazy, the fleets lost sight of each other, and soon afterwards the combined armament took its departure.
Shortly after the surrender of Grenada, the french fleet under D'Estaing had been reinforced by a squadron from Europe, augmenting their force to twenty-six sail of the line. On the 6th of July vice-admiral Byron, being off Grenada with twentyone ships of the line, gained sight of the enemy, and immediately made the signal to attack them. The superior sailing of the french ships enabled them to choose their distance, and by preserving their position, they prevented the british rear from getting into action. The firing commenced at seven in the morning and continued till eleven; but it was renewed at half-past three and lasted until sunset. The British had 183 killed, and 346 wounded, whilst the loss of the enemy amounted to 1200 killed, and 3500 wounded. First-lieutenant of the marines, Joseph Veale, was killed on board the Sultan.
On quitting the West Indies, admiral d'Estaing, with a powerful fleet, proceeded to the coast of North America. His first object was to destroy the small force under general Prevost, and consequently to relieve the southern colonies from present danger and alarm; but the more important consideration was, a design to act in conjunction with general Washington in an attack upon the british force at New York. With this view the comte d'Estaing anchored off the bar of Tybee, at the mouth of the river Savanna, on the 9th of September; and soon after his arrival the french troops formed a junction with the american forces from Charlestown under general Lincoln. He then sent a haughty summons to the garrison at Savanna, demanding its immediate surrender; but general Prevost, having only a small part of his force with him, requested a short delay before he replied to the message. During this parley, a reinforcement of upwards of 1000 men, under colonel Maitland, arrived from Beaufort; and on the 16th, after overcoming the greatest difficulties, this detachment joined the garrison at Savanna: their junction gave such encouragement to the hesieged, that a message of defiance was sent to the comte d'Estaing. On the 15th, the seamen having completed the landing of the cannon and stores, they were appointed to the different batteries under captains Henry, Brown, and Fisher of the navy, whilst the marines were incorporated with the grenadiers of the 60th regiment.
When the town was first summoned, only ten guns were mounted; but by the great exertion of the troops, and the zealous assistance of the navy, nearly 90 pieces of cannon were now ready to oppose the enemy, and several vessels were sunk on the bar to prevent the approach of the enemy's ships. Whilst the French were preparing the batteries, their frigates advanced up the river to Mud-flat, and some ineffectual firing took place on the rear of the british lines. A sortie was made on the 24th, and again on the 27th, the first conducted by major Graham of the 16th, and the other by major Arthur of the 71st regiment, which did the enemy considerable mischief. On the 3rd of October the bombardment commenced from 9 mortars and 37 pieces of cannon on the land side, and 16 from their shipping, which continued several days with little effect. On the 9th, a little before day-break, the enemy made a general assault upon the british lines. The attack was obstinately maintained, particularly at a redoubt on the Ebenezer road, when the greatest bravery was displayed on both sides two stands of colours were actually planted, and several of the assailants killed on the parapet; but the enemy met with such determined resistance, that they could not force an entrance into the works.
At this critical moment, major Glacier of the 60th, with the grenadiers of that regiment and the marines, advanced rapidly from the lines, attacked the enemy with the bayonet, and drove them from the ditches of the redoubt, as well as from a battery a little to the right of it: pursuing their success, they compelled the enemy to fly in great confusion over the abatis, and into the swamp. The advance of the british detachment was so rapid, that the three companies of the 71st regiment, posted at a short distance in order to sustain them, could not come in for a share in this brilliant affair. The French were repulsed on all sides, with the loss of above 1000 men in killed and wounded; including among the latter the comte d'Estaing, and several officers of distinction. It was not until the 18th that the enemy had raised the siege; and as the fog cleared up in the morning, it was perceived that the French and Americans had abandoned their camps during the preceding night; and in their retreat they broke down all the bridges in their rear, to prevent pursuit.
The troops composing the garrison of Savanna acquired a brilliant reputation for the gallant defence of the place, and for the cheerful, yet determined spirit with which they set the enemy at defiance. On this occasion the greatest unanimity prevailed between the two services, and their heroic conduct gained them the approbation of their king, and country.
A squadron, consisting of the Charon of 44 guns, Lowestoffe 28, Pomona 28, Porcupine 16, and Racehorse 10, under commodore Lutterell, proceeded to the attack of the fort and shipping at Omoa, on the Spanish main, and on the 10th of October they arrived in Cavallo bay. In the evening of the 16th, about 500 men, consisting of a small detachment of troops, with a party of seamen and the marines of the squadron, which were landed under the direction of captain Pakenham of the Porcupine, immediately proceeded on their march to surprise and escalade the fort; but the roads were so bad, that the men were sometimes compelled to wade through the sea, in order to avoid the impenetrable thickets of mangroves. At other times they had to pass through lagoons and morasses, and narrow footpaths over the mountains, with precipices rendered dangerous by recent heavy rains.
Those difficulties so impeded their march, that at day-break the troops were still two leagues from the fort. Captain Dalrymple ordered a halt for two hours, to refresh the men; and when the march was resumed, they were not only exposed to similar obstacles, but severely annoyed by the enemy's skirmishers: these were driven in, and in the evening captain Dalrymple was enabled from the heights to ascertain that the fort was situated about half a mile from the town. On the 17th the squadron stood into the bay to attack the fort; but the wind falling, the ships became so disabled by the enemy's fire, that they withdrew without producing any result. On the 18th the guns were landed from the Porcupine, and placed on an eminence, from which they opened upon the forts; but so little effect was produced, that it was determined to storm the place.
Accordingly, the Pomona was towed close in during the night of the 19th; and on the morning of the 20th, the other ships stood towards the shore, whilst the troops, in four columns, descended the hill, and at about four o'clock they moved forward under fire of their own battery on the eminence. The troops advanced with trailed arms; and in order to animate them for the enterprise, the parole was " bayonet," and the countersign, " Britons, strike home."
The columns were at first staggered by the enemy's fire, but instantly recovering, they advanced to the foot of the wall, which was twenty-eight feet high, surmounted by a battery of five guns. The first ladder was broken by the flanking guns of another bastion, by which a midshipman was killed, and five men wounded. Two seamen were the first that ascended, and levelling their muskets at the Spaniards, produced such panic, that their comrades were enabled to follow them to the assault, before the enemy recovered their self-possession. These two gallant fellows were closely followed by the marines and seamen, who, with the " loyal Irish," leaped down the parapet, and drove the Spaniards into their casemates, whilst above 100 escaped over the walls, and out of the sally-port. The governor then came forward, and claiming protection for himself and officers, surrendered the garrison, as well as the register ships. The prisoners amounted to 355 rank and file, exclusive of the officers and inhabitants. Lieutenant Wightman of the marines was wounded on the evening of the 19th, when reconnoitring the fort. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1779. The loss of HMS
Arethusa.
1779. Sunday 14th
February. The death of Captain Cook (7th November 1728 - 14th February 1779)
took place at Kealakakau Bay Hawaii. During his third voyage of exploration in
the pacific. He had just landed with a Marine guard consisting of Lieutenant
Molesworth Phillips along with four men. The Lieutenant protected Cook for as
long as he could from hostile Hawaiians. The Marines were clubbed to death, and
Cook was stabbed as he called to the boats crews to hold their fire. Only
Phillips escaped back to the safety of the ship.
1779. Sunday 28th
February. Apollo took Oiteau.
1779. Monday 21st June.
Spain declared War on Great Britain.
1779. Sunday 7th March.
HMS Yarmouth destroyed the Randolph.
1779. Sunday 14th
March. Rattlesnake took the Fenelon.
1779. Tuseday 6th July.
Byron and d'Estaing,
1779. July. The start
of the Great Siege of Gibraltar (the fourteenth and last military siege). This
was an action by French and Spanish forces to retake control of Gibraltar from
the established British Garrison. The garrison, led by George Augustus Eliott,
later 1st Baron Heathfield of Gibraltar, survived all attacks and a blockade of
supplies.
1779. Sunday 15th
August. The French and Spanish fleets off Plymouth.
1779. Monday 16th
August. HMS Ardent was captured by the French and Spanish fleets off Plymouth.
1779. Monday 30th
August. Boreas took Compas.
1779. Tuesday 14th September. On the 14th of September, The Pearl of 32 guns, captain George Montague, cruising off the Azores, captured the Spanish frigate Santa Monica of 32 guns, after an action of two hours, with the loss of 8 killed, and 45 wounded. The Pearl had 12 killed; lieutenant Fowke of the marines and 18 men wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1779. September. HMS
Experiment taken by French fleet.
1779. Tuesday 14th
September. The Pearl of 32 guns, captain George Montague, cruising off the Azores, captured the Spanish frigate Santa Monica of 32 guns, after an action of two hours, with the loss of 8 killed, and 45 wounded. The Pearl had 12 killed; lieutenant Fowke of the marines and 18 men wounded.
1779. Tuesday 21st
September. HMS Suffolk and squadron took the Fortunie.
1779. Thursday 23rd September. The Serapis taken by Bon Homme Richard.
1779. Saturday 25th September. The Serapis of 44 guns, captain Richard Pearson, in company with the Countess of Scarborough of 20 guns, sustained a very gallant action near Scarborough with the american frigates Bon-Homme Richard of 40 guns, Alliance 40 guns, Pallas 32 guns, and Vengeance of 12 guns, commanded by Paul Jones. Both the british ships were captured, after a gallant defence of two hours. The Serapis had 49 killed, 68 wounded; Scarborough 4 killed, 20 wounded. Lieutenant Samuel Wightman of the marines was among the wounded. The Bon-Homme Richard had 300 men killed and wounded, and she had suffered so severely, that she sunk the next morning. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1779. Wednesday 6th October. The 32-gun frigate Quebec, captain George Farmer, when cruising off Brest, brought to action the french40-gun frigate Surveillante, mounting 28 twelve-pounders and 12 sixes. After a contest of three hours and a half, during which both ships were totally dismasted, the Quebec caught fire by the sails falling on the guns and continued burning until six p.m. when she blew up, with her colours flying. Captain Farmer, who was wounded in the arm, with 150 men perished on this melancholy occasion. Lieutenant Roberts, with lieutenant A.J. Field of the marines, the surgeon, 2 midshipmen, and 63 men were saved.
The commencement of this year presented very unfavourable prospects to Great Britain, and the war with her revolted colonies neither promised a speedy nor successful termination. The combined efforts of France and Spain, were eagerly employed in uniting their forces to support the resistance of America; and Holland, our ancient and natural ally, had with equal injustice lent her aid to the cause and intei'ests of these powers. The two principal objects which engaged the attention of the ministry, were the relief of Gibraltar, and the protection of our colonies in the West Indies. Sir George Rodney was appointed to the command of a squadron about to proceed with the trade to the Leeward Islands, and on their way they to succour the garrison of Gibraltar. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1779. Saturday 9th
October. The Defence of Savannah. Seamen and Marines were landed from the men
of war present to assist in the defence against the French and Americans. The
latter were attached to the Grenadier Company of the 60th Regiment, and
occupied a position on the right of the line of entrenchments. The final
assault on the works by the French had almost succeeded, but had been checked
by the fire of the seamen’s guns. The Marines, with the Grenadiers of the 60th,
made such a furious counter attack on a redoubt which had been taken by the
enemy that they were driven out in an instant and a general offensive being
assumed by the garrison, the enemy’s attack totally failed and shortly
afterwards they abandoned the siege.
1779. Thursday 14th October. Chatham Orders. The Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men are never on any occasion in paying the proper Respect to their Officers, or any other Person, to take off their Hats or Caps. They are when without Arms, to put up their Right Hand (in a graceful manner) on the right side of their Hats with the Palm outwards; and when with Arms, to keep Recovered; and in these positions of civility they are to continue during their Business with any Officer, or other Person to whom the same respect may be due.
1779. Saturday 17th
October. The storming of Fort Omoa, was a short siege and battle between
British and Spanish forces just after Spain had entered the American
Revolutionary War on the American side. Following a brief attempt at a siege, a
force of 150 British soldiers and seamen assaulted and captured the
fortifications at San Fernando de Omoa in the Captaincy General of Guatemala
(Honduras) on the Gulf of Honduras. The British forces managed to overwhelm and
capture the Spanish garrison, consisting of 365 men. The British only held the
fort until November. After which they withdrew from the garrison, being badly
affected by tropical diseases that reduced their numbers, and was also under
threat of a strong Spanish counter-attack. An expedition, consisting of
detachments of Loyal Irish, Marines from the HMS Charon, HMS Pomona, HMS
Lowestoft and HMS Porcupine Frigates, and 250 armed slaves, 500 men in all
commanded by Captain Dalrymple sailed from Truxillo Bay on the Sunday 10th
October, arriving at Porto Cavallo Bay on the 11th. During the evening the
troops were landed with the intention of attacking Port Omoa that night. However,
the roads proved so intricate and rugged that they did not arrive until after
day break. After a short halt they again moved forward, but still had to
encounter passes and defiles similar to those which had obstructed their night
march. While having to contend Skirmishes with local Indians as they advanced.
Learning from some prisoners that the enemy were drawn up in a position ready
to resist their attack. It was arranged that the Marines and the Loyal Irish
should over take the column, and then advance rapidly supported by the reserve.
The order was instantly carried out, and the Spaniards, after discharging their
muskets fled, some headed for the fort, while others took to the woods, and the
town. From the heights upon which the troops now stood there was a full view of
the fort, situated about half a mile from the Port Omoa at the bottom of the
hill. The enemy were constantly firing from the town. Captain Dalrymple carried
out his orders to destroying the place. While it was in flames the squadron came
into the bay and endeavoured to get into position to batter the fort, the land
forces seconding their efforts, but the latter were unable to effect very much
owing to the scaling ladders not arriving in time. HMS Lowestoft went aground
and both she and HMS Charon suffered severely from the enemy’s fire. However,
it was determined to continue the attack, and at 3 in the morning of the 20th
the storming party consisting of 150 strong was in position for the assault. It
was arranged in four parallel columns, four guides at the head of each, two of
the columns consisting of seamen and two of Marines with a few Loyal Irish.
Upon an agreed signal from HMS Charon that she was under way, and would attack
in twenty minutes. The columns of assault moved off covered by the fire of the
shipping. It was now 4 am. The Spaniards did not observe the columns movement
but concentrated their fire upon the squadron and the guns which had been
placed in a battery on the hills. In profound silence, with trailed arms, the
English approached the enemy’s sentries undiscovered, but suddenly their drums
beat to arms. Their ladders being quickly planted against the wall, 28 feet
high, surmounted by a battery of 5 guns, the seamen rapidly ascended, and being
reinforced by Marines, the Spaniards fled to the casemates, while about a
hundred escaped by a Sallyport, The Governor and the officers then delivered up
their swords to Captain Dalrymple, and the garrison, along with the ships in
port, surrendered.
(Sic)
1779. Sunday 24th
October. Proserpine took Alcuiene. (?)
1779. Thursday 11th
November. HMS Tartar took Santa Marguritta.
1779. Sunday 21st
November. HMS Hussar took N.S. del Buen Confegio.
1779. Sunday 12th
December. Salisbury took San Carlos.
1779. Saturday 18th
December. Parker and de la Motte off Fort royal.
1779. Monday 27th December The admiral proceeded to sea with twenty sail of the line and nine frigates; and on the 7th of January 1780, he detached the trade for the West Indies under convoy of the Hector of 74 guns, and two frigates.
On the following day the british fleet captured a Spanish ship of 64 guns, with four frigates and fifteen sail of merchant-men, from St. Sebastian, bound to Cadiz: the latter being principally laden with flour and wheat, the admiral gladly conducted the prizes to Gibraltar. On the 16th of January, when off St. Vincent, a Spanish fleet was discovered, consisting of nine sail of the line, under don Juan Langara: the signal was instantly made for a general chase, and for the ships to engage as they arrived up. About four o'clock the Defence, Bedford, Resolution, and Edgar, commenced the action, but the enemy's ships were in such confusion, as to be unable to support each other; and about five p.m., just as the Bienfaisant was closing with an opponent, the Spanish ship blew up, and all on board perished. The pursuit continued through a dark and squally night, and at two a.m. on the 17th, all firing having ceased, the signal was made to bring to on the larboard tack; by which time six ships were captured, and the other two made their escape. The loss of the British amounted to 32 killed, and 102 wounded. Lieutenant Charles Henry Strachan, of the marines, was killed on board the Edgar. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1779. HMS Glasgow
burnt.
1779. HMS Ariel taken
by the Amazone.
1779. Ruby, Aeolus and
Jamaica took Prudente.
1779. Corps Strength at
that time 18,779 men.
1780 - 1784. The ‘Forth
Anglo Dutch War’ was a conflict between Great Britain and the Dutch Republic.
The conflict was related to the American Revolutionary War, and broke out over
British and Dutch disagreements on the legality and conduct of the Dutch
trading with Britain's enemies during that war.
1780 to 1784. A
conflict between the Kingdom of Mysore in India and the British East India
Company. Mysore’s main ally was France, who at that time was at war with the
British.
1780. Corps Strength was 146 Companies each of 118 Privates and 4 Drummers. Approximately 584 Drummers in the Corps.
1780. In every war it has been evident that state necessity has required an annual increase to the establishment of Marines. Eighteen thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine were the number decreed for the service of 1780.
It was at this period, and has since been too prevalent a custom, to embark recruits not only unscienced in discipline, but utterly untrained to arms. Such deficiencies could only be compensated by native valour, aided by the care of Officers in rendering them good marksmen, and by that punctual system which prevails in our ships of war. A few regular-built Soldiers should always be intermingled with every detachment; a rule that can only be observed by maintaining a sufficient strength during peace, or by a prompt levy on the commencement of hostilities.
The year of 1780 was ushered in by some well-timed successes of Admiral Rodney. While nature has so clearly pointed out our means of defence, she has also taught our islanders to greet, with tenfold joy, every victory that is gained upon their favourite element.
After eighteen months of war against an inveterate foe, nothing had been achieved worthy of being considered as a balance in the scale, of course the taking of Langara in the Phœnix, with three other ships of the line, the explosion of the St. Domingo, and the destruction of the St. Julian and St. Eugenio, of 70 guns, added to the recent capture of one 64, escorting a valuable convoy, so crouded together, filled the Country with general exultation.
Admiral Rodney exhibited much enterprize, although he possessed superior numbers, by pursuing and vanquishing an enemy upon his own coasts, during a most dreadful gale, and on a lee shore, which had nearly proved fatal to many of his fleet, who, from their ardour, became entangled amongst the dangerous shoals of St. Lucar.
Sir George Rodney was most ably seconded by the vigour and counsel of his Captain, Young, whose talents as an Officer stood meritedly high.
Although the Spaniards fought bravely, still they plainly shewed that they were no adepts in the most essential branches of discipline; as the blowing up of the St. Domingo, and a partial explosion in the Princessa, proceeded entirely from a want of internal system.
Lieut. Strachan, of Marines, brother to the present Sir Richard, was killed upon the forecastle of the Edgar in this action.
The immediate and happy effects of it were the relief of Gibraltar and Minorca, besides convincing the coasts of the Mediterranean that Britain was still able to assert her former dominion on the seas. The Admiral prosecuted his course for the West Indies, while the bulk of the Fleet returned to England under a continuance of the same good fortune.
Our enemies lost nine sail of the line upon the whole of this expedition, which was suggested by necessity, but terminated with the most signal consequences.
Accounts were received early in this year of the death of the celebrated Captain Cooke, at the Island of O'why' he; in defending whose valuable life, threatened by a horde of savages, four out of nine of my Corps shared his destiny.
Long had our avaricious neighbours, the Dutch, continued to foment the spirit of rebellion in the Western World, by various supplies, without which its virulence, nay its existence must have ceased.
With one uniform character for punctuality in dealing, to an extent and nicety rarely known but in our own land, these moral virtues, which can alone give joy to the wealthy, are absorbed in the Hollander by an unceasing pursuit of the same object. The bonds of nature, and all the ties of honour which unite nation to nation, are sacrificed by him to the call of self-interest. This friendly passion, and the repeated injuries sustained by England, brought on a rupture between the two countries, friends by alliance, but enemies in their principles of action.
The detention of Count Byland added fuel to the flame, by furnishing means to the emissaries of France, in Holland, who were active in working upon the popular mind. From the beginning of 1780, the cause of these hostilities, which commenced towards the close of the year, may be dated.
The conduct of the neutral Powers, at this crisis of accumulating difficulties, was equally ungrateful. At the head of them was Russia, whom we had nurtured in Naval tactics and the arts of civilization, by a long train of friendly good offices. But her early energies were levelled against the life of her Patroness, and in defiance, too, of that maritime code of laws, which had been long recognized by Europe as the fixed standard of commercial intercourse.
If ever there was a period of our existence that urged general union it was this. Our Country seemed doomed to destruction, and, like vultures hurried on by instinct to the spot of animal dissolution, every nation crouded against our island to lay claim for its share of our tottering Empire. To prevent the repetition of such a period in our history, a fostering care of our Navy, and every branch attached to it, appears the wisest system, and the most incumbent duty.
Sir Henry Clinton having been freed from every fear by the glorious repulse of D'Estaing from Savannah, had it in his power to carry the British arms to any part of the American coast. His first essay was aimed against the province of South Carolina, and his operations commenced on the 1st of April against Charleston, its Capital, after having landed upon John's Island, and from thence advancing by slow steps; which afforded time to the Rebels of fortifying every point of defence.
Admiral Arbuthnot, with the squadron, soon after passed Fort Moultrie with trifling loss, and anchored just without the range of shot from the town, which completed its investment towards the sea, though a communication was unavoidably open between the Garrison and the Country, by means of Cooper's River to the North-east.
This was soon cut off by a large detachment under Colonel Webster, which General Clinton was enabled to spare, from his access to the sea being kept up by the ships of war. A very brilliant affair took place between the advanced guard of that force and a body of Americans, at Monk's Corner, which reflected much honour upon Colonel Tarleton and Major Fergusson, the former of whom, soon after, very justly secured permanent fame, by beating a Rebel Corps of Cavalry upon the banks of the Santee.
Early in May, the besiegers having completed their third parallel, Captain Hudson, of the Navy, was landed with 200 Seamen and Marines on Sullivan's Island, in order to have stormed the important post of Fort Moultrie, at the same time the ships were to attack by sea.
The garrison surrendered to that party on the 6th of May. This had a strong effect upon our subsequent operations, as the town fell by capitulation on the 12th.
Very high commendations were bestowed upon Generals Earl Cornwallis, Leslie, and Paterson; Lieut. Colonels Webster and Tarleton, and Major Moncrieffe, also had their share of applause in Sir Henry Clinton's detail. The services of Captain Elphinstone, now Lord Keith, were also very signal. Much good was anticipated from this happy event, which was not, however, eventually realized.
The gallant exertions of Lord Cornwallis in the subsequent progress of the campaign, upon a minute retrospect, must rank him as a great and a zealous Officer. Colonel Tarleton also stands high upon its annals, which will be recognized in terms of eulogium by posterity.
Admiral Rodney, who had proceeded to the West Indies from Gibraltar, found himself opposed to a superior force of the enemy. Confiding in the long-tried valour of a British Fleet, he was determined, however, to dispute the palm with them. Monsieur Guichen, previous to his arrival, had paraded before St. Lucia, seemingly with a view of attempting something; but Rear-Admiral Hyde Parker and General Vaughan had evidently made such judicious dispositions, as deterred him from even a partial trial of force.
Sir George Rodney soon returned the visit, and offered battle, which was not accepted. Leaving some coppered frigates to watch their motions, he returned to Gros Islet Bay.
In the night of the 15th of April, De Guichen put to sea, and was quickly followed, when a general chace ensued. At the close of day on the 16th, the English formed into line, and a series of able manœuvring on both sides took place next morning. At eleven the conflict began, which ended after four, when the enemy bore away.
The English Fleet, obliged to repair its damages, could not pursue. Most tremendous was the fire of the Sandwich, Admiral Rodney's ship, upon that day, and so visible were its effects, that it is impossible to calculate what can be achieved by Britons, when their valour is let loose, against any force, however great. Captain Carey, of Marines, was wounded in the Grafton, and Lieut. Herriot, who now so ably conducts a well-known paper entitled The Sun, in the Elizabeth.
Regaining sight of the French Fleet, they run for shelter under the guns of Guadaloupe upon the 20th. The talents of Captain Young, of the Sandwich, were peculiarly displayed upon this occasion, and were most auxiliary to the Commander in Chief. Thus, was the Empire of these Seas recovered by an inferior Fleet, which was productive, however, only of a flimsy triumph, as there were no English troops to follow it up by an attack upon their islands. English commerce, however, was protected, while that of the French suffered much. Two other actions of lesser note were fought on the 15th and 19th of May, but equally indecisive.
The spirited countenance of Captain, now Admiral Cornwallis, off Monte Christi, in the Lion, of 64 guns, having under him the Bristol of 50, and Janus of 44, which were opposed by Monsieur La Motte Picquet, reputed one of the best Officers in the French Navy, with four 74 gun-ships and two frigates, must ever be noticed as one of the most brilliant incidents of the American war.
It has been the lot of that brave man, to have saved to his Country, in two instances, a respectable portion of her Naval forces, when apparently doomed to fall and overwhelmed by numbers.
With his little squadron he resisted, successfully, this united attack, through the night of the 20th of March, and on the following day maintained the unequal combat nearly three hours. On the 22d the English Ruby, of 64 guns, and two frigates appeared, with which he, in turn, became the pursuer of La Motte Picquet, who, by his own account, and in the true spirit of a Frenchman, asserted his claim to two hearts, as being emblematical of his courage.
Some single actions were fought during 1780, that would have done honour to any period of our maritime greatness.
Amongst these may be noticed the capture of La Capricieuse, of 44 guns, by La Prudente frigate. Captain Waldegrave, now Lord Radsdale. Speaking of the conduct of his Marines on this occasion, he says, "In justice to Lieutenant Banks of the Marines, I must beg leave to observe to their Lordships, that his party behaved with the utmost steadiness and bravery, keeping up a regular and constant fire from the beginning of the action, till necessity called them to the great guns, when they shewed an equal share of spirit and good order."
Another terminated in the taking of La Nymphe by the Flora, Captain Peere Williams, which was manned principally by landsmen, and a raw party of Marines. Soon after the conflict began, the Flora's wheel was shot away, when both ships fell on board each other. This afforded some instances of individual gallantry, by repelling the enemy's boarders, and by the British returning the compliment, and eventually striking the flag of La Nymphe. Although complete adepts in the small sword, still it proved unavailing against the cutlass and the axe.
Lieutenant, now Captain Busigny of Marines, very much distinguished himself, and his sword bore marks of his valour.
Although not properly within my scope, still the bravery of Captain Moore in the Fame privateer of Dublin, cannot pass unnoticed. It reflected honour upon his Country. In his little ship of 24 guns and 108 men, he attacked five sail of the enemy formed into line, carrying 54 guns and 167 sailors. Four out of that number were taken and recompensed his courage by their wealth.
The alertness of a British Seaman, whose name cannot be retraced, was the means of developing sufficient matter for reprisals against the Dutch, upon the 20th of December. Never did there appear such a scene of low intrigue, and selfish cunning as in these papers which were saved from the ocean. They betrayed a treaty of commerce, which had existed, in secret, ever since 1778, with the rebel states, which would have been soon cemented by one of alliance, under the same dark cover, if this disaster had not discovered all, and brought down the vengeance of Britain for such perfidy. (Taken from Chapter 34 'An Historical review of the Royal marine corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1780. Sunday 2nd
January. Captain Fielding exacted the right of search from Couat Bylandt.
1780. Sunday 16th January. The Marines were involved in the Battle of St Vincent against the Spanish off the southern coast of Portugal. A British fleet under Admiral Sir George Rodney commanding 18 ships of the line defeated a Spanish squadron of 11 Ships Commanded by Don Juan de Lángara. The Spanish, who were at war with the British because they had chosen to back the American rebels in the War for Independence. The British suffer 32 killed and 102 wounded, while the Spanish suffered 1 ship destroyed, 4 ships captured, and 2,500 men captured, killed or wounded.
1780. Wednesday 19th January. The fleet arrived at Gibraltar and having landed the reinforcement and supplies for the garrison, the admiral sailed on the 14th of February for the West Indies with part of the fleet, and the remainder, under rear-admiral Digby, returned to England. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1780. Saturday 26th February. The following advertisement appeared in the
Ipswich Journal, this newspaper had a wide circulation in Suffolk and
Essex. A Marines Recruiting Poster used during the American War of
Independence.
'VOLUNTEERS'
For the First Division of Marines.
Twenty Recruits are wanted immediately to complete the 31st Company, Commanded by Captain Shairp.
Now is the time for young men of spirit to gain honour and make their
fortune by captures from the enemy. The superior advantages attending
the marines' service are well known; particularly at this time, when
our ports are crowded (sic) with French and Spanish Prizes. Marine
Soldiers have every advantage of his Majesty's royal bounty, excellent
clothing, arms and accoutrements with the addition of provisions found
them gratis when on board ship, besides their full pay; and when in
service, they share in prize-money equal to able seamen; these are
advantages well known, and can be testified by many in this county, who
have made their fortunes in the last, but more particularly in the
present war. All under the age of 40, and above the size of 5 feet 3
inches, will meet with due encouragement, by applying to Captain
Shairp in Queen's Street, or to his sergeants at the Marlborough's
Head, Botolph's Gate, Colchester.”
1780. Monday 13th
March. Alexander and Courageux took Monsieur.
1780. Monday 20th
March. Cornwallis chased by La Motte Piquet off St. Domingo.
1780. Monday 27th March. Admiral Rodney arrived at St. Lucia, and on the 2nd of April he proceeded to Martinique in quest of the comte de Guichen with twenty-ships of the line; but finding all his endeavours to induce the enemy to come out and give him battle ineffectual, the british fleet repaired to Grosislet bay. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1780. Monday 20th March. The Renown 50, Romulus and Roebuck of 44 guns, being sufficiently lightened of stores and cannon to pass the Charlestown bar, anchored in Five-fathom Hole: at the same time the american commodore Whipple retired to Fort Moultrie, and soon afterwards caused the channel to be blocked by sinking six frigates and several merchant vessels, fitted with chevaux de frise on the decks. A boom, composed of cables and chains, was extended from the shore to the sunken vessels, defended by batteries mounting forty pieces of heavy cannon, and some ships of war were stationed inside the sunken ships ready to resist any attack whilst the crews of the deserted vessels manned the guns, which had been landed and placed on the fortifications of Charlestown. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1780. Wednesday 29th March. The army having landed on Charlestown-neck without opposition, moved forward on the following day, and on the 1st of April the British broke ground within eight hundred yards of the works of Charlestown. By the 9th of April, the batteries were ready to open their fire, and the admiral, having directed the squadron to weigh, entered the harbour in the following order; Roebuck 44, Romulus 44, Richmond 32, Blonde 32, Virginia 28, Raleigh 32; the Sandwich and Renown, 50, bringing up the rear. The ships maintained a well-directed fire upon Fort Moultrie, as well as on the batteries of Sulivan's Island, and in little more than two hours they anchored under James's Island: some spars were shot away, but the killed and wounded did not amount to more than 27. To prevent an approach to the Cooper river, the rebels sank eleven vessels in that channel, and placed the Ranger frigate with some galleys to defend the entrance. An ineffectual summons having been sent to general Lincoln on the 9th, the british batteries opened on the following morning, and they soon acquired a superiority over those of the enemy. Major Moncrieffe, the chief engineer, who had gained so much honour in the defence of Savanna, conducted the offensive operations against Charlestown with equal credit.
On the 18th, considerable reinforcements arrived from New York, which enabled sir Henry Clinton to strengthen the corps beyond Cooper river, and lieutenant-general Cornwallis was appointed to that command. On the 23rd, the second parallel was pushed to within 150 yards of the enemy's lines, and on the 24th a sally was made from the town; but the Americans were so effectually repulsed, that they never again quitted thenworks during the siege. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1780. Wednesday 12th
April. HMS Rodneys Victory off Cape St. Vincent.
1780. Saturday 15th April. Admiral de Guichen, with twenty-three sail of the line, put to sea; and on the 16th they were pursued by the fleet under sir George Rodney, who on the 17th brought them to action, notwithstanding all their efforts to avoid it. The engagement began about one o'clock, and the firing continued until four in the afternoon. At the moment of running down to make the attack, the fleets were parallel to and nearly abreast of each other: the Sandwich, bearing the admiral's flag, with several of the centre division, stood for and engaged the ships opposed to them in the enemy's line, and rear-admiral Rowley, with the rear division, engaged the rear of the french fleet; but the van of the British, in its endeavour to reach the advanced ships of the enemy, had separated so much from the main body, that in order to collect the fleet, it became necessary to discontinue the action. The loss sustained by the British was 120 killed, 353 wounded; that of the French being nearly 1000 men, killed and wounded. Among the wounded were captain Carey of the marines on board the Montague, and lieutenant Heriot serving on board the Elizabeth. From the tenour of admiral Rodney's letter, it is evident that he anticipated a more decisive result; and had he been properly supported, it is probable that he would have obtained better success.
After the repulse of comte d'Estaing, in his attack on Savanna, sir Henry Clinton was enabled to resume offensive operations; and an expedition, with a powerful armament, was resolved upon for the reduction of the province of South Carolina. Vice-admiral Arbuthnot, with five ships of the line, two fifties, and several frigates, was to co-operate with his squadron; and accordingly, on the 26th of December 1779, he sailed from Sandy Hook, accompanied by transports having the troops on board. The fleet, after receiving considerable damage in its voyage to the southward, did not get sight of the Carolina shore until the 1st of February, and then coasted along to Tybee, where it came to an anchor.
The american congress had conferred the command of their troops in the southern provinces on major-general Lincoln, who took every possible measure to strengthen the defences of Charlestown against the threatened attack, by continuing the lines across Charlestown-neck, from Cooper to Ashley river. In front of these lines was a strong abatis and wet ditch, picqueted on the nearest side; and between the abatis and the lines, deep holes were dug at short distances from each other.
Eighty pieces of cannon were mounted, and in the centre was a strong work, which might be considered the citadel. On the 9th of February the fleet sailed from Tybee and arrived on the 11th at North Edisto. On the same day a division of the army landed in Jhn's Island, and on the following morning the remainder disembarked. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1780. Monday 17th
April. Rodney engaged de Guichen in the West indies. The Battle of Martinique
in the West Indies took place during the American War of Independence between
the British Royal Navy and the French Navy.
1780. Friday 9th May.
Rodney engaged de Guichen in the West indies.
1780. Friday 12th May.
The Battle and Capture of Charleston was one of the major battles which took
place towards the end of the American Revolutionary War, after the British
began to shift their strategic focus towards the American Southern Colonies.
After six weeks of siege, a continental Army led by Major General Benjamin
Lincoln surrendered his forces numbering about 5,000 to the British.
1780. Saturday 1st
July. HMS Romney took Artois.
1780. Tuesday 4th July.
The French 32 gun frigate La Capricieuse was captured by the British frigates
HMS Prudente and HMS Licorne. After a four hour battle in which the French lost
her Captain and 150 men were killed and wounded. The ship was so knocked about
that her captors had to set her on fire. The British ships lost 20 killed and
28 wounded between them. Captain Waldegrave of HMS Prudente made the following
report on the behaviour of his detachment of Marines: “in justice to Lieutenant
Banks of the Marines, I must beg leave to observe to their Lordships, that his
party behave with upmost steadiness and bravery, keeping up a regular and
constant fire from the beginning of the action, till necessity called them to
the great guns, when they showed an equal share of spirit and good order.”
1780. Thursday 6th
July. HMS Romney took Perle.
1780. Friday 14th July.
Nonsuch destroyed a Frigate and took Belle Foule.
1780. Thursday 10th August.
The fight between the HMS Flora and the Nymphe. Every one of HMS Floras Marine
detachment were killed in the capture of the French ship Nymphe. With two masts
gone, Monmouth’s wounded Captain was one of only five left alive on the quarter
and poop deck. All including the senior Lieutenant of Marines had been killed.
The same fate had befell all below on the gun deck.
1780. Saturday 12th August. Rienfaisant took Comte d' Artois.
1780. Tuesday 15th August. Copy of a letter from Captain Pere Williams of his Majesty's Ship FLORA to Mr Stephens at Falmouth.
SIR
I beg you will communicate to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the following particulars, which I have the honour of transmitting to you from this port, where contrary winds obliged me to put in.
On Tuesday the 10th at half past four in the afternoon standing in under Ushant, in quest of the fleet, the wind at that time about ENE we discovered through the haze a square rigged vessel and cutter under our lee, lying to with their heads to the northward, distant from us about four miles; whereupon we made sail, beat to quarters and hedged towards them, which the ship perceiving, wore, hauled to the wind, backed her missen top sail and waited our approach, the cutter working off and on. At ten minutes past five we got abreast of her, and within about two cables length upon showing our colours received her fire which we instantly returned and continued briskly on both sides for about an hour, gradually nearing each other, when our wheel being shot away, our shrouds, backstays, and running rigging much cut, we dropped on board of her, and continued the engagement in that position about 15 minutes, the enemy then deserting their great guns attempted to board us, but were instantly repulsed with 1058, our people boarded in return, sword in hand, struck their colours, and in short time took possession of their ship, which proved to be French Frigate, called La Nymphe, commanded by the Chevalier Du Remain, who died the same evening of the wounds he received in the action. She is 4 years old copper bottomed, mounts 22 guns, though pierced for 40, and her compliment consists of 291 men. She had been only four days out of Brest, and was employed upon reconnoitring service of that Port.
Before I conclude my letter, I beg leave to add that my officers and people in general showed the greatest coolness and intrepidity, on this occasion, and indeed merit more enconniums than I can find words to express; their conduct will, I flatter myself meet with these Lordships approbation, and recommend them to their future favour. (Sic)
I am etc
P WILLIAMS
Return of killed and wounded: Mr Bisset Midshipman Wounded, Mr Creed Master 1, wounded, 27 Seamen since died, Marines on board the FLORA 1, Seamen 6, Marines Seamen 13, Marines 42 Total killed 9.
1780. Tuesday 12
September. Vestal took Phoenix.
1780. Saturday 30th
September. Pearl took Esperrance.
1780. Monday 2nd
October. Stirling Castle, Thunderer, Phoenix, Deal Castle and Endeavour were
lost.
1780. Tuesday 10th
October. Laurel, Scarborough, Andromeda, and Blanche were lso in the West
Indies.
1780. Thursday 2nd
November. Zephyr took Senigal, late Racehorse.
1780. November. Sartine
lost off Mangalore.
1780. Wednesday 20th
December. A ‘Fourth Anglo-Dutch War’ took place from 1780 to 1784 over secret
Dutch trade and negotiations with the American colonies, then in revolt against
England.
1780. Wednesday 20th
December. The English quickly took advantage off the newly declared Dutch war
and captured key Dutch possessions in the West and East Indies, while imposing
a powerful blockade of the Dutch coast.
1780. December. Bellona
took Princess Caroline.
1781. 2370 marines were voted for service.
1781. Twenty thousand three hundred and seventeen Marines were voted for the service of 1781.
The widely extended commerce of Holland now lay open to general enterprize, which was soon successfully exerted. As avarice was the predominant cause of hostilities, so it was the object of chastisement.
Gibraltar attracted the early attention of our Ministry, by an effort to relieve it, which was accomplished by Admiral Darby, with the Grand Fleet, under circumstances of apparent difficulty, but of eventual good fortune. If the Combined Forces had been united, which was their annual policy and within their power, such an attempt must have been abortive, or performed at an unwarrantable risk. That fortress persevered in a system of defence, peculiarly destructive to the enemy, and of a kind the most honorable to General Elliot and his garrison. Captain Hervey in the Panther, with his small squadron, also gave proofs of wonderful courage, in frustrating the aim of some fire vessels that were employed to burn it.
France always intent upon her own interests, embraced this occasion of reinforcing her West India fleets by a powerful detachment under the Compte De Grasse. This became necessary, from the return of De Guichen to Europe, who, after having joined Don Solano's fleet, went down to Hispaniola, with an evident purpose of attacking Jamaica, but from whom he separated without a stroke. Although the battles of Admiral Rodney afforded no signal marks of victory in captures, still their effects had a strong influence in the conduct of De Guichen for proceeding homewards with those shattered ships, from amongst his fleet, that could be refitted only in Europe.
Holland soon felt the consequences of its baseness, by the loss of all its West India possessions, and some valuable convoys. The free port of St. Eustatius, hitherto the depot of America, and of every adventurer who had money, fell early in February without firing a gun. Demerara, Issequibo, and the Dutch Settlements on the Spanish main were successively taken, together with the Mars of 60 guns, Admiral Krowl, with 28 sail of merchantmen under his protection, who was killed by a musquet ball, in a short action with the Monarch, Captain Reynolds.
Sir Samuel, now Lord Hood, having been soon after sent to windward to cruize for De Grasse, was limited to a station, which gave little hope of ultimate success.
Three sail of the line were unfortunately retained at St. Eustatius, which would have been a valuable addition to his force, thus inferior to the expected arrivals from France.
The British Admiral continued off Fort Royal, Martinique, until the 28th of April, when a signal was made for the enemy's approach.
Every effort was used to close with the land, and of course with them, who, in line of battle, on the morning of the 29th, afforded protection to a numerous convoy that soon reached a safe anchorage.
De Grasse was immediately strengthened by 4 ships of the line, from the Bay, which authorized him to have followed up the most decisive views. Sir Samuel Hood formed his fleet into close order and was joined by the Prince William of 64 guns, Captain Stair Douglas, who then watered at St. Lucia, but had weighed with an unexampled dispatch to share in the conflict, and who continued to cheer along the British Line, until he fell into his station.
De Grasse opened his fire, but at a distance little calculated to balance the scale of victory. He had the option of it though he never availed himself of his fortune. Three hours cannonade was kept up, during which it appeared that the French powder was much stronger than ours, when the British Admiral seeing the unavailing expenditure ceased to waste it.
This period could not boast of that liberal attention to the seaman's wants, which has characterized our Country, during the late war, towards her naval servants. Scurvy, at that time, was the prevalent disease in our fleet, and this had reached an alarming height in many of the ships attached to Sir Samuel Hood.
The world too generally ground their opinions upon external circumstances, without examining minutely into inferior details, which, when known, will be considered, by the judicious, as often constituting the solid merits of human action. To a great superiority of fresh ships and healthy crews, as yet unbraced by the climate, Admiral Hood was opposed with 7 sail less in number, reduced in effective strength by scurvy, and against an enemy, whose naval confidence had never arrived at a greater summit. That steady countenance which he evinced in their presence, was yet surpassed by a noble effort, on the following day, which shewed the invincible spirit of his mind, and these resources so usually annexed to magnanimity and talents. Observing the scattered order of the French, and catching a change of wind in his favour, not common in that Country, he directed a general chace, and levelled all his force against their most vulnerable point.
But the elements were fickle, and disappointed his manly views, after which he bore up for Antigua to refit, and land his wounded.
The interval was seized by De Bouillé and De Grasse to carry St. Lucia, who were happily resisted by the united energies of Captain Campbell of the 87th Regiment, and Lieutenant, afterwards the unfortunate but amiable Captain Miller of the Theseus. Improving the same occasion, another, but more prosperous expedition, was undertaken against Tobago, which was finally seconded by the whole French fleet and army.
Sir George Rodney, having assumed the command, reached Barbadoes on the 23d of May, where he learned the attack upon that island.
Lieutenant Johnstone of Marines was sent in an Advice Boat in order to gain intelligence, and other information of a secret nature.
His ability and zeal fully qualified him for the task, but nothing could avert its surrender, after two fruitless attempts to relieve it. This may be said to have ended the campaign of 1781, in the West Indies.
In this summer the total reduction of West Florida was effected by the Spaniards, who persevered in recovering the possessions, formerly wrested from them. The combined fleets, after covering a debarkation at Minorca, towards the close of August, proceeded in triumph to the mouth of the British Channel, while Admiral Darby retired to Torbay. Discord and sickness were again the agents of heaven to counteract their menaces, and a kind Providence wafted home our commerce in safety, soon after those powerful enemies had each returned to his own ports.
The 5th of August exhibited a display of obstinate bravery not unworthy of former times, when the Empire of the Seas was so strenuously disputed by Great Britain and Holland. Two squadrons headed by Officers, who were animated by the same stern spirit, met on the Dogger Bank, each with a convoy under his protection. Having secured their safety, Admiral Parker bore down against his rival, Zoutman, who coolly awaited his approach until he reached the good old measure for deciding their Country's differences and prowess.
After a close conflict of three hours and a half, the Dutch resigned the palm by bearing up for the Texel. Captain Campbell of Marines, in the Berwick, and Lieut. Stewart of the same ship,
besides Lieut. Cuthbert of the Dolphin, were the Officers that fall under my review of casualties in wounded on that occasion.
The sinking of one of their 74's after the action, the safe return of a valuable and important fleet into our ports, while that of the enemy flew for shelter into their own, were the consequent fruits, and must be undisputed evidences of victory.
During this unfortunate war, the similarity of language and of manners, had introduced into the bosom of our Country many an American Incendiary, who, without suspicion, were either the immediate Emissaries or maintained a correspondence with those of France. Inviolable secrecy must ever be the life of foreign expeditions, but it unhappily did not exist at this era, and more particularly in that which was set on foot against the Dutch Settlement at the Cape of Good Hope.
This was undertaken under the joint auspices of Commodore Johnstone and General Meadowes, who departed from England on the 13th of March, and reached Port Praya Bay, in St. Jago, one of the Cape de Verd islands, on the 10th of April.
During war there ought never be too confident a security. Vigilance and alertness are the essence of discipline, and they never should be relinquished even within the bosom of a friendly country. A surprize can find no palliation.
Anchored in a scattered form, which a little time could not entirely remedy, our squadron was unexpectedly assailed by Admiral Suffrein, one of the few of his countrymen who met Englishmen on their favourite plan of close fighting, and whom the early intelligence of his court had detached with a force sufficient to counteract the schemes of our Cabinet. After a most spirited attack which strongly attested his enterprise and courage, he was repulsed by British valour, and his ships so much shattered as to hold out to the Commodore the prospect of an ultimate triumph.
The enemy were afterwards chaced, but more imperious and future views put an end to the pursuit. That good and gallant Officer Capt. now Sir Thomas Pasley, of the Jupiter, Capt. Alms, of the Monmouth, and Captain Hawker, of the Hero, were particularly noticed by their Chief, for their conduct through the day. Great and animated were the exertions of some of the East Indiamen, and the steady countenance of Capt. Jenkinson and his detachment of the 98th Regiment, in repelling the enemy's boarders from the Fortitude, attracted much deserved praise. Suffrein having anticipated Commodore Johnstone, in reaching the Cape, threw into the garrison every necessary supply, which precluded all hopes of succeeding against it, and changed the future plan of the expedition. Having received notice of five Dutch East Indiamen being in Saldahna Bay, forty miles north from the Cape, the squadron shaped its course thither, and made prizes of four, the other having been set on fire. This was a deep cut upon our avaricious foe. The French Admiral went on to India, and General Meadows proceeded under a proper escort to the same quarter, while the Commodore returned to England.
Notwithstanding the diminished territories of France in the East, still the zeal and ability of her Agents, well versed in intrigue, had the address, not only to reconcile the existing contentions between Hyder Ally and the Mahrattas, but to direct their united power against our wide possessions in that part of the world.
These were to be supported by promised aids from Bourbon and the Mauritius, as well as auxiliaries from many of the petty Princes of Hindostan, who eagerly acceded to the coalition.
The apathy of the Presidency at Madras, at this momentous crisis, was highly criminal. No steps were taken to concentrate their troops, although they were long apprised of Hyder's views, who, like a torrent, came down from the mountains and entered the Carnatic with an army of 100,000 men. Sir Hector Monro, at last, took the field against this host, and having raised the siege of Arcot, fixed his post at Conjeverane, where he awaited his expected reinforcements from the Tanjore Country in the South, and those from the Guntaz Circar in the North. This being merely introductory matter to future discussion, in which my corps was called forth, my detail of these movements must be concise.
The world well knows the sad disaster of Colonel Baillie's detachment from the latter Country, in which was also involved that of Colonel Fletcher from the Main Army, after having exhibited the most extraordinary feats of European valour. From unaccountable causes, no effort, worthy of the occasion, was made to alienate the doom of those brave, but unfortunate men. The immediate consequences were the retreat of General Monro to the Mount, and the Carnatic being overrun by Hyder and his savage legions. Rapid were his successes, and Madras itself anticipated the horrors of a siege from this relentless invader.
The energies of the Council of Bengal were patriotically great under these perilous events. Casting an eye towards that distinguished Veteran, Sir Eyre Coote, he was with one general voice called forth to retrieve these calamities. He accordingly embarked from Calcutta, with a force, while some seapoy battalions marched from Bengal to the Carnatic. General Goddard was directed to transport a detachment from his army acting against the Mahrattas, and Sir Edward Hughes, with his fleet, was solicited to block up the ports of Hyder, on the coast of Malabar. The Government of Bombay was likewise ordered to alarm his dominions.
Sir Eyre Coote quickly restored its wonted lustre to the British arms by a series of brilliant efforts, during 1781, that enabled him, after the destruction of Hyder's naval force at Calicut and Mangalore, by Sir Edward Hughes, to send an adequate detachment for the reduction of Negapatam, which was committed to Sir Hector Monro, who assumed the command of the troops in the Tanjore Country, and who was enjoined to co-operate in the attempt with
Admiral Hughes and his squadron. Hyder Ally had placed a strong garrison in the Fort and occupied many strong holds within that Province and on its borders.
Preparatory for this object a number of the Company's troops reached Nagore on the 21st of October, which were soon headed by General Monro, who landed from the Superbe. Sir Edward Hughes disembarked his Marines, consisting of 443, on the same day, and a battalion of 827 seamen upon the 22d. The looked for shift of the Monsoon, and lateness of the season prompted the most active measures. Owing to a heavy surf the cannon and all necessary implements were conveyed by rafts to the shore, in which the zeal of our Sailors, under the superintendance of Captain Ball, was most praiseworthy.
The enemy having thrown up strong lines flanked by redoubts, to defend the approaches to Negapatam, they were stormed and carried on the night of the 29th; much of the success and glory of which very justly attached to the Seamen and Marines, whose intrepidity was never more conspicuous. They also evinced an unrelaxed zeal in prosecuting the necessary works of labour. During the siege two sorties were attempted by the garrison, which originally consisted of 8000 men, but in each they were quickly repulsed. After a severe and well-aimed fire, from the 3d to the 12th of November, the Dutch proposed terms which were accepted.
During the whole course of this fatiguing service, 17 Seamen fell, and 27 were wounded, and the detail of Marines was 13 killed, and 29 casualties, most of whom died; besides a number of both who became victims to sudden cramps, the effects of hard duty amidst the rains.
The happy results of this conquest were the immediate evacuation of every post in the Tanjore by Hyder's troops, and the return to allegiance of all those petty Princes who had been seduced, by him, from their obedience to the Nabob of the Carnatic.
On the 25th of October the Seamen and Marines were re-embarked; when, following up his farther plans, the Admiral set sail for Trincomale upon the 2d of December, where he arrived the 4th.
Early in the succeeding morning the Marines, to whom two field pieces were attached, were again put on shore, and they were soon joined by a body of Seamen, who, with some Seapoy pioneers, instantly formed and marched towards the fort of Trincomale. While its Governor was employed in framing terms of capitulation, Lieut. Samuel Orr, at the head of the Marine Grenadier Company, intrepidly rushed through the gateway, and saved him the trouble of such a discussion--taking prisoners three Officers and 40 men. This bold exploit led to the most important consequences, as the fort commanded, with 10 pieces of cannon, the only place where the requisite stores could be landed for the Army. The enemy's defences now became limited to Fort Ostenburgh, situated on the top of a hill which swept the harbour, and on the summit of another above it, where there was posted an Officer's guard. From this they were driven by a detachment of Seamen and Marines, who in every essay were entrusted to execute those hazardous and honorable duties. A summons was then tendered to the Governor, whose reply was firm. Finding that he was not to be intimidated by threats, a general storm was planned and executed on the 11th by 450 Seamen and Marines, who, in column, and their flanks covered by pioneers, followed by 20 Sailors with scaling ladders, and supported by a reserve of six companies of both descriptions, advanced against the fort early on the morning of that day. These were farther strengthened by some native troops in the rear.
A Serjeant's party of Marines, in front of the whole, most promptly got into the embrasures, unperceived by the enemy, who, being seconded with much alacrity, the Dutch were finally driven from their works, the fort gained, and with it all the ships in the harbour. Much do I regret in not being able to give the name of this gallant Serjeant, who seemed to have combined talents with spirit. To commemorate the worthy deeds of the meanest Soldier, is a tribute justly due to him. The extensive observance of it would tend to rouse emulation, and the jealous pride of character. He who knows that he stands on the page of record, will be loth to forfeit so honorable a distinction. It is a conscious dignity which will accompany him into society, when his Country no longer wants his services; would diffuse its loyal influence amongst the private walks of life and reanimate the possessor to become a ready Volunteer under every public emergency. If disabled by years, he may, perhaps, have an offspring, whom he cheerfully sends forth to battle, not the obdurate and callous victims to injured laws, not the mercenary and wretched auxiliaries of necessitous expedient, but the manly and independent assertors of Britain's rights and freedom. In resigned confidence, most willingly would he entrust their destinies to a corps, where courage and conduct never remain unnoticed, and are neither forgotten or pass away without recompence.
Fort Ostenburgh was not gained, however, without a contest and loss; Lieutenant Long, who commanded a company of Seamen, was slain, besides 20 non-commissioned and private Sailors and Marines; Lieutenant Wolseley of the Royal Navy, and Lieutenant Orr, of the Marine Grenadier Company, who officiated as Brigade Major with much credit to himself throughout this service, were wounded, as well as 40 of both descriptions. Humanity, the brightest gem in the cap of a Soldier, became the property of each assaulter; who, when resistance ceased, spared, in every instance, his suppliant foe. Thus, were our unnatural enemies expelled from the coast of Coromandel. Unanimity, the sure presage of success, was early apparent, and uniformly prevailed.
I cannot yield a higher testimony, as to the merits of my Corps, than that which was bestowed by Sir Edward Hughes, in these words: "The whole of the Officers, who have been landed from the squadron for the attack of Negapatam, and this place, (Trincomale), have, on all occasions, manifested much honour, courage, and good conduct, and the private Seamen and Marines have acted with great steadiness and bravery." Major Geils, of the East India Company's Engineers, evinced great professional knowledge in his department.
After a most active campaign to the southward, during the progress of which Earl Cornwallis appeared in his wonted attitudes of a great and zealous Officer, the affairs of America were much on the decline, and it was not from their own energies alone they could now hope for that independence which had been their sanguine avowal, and the summit of all their aims. Every military resource began to fail in the summer of 1781, and it was only by one bold effort, or an instantaneous appeal for foreign aid, that their desponding troops could be longer kept together, or their expiring prospects be rekindled.
At this awful period the genius of Washington was exerted as a Politician as well as a General. Mons. Barras had arrived at Rhode Island to assume the command of the French squadron there, whither the Rebel Chief hastened to impart the secrets of his anxious heart. In a conference with General Rochambeau a joint attack upon New York was designed; for which future purpose, Washington in a formal demand urged the immediate completion of every battalion in his Army, as well as a strong levy from New England. The bearer of these dispatches, with all his papers, fell into the hands of the British, under Sir H. Clinton, who considered it his duty to prepare against the meditated blow. Orders were accordingly transmitted to Earl Cornwallis to detach from his Army in Virginia, when mutual discussions betwixt those distinguished Commanders ensued, upon which I feel no authority to enlarge, that finally limited his Lordship to the defence of York Town and Gloucester, in the River Chesapeak, upon the 22d of August.
The French and American Armies united at the close of June, but they could attempt nothing against the formidable position occupied by General Clinton, at Kingsbridge, or could they strike at any other quarter without the support of a superior fleet. After a tedious suspence, news reached them of the approach of Admiral De Grasse, who intimated his intention of entering the Chesapeak. After having indicated views upon New York, the combined force suddenly struck across the Jerseys, in order to co-operate and level all their power against the defenceless posts of York Town and Gloucester.
Sir Samuel Hood reached Sandy Hook on the 28th of August, when the command devolving upon Rear Admiral Greaves, he put to sea on the 31st with 19 sail of the line, the day after De Grasse had anchored in the Chesapeak with 28. The French Admiral immediately commenced the blockade of York River, having detached four of these to carry on different services in James River, and with the rest bringing up in Lynn-haven-bay.
The British fleet got sight of the Capes of Virginia on the morning of the 5th of September, and in a few hours observed the French working out in a very confused manner, forming their line as they best could, after clearing Cape Henry. Sir Samuel Hood then led the van with his division, whose acute eye, noticing the moment of striking a decisive blow, he resolved to seize the occasion by soliciting his second, Captain Reynolds (the present Lord Ducie) in the Monarch, to lead him down within point blank shot of the scattered enemy. To this order Capt. Reynolds's reply was, "That I will, Sir Samuel, with a most sincere pleasure." In an instant his ship obeyed the summons, and was advancing with hasty strides to victory, but her signal was made to haul the wind, and to resume her station in the line. An action afterwards commenced, in no respect worthy of notice, but that of rendering the gallantry of Captains Robinson and Molloy, of the Shrewsbury and Intrepid, very highly conspicuous.
This was followed by the return of each fleet to the anchorage it had left. De Grasse preferred the emancipation of America, to a precarious combat on the sea.
Sir Henry Clinton attempted a diversion in Connecticut, but nothing could attract General Washington from his main object. United to Rochambeau they pushed on to the head of Elk River, where their troops were received on board of French transports, and soon joined those at Williamsburgh under Generals La Fayette and St. Simon.
Moving forward to York Town, Earl Cornwallis withdrew within its works on the 29th of September, with the resolve of preserving it, until relieved by promised succours from the northward. Some parties of Marines, from frigates in the river, were incorporated with his garrison, of whom his Lordship was pleased to make honourable mention in the public details of his persevering defence. Speaking of a redoubt which was advanced over a creek upon the right of the British Lines, he says, that it was maintained against the fire of several batteries, with uncommon gallantry, by about 120 men of the 23d Regiment and Marines. This body, under the command of Captain Apthorpe, and subsequently strengthened by detachments under Lieutenant Colonel Johnstone, received his Lordship's most grateful encomiums at the unfortunate close of all their operations. The post at Gloucester fell with that of York Town, whose garrison met with those soothing attentions and sympathy, which a brave enemy ever extends to a worthy opponent.
Admiral Kempenfelt, in December, achieved the capture of some transports and store ships, protected by a very superior force, which demonstrated that his great nautical abilities were not confined to theory alone. His exploit, in sight of De Guichen, with nearly double his own strength, was much enhanced, when we remember that it occurred in days too barren of such examples.
Some brilliant single actions, at sea, occurred during the year, amongst the foremost of which was that fought between the Nonsuch, of 64, Sir James Wallace, and a French 80 gun ship. After a loss of 90 Seamen and Marines killed and wounded, Sir James could not follow his flying foe. Lieutenant Fowke, of Marines, a most promising Officer, was killed in the Pearl, Captain Montague, in an action which terminated in the capture of L'Esperance Letter of Marque, on the coast of America. (Taken from Chapter 35 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1781. January. Warwick
took Rotterdam.
1781. Thursday 4th
January. Courageux and Alexander took Minerve.
1781. Tuesday 23rd
January. HMS Culloden lost on Long Island.
1781. Sunday 29th January.
Wilmington surrendered to the Blonde and consorts.
1781. Saturday 3rd February. On the arrival of admiral sir George Rodney in the West Indies from New York, he received information of the commencement of hostilities against the Dutch, and therefore determined on attacking their West India possessions. On the 3rd of February the admiral, accompanied by a considerable military force under major-general Vaughan, appeared before the island of St. Eustatius, and having summoned the governor, the colony surrendered, as did the small islands of St. Martin and Saba; but these possessions were soon recovered by a division of french troops from Martinique, when 68 pieces of cannon, and the garrison, composed of 670 men under lieutenant-colonel Cockburn, fell into the enemy's hands. While sir George Rodney was at St. Eustatius, he learned the approach of the fleet under the comte de Grasse, and immediately despatched sir Samuel Hood and rear-admiral Drake to windward with eighteen sail of the line, to intercept the enemy's fleet before they could form a junction with their squadron at Martinique. The british fleet proceeded off Fort Royal bay, and continued to cruise there until the 28th, when the approach of the French was announced by the advanced ships.
A general chase was immediately ordered in line of battle a-head, and the pursuit continued during the night. On the following day the french squadron came out from Fort Royal bay, and formed a junction with comte de Grasse, making their force twenty-four ships of the line, whilst our fleet was only eighteen; nevertheless, they avoided a close engagement. The van and some of the centre of the British were enabled to bring the enemy to action, but the attacking ships were exposed to very superior numbers of the enemy, and consequently sustained much damage. The Fuissell had suffered so severely, that she was obliged to bear away for St. Eustatius to refit; and the Shrewsbury, Centaur, Torbay, and Intrepid, were also much cut up.
The next day sir Samuel Hood endeavoured again to bring the enemy to action, but the comte de Grasse withdrew his ships, and returned to Martinique. In the month of May the French made an attempt to reduce the island of St. Lucia, a division of 2000 troops, under the marquis de Bouille, having effected a landing without opposition. On the following morning they attacked Pigeon Island, which was bravely defended by its little garrison, consisting of a company of the 87th regiment under captain Campbell, and some seamen under lieutenant Ralph Miller of the navy, who resisted the summons of the french general, and resolved to defend their post to the last extremity. The fortunate arrival of the Thetis, Santa Monica, Sybille, and Scourge, off the Carenage, contributed greatly to the preservation of the island, by landing the marines and a party of seamen, who were stationed in the batteries of the Vigie, whilst another detachment went to the assistance of the troops posted on Morne Fortunee.
On the 12th the comte de Grasse anchored in Gros-islet bay with twenty-five sail of the line, and several frigates; but the fire from the batteries on Pigeon Island had so severely damaged seven of his line of battle ships, that the french fleet put to sea, and after anchoring in the bay of Trou Gascon, they re-embarked the troops, and returned to Fort Royal, Martinique.
On the 2nd of September rear-admiral Graves, with nineteen sail of the line, discovered the french fleet under comte de Grasse lying anchored in Lynhaven bay, in the Chesapeake, consisting of twenty-four ships of the line, which got under weigh on perceiving the British. As the fleets neared each other, the British wore round and brought themselves parallel with their opponents; and at 4 p. m. the firing commenced in the rear and centre and continued until dark. The rear-admiral kept close to the enemy during the night, intending to renew the contest in the morning; but finding that several of his ships were much disabled, he was compelled to relinquish the idea. The fleets continued in sight of each other for the space of five days; but the French, who had the weather-gage, showed no disposition to close, and the british admiral, from the crippled state of his ships, had no opportunity to resume the offensive. On the 10th of the month the comte de Grasse bore away for the Chesapeake, and on the following day anchored within the Capes.
The following is a statement of the killed and wounded, showing the officers of marines: — Resolution, 74 guns, 3 killed, 16 wounded. First-lieutenant William Patten, second-lieutenant William Daws. Bedford, 74 guns, 8 killed, 14 wounded. Captain David Cuming, first-lieutenant George Vinter. London, 98 guns, 4 killed, 18 wounded. Second-lieutenant Ralph Clark, second-lieutenant Charles Reynolds. Royal Oak, 74 guns, 4 killed, 5 wounded. Captain Wm. Bird, lieutenant Thomas Thomas. Montagu, 74 guns, 8 killed, 22 wounded. Second-lieutenant William Buchan, second-lieutenant James Breedon. Europe, 64 guns, 9 killed, 18 wounded. Captain Alexander Macdonald, first-lieutenant Hugh Mitchell, second-lieutenant William Minto. Terrible, 74 guns, 4 killed, 21 wounded. First-lieutenant Carlton Atkinson, second-lieutenant Charles Hogan. Ajax, 74 guns, 7 killed, 16 wounded. Captain Henry Tantum, first-lieutenant Charles Green, second-lieutenant Richard J. Squire. Princessa, 70 guns, 6 killed, 11 wounded. Captain William Foster, second-lieutenant Randal Myers, second-lieutenant Samuel Laban.
Alcide, 74 guns, 2 killed, 18 wounded. Captain Randal Macdonald, first-lieutenant William Ramsay, second-lieutenant James Gower.
Intrepid, 64 guns, 11 killed, 35 wounded. Captain William Fleming, first-lieutenant David Pryor, second-lieutenant William Home.
Shrewsbury, 74 guns, 14 killed, 52 wounded; second-lieutenant John Waters, second-lieutenant John King.
Total— 90 killed, and 246 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1781. HMS Monarch took
Mars and Dutch convoy.
1781. March. Cerberus
took Grana.
1781. Thursday 16th
March. Arbuthnot engaged de Terney.
1781. Monday 16th
April. Johnstone attacked by Suffren in Porto Praya Bay.
1781. Friday 20th
April. Resource re-took Unicorn.
1781. Sunday 29th
April. Hood engaged De Grasse off Martinique.
1781. Wednesday 2nd
May. Canada took Santa Leocadia.
1781. Tuesday 8th May.
Mentor and Port Royal captured by the Spaniards.
1781. Monday 14th May.
Nonsuch, 64, engaged Actif, 74.
1781. Wednesday 23rd
May. Sir George Rodney, having assumed the command, reached Barbadoes where he
learned of the attack upon the island. Lieutenant Johnstone of Marines was sent
in an Advice Boat in order to gain intelligence, and other information of a
secret nature. His ability and zeal fully qualified him for the task, but
nothing could avert its surrender, after two fruitless attempts to relieve it.
This may be said to have ended the campaign of 1781, in the West Indies.
1781. Monday 28th May.
Atalanta and Trepassey taken by American frigate USS Alliance.
1781. Wednesday 30th
May. Crescent taken by Brielle, but re-taken by Flora.
1781. Wednesday 30th
May. Flora took Castor.
1781. Wednesday 20th
June. Castor and Crescent taken by the Dutch.
1781. Monday 16th July.
Charleston, Allegiance, and Vulture engaged Astree and Hermione.
1781. Sunday 5th August. Shortly after the commencement of hostilities with Holland, the Dutch fitted out a squadron under rear-admiral Zoutman, consisting of one ship of 74 guns, one of 68, one of 64, two of 54, one of 50, one of 44, five of 36, one of 40, and two of 24 guns, for the protection of their trade in the Baltic. They were proceeding to the northward with a convoy under their protection, and when near the Dogger-bank, on the 5th of August, they fell in with the british squadron of seven ships of the line and six frigates, under vice-admiral Parker, who had likewise a large fleet of merchant vessels under convoy. The Tamar frigate was directed to proceed with the trade, and the british squadron made sail in chase of the enemy. Rear-admiral Zoutman formed his ships in order of battle on the larboard tack, under easy sail, whilst the convoy lay a very little way to leeward; and the dutch squadron thus resolutely awaited the attack, not firing a gun until their opponents were fairly alongside.
The morning was perfectly clear, with a slight breeze from the N. E., as the British bore down to the attack; and at about 8 a.m., when within pistol shot, hauled their wind together, and the action became general, After the battle had lasted three hours and forty minutes, the Dutch bore away to the southward, leaving their opponents in such a disabled condition as to be incapable of pursuit, with a loss of 104 men killed, and 339 wounded.
From the best accounts that could be obtained, the Dutch had 142 men killed and 400 wounded. The Hollandia, of 68 guns, was so much shattered, that she sank on the same night.
British squadron on the 5th of September 1781, showing the names of the officers of marines — Fortitude, 74 guns, vice-admiral H. Parker, captain George Robertson, 20 killed, 67 wounded. Captain Francis Loighlin, second-lieutenants Charles B. Mosley, and William Thomas Chaters.
Princess Amelia, 80 guns, captain J. Macartney, 19 killed, 56 wounded. Captain Alexander Malcolmbe, lieutenant Thomas Thompson.
Berwick, 74 guns, captain J. Ferguson, 18 killed, 58 wounded. Captain Duncan Campbell (wounded), lieutenant Hugh Stuart (wounded), second-lieutenant Samuel Brown.
Bienfaisant, 64 guns, capt. H. Braithwaite, 6 killed, 21 wounded. Captain Josiah Ellicott, second-lieutenants James St. Clair, and George P. Ellicott.
Buffalo, 60 guns, captain W. Truscott, 20 killed, 64 wounded. Captain George Ormsby, second-lieutenant P. Stapleton.
Preston, 50 guns, captain A. Graeme, 10 killed, 40 wounded. Captain William Sharp, lieutenant John Kennedy.
Dolphin, 44 guns, captain W. Blair, 11 killed, 33 wounded. Lieutenant Cuthbert (wounded).
Total— 104 killed, and 339 wounded.
With six frigates and six smaller vessels, mounting altogether 716 guns; whilst the total of guns mounted on board the dutch squadron amounted to 670.
An expedition against the dutch possessions at the Cape of Good Hope, under the orders of commodore Johnstone, consisting of two ships of the line, three of 50 guns, three frigates, and two sloops, with several Indiamen and transports conveying between 2 and 3000 troops, sailed from St. Helen's on the 13th of March, and arrived in Port Praya bay, St. Jago, on the 10th of April. Whilst lying there, in the security of a neutral port, they were attacked by a french squadron, under M. de Suffren, of five sail of the line, several frigates, with transports, having on board a number of troops and a formidable train of artillery. When this armament made its appearance, a considerable portion of the british crews were on shore, watering and embarking stock; but the commodore, on perceiving the designs of the enemy, called everybody on board, and made the signal to unmoor and prepare for action. M. de Suffren, seeing the confused state of the british squadron, left his convoy in the offing, immediately entered the bay with his five ships of the line, and firing at the Isis as they passed her, three of the enemy brought up in favourable positions to engage the Monmouth and Hero; whilst the other two ships kept under weigh, firing at every ship as they passed. The action was maintained with so much spirit by the British, that they were soon enabled to make the enemy repent their treaeherous attack, and to withdraw from the contest in a disabled state, pursued by the english squadron, whose total loss in this gallant defence was only 43 killed, and 130 wounded.
M. de Suffren proceeded on to the Cape, where he arrived on the 25th of June, and after landing 500 men to reinforce the garrison, bent his course for the East Indies. Commodore Johnstone, finding that an attempt on the Cape was rendered impracticable, conducted his fleet to Saldanha bay, where he captured four dutch Indiamen; and having accompanied the vessels destined for the East Indies to a certain degree of longitude, general Meadows proceeded on to India with a proper escort, and the commodore returned to England.
In October an attack was made upon Negapatam by 3200 Company's troops, under the command of major-general sir Hector Munro, K.B., assisted by the squadron of five ships of the line under vice-admiral sir Edward Hughes. On the 21st the marines disembarked from the ships, amounting to 443 men, officers included; and immediately joined the army at Nagore, on the sea coast. On the following day 800 seamen, under captains Mackenzie, M'Coy, and H. Reynolds, were also put under the orders of sir Hector Munro, and the artillery, with stores necessary for the siege, were with much difficulty landed through the surf.
The general, having invested the place in the best manner his scanty force would admit, determined on an assault; and on the 29th of October the strong lines which the enemy had thrown up were stormed and carried by the steady and distinguished bravery of our troops. On the 3rd of November the approaches were commenced, and on the 7th a battery of 10 eighteen-pounders was ready to open. During the course of the siege the enemy made two desperate sallies with the greater part of the garrison, but they were beaten back with much loss. On the 10th the batteries opened with so much effect upon the bastion, in which a breach was to be made, that the enemy proposed to capitulate, and on the 1 1 th of November both town and citadel were taken possession of by the british troops. The garrison consisted of 8000 men, but of these only 500 were Europeans; and about 2000 were the troops of Hyder Ali, who fled on the first charge made on the enemy's lines.
The loss sustained by the British during the siege of Negapatam was 28 killed, and about 1 00 wounded. The marines and seamen were re-embarked on the 24th, and on the 25th of Oc- tober the squadron prepared for an attack of the dutch settlement of Trincomale, which however did not take place until the following year.
A severe action was fought by the Nonsuch of 64 guns, captain sir James Wallace, near the English Channel, on the 14th of May, with the french 74-gun ship Actif. The Nonsuch had chased from the squadron of vice-admiral Darby and brought the enemy's ship to action at lOh. 30m. p.m., and after engaging an hour and a half close alongside, the enemy made off, pursued by her antagonist. At 5 a.m. on the 15th the Nonsuch renewed the action, which continued until the british ship was so much disabled, that the Actif made her escape. The Nonsuch had 26 men killed, and 64 wounded; and the french ship 15 killed, and 38 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1781. August.
Southampton engaged Surveillante.
1781. Wednesday 1st
August. Pelican lost off Morant Keys.
1781. Sunday 5th August. Shortly after the commencement of hostilities with Holland, the Dutch fitted out a squadron under rear-admiral Zoutman, consisting of one ship of 74 guns, one of 68, one of 64, two of 54, one of 50, one of 44, five of 36, one of 40, and two of 24 guns, for the protection of their trade in the Baltic. They were proceeding to the northward with a convoy under their protection, and when near the Dogger-bank, on the 5th of August, they fell in with the british squadron of seven ships of the line and six frigates, under vice-admiral Parker, who had likewise a large fleet of merchant vessels under convoy. The Tamar frigate was directed to proceed with the trade, and the british squadron made sail in chase of the enemy. Rear-admiral Zoutman formed his ships in order of battle on the larboard tack, under easy sail, whilst the convoy lay a very little way to leeward; and the dutch squadron thus resolutely awaited the attack, not firing a gun until their opponents were fairly alongside.
The morning was perfectly clear, with a slight breeze from the N. E., as the British bore down to the attack; and at about 8 a.m., when within pistol shot, hauled their wind together, and the action became general, After the battle had lasted three hours and forty minutes, the Dutch bore away to the southward, leaving their opponents in such a disabled condition as to be incapable of pursuit, with a loss of 104 men killed, and 339 wounded.
From the best accounts that could be obtained, the Dutch had 142 men killed and 400 wounded. The Hollandia, of 68 guns, was so much shattered, that she sank on the same night. British squadron on the 5th of September 1781, showing the names of the officers of marines — Fortitude, 74 guns, vice-admiral H. Parker, captain George Robertson, 20 killed, 67 wounded. Captain Francis Loighlin, second-lieutenants Charles B. Mosley, and William Thomas Chaters.
Princess Amelia, 80 guns, captain J. Macartney, 19 killed, 56 wounded. Captain Alexander Malcolmbe, lieutenant Thomas Thompson.
Berwick, 74 guns, captain J. Ferguson, 18 killed, 58 wounded. Captain Duncan Campbell (wounded), lieutenant Hugh Stuart (wounded), second-lieutenant Samuel Brown.
Bienfaisant, 64 guns, capt. H. Braithwaite, 6 killed, 21 wounded. Captain Josiah Ellicott, second-lieutenants James St. Clair, and George P. Ellicott.
Buffalo, 60 guns, captain W. Truscott, 20 killed, 64 wounded. Captain George Ormsby, second-lieutenant P. Stapleton.
Preston, 50 guns, captain A. Graeme, 10 killed, 40 wounded. Captain William Sharp, lieutenant John Kennedy.
Dolphin, 44 guns, captain W. Blair, 11 killed, 33 wounded. Lieutenant Cuthbert (wounded).
Total— 104 killed, and 339 wounded.
With six frigates and six smaller vessels, mounting altogether 716 guns; whilst the total of guns mounted on board the dutch squadron amounted to 670.
An expedition against the dutch possessions at the Cape of Good Hope, under the orders of commodore Johnstone, consisting of two ships of the line, three of 50 guns, three frigates, and two sloops, with several Indiamen and transports conveying between 2 and 3000 troops, sailed from St. Helen's on the 13th of March, and arrived in Port Praya bay, St. Jago, on the 10th of April. Whilst lying there, in the security of a neutral port, they were attacked by a french squadron, under M. de Suffren, of five sail of the line, several frigates, with transports, having on board a number of troops and a formidable train of artillery. When this armament made its appearance, a considerable portion of the british crews were on shore, watering and embarking stock; but the commodore, on perceiving the designs of the enemy, called everybody on board, and made the signal to unmoor and prepare for action. M. de Suffren, seeing the confused state of the british squadron, left his convoy in the offing, immediately entered the bay with his five ships of the line, and firing at the Isis as they passed her, three of the enemy brought up in favourable positions to engage the Monmouth and Hero; whilst the other two ships kept under weigh, firing at every ship as they passed. The action was maintained with so much spirit by the British, that they were soon enabled to make the enemy repent their treaeherous attack, and to withdraw from the contest in a disabled state, pursued by the english squadron, whose total loss in this gallant defence was only 43 killed, and 130 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1781. Sunday 5th
August. Hyde Parker engaged Zoutman on the Dogger Bank. Marines were involved
in the only significant engagement of the war, when a small Dutch force won a
victory off Dogger Bank in the English Channel.
A letter of the engagement from H. Parker:
"Yesterday we fell in with the Dutch squadron, with a large convoy, on the
Dogger bank. I was happy to find I had the wind of them, as the great number of
their large frigates might otherwise have endangered my convoy. Having
separated the men of war from the merchant ships, and made the signal to the
last to keep their wind, I bore away with the general signal to chase. The
enemy formed their line, consisting of eight two decked ships; ours, including
the HMS Dolphin, consisting of seven. Not a gun was fired on either side until
within the distance of half musket shot, the Fortitude being then abreast of
the Dutch Admiral, the action began and continued with unceasing fire for three
hours and forty minutes, by this time our ships were unmanageable. I made an
effort to form the line, in order to renew the action, but found it
impracticable, the Bienfaisant had lost her fore topmast, and the HMS Buffalo
her fore yard, the rest of the ships were not less shattered in their masts,
rigging, and sails. The enemy appeared to be in as bad a condition; both
squadrons lay a considerable time near each other, when the Dutch with their
convoy bore away for Texel. We were not in a condition to follow them. His
Majesty's officers and men behaved with great bravery, nor did the enemy show
less gallantry. The Fortitude was extremely well seconded by Captain McCartney
in HMS Princess Amelia, but he was unfortunately killed early in the action,
Lieutenant Hill has great merit in so well supporting the conduct of his brave
Captain. As there was great probability of our coming into action again,
Captain MacBride very readily obliged me by taking command of that ship, and I
have appointed Mr. Waghorne, my first Lieutenant, to the command of HMS Artois.
This gentleman, although much hurt in the action, refused to leave my side
while it lasted. Captain Graeme, of HMS Preston has lost an arm. (In closed) I
transmit a list of the killed and wounded, and an account of the damage
sustained by the ships. "The enemy's force was, I believe, much superior
to what their Lordships apprehended; and I flatter myself they will be
satisfied that we have done all that was possible with ours. The frigates this
morning discovered one of the Dutch men of war sunk in twenty two fathoms
water, her top gallant masts were above the surface, which Captain Patton has
struck and brought to me on board. I believe she was the second ship of the
line of 74 guns."(Sic)
1781. Tuesday 7th
August. Medea took Belisarius.
1781. Thursday 9th
August. Isis took Trumbull.
1781. Friday 17th
August. George III. visited the fleet at the Nore.
1781. Sunday 19th
August - 4th February 1782. The defence of Fort St. Philip Minorca was
conducted by a small Corps of 430 Marines and Sailors when the Spanish blocked
the harbour.
Beatson’s M. & N. Memoirs: “A small Corps of Marines and Sailors belonging to such of His Majesty’s ships as chanced to be here when the Spaniards blocked up the harbour, were of great service during the siege, and being more accustomed to live on salted provisions, they kept their health much better than the other troops in the garrison.” (sic)
One of the charges against General Murray the Governor
of the Island, when called to account for Its loss, was that in order to make
out that he had a garrison weaker than it really was, he suppressed in his
report to the Secretary of State: “The mention of the Marines Corps, which
alone consisted of 430 fit for duty, with 125 Artillery men, besides Greeks,
Algerines and Corsicans.” Lieutenants Davis and Crew, 3 Sergeants and 54
Privates were killed in the defence, and Captain Harman and Lieutenant Hodges
were wounded. (sic)
1781. Sunday 26th
August. Richmond and Isis taken by the French.
1781. Wednesday 5th
September. Graves engaged De Grasse off the Chesapeake.
1781. Thursday 6th
September. Savage, 14, taken by Congress, 20.
1781. Chatham took
Magicienne.
1781. Saturday 6th October. Chatham Division. Conformable to the orders of 1758, the Orderly Sergeant is to bring all letters from the Post Office that are directed to the Officers of the Division. The C.O's letters to be carried to his quarters and the rest delivered to the Orderly Room, where they will be given to those who the officers choose to send for them, or otherwise delivered by the sergeants and corporals of the respective squads at the officers' quarters, with their orders.
1781. Friday 26th
October. Hannibal took Neckar.
1781. Monday 8th
October. The first reference to a Marine Band at Chatham (the 1st Grand Division)
although it is believed that a Fife Drum Band was formed there in 1773.
1781. Sunday 21st
October. 3,200 of the East India Company’s troops were at Nagore and Vice
Admiral Sir Edward Hughes landed the Marines of the squadron that was 443
strong. The next day 827 seamen along with two 24 pounders, twelve 18 pounders,
two12 pounders, two 10 inch and six 5-1/2 mortars. The Marines who, on landing
immediately joined the land forces, co-operated to the utmost, and during the
Siege of Negapatam, were unrivalled in their gallantry, as well as performing
most important services, in landing with the utmost difficulty and danger,
through the surf, guns and mortars for the batteries on shore.
1781. Monday 29th
October – 11th November. An attack was made upon Negapatam by 3200 troops,
under the Command of Major General Sir Hector Munro, K.B. assisted by a
squadron of five ships of the line under Vice Admiral Sir Edward Hughes. On the
Sunday 2lst October the Marines disembarked from the ships, amounting to 443 men,
including officers, and immediately joined the army at Nagore, on the sea
coast. On the following day 800 seamen, under Captains Mackenzie, and H.
Keynolds, were also placed under the orders of Sir Hector Munro, and the
artillery, with stores necessary for the siege, were with much difficulty
landed through the surf. The general, having invested the place in the best
manner his scanty force would admit, determined on an assault; and on the
Thursday 29th of October the strong lines which the enemy had thrown up were
stormed, and carried by the steady and distinguished bravery of our troops. On
Saturday 3rd November the approaches were commenced, and on the Wednesday 7th a
battery of 10 eighteen-pounders was ready to open fire. During the course of
the siege, the enemy made two desperate sallies with the greater part of the
garrison, but they were beaten back with great loss. On Saturday 10th the
batteries opened with so much effect upon the bastion, in which a breach was to
be made, that the enemy proposed to capitulate, and on the Sunday 11th November
both town and citadel were taken possession of by the British troops. The
garrison consisted of 8000 men, but of these only 600 were Europeans, and about
2000 were the troops of Hyder Ali, who fled on the first charge made on the
enemy's lines. The loss sustained by the British during the siege of Negapatam
was 28 killed, and about 100 wounded. The Marines and seamen were re-embarked
on board the ships and prepared for an attack of the Dutch settlement of Trincomale,
which did not take place until the following year.
1781. Admiral Hughes dispatched his Squadrons of Marines to support the East India troops during the capture of Negapatam.
1782. Twenty-one thousand three hundred and five Marines were voted for the year 1782.
Accounts were received in March of the fall of Minorca, after sustaining a siege which immortalized its defender, General Murray, and his brave garrison. It was scurvy alone that conquered it, which a body of Seamen, formed into a Marine Corps, withstood. Many were the honourable traits of patience and zeal shewn by the Soldiery of every description, through sufferings under disease and fatiguing duties. The Royal Artillery was, as usual, conspicuous for their courage and exertions.
The disasters of the last year, and a change of Administration, whose views and sentiments, as to the future conduct of the war, were very opposite to those of their predecessors, produced a suspension of every offensive attempt upon the American Continent.
The West Indies was doomed to become the theatre of our Naval efforts, and the scene on which to revive our drooping glory. Sir Samuel Hood commanded the English Fleet, in that quarter, after his return from America; but was opposed to De Grasse at the head of overpowering numbers. No example of our history can afford a brighter instance of daring enterprize, with practical science, than was evinced by the British Chief in attempting the relief of St. Kitts. Although it was not succeeded by fortunate events, still that does not shade its merit. His able plan of attacking an immense superiority at anchor in the road of Basseterre, was superseded by the French Admiral, who, decoyed by his able manœuvres, relinquished that advantage, which was quickly seized by his acute opponent.
In the different actions that followed, Captain, now Col.
Strickland, and Lieuts. Forster and Griffiths, of Marines, were wounded.
A want of troops placed not within Sir Samuel's power to raise the siege of Brimstone Hill, which held out as long as possible, but at last capitulated on honourable terms.
My bounds will not allow me to extend these details, in which the Marine Corps bore always a zealous, though a subordinate share.
Rear-Admiral Hood soon after joined Sir George Rodney, who brought out a powerful reinforcement of ships, that was most judiciously augmented by the single arrivals of others; by which method the West India Fleet became superior to the enemy, without their being apprised of it.
A train of success had elated De Grasse, who, with a mighty force, put to sea from Martinique on the 8th of April, in the certain confidence of adding Jamaica to his other conquests. The British Fleet soon followed him, and a partial affair took place on the 9th; when an opportunity was lost by the French, of making a serious impression on the English van, under Sir Samuel Hood, unsupported by the centre and rear, from a casual failure of wind, under the island of Dominique.
Little hope of bringing the enemy to a decisive battle continued from that day, until the 11th, when a general chace was directed against two ships, whose recent damages had forced to leeward of their fleet and exposed them to capture. Observing their danger, De Grasse, who might have weathered Guadaloupe, sacrificing that object, bore up to save them.
The Zelé falling on board the Ville de Paris during the night, by which she lost her main-mast, was chaced in the morning by the Monarch, to support which ship the French Admiral hazarded all, with his united force. Captain Reynolds was then recalled to his station in the line, and the conflict began at seven, on the 12th of April. That glorious day, with its important consequences, at so critical a period of our history, must be recognized by the latest posterity. To particularize any belongs not to me on so great an occasion, where all were entitled to praise. The high talents of Sir Charles Douglas afforded his gallant superior much useful aid through the day.
De Grasse being carried a captive to that island which he had but a little while ago viewed the certain spot of his triumphs as a conqueror, is an impressive example of the vicissitudes of fortune.
He had the mortification to witness those grateful effusions of its natives, poured forth to their saviours, which, under different circumstances, would have been offered to him under the constrained forms of political adulation.
In this long-contested action four Captains of Marines were wounded, but only two were named in the public dispatch Bell and Bagg. Lieut. Mounier was killed, and the Subalterns Breedon, Buchan, Harris, and Laban were wounded.
Respecting Lieut. Mounier, of the Torbay, I am led to notice the following anecdote, as having been narrated to me by Lieut. Collins of that ship. In the morning, after the two hostile fleets had formed the line and were approaching each other, Mounier, whose spirit in single combat had previously been fatally experienced by his antagonist, expressed a sensation of an immediate change in his destiny. Under this impression he requested Lieut. Collins to play a game at picquet to divert the time, until they opened fire. This they continued to do, when each went to his respective station. The sad presentiment was soon realized to poor Mounier, who was early in the battle cut in two, and the greater part of his remains were scattered on the sea.
Sir Edward Hughes encountered, in four different actions, Monsieur Suffrein, one of the bravest Officers in the Naval service of France. Possessing, in each, a great advantage in numbers, the utmost height of valour, but productive of no immediate effects, was exhibited in all by the British Fleet. The French Admiral shewed himself worthy of the trust confided in him by his Sovereign.
In one of these battles, fought on the 12th of April, the Monmouth, Captain Alms, suffered extremely, and was particularly distinguished. All the Marines on her poop were either killed or wounded, excepting Captain Pearce and Lieut. Mounier, who nobly volunteered to assist in fighting her guns on the main deck, after they had lost all the brave men under their own command.
The discomfiture of the combined armaments before Gibraltar in September of this year, must ever stand as a memorable event upon our annals. Humanity and victory walked hand in hand, and, as usual, adorned the national character, on that grand occasion. The long-tried valour of General Elliot, and the spirited services of Sir Roger Curtis, with those under their controul, were sealed and consummated by deeds of mercy, which will never be forgotten by our enemies. That fortress was soon after relieved by Lord Howe, under circumstances most honourable to his Lordship, the Officers, Seamen, and Marines who seconded him.
In every incidental combat at sea, during the currency of 1782, our wonted prowess was at all times conspicuous. The short, but well-contested fight of Captain Jervis (now Earl St. Vincent) in the Foudroyant, with Le Pegase, afforded a powerful evidence how much success is dependent on seamanship and discipline. While a dreadful carnage was the Frenchman's lot, the English loss was confined to a few slightly wounded, among whom was numbered her Commander, whose professional address obtained a bloodless victory.
The names of Pole, Luttrell, and Salter, were destined to be conspicuous, and their encomiums transcended to Lieuts. Pownol and Rankine, of my Corps, for their steady co-operation and bravery in the Success and Mediator.
The year closed with negociations for a general peace, the provisionary articles of which were mutually signed at Paris by Commissioners from Britain and America, on the 22d of November.
These were soon after followed by the exchange of preliminary articles with France and Spain, on the 20th of January 1783. (Taken from Chapter 36 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1782. Friday 11th
January. The Capture of Trincomale. After the capture of Negapatam, the
tempestuous state of the weather retarded the intended departure of the
squadron of Sir Edward Hughes to attack the Dutch settlement of Trincomale, on
the island of Ceylon, but the squadron having embarked 30 Artillery men, and
600 volunteer Sepoys, put to sea on the Thursday 3rd January from the roads of
Negapatam, and arrived in the bay of Trincomale on the 4th. Early in the
morning the Marines, with 2 six-pounders, were landed, and soon afterwards 800
seamen were disembarked, followed by the Sepoys; and before it became dark, the
whole force pushed forward towards TrincomaIe fort. On the same night the
Grenadier companies of the Marines, led by Lieutenant Orr, made themselves
masters of the fort, by forcing an entry through the gateway at the moment the
governor was preparing terms of capitulation. The garrison consisted of only 3
officers and 40 men, but the possession of the fort was important to the future
operations of the enterprise as it commanded the only safe landing for stores
and provisions from the ships. On Tuesday 8th the seamen and Marines captured a
post situated on the top of a high hill commanding Fort Ostenburgy which
fortress was also on the summit of a neighbouring eminence that commanded the
harbour. Sir Edward Hughes, after sending a second summons to the governor
without success ordered the immediate preparation for an assault on the morning
of the 11th. Accordingly the storming party, consisting of 460 seamen and
Marines, having on their flanks a party of pioneers, with 20 seamen carrying
scaling-ladders, and a reserve of three companies of seamen and three of
Marines, supported by two field-pieces and the Company's troops, advanced at
daylight towards the fort. A Sergeant's party of Marines led the attack, and
getting through the embrasures, the Dutch were soon driven from their positions
and the fort gained, with the loss of Lieutenant George Long of the navy, and
20 sailors and Marines killed, and Lieutenant Samuel Wolseley of the navy,
Lieutenant Samuel one of the Marines, officiating as Brigade Major, and 40 men
wounded. The fort mounted above 60 guns, and contained a garrison of 400 men.
In the harbour there were two valuable East Indiamen, and 30 smaller vessels.
Sir Edward Hughes, in his official report, thus expresses himself on the
conduct of the Marines. “The whole of the officers who have been landed from
the squadron for the attack of Negapatam and Trincomale, have on all occasions
manifested much honour, courage, and good conduct, and the private seamen and
Marines have acted with great steadiness and bravery." (sic)
1782. Corps Strength at
that time was 21,305 men.
1782. January. Hannibal
and Chafer captured by the French.
1782. Friday 25th
January. Hood attacked three times by De Grasse off Basse Terre.
1782. Saturday 17th
February. The Battle of Sadras off Ceylon, was the first of five largely
indecisive naval battles fought between a British fleet under Admiral Sir
Edward Hughes and French fleet under the Bailli de Suffren off the east coast
of India (during the ‘American War of Independence’). The battle was fought
near present day Kalpakkam, and was tactically indecisive. Although the British
fleet suffered the most damage, and the troop transports that Suffren was
protecting were able to land their troops at Porto Novo. The British suffered
32 men killed and 83 wounded, while the French had 30 killed and about 100
wounded.
1782. Friday 16th
March. Success took Santa Catalina.
1782. Tuesday 9th April
- Friday 12th April. A naval battle that took place during the ‘American War of
Independence’, that ended with a victory for the British fleet under the
command of Admiral Sir George Rodney, over a French fleet under the Comte de
Grasse forcing the French and Spanish to abandon its planned invasion of
Jamaica. The British suffered 243 dead, 816 wounded. While the French suffered
far worse with 4 ships of the line captured,1 destroyed, 3,000 dead or wounded
and 5,000 captured.
1782. Friday 12th
April. Rodney defeated De Grasse off Martinique.
1782. Friday 12th
April. Lord Rodney’s action off Dominica. Admiral Rodney’s Letter: “I received
intelligence that the enemy were embarking their troops on board the ships of
war, and concluded that they intended to sail in a few days. Captain Byron of
the Andromache, an active and diligent officer, watched their motions with such
attention that on the 8th inst. at day light he made out the enemy's signal of
coming out and standing to N.W. I instantly made the signal to weigh, and
having looked into the Bays of Fort Royal and St. Pierre, I made signal for a
general chase, and before day light came up with the enemy under Dominique,
where both fleets were becalmed, and continued so for some time. The enemy
first got the wind, and stood towards Guadaloupe. My van division, under that
gallant officer Sir Samuel Hood, received it next, and stood after them. At
nine the enemy began to cannonade my van, which was returned with the greatest
briskness. The baffling winds did not permit part of the centre division to get
into action with the enemy's rear till half past eleven, and then only the ship
next me in line of battle, &c. The enemy's cannonade ceased upon my rear's
approach, but not before they had done considerable damage to the ships in the
van, and disabled HMS Royal Oak and HMS Montague. The night of the 9th inst.
the fleet lay-to to repair their damages. The 10th they continued to turn to
windward under a very easy sail, the enemy continuing to do the same; and
always had it in their power to come into action, which they cautiously avoided,
and rendered it impossible for me to force them in the situation they were in,
between the Saints and the island of Dominique. On the 11th, the enemy having
gained considerably to the windward, and the wind blowing a fresh steady gale,
I made the signal for a general chase to windward, which continued the whole
day; and towards sunset one of the enemy's ships, damaged in the late action,
falling to leeward, the Count de Grasse bore down with his whole fleet to her
protection, which brought him so near that I flattered myself he would give me
an opportunity of engaging him next day. With that view I threw out the signal
for the form of sailing, and stood with the whole fleet to the southward till
two in the morning, then tacked, and had the happiness, at day-light, to find
my most sanguine desire was near being accomplished, by my having it in my
power to force the enemy to battle. Note from Lord Rodney's narrative contained
in a private letter. The 10th of April and the 11th were employed in endeavouring
to bring the enemy to battle, and on the 11th, late in the afternoon, the enemy
bore down to protect two of their own ships, who were in danger of being cut
off. This brought them to the position the Admiral wished; he instantly issued
orders to sail during the night in the order of sailing; to put out all lights;
to stand to the southward till two in the morning, and then the whole fleet to
tack without signal. This deceived the enemy, who had no conception that the
British fleet should be so near them at day light, we instantly formed the line
of battle on our starboard tack, the enemy formed theirs on the larboard tack,
and had made the signal to wear; but the nearness of the British squadron
prevented its being put into execution, and the British fleet taking the lee
gage, the Admiral made the signal to engage and close." (sic)
1782. Sunday 21th
April. Hughes engaged Suffren (2nd action).
1782. Sunday 21st
April. Foudroyant took Pegase.
1782. Tuesday 23rd
April. Queen took Actionnaire.
1782. Wednesday 30th May. At 5 a.m., the Flora of 36 guns, and Crescent of 28 guns, captains W. P. Williams and the hon. Thomas Pakenham, attacked two dutch frigates near Ceuta, and after an action of two hours and a quarter, the opponent of the Flora struck her colours. She proved to be the Castor of 32 guns, having 22 men killed and 41 wounded. The Flora had 9 men killed, and 32 wounded. The Crescent engaged the other ship for more than two hours; but the enemy was so supe- rior in force, that the british ship, after being greatly disabled, was compelled to surrender. The Flora came up in time to prevent the enemy from taking possession, and the latter, which was the Brill of 32 guns, then made off. The Crescent lost her mainmast, and sustained a loss of 12 killed, and 40 wounded. The frigates and their prize, after refitting at Cadiz, sailed for England, and on their passage both the Crescent and the Castor were captured by two french frigates.
Rear-admiral Hood, suspecting that the comte de Grasse would speedily return to the West Indies from the Chesapeake, left Sandy Hook on the 11th of November with seventeen sail of the line, and arrived at Barbadoes on the 5th of December, where he was joined by the St. Alban's of 64 guns. He again put to sea on the 14th with the whole fleet, and finding that the enemy were at St. Christopher's, he bent his way to Antigua, after being reinforced by the Prudent of 64, and Russell of 74 guns. The admiral then proceeded off Nevis, and on the 25th, at day-break, the enemy's fleet was discovered to leeward on the larboard tack, standing to the southward in line of battle ahead, consisting of twenty-nine sail of the line, and two frigates.Rear-admiral Hood, with his fleet of twenty-two of the line, manoeuvred as if intending an attack, by which means he drew the enemy further off shore ; and when they were at some distance from Basseterre road, the british admiral made a push to occupy the anchoring ground the enemy had quitted, and having fortunately succeeded in this bold attempt, he saved the island from capture.
The comte de Grasse, on perceiving his error, crowded after, and endeavoured to cut off the rear of the british squadron, which consisted of the Russell, Resolution, Bedford, Canada, President, and Montagu, and at about three o'clock, he made a furious attack on those ships; but notwithstanding his vast superiority, after engaging for nearly three hours, he was compelled to draw off, and stand to the southward.
At daylight on the 26th, the french fleet were seen forming their line off Nevis Point, and at about 8 a. m. they stood towards the british squadron. At nine they began their attack on the van, and continued along the whole line, wearing round after they passed the eternmost ship, and then stood to the southward. At one p. m. the enemy tacked, and again standing towards the British, opened their fire upon the centre at 2 h. 50 m. p. m., and then proceeding on to the rear, they wore round as before. Neither of these attacks made much impression on our line, but the French suffered considerably. Captain Strickland, and lieutenants Forster and Griffiths, of the marines, were wounded.
After the capture of Negapatam, the tempestuous state of the weather retarded the intended departure of the squadron of sir Edward Hughes to attack the dutch settlement of Trincomale, in the island of Ceylon; but the squadron having embarked 30 artillery men, and 500 volunteer sepoys, put to sea on the 3rd of January from the roads of Negapatam, and ar-rived in the bay of Trincomale on the 4th. Early in the morning the marines, with 2 six-pounders, were landed, and soon afterwards 800 seamen were disembarked, followed by the sepoys; and before it became dark, the whole force pushed forward towards Trincomale fort. On the same night the grenadier company of the marines, led by lieutenant Orr, made themselves masters of the fort, by forcing an entry through the gateway at the moment the governor was preparing terms of capitulation. The garrison consisted of only 3 officers and 40 men; but the possession of the fort was important to the future operations of the enterprise, as itcommanded the only safe landing for stores and provisions from the ships.
On the 8th the seamen and marines carried a post situated on the top of a high hill commanding Fort Ostenburg, which fortress was also on the summit of a neis; hbourino; eminence that commanded the harbour. Sir Edward Hughes, after sending a second summons to the governor without success, ordered the immediate preparation for an assault on the morning of the 11th. Accordingly, the storming party, consisting of 450 seamen and marines, having on their flanks a party of pioneers, with 20 seamen carrying scalingladders, and a reserve of three companies of seamen and three of marines, supported by two field-pieces and the Company's troops, advanced at daylight towards the fort. A Serjeant's party of marines led the attack, and getting through the embrasures, the Dutch were soon driven from their works and the fort gained, with the loss on our part of lieutenant George Long of the navy, and 20 sailors and marines killed; and lieutenant Samuel Wolseley of the navy, lieutenant Samuel Orr of the marines, officiating as brigade-major, and 40 men wounded. The fort mounted above 50 guns and contained a garrison of 400 men. In the harbour there were two valuable East-Indiamen, and 30 smaller vessels. Sir Edward Hughes, in his official re- port, thus expresses himself on the conduct of the marines." The whole of the officers who have been landed from the squadron for the attack of Negapatam and Trincomale, have on all occasions manifested much honour, courage, and good conduct; and the private seamen and marines have acted with great steadiness and bravery."
Leaving a garrison in the fort of Ostenburg, the vice-admiral sailed for Madras, where he arrived on the 8th of February, and was informed of the arrival upon the coast of a french fleet, which made its appearance on the 15th, consisting of twelve ships of the line, six frigates, and eight large ships en flute; whilst the British were only eight of the line, and one of 50 guns, with one ship of 20 guns. Sir Edward immediately got under weigh in pursuit of the enemy, who separated on the 16th from their convoy, six of which were captured.
At 6 a. m. on the 17th, the french squadron under commodore de Suffren were seen approaching under a crowd of sail; but the wind dying away, the action did not commence until 4 p. m., when they were engaged with the rear and centre of our squadron, but principally with the Superb, Exeter, and Hero. The engagement continued until dusk, when the enemy hauled their wind, and stood to the north-east. The Superb had 11 killed, — her captain, William Stevens, mortally, and 13 wounded. The Exeter, captain H. Reynolds, 9 killed and 45 wounded total 32 killed, 83 wounded.
The british squadron saw nothing of their opponents and arrived at Madras on the 12th of March. After taking; on board supplies, they sailed for Trincomale, and having been joined by the Sultan of 74 guns, and Magnanime of 64, from England, sir Edward Hughes on the 30th kept his course, neither shunning nor seeking the enemy.
On the 18th of April, the french fleet was discovered to leeward in the north-east; but sir Edward continued his course, whilst the enemy kept their relative position until the 11th, when the British, by bearing away for Trincomale, allowed M. de Suffren to obtain the weather-gage, of which he profited; and on the 12th at daylight, the enemy were seen advancing under sail to the attack. After manoeuvring for some hours, they bore down in two divisions, five ships attacking the v, and the other seven, led by M. de Suffren against the centre of the british line, formed in order of battle on the starboard tack.
The Superb was at first closely engaged by the french commodore and another ship of 74 guns, but they were so roughly handled that they stood on to attack the Monmouth; who, with her main and mizen-masts shot away, had suffered so severely that she fell out of the line to leeward, warmly engaged by her opponents, until the Superb, Monarca, and Sultan ran down, and covered the crippled ship from the destructive fire of the enemy. The cannonade continued until 6 p.m., when the french squadron drew off in disorder to the eastward; and the british ships shortly afterwards came to an anchor.
At daylight on the 12th, the French were perceived also at anchor about five miles distant; in which situation both squadrons remained several days repairing their damages, anxiously watching the motions of each other. On the morning of the 19th, the enemy got under sail and stood towards the British, but soon tacked, and making sail to the eastward, were out of sight by the evening.
The Superb and Monmouth suffered more than any other ships. The great loss of men of the latter is almost unequalled on board of a ship of her class; having 45 men killed, and 102 wounded. The Superb had two lieutenants, her master, with 56 men killed, and 96 wounded. Lieutenants of marines, Thomas Milrea of the Monmouth, and John Dixon of the Burford, were killed. The total loss in the british squadron on the 12th of April, was 137 men killed, and 430 wounded.
Although these actions were not decisively in favour of the British, yet they were of great importance in their consequences.
Hyder Ali had relied on seeing our small squadron defeated by the powerful naval force opposed to it ; but the result of these two contests, and the capture of the french convoy with the artillery and stores on board, deeply impressed the indian princes with a conviction of the vast superiority of the British in all naval affairs, as well as of their invincible courage and fortitude : at the same time recalling to their recollection, the battles fought by the gallant Pocock against a superior force under comte d'Ache, whom he compelled to quit the indian seas.
M. de Suffren, having refitted his ships at Batacalo, returned to the coast of Coromandel in the early part of June; and having touched at the danish settlement of Tranquebar, he proceeded to Cuddalore, which place had been strongly fortified by the French.
M. de Suffren, on learning that sir Richard Bickerton was expected in the indian seas from England with a reinforcement, resolved to make another attack on the force under sir Edward Hughes, and in order to strengthen his crews, he received on board 400 french infantry, as many sepoys, and 300 artillery.
The british admiral sailed from the bay of Trincomale on the 23rd of June and anchored his squadron off Negapatam on the following day. On the 5th of July the french squadron made its appearance, on which the British put to sea and stood to the southward, in order to gain the wind of the enemy. On the 6th of July, at daylight, the French were discerned at anchor, distant about seven miles on the north-north-east, and the wind a light breeze from the south-west. At 6 a.m., the enemy having weighed and stood to the eastward, the vice-admiral was induced to form his squadron in line of battle a-head; and at seven a.m. the signal was made to bear up in line abreast, and for each ship to engage the one opposed to her in the enemy's line. At 10 h. 45 m. a.m. the enemy opened their fire, which was instantly returned by the British; and from 11 h. 10 m. to 35 minutes past noon, the engagement was general. Shortly afterwards there appeared to be great confusion on board several of the french ships, and the Brilliant, the second a-head of M. de Suffren, had lost her main-mast. At this crisis, when fortune seemed to have decided the contest in favour of the English, the sea breeze sat in very fresh at southsouth-east. Several of the british ships were taken aback and came round with their heads to the westward whilst the others paid off and continued on their former tack. The effect was somewhat the same on the enemy's squadron; and both admirals collected their ships as well as their disabled condition would permit. As the Monarca and Hero were so much damaged as to be incapable of taking their station, sir Edward Hughes wore round, and steered to the westward with his squadron, whilst the engagement still continued to be partially maintained. At 2 p.m. the french ships stood in shore, and at 6 p.m. came to an anchor. The british squadron anchored about three leagues to windward, in so shattered a condition as to be incapable of pursuing the enemy, who reached Cuddalore without further molestation.
The following is a statement of the killed and wounded in the british squadron on the 6th of July 1782, with the names of the officers of marines on board the respective ships: Hero, 74 guns, captain C. Wood, 12 killed, 23 wounded. Captain Thomas Lewis, second-lieutenant George Thompson.
Exeter, 64 guns, commodore Richard King, captain C. Hughes, 1 1 killed, 24 wounded. Lieutenants Thomas Corbyn, and George Palmer.
Isis, 50 guns, captain hon. T. Lumley, 9 killed, 19 wounded. Captain Robert Carter, lieutenant Richard Lee.
Burford, 70 guns, captain P. Rainier, 7 killed, 34 wounded. Captain Jenkinson, 98th regiment (killed).
Sultan, 74 guns, captain James Watts, 16 killed, 21 wounded. Captain William Hamilton Gibbons, lieutenant Richard Williams (wounded).
Superb, 74 guns, vice-admiral sir Edward Hughes, captain D. McLellan (killed), 7 killed, 19 wounded. Lieutenant Samuel Orr, (wounded 3rd of September).
Monarca, 70 guns, captain J. Gell, 8 killed, 46 wounded. Captain Robert Clugston, lieutenant A. D. Barrett, (both killed on the 3rd of September).
Worcester, 64 guns, captain George Talbot, 1 killed, 9 wounded. Lieutenant Johnston (wounded), second-lieutenant Devreux Edwards, (killed 3rd September).
Monmouth, captain James Alms, 12 wounded. Captain Thomas Pearce, lieutenant Benjamin Mounier.
Eagle, 64 guns, captain John Reddal, 4 killed, 9 wounded. Lieutenants Joseph Lambrecht, John Norman.
Magnanime, 64 guns, captain Charles Wolsely, 2 killed, 17 wounded. Captain William Adlam, lieutenant Thomas Rolf.
Total, — 77 killed, and 233 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
After refitting in Madras roads, sir Edward put to sea on the 20th of August, with the addition to his squadron of the Sceptre 64 guns, captain Samuel Graves. The admiral's first iesign was to protect our garrison at Trincomale, and cover the squadron of sir Richard Bickerton, whose arrival from England was hourly expected; but M. de Suffren having united his force to the ships under M. d'Aymar, they proceeded to the attack of the british posts at Trincomale, which surrendered to the French, after a short defence, on the 30th of August.
On account of the southerly winds, Sir Edward Hughes did not arrive off Trincomale until the 2nd of September, where he found the enemy's squadron of fourteen ships of the line, a 50-gun ship, and three frigates anchored in the bay. Early on the 3rd they put out to sea, with a strong breeze at S.W. which placed them to windward of the British, who, formed in line of aattle a-head, received the attack of the enemy at 10 h. 30 m. a.m.; but it was not until 2 p.m. that the action commenced. The superiority in numbers of the French enabled them to place additional ships against the extremities of our line, and by these means the Worcester and Monmouth, the rearmost ships, were furiously assailed; as were the Exeter and Isis in the van. The cannonade was kept up with great vigour until 5 h. 30 m. p.m., when the wind shifting suddenly from S.W. to E. S. E., Sir Edward Hughes made the signal to wear, which svolution was performed in the most admirable order, whilst the French also came round on the other tack. The engagement svas renewed with great spirit, and with such effect on the part of the British, that at 6 h. 30 m. p.m. the main and mizenmasts of the Heros, the ship of M. de Suffren, were shot away, about the same time the Worcester's main top-mast came down: about 7 h. p.m. the body of the french squadron hauled their wind to the southward, exposed for some time to the fire of the british ships in the rear.
Considering how closely the ships were engaged, it is surprising that the loss on the part of the British amounted to no more than 51 killed, and 283 wounded but the number of officers was great beyond example. Captains Wood of the Worcester, Watt of the Sultan, were mortally wounded; and Lumley of the Isis fell during the action.
On board the Superb, 4 men were killed; lieutenant Samuel Orr of the marines, wounded, lieutenant Thompson of the 98th regiment, and 49 men wounded.
Sultan, 4 killed; lieutenant Stewart of the 78th regiment, and 43 wounded.
Monarca, captain Robert Clugstone, with lieutenant Barrett of the marines, and 4 men were killed; the hon. captain Maitland of the 78th regiment, and 12 wounded.
Worcester, lieutenant Edwards of the marines and 4 men killed, and 16 wounded.
The great object of the french and Spanish forces in the West Indies was the reduction of Jamaica; and in order to frustrate their design, Admiral Rodney resumed his command on that station, and arrived off Barbadoes from England on the 19th of January, with a reinforcement of twelve sail of the line. The admiral learning that St. Christopher's had fallen, proceeded to St. Lucia, where he was lying at anchor on the 8th of April, when information reached him of the sailing of the french fleet under the comte de Grasse from Port Royal, consisting of thirty-three ships of the line and two ships of 50 guns, having a large body of troops on board. The british fleet, consisting of thirty-six sail of the line and three ships of 50 guns, immediately got under weigh; and at daylight on the morning of the 9th, part of the enemy was seen between Dominica and the Saintes; whilst the remainder, with a numerous fleet of transports, were lying becalmed in Prince Rupert's bay. As soon as the breeze sprang up, the enemy stood away towards Guadaloupe, followed by the van of the English under sir Samuel
Hood, whilst the body of the fleet was still lying becalmed. The comte de Grasse, perceiving the separation of the van division of the British from their centre and rear, bore down upon it, and for some time those eight ships were engaged with fifteen of the enemy. About noon the breeze reached the ships under sir George Rodney, when they immediately tacked and closed with those under sir Samuel Hood, who was again engaged with the enemy; but the comte de Grasse, on the approach of the british line, hauled his wind, and at 1 p.m. is ships tacked in succession.
During the 10th the French continued in sight, but at a considerable distance to windward. At daylight on the 11th two of the enemy's ships were so far to leeward of their fleet, that admiral Rodney, in order to cut them off, made a signal for a general chase; upon which the comte de Grasse bore down to their support. At 6 p. m. the British, were about three leagues to leeward of the french fleet, which then consisted of thirtyone ships of the line its number having been diminished by two ships, which were so disabled on the 9 th as to put into Basseterre to refit.
At day-break on the 12th of April, the enemy's fleet was to windward of the Saintes, steering to the northward with a fresh breeze; and one of their ships with loss of foremast and bowsprit, in tow of a frigate, was standing in for Guadaloupe. After an attempt to cut off this disabled ship, which the french admiral supported by bearing away to her assistance, the two fleets formed their lines upon opposite tacks, and the french van was a little to windward of the British.
About eight o'clock the action commenced, by the centre and rear of the enemy with the van and centre of the English, and it continued until 10 a. m., at which time rear-admiral Drake's division had passed their rear. At this period the van of the French, and the centre and rear of the British, had but little wind from the southward, which occasioned an alteration in the course of that part of the enemy's fleet; and by compelling its van to steer to the westward, whilst the rear continued its course to the southward, it completely deranged the french line of battle, and formed the opening in which admiral Rodney found his ship and some part of his division, when the firing ceased, and the smoke cleared away about noon. The van of the French, by steering to the westward in consequence of the southerly breeze, was forced into action with the british rear whilst the centre of the latter, by changing its course with the alteration of the wind, steered to the eastward, instead of the northerly course it had been pursuing. This also ©ccasioned a division in the british line, whilst thirteen ships of the french rear were between the british van of seventeen, and admiral Rodney with six of the centre division. These six ships had also five of the enemy under comte de Grasse on the other side of them, and the french admiral was completely cut off from the rest of his fleet by rear-admiral Hood's division, then engaged with the van of the French. Thus, by a fortuitous circumstance, the fleets became divided into three different parts, entirely separated by ships of the opposing fleet intervening.
About noon all firing had ceased, and the French, endeavouring to unite, bore up together, pursued by the British, who attacking the disabled ships of the enemy, soon compelled them to yield. At about a quarter past noon, the Glorieux of 74 guns struck her colours on the approach of british ships. The Cesar, 74, was next taken possession of by the Centaur, after a gallant resistance; whilst the Hector, 74, struck to the Alcide.
The Canada was engaged with the Ville de Paris of 110 guns, bearing the flag of admiral de Grasse, until sir Samuel Hood in the Barfleur came up, when the french admiral struck his colours, after sustaining a severe loss in killed and wounded. About this time, just as the sun was sinking below the horizon, the Ardent of 64 guns (which had been captured off Plymouth by the combined fleet), struck to the Belliqueux; and the british admiral, considering the french fleet completely defeated, gave over the pursuit.
As there was a probability that the disabled ships might be fallen in with, the admiral detached sir Samuel Hood with his division, who on the 19th discovered five sail in the Mona pas sage, wnich separates Porto Rico from Hispaniola, After a pursuit of several hours, the Valiant and Magnificent, being considerably a-head of the squadron, captured the Caton and the Jason of 64 guns. Those ships made a gallant resistance, and sustained a heavy loss, whilst their opponents had only 8 killed, and 14 wounded.
The total loss of the British was 240 men killed, and 797 men wounded. The officers of marines included in this return were as follow: —
Royal Oak, captain William Bird, wounded; Magnificent, captain Baggs, wounded; Repulse, captain Henry Bell, wounded; Torbay, lieutenant Mounier, killed; Princessa, lieutenant Laban, wounded; Montagu, lieutenant Buchan, wounded.
In the early part of the year, vast preparations were made by the king of Spain for the reduction of Gibraltar, in forming floating batteries, supported by the combined fleet of France and Spain; and 12,000 french troops, under the due de Crillon, joined the Spanish army.
On the 8th of September, general Elliot ordered a powerful fire to be opened on the enemy's works on the land side; and on the following day a new battery, mounting 64 heavy guns, added to the other cannon and 60 mortars on the Spanish lines, continued to pour an incessant fire against the garrison, whilst a squadron of nine sail of the line and some frigates attacked the sea defences of the rock.
At length the combined fleets, consisting of twenty-seven Spanish and twelve french ships of the line, arrived in Algesiras from Cadiz; and having joined those already before Gibraltar, this powerful armament amounted to forty-eight ships of the line, added to the ten floating batteries, mounting 154 pieces of heavy brass cannon; and their crews, with the artillery on board those formidable vessels, were not less than six thousand men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1782. Friday 5th July.
Hughes engaged Suffren (3rd action).
1782. Monday 29th July.
Santa Margaritta took Amazone.
1782. Saturday 17th August. Chatham Orders. As it will greatly conduce to the good order and happiness of the Inhabitants of the Barracks that a Military Good example of attention in the Officers who lodge there be adhered to by keeping proper and seasonable hours, in repairing thither regularly in the evenings. It is therefore earnestly wished and expected, if any Officer who lodges in the Barracks, is engaged abroad for the evening that he will be pleased to repair to his Apartment at Ten o'clock, or at furthers half-an-hour thereafter. For as the Commanding Officer will endeavour to carry out the several duties so as in a little time to give the Young Officers, in as pleasing a method as can be desired, a small idea of Garrison modes, he is therefore resolved that at half-an-hour after Ten, or at furthers a Quarter before Eleven o'clock every night the keys of all the Gates and Doors shall be brought to him by the Sergeant of the Guard, and not returned to the Guard until full daylight next morning.
1782. Thursday 29th
August. The loss of the Royal George, which foundered at Spithead.
1782. Monday 2nd
September. Due de Chartres took Aigle, French frigate.
1782. Tuesday 3rd
September. Hughes engaged Suffren (4th action).
1782. Wednesday 4th
September. The Rainbow took Hebe.
1782. Wednesday 11th
September. The Warwick and Lion took Aigle, French frigate.
1782. Friday 13th
September. Grand attack upon Gibraltar by the Spaniards. The start of an
assault involving 100,000 men, 48 ships and 450 cannon, against the British
garrison of Gibraltar survived.
1782. Wednesday 9th
October. London and Torbay engaged Scipion, which was run ashore.
1782. The Diamond took
Magdalena, Dutch armed ship.
1782. The Alligator
taken by Fee.
1782. Friday 11th
October. The Relief of Gibraltar by Lord Howe.
1782. November. The
Ruby captured the Solitaire.
1782. Saturday 30th
November. The British and Americans sign preliminary Articles of Peace.
1782. Thursday 12th
December. The Mediator took Alexander.
1782. Thursday 12th
December. The Mediator took Menagere.
1782. Monday 23rd
December. The Diomede took South Carolina.
1782. The loss of the
Blonde.
1782. The Solebay burnt
to save her from capture.
1783. Wednesday 2nd January. The 32-gun frigate Magicienne, captain Thomas Graves, in company with the Endymion frigate, escorting a convoy to the West Indies, chased two suspicious sail. At 12 h. 30 m. a. m., the Magicienne opened her fire, and after a few broadsides her opponent surrendered. The Magicienne then stood on, and brought the headmost ship to action, which continued until 2 h. 30 m. p. m., when the british ship's mizen-mast and main-topmast came down, and in another five minutes the fore and main-masts followed. The Endymion soon arrived up, cheered, and passed on in pursuit of the enemy, which was the Sybille of 40 guns, having about 300 supernumerary seamen on board, bound to the Chesapeake. The Magicienne lost 3 officers, and 16 seamen and marines killed; her first-lieutenant, 1 midshipman, her boatswain, lieutenants Henry Reddish Furzer and William Minto, of the marines, and 29 wounded, out of a crew of 189 men.
The fleet under vice-admiral Barrington, consisting of twelve sail of the line, had nearly reached Ushant on their way down Channel on the 5th of April, when several vessels hove in sight, and the signal was immediately made for a general chase. About sunset the strangers were discovered to be three or four ships of war, and seventeen sail of convoy. At half-past nine the sternmost ship, on perceiving that the Fourdroyant of 80 guns, captain Jervis (afterwards earl St. Vincent), was gaining fast upon her, bore away, and was pursued by the british fleet. It came on to blow fresh, which occasioned the Fourdroyant to separate from the squadron, and at 12 h. 47m. a.m. on the 6th she brought the french 74-gun ship Pegase to close action and continued to engage her until 1 h. 30 m. a. m., when she laid her on board on the larboard quarter, and compelled the french ship to surrender, having 80 men killed and 40 wounded, whilst the Fourdroyant had only 3 men wounded. The officers of marines of the Fourdroyant were, first-lieutenant JohnHobbs, second-lieutenant Richard Murphy. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1783. January. Leander
engaged a French 74.
1783. January. Argo
taken by Nymphe and Amphitrite.
1783. February. Hussar
took Sybille.
1783. February. St.
Albans took Concorde.
1783. Fox took Santa
Catalina.
1783. Sunday 2nd March.
Resistance took Coquette.
1783.The public measures during the year, were more precautionary than hostile, tending chiefly to guard against contingencies, and to be ready to resume our arms, if necessary, with effect, in every quarter of the world.
Peace was most ardently desired by all the contending Powers, and its attainment was marked by sincerity and cool discussion. America foresaw a disorganized army and impoverished resources, while France and Spain, feeling their quickly decaying finances, most cordially united to accelerate the happy event. The decisive battle of the 12th of April, and their signal repulse from Gibraltar, had also due weight in the scale of consideration and expediency.
Amidst the awful storm, Britain began to emerge, by degrees, from under the heavy cloud which had long overcast her political horizon, and to reclaim her ancient seat amongst the nations. Every subordinate occasion that called forth her Naval energies, seemed to display a spirit worthy of the brightest periods of her Maritime glory.
However delicate the topic, I am still induced to notice the reiterated instances of baneful mutiny in our Fleet, during this year of returning tranquillity. It is a lamentable truth that examples of indiscipline were as common as they were successful, and to the plan of compromise which was then pursued, may be traced, in part, that predilection for revolt which agitated the minds of our Seamen during the late contest--crimes, for which their unparalleled achievements have amply atoned to their Country, but such as never can find a palliative within their own breasts, or an extenuation from any pen that is guided by an impartial impulse.
The demonstrations of loyalty and zeal, in every Marine Detachment, during this turbulent era, although not realized by deeds, still evinced a readiness to seal them with their lives, in the support of good order. These fatal means which were used to appease the spirit, hushed his murmurs indeed, but they invigorated the growth of the untamed monster. After the various and meritorious services of the Marine corps, during two successive wars, at a time when their loyal zeal was conspicuous to their Country, when their utility and subordination were in every mouth, a heavy reduction in its establishment took place. It was with equal surprize, and general regret, that this faithful body of men became limited to 4495, and to 70 companies, with a parsimonious allowance of Field Officers. Such a popular branch of the public force was evidently small for supplying the ships of war in commission, and for the important duties of guarding our naval arsenals. But as the judicious policy of the present day, has adopted a more liberal and patriotic system respecting the corps of Marines, I deem myself precluded from that range of comment upon the method of anterior times, which I should have otherwise felt an authority to claim.
Another vindictive conflict occurred in the East, but without any important consequences; in which Sir Edward Hughes, as hitherto, nobly maintained the honor of the British flag, against Admiral Suffrein and superior numbers. The sound of peace soon after reached their ears and closed all their differences.
Acts of generous hospitality, and works of mercy in the western world, superseded stratagem in war, and the thirst of fame.
Prince William Henry, now his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, whom professional zeal had carried to that quarter, was at the cessation of hostilities, under that able master, Lord Hood. Since his entry into the Navy he had shewn a peculiar attention to every branch of its duties and had afforded the earliest presage of the most distinguished talents upon its hazardous, but popular element.
A princely wish to qualify himself for this honourable calling, had urged him to forego all the luxuries of his station, and to risk a life naturally dear to his august family, and deservedly valued by all who had the privilege of his intercourse, in a clime, where no one can count upon to-morrow. It was not his lot, indeed, to wage war in it, but to behold the refined manners of a gallant enemy tranquillized into a cordial friend, and to be the Agent of Providence in rescuing, from a seemingly irrevocable doom, some of his condemned countrymen, whose misguided patriotism had stimulated disaffection within the Spanish Province of Louisiana.
The elegant attentions of Mons. de Bellecomb, at Cape Francois, were still outdone by the noble humanity of Governor Don Galvez. This brave Spaniard placed the forfeited lives of those unfortunate delinquents, at his Royal disposal. It was the most precious gift that could have been tendered to a British Prince who was recognized under this great and solemn offering as sharing in all the generous sympathies of an Englishman. The hour which permitted him to restore those wretched victims, in a foreign land, to their native society, must be reviewed as the happiest of his life. It must still yield many a consoling reflection in his retirement, and although restrained from adding to the triumphs of our Realm, by deeds of carnage, he may yet rejoice that he stands upon the records of mercy and benevolence by the most exalted displays of fellow feeling.
By the definitive articles of peace America found herself an Independent Empire. Recent injuries alienated her citizens from our Country; but similarity of manners, the dictates of interest, and allayed prejudices must, ere long, re-unite us in the bonds of friendship. The retreat of Washington from the head of her Armies, unambitious of recompense or power, forms one of the grandest examples of human virtue ever given to the world and must immortalize his name through every stage of its existence.
Holland was compelled to suppress her phlegm, and to mourn over her degraded character, and commercial losses.
Few incidents of moment occurred within the intervals of 1783 and 1792, connected with my retrospect. A voluntary embarkation of Officers and men, for our distant settlement in New South Wales, occurred in 1785 which has eventually afforded scope for the able pen of Lieutenant Colonel Tench, and has hitherto given grounds for asserting the untarnished discipline of the Marine corps, when mingled even with the contaminating orders of vice and infamy. In other respects, the same dull routine of detached services took place from year to year. During this period also many were the suppliant petitions of our establishment for its melioration, but sorry I am that, on casting an eye upon the details of each revolving season, they are unmarked by any auspicious results, excepting the institution of a retired establishment, and the addition of 5 companies in 1791.
It was found that farther exertions were still necessary to place them on the high list of public recompence, and that the faithful discharge of ten years duty in peace, had but little influence in strengthening their claims for favour. (Taken from Chapter 37 ' An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1783. Sunday 16th March. The Success of 32 guns, captain Maurice Pole, when off Cape Spartel, in company with the Vernon store-ship, captured the Spanish 32-gun frigate Santa Catalina, of 34 guns, after an action of two hours, in which the Vernon took but little part. The Spanish ship had 25 men killed, and only 8 wounded; and her masts were so disabled, that the fore and main-masts fell soon after she surrendered. The Success had only 1 man killed, and 4 wounded. Lieutenant Pownal was the officer of marines on board the Success. The year closed with negotiations for a general peace, the provisionary articles of which were mutually signed at Paris, by commissioners from Great Britain and America, on the 22rtd of November. These arrangements were shortly followed by the exchange of preliminary articles with France and Spain, on the 20th of January 1783.
The establishment of the corps was now reduced to 4495 men, but in 1784 four companies were added to provide for the expedition to Botany bay. Nothing of importance occurred until the period of the french revolution in 1792, which event produced a renewal of hostilities, and consequently a considerable augmentation in the marines. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1783. March. There was
a Mutiny at Spithead of such extent that it can only be compared with that of
the great outbreaks of 1797? Some of the ships company’s notably those of HMS
Ganges, HMS Janus, and HMS Proselyte threatened to run their ships on shore and
destroy them unless their wages were instantly paid and themselves discharged.
1783. Monday 14th –
Friday 18th April. The Capture of the New Providence of Nassau in the Bahamas,
took place late in the ‘American War of Independence’, when a Loyalist
expedition under the command of Andrew Deveaux set out to retake the Bahamas
from the Spanish. The expedition was successful, and Nassau fell without a shot
being fired. It was one of the last actions of the entire war. 600 Spaniards
surrendered that were later repatriated, 7 ships were scuttled, and 50 cannons
captured.
1783. Sunday 16th March. The Success of 32 guns, captain Maurice Pole, when off Cape Spartel, in company with the Vernon store-ship, captured the Spanish 32-gun frigate Santa Catalina, of 34 guns, after an action of two hours, in which the Vernon took but little part. The Spanish ship had 25 men killed, and only 8 wounded; and her masts were so disabled, that the fore and main-masts fell soon after she surrendered. The Success had only 1 man killed, and 4 wounded. Lieutenant Pownal was the officer of marines on board the Success. The year closed with negotiations for a general peace, the provisionary articles of which were mutually signed at Paris, by commissioners from Great Britain and America, on the 22rd of November. These arrangements were shortly followed by the exchange of preliminary articles with France and Spain, on the 20th of January 1783.
The establishment of the corps was now reduced to 4495 men, but in 1784 four companies were added to provide for the expedition to Botany bay. Nothing of importance occurred until the period of the french revolution in 1792, which event produced a renewal of hostilities, and consequently a considerable augmentation in the marines. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1783. Friday 20th June.
Hughes engaged Suffren (5th action).
1783. Wednesday 3rd
September. The United States of America and Great Britain sign the Treaty of
Paris thus ending the war between them.
1783. Wednesday 5th
November. Loss of Superbe off Tellicherry.
1783. Tuesday 25th
November. British troops finally leave New York City.
1783. Stonehouse
Barracks in Plymouth was first occupied.
1783. Corps Strength at that time was 26,291 men.
1783 - 1793. During the years of peace, the Royal Marines had been reduced to about 5,000 men. At the start of the war the Marines had 70 companies and in the Royal Navy estimates for 1793 the establishment was raised to 9,815 men.
1783. Sir Charles A. F. N. Menzies (1783 - 22nd August 1866) was born at Sal Freike, Perthshire, Scotland. Although he became a respected soldier with the Royal Marines, fighting with Horatio Nelson in the Napoleonic Wars and later rising to the rank of General before becoming aide de camp to the Queen. Charles Menzies is best remembered for the founding of Newcastle, in New South Wales Australia, and the successful commencement of its settlement.
Menzies was the son of Captain Charles Menzies of the 71st Regiment, and mother Sarah Menzies, née Walker J'. He was educated at Stirling and his family who lived in Theft ancestral castle, as was done at that time, bought him a commission at the age of 15, as a second Lieutenant in the Marines on 17th February 1798. Following his commission he saw plenty of action having been posted to duties that involved blockading French ports and chasing the French and Spanish fleets around the Mediterranean sea. He was attached to Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson's squadron off Boulogne, on France's Atlantic coast and was repeatedly involved in attacking shore batteries and engaged in skirmishes with French boats.
Menzies sailed to Australia on board the HMS Calcutta which was transporting some convicts to New South Wales and then others to form a new settlement in Tasmania (then known as Van Diemen's land.)
Menzies was aboard the ship in Port Jackson, Sydney on 5th March 1804 when a rebellion involving a number of convicts broke out in the area of Castle Hill. This incident would later be called the Vinegar Hill rebellion. Menzies with a detachment of Marines landed from the ship to help quell the rebellion. He was promoted to lieutenant shortly thereafter.
Governor Phillip Gidley King faced with a need to prevent future outbreaks of this nature, hanged the nine leaders of the 300 rebels involved and ordered the establishment of a new settlement to segregate the Worst of the Irish sent here for Sedition from the other convicts. On 14th March 1804, nine days after the rebellion Menzies wrote to the Governor offering his services as the settlement's commandant. Governor King accepted this offer and provided Menzies with a Commission dated 15th March 1804 which appointed him as the commander of the settlement of Newcastle. The Commission signed by the Governor noted:
Whereas it is expedient, in consequence of an instruction from His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies and War Department, as well as from existing causes, that the settlement at the Coal Harbour and Hunter River, now distinguished by the name of Newcastle, in the county of Northumberland, should be re-established without loss of time:
You are, therefore, hereby required and directed to take upon you the charge and command of the said settlement; and do hereby charge and command all His Majesty's subjects that may be within our command to obey your directions, and you to obey all such Orders and directions as you may from time to time receive from me, or any other your superior officer (sic), according to the rules and discipline of war. For which this shall be your authority.
Menzies resigned his commission in relation to his detachment of Royal Marines and formed an expedition of skilled personnel including the surgeon James Mileham, Isaac Knight whose role was to be superintendent of the convicts, John Tucker a store-keeper, the botanist George Caley, Ferdinand Bauer an artist, and eleven military guards. Thirty-four especially chosen convicts, including three miners, three timber cutters, two carpenters, a gardener and a salt bailer (with the skill of making salt from salt water) and which also fitted Governor King's description of the worst of the Irish left Sydney on 28th March in three small ships the Lady Nelson, Francis and Resource.
The party arrived on 30th March by accounts at noon and Menzies' flotilla anchored of the entrance to Coal River. A boat from Menzies ship and seamen aboard the boat rowed him towards the southern shore of the river.
Menzies initially called the settlement Kingstown (after the Governor and as a continuation of the name used for a temporary settlement in 1800) - but this reverted to Newcastle, which was the Governor's personal choice.
Menzies' year in Newcastle: Other than the general Commission provided by the Governor, Menzies was instructed to use the convicts to get as many coals as possible, cutting cedar, clearing ground for cultivation and to enforce a due observance of religion and good order.
Although only aged 21 when he arrived at Newcastle, Menzies proved to be both stern and forward thinking. This was shown by his rules which dictated that convicts would work from sunrise to sunset but have a rest of two hours in the middle of the day.
To reduce the possibility of the convict's escape, food rations were only issued twice a week to stop the convicts from hoarding food for any escape attempt. Menzies befriended the local Awabakal and Worimi peoples so that they would not assist any escapes.
Then later when he discovered a plot by the convicts to assassinate him and the other expedition members he arrested and severely punished the ringleaders.
Huts were constructed under his direction for both the expedition members and the convicts. He organised the building of a large stone wharf and established a coal beacon to assist other ships in their navigation into the harbour.
Governor King said of Menzies in the year that he was commandant that he fixed that Settlement and brought it to a forward degree of perfection.
After a year establishing Newcastle, Menzies submitted his resignation to Governor King so that he could return to England and his duty in the Royal Marines. King accepted his resignation and he left soon after, returning almost immediately to active service including a meritorious role in the war against Napoleon.
He was promoted to the rank of Captain in the Royal Marine Artillery during April 1813.
He was promoted to command the Royal Marine Artillery from 1838 to 1844 indeed progressing through the ranks from Major to Lieutenant-colonel and then in 1857 to General.
He was appointed Aide-de-Camp to the Queen Victoria in 1852.
Menzies met Maria Wilhelmina, daughter of Dr Robert Bryant, physician to the Duke of Gloucester and they married and had five children. Despite all this meritorious service his principal importance in Australia is as the founder of the first permanent settlement at Newcastle. He died at Hastings on 22nd August 1866.
1784. May. The Dutch
republic was never able to assemble a proper fleet for combat, and when the war
ended the Dutch were at the lowest peak of their power and prestige.
1784. Friday 30th July.
Antelope lost off Jamaica.
1784. Sunday 8th
August. First mention of a 'Wardroom'.
1784.The peace with the Dutch reduced the establishment to 4,495 men, including six field-officers with their companies, viz. three lieutenant-colonels and three majors; but on the formation of the expedition for Botany Bay, whilst four companies were added, those of the field-officers remained reduced. On the retirement of lord Howe, the earl of Chatham became first lord of the Admiralty, and in consequence of the presentation of a memorial from the three divisions (Appendix 5), the field-officers and their companies were restored. In 1791, on a memorial being presented, (Appendix 6,) an invalid establishment was formed, allowing the following officers to retire: — one commandant on 24s. per diem, one lieutenant-colonel, one major, twelve captains, six first-lieutenants, and three second-lieutenants. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1785. Thursday 6th
October. Loss of Rambler in Leigh Roads.
1786. Saturday 9th December. The Leicester and Nottingham Journal. The power of conscience is in no instance so strongly marked, as in the crime of murder. An example has lately happened in this town. A few evenings since a woman followed the watchman and entreated him to take her into custody, as she had been an accessary in a murder.
The watchman thinking at first, she was insane disregarded what she said, at last wearied by her importunities he conveyed her to the constable who ordered her into confinement for the night. The next morning she was examined before Edward Pilcher Esq, a Justice of the peace, before whom she made the following confession. That about six years since she lodged at the house of a woman who lived on the point at Portsmouth, and carried on the employment of a procuress for seaman, that she cohabited with a Marine belonging to the Courageaux, who having received about ten guineas prize money the daughter of the said procuress endeavoured to seduce him to sleep with her that night; but he refused: that the Marine being intoxicated with liquor, the daughter knocked him down with a • poker and repeated her blows till he was dead, that they then all assisted in carrying out the body to the seashore to which fastening stones they endeavoured to sink it in the water, but finding that ineffectual, they dug hole in the beach and buried it: that the mother afterward gave her six guineas if she would not publish the fact, but go over to Ireland, to which she consented, but that her mind was so disturbed in consequence of the part she had taken, that she could have no peace by night or by day, and was therefore resolved to give herself up to justice, upon this confession she is committed to Maidstone Gaol to take her trial at the next assizes, it seems that the mother and daughter were sometime after the murder committed on suspicion and were tried at Winchester but for want of evidence were acquitted. (From H. Heather).
1786. Having lost the use of the American Colonies as a country to deport its convicts, and of their use in populating the county with its subject, in order to spread the word that it was English Territory. A new plan was devised to send Convicts to Australia.
1787. Saturday 24th February. Ten o'clock in the morning saw Lord
Loughborough and a special jury at Westminster hall the trial of an
action, in which Lieutenant Charles Bourne late of the Marines was
Plaintiff, and the Countess of Crequi, of Walcot Place, Lambeth,
defendant for a breach of a promise of marriage. After the Plaintiffs
witnesses had been examined Mr Recorder rose, and in a speech of about
an hour and a half, stated a variety of observations to show, that
nothing had appeared in evidence to prove the promise of marriage,
either by express words or implication, and then after a short
consultation with his brethren, declared that he would not call a
single witness for the defendant but would leave the matter to the
court and Jury, as it appeared to them from the Plaintiffs evidence.
After a very candid charge from the Noble Judge, the Jury, in less than
two minutes brought in a verdict for the Plaintiff with one shilling
damages.
The Leicester and Nottingham Journal.
1787. Tuesday 27th February. Marine Thomas Lucas. A detachment of 1 Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 2 Sergeants, 2 Corporals, 26 Privates and 1 Drummer went on board the Scarborough transport. Thomas Lucas would have been part of this detachment. The following Sunday 4th March, 185 convicts were taken on board. Amongst them would have been Nathaniel Lucas, and there is a persistent rumour that they were brothers, but it is hard to find clear evidence that this is the case. The Fleet weighed anchor on Saturday 12th May 1787, and arrived at Botany Bay on Saturday 19th January 1788, at 8 o’clock. At half past nine they sailed through the heads.
The Scarborough stayed a week there while some stores were transferred to others ships and some Marines went ashore as guards or to work. All the work ashore was done by Marines or seamen.
The Scarborough then sailed for Port Jackson and anchored close to the shore at Sydney Cove. That night the landing began, when four convicts were sent ashore, and then the Marines disembarked with all their baggage, and the rest of the convicts.
The life of the Marine detachment at Port Jackson seems to have been comparatively easy. The Marines were there, not to act as overseers to the convicts, but to provide protection from external attack. During their stay, those of the Marines who had trades worked at their trades and were paid for it. Thomas Lucas’ name does not appear on this list.
Most of the time the Marines had to face the boring round of duty, mounting guard, reporting worn out boots and uniforms, short rations and the question must often have been discussed as to whether they would be relieved at the end of three years, as they had been promised when they volunteered. On the Wednesday 1st October 1788, only 5 officers and 4 other ranks were prepared to accept the offer of a grant of land and to accept discharge in the colony. (sic)
1787. Friday 4th May. Fact as know on Royal Marine Drummer Joseph Abbot:-
Abbot joined the Marines in Portsmouth and was stationed on the Scarborough in Portsmouth harbour. On the 4th of May 1787 she sailed for Australia. Scarborough was a ship of 430 tons, built in 1782 at Scarborough. She carried with the detachment of marines 208 male convicts. On arrival in Sydney Cove on 26th January 1788 Abbott was assigned to Captain Shea’s company.
By the end of 1788 Abbott had taken up with a convict woman Isabella Rawson. I can find no record showing they were ever married. Isabella had a child, Mary who was born in London prior to leaving England. Mary died onboard the ‘Lady Penrhyn’ on 8th June 1787 just a month out of England. In 1788 Isabella became pregnant to Joseph and she gave birth to a son, Joseph, on 15th February 1789. Joseph and Isabella separated soon after the birth.
On 5th September 1789 Isabella Rawson married William Richardson a convict who had travelled out to NSW on HMS porpoise. Joseph and Isabella’s son, Joseph, died later that year on 12th November 1789.
March 4th 1790 saw Joseph Abbot bound for Norfolk Island aboard HMS Supply with Captain Shea’s company. Early in 1792 saw the return of Abbot to Sydney town. He was to be one of many marines who transferred to the ‘Rum Corps’; officially known as the Royal New South Wales Regiment. His transfer was dated 6th April 1792 and was to be for five years. Abbot was discharged from the NSW Regiment on 6th April 1797.
Joseph Abbot once again set sail for Norfolk Island as a free man onboard the Reliance on 18th January 1798. As no further records are to be found on Joseph Abbott it is presumed he returned to England at some later date.
As an aside William and Isabella Richardson also returned to England in December 1810 aboard HMS Porpoise. (Cleve Whitworth RMAQ)
1787. Sunday 13th May.
The First Fleet set sail from Portsmouth in United Kingdom, Commanded by
Captain (later Admiral) Arthur Phillip. It consisted of eleven vessels containing
a total of 1420 people. (1373 landed). The Flag ship was HMS Sirius along with
HMS Supply. The Convict transport ships were HMS Alexander, HMS Charlotte, HMS
Friendship, HMS Lady Penrthyn, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Scarborough. The
Stores ships were HMS Fishburn, HMS Borrowdale, and HMS Golden Grove. The cargo
of convicts comprised of 565 male 192 female and 18 children. His orders were
to set up a penal colony in Australia. After a voyage that lasted almost 250
days they arrived in Botany Bay New South Wales.
The First Fleet called in at Tenerife before setting
sail for Rio de Janeiro where they stayed for a month, in which time they took
on extra supplies. By this time it had been discovered that in spite of all
Captain Phillips had organised two very important items had been over looked.
Soap for the convicts was one, and ball ammunition for the Marines was another.
It was perhaps, fortunate that the convicts had not discovered the latter
before 10,000 musket balls could be brought from the Arsenal in Rio. Here they
also obtained paper for making cartridges, and a supply of soap from which the
convicts were able to repay the Marines to whom they had been indebted for what
little of this useful article they had been able to borrow during the voyage.
1787. Sunday 23rd
December. Bounty sailed. (Mutiny, 28th April 1790).
1788. Friday18th and
20th January. Captain Arthur Phillip had been given full instructions for the
setting up of the colony, with full authorisation to make regulations, and land
grants to those within the colony. A detachment of four companies of Marines,
under the command of Major Robert Ross, that consisted of four Captains, 12
Subalterns, 24 Sergeants and Corporals, 8 Drummers, and 160 Privates. That
included his Adjutant, Second Lieutenant John Long, Quartermaster Lieutenant
James Furzer, Engineer Officer Lieutenant William Dawes and his four Company
Commanders. Captains James Campbell and John Shea, Captain Lieutenants James
Meredith and Watkin Tench. Their job was to protect the new colony as they
settled into their new world. Many went on to stay never to return to the
United Kingdom.
At that time, private Marines enlisted for life
although discharge by purchase was allowed on payment of 10 guineas. Those who
went to NSW, however, had the option of discharge after three years. Recruits
were paid a 2 guinea bounty as an inducement to join. Daily pay rates which
included a food and clothing allowance, ranged from £1.6s.6p for a Major to
1/2d for a Marine private. However, when the Fleet finally arrived at Botony
Bay, the area was deemed to be unsuitable for settlement due to its lack of
fresh water, even though it had been recommended by Captain James Cook back in
1770.
They moved north arriving at Port Jackson on the
Australian East coast on Saturday 26th January 1788. However, Botany Bay had
other shortcomings as well, as it was open to the sea, making it unsafe for the
ships and Captain Arthur Phillip (the Colony's first Governor) considered the
soil around Botany Bay was poor for crop growing. From the start the settlement
was beset with problems. Very few convicts knew how to farm and the soil around
Sydney Cove as predicted was very poor. Instead of Cook's lush pastures, well
watered and fertile ground, suitable for growing all types of foods and
providing grazing for cattle, they found a hot, dry, unfertile country side
unsuitable for the small farming necessary to make the settlement
self-sufficient. Everyone, from the convicts to Captain Phillip, lived on
rationed food. The natives were wary and fearful of the settlers, who referred
to them as Indians. Some African American convicts, hoping to be accepted by
the natives, escaped but were rejected by them. Other convicts, heeding rumours
of other settlements nearby and that China was just over the horizon, also
escaped. Those that managed to survive the rigors of the country returned to
the colony and to further punishment.
While the natives subsisted on local plants and fish, the settlers found few of the plants to be appetising. As the settlers appear to have been poor fishermen, most of their food had to come from the supplies brought with them on the ships. This resulted in their total dependence on a shipping trade monopolised by the East India Company and none existent as far as Sydney was concerned. Rats, dogs, crows, an occasional kangaroo or emu were to be used to supplement the food. Shelter was also a problem. They had very little building material and the government had provided only a very limited supply of tools, which were of a bad quality. With the local trees being huge, and the wood hard, these tools were soon blunt or broken and building slowed. Extra clothing had been forgotten and, by the time the Second Fleet arrived, convicts and Marines alike were dressed in patched and threadbare clothing. By July 1788, all the ships except the naval vessels HMS Syrius and HMS Supply had left and the settlement was isolated. (Sic)
1788. Thursday 24th January. ‘The Marines, Convicts and Settlers Norfolk Island 1788 – 1791’
When Governor Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet sailed into Botany Bay on Thursday 24th 1788, they were accompanied by a unique group of soldiers; the British Marines (They were not granted the title ‘Royal’ until 1802).
Always deemed to be the poor cousin to the British Army, it was presumed that the Marines had hoped to raise their status by volunteering for this dangerous tour of duty in an unexplored land. However this is a misconception. Looking to the origins of the Marines, they were formed due to the failure of using regular army personnel for shipboard duties. Finding them totally unsuitable it was decided by Charles II that a force of 1200 men should be raised as Marines to serve specifically onboard ships. These volunteer Marines, were mainly recruited from agrarian areas and most had a skill or trade, such as carpenters, blacksmiths or stonemasons etc. As sworn men, they would add security to the fleet and would always serve the crown and its officers. When on board ship, the marines would be accommodated between the officers and the nefarious sailor who for the most part had been pressed into service and had no particular allegiance. Many sailors were ill-disciplined and could not be trusted.
The British marine of 1788 was ideally suited for such distant expeditionary endeavours. Not only was he a highly trained and motivated infantryman in his own right, but he was also taught seamanship skills to the level of a ‘foremast man’. With these two elements to his ‘trade’ he could not only effectively fight at sea, or from the sea as a soldier, the qualified marine was also able to work as a watch keeper within his ‘part of ship’ and participate as a gun number on the cannon decks. Thus, with these attributes, he was able to undertake long arduous sea voyages and to endure the debilitating privations of living and working in a confined environment. He was able to effectively operate as a soldier (and at times, policeman or prison guard!)or seaman
They soon discovered, however, that there were no battles to be won in the bays and inlets of Botany Bay and Port Jackson. Instead the marines fought boredom, starvation and temptation.
When the First Fleet arrived at Port Jackson in January 1788, Phillip ordered Lieutenant Philip Gidley King to lead a party of 15 convicts and seven free men, including surgeon Thomas Jamison (the future Principal Surgeon of New South Wales), to take control of Norfolk Island and prepare for its commercial development. They arrived there on 6th March 1788.
During the first year of the settlement, which was also called "Sydney" like its parent, more convicts and soldiers were sent to the island from New South Wales. A second village was started at Ball Bay, named after the captain of HMS Supply, Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball. On 8th January 1789, the first child was born, Norfolk King, the son of Philip Gidley King and a convict, Ann Inett. (Norfolk King went on to become the first British Naval officer born in Australia, and was a Lieutenant, commanding the schooner HMS Ballahoo when an American privateer captured her.)
A ‘Letter from an Officer of Marines at New South Wales, 16th November 1788’, published in the London newspaper, The World, 15th May 1789, reported the glowing description of the island and its prospects by Philip Gidley King, but also drew attention to the fatal defect of the lack of a safe port:
‘The said Island lies near Port Jackson, and is nearly as large as the Isle of Wight. Lieutenant King, who was sent with a detachment of marines and some convicts, to settle there, gives the most flattering portrayal of it’. ‘The island is fully wooded. Its timber is in the opinion of everyone the most beautiful and finest in the world. They are most suitable for masts, yards and spars. The New Zealand flax plant grows there in abundance. European grains and seeds also thrive wonderfully well on Norfolk Island. It only lacks a good port and suitable landing place, without which the island is of no use, but with them it would be of the greatest importance for Great Britain. How far these deficiencies can be improved by art and the hand of man, time must decide’.
It was found that the flax was difficult to prepare for manufacturing and no one had the necessary skills. An attempt was made to bring two Māori men to teach the skills of dressing and weaving flax, but this failed. The pine timber was found to be not resilient enough for masts and this industry was also abandoned.
More convicts were sent, and the island was seen as a farm, supplying Sydney with grain and vegetables during its early years of near-starvation. However, crops often failed due to the salty wind, rats, and caterpillars. The lack of a natural safe harbour hindered communication and the transport of supplies and produce.
Manning Clark observed that "at first the convicts behaved well, but as more arrived from Sydney Cove, they renewed their wicked practices". These included an attempted overthrow of King in January 1789 by convicts described by Margaret Hazard as "incorrigible rogues who took his 'goodwill' for weakness". While some convicts responded well to the opportunities offered to become respectable, most remained "idle and miserable wretches" according to Clark, despite the climate and their isolation from previous haunts of crime.
The impending starvation at Sydney led to a large transfer of convicts and marines to Norfolk Island in March 1790 on HMS Sirius. This attempt to relieve the pressure on Sydney turned to disaster when Sirius was wrecked and, although there was no loss of life, some stores were destroyed, and the ship's crew was marooned for ten months. This news was met in Sydney with "unspeakable consternation". Norfolk Island was now further cut off from Sydney which, with the arrival of the Second Fleet with its cargo of sick and abused convicts, had more pressing problems with which to contend.
In spite of this the settlement grew slowly as more convicts were sent from Sydney. Many convicts chose to remain as settlers on the expiry of their sentence, and the population grew to over 1,000 by 1792.
The officer who was to have the most influence on the affairs of the colony was Major Robert Ross. He had been born in 1740 and at the age of sixteen had been commissioned into a company of the Marines division at Chatham. During the Seven Years' War he had served in North America at the siege of Louisbourg in 1758 and a year later was present at the capture of Quebec. He returned to Chatham and was promoted to first lieutenant in 1759 but in spite of the war lasting another four years, he received no further promotion during that time. In 1773, he was promoted to Captain and dispatched to America where, as the commander of 5 Company, 1st Battalion of Marines, such was his performance that he was mentioned in orders.
When Captain Stephen Ellis, the commander of 39 Company, was killed at the Battle of Bunker's Hill on 17 June, 1775, Ross replaced him. In 1779 he returned to England in HMS Ardent, but in the English Channel the ship was captured by the French on 17th August and Ross was taken prisoner of war; from which he was later released in exchange for some French prisoners. His next service was in the Mediterranean and West Indies from 1781-82, and on 19th March 1783 he was promoted to brevet major(brevet rank was a non-substantive rank and was regarded as more of an honorary title). Yet to reach even that substituted rank, Ross had taken twenty-seven years. His promotion therefore had been very slow and his twenty-seven years to reach brevet major rank, compared with the eighteen it took James Meredith and Watkin Tench. Consequently, it would appear that Ross's military career had been both mediocre and unpromising. In addition, of the twenty officers who ultimately served with the detachment during its tour of duty, only four were not promoted after their return to England. Ross was one of them.
The question arises then as to why such an officer was chosen not only to command the detachment but also to be the Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales. Those who appointed him have not left us with their reasons for doing so, but his was an age of patronage. To gain preferment, people needed patrons and the benefits of alliance to avoid being an impotent outsider. The use of patrons was widespread: Bligh had two, Sir Joseph Banks and the Earl of Vincent; John Macarthur's patron was a family friend, George Watson, who was private secretary to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Camden; George Johnston of the marines was attached to the Duke of Northumberland; and Major Robert Ross used the patronage of Evan Nepean, with whom he had served in the American war and who had since become Under Secretary in the Home Office. Ross's use of Nepean's help was apparently widely known, for in an article in the London Chronicle of 23 June 1789, the claim was made that Ross owed his civil appointment as Lieutenant Governor to both Nepean and Sir John Jervis, respectively former purser and former captain of HMS Fondroyant. Ross was forty-eight years old when he assumed command of the detachment, and he had had thirty-two years' service. He was therefore; above all else, a very experienced officer, and that fact must be given considerable weight in assessing his future performance.
In contrast to their successors, the New South Wales Corps, the marines had established, generally, amicable relations with both convicts and Aborigines. However, under the marines' efficient but inflexible commandant, Major Robert Ross, the tiny colony was led via rampant crime and debauchery to the brink of civil war.
Early in February 1790, Phillip's patience with Ross came to an end. By then, the threat which Ross's intransigence posed to the peace and good governance of the settlement at Sydney demanded that Phillip end his policy of long suffering: consequently, Phillip reported, in detail, to both Lord Sydney and Nepean, not only the misdemeanours of Ross, but also his refutation of Ross's allegations against him. Then, on 17th February, Phillip told Ross to proceed to Norfolk Island with Meredith and Johnston's companies. He was to relieve King who had been not only the Commandant there since February 1788, but also the Lieutenant Governor since 28th January 1789.
Nevertheless, in spite of everything Phillip would have been only been too pleased to see Ross leave Sydney. He told the colony that his reason for sending the marines and convicts to Norfolk Island was that, ‘conditions there were superior to those at Port Jackson.' Clark and Bradley confirmed Phillip's report by stating that Norfolk Island had a ‘better food supply from fish and birds, and that reduction of Sydney's population was essential.' The Sydney store would contain only thirteen weeks' provisions after 1st March 1790.
With the Sirius almost ready for sea, Phillip ordered Ross to prepare his troops for the move and Private Easty on 19 February recorded that Ross issued his warning order for the two companies to prepare for departure aboard HMS’s Sirius and Supply on 5th March 1791. Phillip sent instructions to King to hand over to Ross and return to Port Jackson before leaving for England via Batavia (to which port he was ultimately conveyed by the Supply)." Meanwhile at Port Jackson, the detachment completed its preparations for departure: Clark, after ensuring that his bed was placed aboard the Sirius and that the detachment's colours were safely stowed, accepted the invitation of Ross and Campbell to dine with them on both days preceding departure. By now Clark had much changed his opinion of Ross: he had previously described him as the most disagreeable commanding officer he had ever known; but now he was saying that ‘Ross's friendship to me is what I call real and sincere’.
 HMS Sirius |
 HMS Supply |
Embarkation was completed with 186 aboard the Sirius and 25 on the Supply; Ross, Kellow, Johnson, Clark, John Ross, and 20 NCOs and marines were to travel by Sirius. Captain Johnston, Lieutenant Faddy, with 30 NCOs and marines were to travel on the Supply. These two ships moved out from Sydney Cove at six o'clock on the morning of 5 March but so strong a sea was raging at the harbour's mouth that they moored inside the Heads till six o'clock next morning. In the attempt to reach the open sea, the Sirius was almost driven on to the rocks off North Head. However, once at sea they made such progress that by noon the two ships were out of sight of land. Their departure was the first dismemberment of the little settlement at Port Jackson. This was felt profoundly by those who remained behind. The marines' barracks had assumed a deserted appearance: ‘where once all had been troops and bustling activity, there now dwelt desertion and loneliness to accentuate the isolation and pangs of homesickness felt by those who remained’. Collins observed that ‘every man seemed left to brood in solitary silence’. It was as if famine had thinned the colony to half its number and left those remaining to face a dreary future.
The Sirius and Supply, after passing Lord Howe Island and the rock outcrop known as ‘Balls Pyramid’ on the 9th March reached Norfolk Island on the 13 th of that month; only eight days after leaving Sydney. After ten o'clock that morning, many of the male convicts from the Sirius were landed to the care of those marines who had been on the island under Lieutenant Creswell's command since 14th June 1789. These included the two marines who had accompanied King in February 1788, the seven who arrived there by the Golden Grove in October 1788 and the fourteen who had arrived on 14th June 1789 with Creswell in the Supply. With many of the convicts ashore, the marines began landing that afternoon, through dangerous surf, at half past one at Cascade Bay. During the landing Clark felt that Hunter acted uncivilly to Ross in pushing him off into a boat loaded with poultry and pigs. Reception arrangements ashore were non-existent. After Clark and others had walked five miles into town, they found that the accommodation, which Ross had said would be waiting for them, did not exist.
On 19th March at noon, while attempting to land the stores, Hunter was maneuvering the Sirius in Sydney Bay when treacherous winds took control of the ship and wrecked it on ‘Ross Reef’. It was a disaster of major proportion: stores were jettisoned in the hope that she could be refloated. Many of the stores did float ashore, but the ship failed to budge. Clark took a raft through the heavy surf to save people. He was nearly drowned when a panic stricken convict, who could not swim, held on so tightly to him that the two almost perished, for which, when they reached shore, Clark took a cane from one of the sergeants and gave the half-drowned convict a thrashing, warning him that he would receive a daily repetition whenever Clark saw him during the next month.Once the cargo that could be saved had been retrieved, the marines settled down to duty on the island. The hardships which had faced them at Port Jackson were to be hardly lessened at Norfolk Island: rations were critically short. All officers had lost personal effects; and Ross had lost his personal papers. On 20th April, responding competently and decisively to the crisis Ross and the council reduced the meat ration by half a pound to 3 1/2 pounds (1.6 kg) per man per week. The inhabitants were allowed, however, to make up the loss by catching birds. A full stocktake of all rations revealed that only twelve weeks' stocks existed. Ross issued a proclamation in May fixing the weekly ration at 3 pounds (1.4 kg) flour, 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) beef or 17 ounces (480 kg) pork and 1 pound (454 g) rice. Children over one year received half rations, and those under one year received only 1 1/2 pounds flour and 1 pound rice per week.
Convict Buildings – Norfolk Island |
When Clark went fishing on 21st April, he caught 56 large schnapper which he distributed amongst the marines and the officers of the Sirius. In the fortnight from 8th to 22nd May, 1,867 large schnappers were caught, enabling everyone on the island to be supplied ‘with a great allowance of fish’. Convicts and marines took it in turns to receive whatever fish was caught. Mutton birds also supplemented the meager rations. On the 9th May, for example, 4,783 were brought in which made the total to that date of more than 41,000 birds. This figure rose by the middle of June to 136,000. It is strange therefore that in spite of this abundance of food a good number of marines, seamen and convicts became sick. However, the prospect of starvation, which had been so real in March, was to pass. By May crops were established and they prospered in the temperate climate. An acre of land produced 167 bushels of potatoes. Not all seasons however were as prolific, and plagues of caterpillars frequently destroyed crops. When this happened, items of the staple diet were short: Clark mentioned that ‘in one period of six months neither he nor Ross had had a cup of tea or a glass of wine; breakfast consisted of dry bread and coffee made from burnt wheat, but they did not grumble for they felt themselves lucky even to be able to get that’.
The marines were employed in a variety of field pioneering duties as Ross embarked on an extensive development programme. They constructed a trench to bring water nearer the town; they brought in thatch to cover barrack roofs; they dried out powder saved from the Sirius, and they felled timber for fashioning at the sawpits. Marines who were carpenters erected the corn mill to grind flour, whilst others prepared ground for the planting of potatoes and corn, and for the erection of huts. An indication of the extent of marine labour can be gained from the fact that almost every man in Captain Johnston's company in the month from 19th June to 17th July 1790, worked twenty-two days clearing and cultivating ground at Charlotte's Field. The produce from these exertions kept starvation at bay, though nothing could restore the basic food items and necessities of life lost from the Sirius. Shortages of these items continued for almost the whole term on the island. However, this was not permitted to deny observances of royal occasions on the island. On the King's birthday of 4th June 1790, in spite of the recent loss of Sirius, the people were allowed a holiday. The marines fired a ‘feu de joie’; the gentlemen dined with Major Ross; and "the greatest good cheer and harmony" existed among everyone. (Such was the loyalty to the crown that even when advance elements of the New South Wales Corps later arrived, both they and the marines fired volleys from their respective parade grounds.)
 |
As late as February 1791, Ross, with every justification, was bringing examples of marine shortages to Phillip's attention. ‘Not one of them have a shoe to their feet, nor scarce a shirt to their backs’, he advised, and neither was there a fit bed nor a blanket among them. Not a drop of spirits had been issued for eight months. So few cooking utensils had been saved from the Sirius that each pot was shared by twelve men on a rotational basis; consequently it was often well into the night before some could cook their meal. So severe was their distress that more discontent and grumbling was evident than Ross had ever observed before. Such deprivations affected health.
The marines were not themselves immune from crime. Clark was driven to exclaim that ‘there was no difference between soldier, sailor or convict when it came to stealing’, for not only had Captain Hunter's own marine servant been thieving the good captain's rum, but also Ross's servant, John Ascott, had stolen from his master as well. Ascott might well have not been responsible for his misdemeanour, because his unrequited love for a convict woman shortly sent him so insane that his violence necessitated his being placed in a straightjacket before being chained to a gun.
The grumbling amongst the troops to which Ross had earlier referred continued to increase until 9th April 1791 when it culminated in an ugly scene bordering on mutiny. It arose over what the marines felt an inequity in their food supply as compared with that enjoyed by the convicts. In the previous January, Ross had cut the male convict ration by two pounds of flour a week and at the same time had reduced the full weekly ration to troops by a quarter. The convicts made up their loss from 'the vegetables which were growing prolifically in their gardens;’ the troops were reluctant to garden and consequently had to compensate their ration shortfall by buying vegetables from the entrepreneurial convicts. This was a situation which increasingly irritated the troops.
Such was the groundswell of smoldering discontent that on the 9th, after an inflammatory address had been given by four ringleaders, the troops decided to refuse to collect their weekly rations from the public store on the grounds that the convicts were better off than they were. When it was pointed out that this was their own fault for not gardening, they merely murmured and uttered vague excuses, which led Ralph Clark to believe that their real intention was to test the authority of Major Ross. If that was so, Ross was not daunted by their challenge. He ordered Captain Johnston to tell the men that he would not again ask them to collect their rations and that at 1.30 p.m.; Johnston would call a ration parade to march to the store so that he could see ‘which man would dare to refuse’. Ross also ordered Johnston to take the added precaution, bearing in mind the sullen temper of the men, of disarming them before they set out. At 1.30 p.m. the test came. Johnston accompanied by Clark, Faddy and Creswell, went to the barrack yard, and ordered the men to obtain their ration bags and then fall in on parade. This display of determination was sufficient for some of the men, and they went to Johnston to tell him not only that they would obey his orders, but also that they regretted their previous refusal. Very quickly, the others capitulated and what Clark felt would have concluded in ‘a great deal of blood was avoided’. It had been a close thing, for the men were the ‘most mutinous’ with whom Clark had served; to him it had been one of the ‘most critical’ days of his life and his response to the fright he had received was to confide to his diary that if he could be despotic for three hours, he would hang the ringleaders and have the others draw lots to select every fifth man to suffer the same fate. The incident highlighted the growing strain, which the long and severe service was having on morale, and Clark identified this as the underlying cause, for he felt the sooner they left the island, the better.
Even so, marine discipline appears to have been better than that of the New South Wales Corps whose Norfolk Island advance party of three officers and twenty-one men brought with it a noticeable rise in military offences. In the five month period from May to October 1791 the New South Wales Corps was forced to court martial eight soldiers,
Six of whom were found guilty. In the same period, only four marines were convicted, even though the marine strength of two companies greatly exceeded that of the New South Wales Corps elements. So unsatisfactory was the discipline of the relieving New South Wales Corps that it caused Clark to report that since its troops had arrived ‘they have had nothing but Courts Martial’."
In December 1791, there were thirty-one marine-settlers compared with the seventy-one others who by then were farming on the island. Some of the marine-settlers had applied to King to marry the ‘best behaved’ of the convict women with whom they had already been living. When the Reverend Johnson visited, the weddings proceeded, and the men undertook to take the women off the public store a year after their marriage.
The first element of their relief, the New South Wales Corps, had arrived on the Supply on 1th April 1791. These had been followed by those on the Mary Ann on 15th August, the Salamander on 16th September, the Atlantic on 26th October, and the Queen on 2nd November. After the relief of the two units, Ross and his marines departed on the Queen for Port Jackson where they arrived on 5th December prior to embarking on HMS Gorgon eight days later.
So ended the Norfolk Island period of their tour of duty. It had not been easy; it had started in near tragedy but gradually by the efforts and leadership of Ross, Clark and the marines generally, adversity had been turned into achievement. From the days in August 1790 when the unsupplemented stocks available on shore were 6,835 pounds flour, 320 pounds beef, 3,253 pounds pork, 500 pounds rice, and 200 bushels of wheat, all to feed 506 mouths, to those of their departure when even the piqued Governor King grudgingly had to acknowledge the promising aspect of crops and a wheat harvest of a thousand bushels, the marines' achievement in providing subsistence had been significant. When there is added to this the construction of two towns and their attendant infrastructure, the tour had been of significant service to the island. Their one weakness had again been in the area of human relations. The army/navy rivalry and, to a lesser extent than at Port Jackson, Ross's arrogance and his propensity to upset his own officers, had provided the unfortunate ingredients. On balance, however, Ross and the marines had been most successful at Norfolk Island.
A Return of Marines who have desired to be received as Settlers on Norfolk Island and sailed from Sydney the 26th October 1791
Daniel Stanfield, Corporal – A wife and three children
William Tonks, private
Thomas Bishop
Thomas Dukes
James Williams
John McCarthy
Thomas O'Brien
William Standley
Patrick Connell
Thomas Halfpenny
Thomas Bramwell
John Barrisford - A wife and two children
William Strong
William Mitchell
Thomas Chipp
John Redman
Richard Knight
James McManus
John Roberts
Thomas Spencer
John Munday - A wife and three children
Lawrence Richards - A wife and two children
Abraham Hand
William Dempsey
William Simms
John Foley
Thomas Sculley
John Gower, Corporal
Historical Records of Australia
Series 1, Governors' Despatches to and from England.
(BB - Acknowledgements: Cleve Whitworth RMAQ; John Moore from ‘The First Fleet Marines 1786 - 1792’; Free Settler or Felon? (jenwilletts.com) & (Wikepedia.com
1788. Thursday 24th January. Botany Bay. Sergeant James Scott RM, Sergeant of Marines, travelled to NSW on the First Fleet aboard the Prince of Wales, accompanied by his wife Jane. His daughter Elizabeth was born on the voyage out and his son William Boxell was born in Sydney in 1790. James Scott had married Jane Boxell in 1796 at Portsea, Hants.
During the voyage, and intermittently during their stay in New South Wales, James kept a diary. This journal is now in the Dixson Library in Sydney as part of the Sir William Dixson bequest. It is believed to have come from the estate of a Miss Russell, a connection between John Russell and James Scott.
The journal is written in a tall notebook, measuring 32 cm by 20.5 cm, the soft cardboard covers are much worn and rubbed, but it is now protected in the library by a chamois lined morocco folder in a dark morocco case, tooled in gold. The handwriting is large and looks clear and Scott expresses himself simply. However, his bad spelling and many alterations have made it difficult to transcribe some parts. Each page has a heading and there is a wide ruled margin in which are written the dates of entry. It is marvellous to have this record and also the diary of Private Easty of the Marines as it highlights what interested ‘the men’ as distinct from the officers. Like soldiers at all times they were interested in their own daily lives, in promotions and punishments, in food and grog and women.
Not very much is known about Scott. The baptisms of the two children are recorded in the Registers of St Phillip’s Church and James Scott is mentioned as a witness to several civil court cases in the Minutes and Proceedings etc of the Bench of Magistrates of the County of Cumberland. One case involved Scott and his wife Jane when a soldier’s wife, Martha Davis is charged with scandalously abusing James Scott, a Serjt of Marines, & Jane Scott his wife, on Friday night the 15th instant. The case was heard on 23rd April 1791; in her defence Martha Davis accused Jane Scott of having thrown out Suspicions and Surmises of her conduct, suggesting that she had been gossiping, with or without foundation we do not know.
The Scott family boarded the Gorgon transport on Monday 31st October 1791 to return to England and all were discharged at Spithead on Friday 1st June 1792. James Scott died at Portsmouth early in 1796 after serving as a squad sergeant. (sic)
Article featured in the First Fleet Folio December 2005.
1788. Thursday 24th January. Botany Bay. John Gowen was a Corporal of Marines on HMS Sirius. His grave is in the church yard of Christ Church (Anglican), Kiama NSW. The plates on the tomb top were later additions. The Kiama & District Historical Society in 1977 recorded the inscription that is no longer visible on the tomb top.
1788. Thursday 24th January. Botany Bay. Marine Daniel Stanfield was reputed to have come from an English naval family. He arrived with the First Fleet at Port Jackson Australia as a private in the Marines. Promoted to corporal, he married Alice, widow of Thomas Harmsworth, on Saturday 15th October 1791 at St Phillip’s Church, Sydney. In less than a month he was on duty at Norfolk Island.
In 1794 he was discharged from the Marines and sworn in as constable and started to farm. He received two goats from Governor King, who described him as a deserving settler. In March Stanfield was robbed and petitioned, with other settlers, to Lieutenant Governor Gross for restoration of arms which they had both been deprived of by Government order.
Stanfield talked of enlisting in the NSW corps and in November 1794 he sailed in HMS Daedalusfor Port Jackson. The following October he returned to Norfolk Island in HMS Supply with his wife, four children, 30 sheep and 35 acres of his 120 acres under cultivation.
When the evacuation of Norfolk Island was planned, Governor King requested Stanfield to remain and encouraged him by offering additional land. However, keen and determined, Stanfield did not find life easy, and he sailed with his family in HMS City of Edinburgh, arriving in Hobart Town in October 1808.
Next month he took up land at Green Point near Bridgewater and built a weatherboard house, which he valued at more than £2,000 (pounds), which stood for over a century. There Stanfield’s industry and enthusiasm brought better results than at Norfolk Island. By February 1825 he had been granted 1200 acres in widely separated areas, he had purchased 890 acres more and claimed to have 1,000 cattle, 800 sheep, 10 horses, a flour mill and other capital. His only grievances were that Michael Howe had raided his stockyard and other bushrangers had plundered his properties, though he was sometimes compensated by more land.
In 1826 he was summoned to give evidence against receivers of good stolen from him, but he died suddenly on 4th February, leaving a very numerous and opulent family. His eldest son, Daniel, was baptised Sunday 25th April 1790 at St Phillips church. He inherited in full measure his father’s energy and acquisitiveness and a great deal of property. But he was not entirely reliant on his father – by 1825 he could claim 450 cattle, 600 sheep, 7 horses and other cattle. His land grants included 450 acres from Governor Macquarie, 300 from Governor Brisbane and 300 from Governor Arthur he bought 850 acres of Green Lagoon. His brothers also had land and stock, and in 1827 the land commission reported that:
The Stanfields, a large clan altogether, have had immense herds of wild cattle roaming all over this quarter of the Island and finding themselves limited, have driven hundreds to the sea coast.
Stanfield improved his properties and became a well-known stock breeder. In 1828 he was one of the first in Van Diemens Land to export apples to Britain – 1 specimen was one foot in diameter, but the shipment did not carry well. Like his father he had trouble with the bushrangers, and by 1825 he had been twice in Sydney to give evidence at trials. In Hobart, January 1808, he married Maria Kimberley the daughter of a transported First Fleet convict Edward Kimberley. They had a large family. Daniel Stanfield jnr died Friday 28 March 1856. (Sic)
1788. Thursday 24th January. Botany Bay. Marine Michael Murphy was born about 1760 at Wexford, Ireland, and his description as a man was 5’8” tall with dark completion, dark brown hair and grey eyes.
Murphy was a Private Marine in the 41st Portsmouth Company, enlisting at Portsmouth on 3rd July 1779 and in the years of 1780 - 1783 was serving in the West Indies. Back in Portsmouth in 1785, he was serving on the guard-ship Ardent. On Saturday 24th February 1787 Murphy joined Sirius as part of the ship’s Marine complement and was discharged on Friday 5th June 1789 from the ship’s books to the Port Jackson detachment.
When the Gorgon was in Port Jackson in 1791, Murphy did duty on board from Saturday 31st October to Friday 11th December. On Friday 6th April 1792, Murphy joined the NSW Corps, serving 5 years to Wednesday 5th April 1797, and receiving a 60 acre grant at Bankstown on Friday 6th April 1798. In January 1799 he shared a grant of 200 acres at Bankstown with Stephen Gilbert which was sold by January 1800 to Matthew Flinders.
In 1800, he re-joined the NSW Corps. On Sunday 24th March 1805 Murphy was transferred to Port Dalrymple, VDL as a member of the 102nd NSW Corps with Colonel Paterson on the Lady Nelson. Among the passengers was Eliza Paterson, the wife of the Commandant; accompanying her, was her maid Ann (Hannah) Williams, a convict who had arrived in Sydney aboard the Nile 1800. The list of passengers on the Lady Nelson was extracted from HM Ship Buffalo’s muster roll, there being no separate list for Lady Nelson when she sailed from Port Jackson to Port Dalrymple in March 1805.
As Archibald Murphy, Michael was married to Hannah Williams on Sunday 10th March 1811 by the Reverend Robert Knopwood in Launceston Tasmania. On the same day their four daughters were baptised, Ellinor (b 1804 Sydney), Elizabeth, Mary and Jane. The father’s name recorded in St Johns’ Parish records was Michael. Two more children were to follow, Michael (1812) and Maria (1814).When in 1810, the NSW Corps was recalled to Sydney Murphy transferred to the NSW Veteran Company. But in 1814 sees Murphy back in Parramatta and then at Emu Plains, until his death at the age of 63 on Friday 10th January 1823. He is buried at St Matthew’s Windsor. The registration of his burial details records him as Archibald Murphy.
Michael Murphy had served a total of 37 years and 321 days in the Marines and the NSW Corps.
Michael Murphy was buried in the church yard of St Matthews Windsor NSW, the oldest Church in Australia. It was built by convicts between 1817-1820. (sic)
1788. Thursday 24th January. Botany Bay. Thomas O’Brien was a 23 year old Marine on the Scarborough and came to Australia as part of the First Fleet. He had enlisted as a private in the Marines on a 3 year contract in 1787. Some special incentives to join were that they could discharge after three years' service with a sign on fee of 2 guineas ($4) and a daily pay rate of 7 cents plus 5 cents clothing and food allowance.
Lieutenant King on Friday 15th February 1788, at Governor Phillips direction, 3 weeks after the First Fleet landing at Sydney Cove had taken a party of 9 male, 6 female convicts, 2 marines, 3 seamen, 3 officers and a surgeon on the Supply to establish a camp on Norfolk Island 13 days away by sail. It was thought the better soil and climate on the Island would supplement the food to supply the Colony at Sydney Cove, the tall pine trees could be used to make new masts and the flax for new rigging for the British fleet which had been severely depleted in the war against America.
By October 1791 Thomas had completed his 3 year contract with the Marines and so in November 1791 he elected to stay in the Colony and sailed on the Atlantic with convicts and 28 other Marines who had been discharged at Port Jackson to become free settlers on 60 acre grants on Norfolk Island.
Susannah Mortimer married Thomas O’Brien on Norfolk Island in November 1791.
Susannah Mortimer, age given as 24, had been sentenced at Exeter Lent Assizes on Tuesday 18th March 1788 to 7 year’s transportation (commuted from a death sentence by hanging) for stealing 2 sheep with John Rice in August 1787 at Moreton Hampstead, Devon. She eventually sailed from London on Monday 29th June 1789 after spending 22 months in gaol and came to Sydney with around 240 female convicts, 6 Marines and 30 crew on the Lady Juliana arriving in Sydney nearly 12 months later on Thursday 3rd June 1790.
In early August 1790, eight weeks after landing at Sydney Cove, Susannah was among 194 male and female convicts transferred to Norfolk Island in Surprise. She brought with her a young child, Susannah who had almost certainly been born on the voyage from England.
The O’Brien family were successful farmers on their 60 acre allotment and by 1808 they had 8 children, 6 sheep, and 72 pigs with 140 bushels of maize in store. They were regarded as first class settlers.
The settlement at Norfolk Island did not achieve the objectives of the Governments of Sydney Cove and Britain. The harbour was treacherous and in fact in 1788 the HMS Sirius was sunk there attempting to land settlers on the Island. The climate was wild and attempts to grow provisions were not too successful. The use of the Pine Trees for ships masts and the flax for rigging proved quite worthless. So, with all facts considered and the Sydney Colony now self supporting with food, the Government decided to abandon the Island and ship all the inhabitants to Hobart Tasmania.
Thomas O’ Brien his wife Susannah and 8 children were shipped to Hobart on the City of Edinburgh on Saturday 3rd September 1808 along with approximately 250 others.
The family settled in New Town district, Hobart and took up 100 acres, the area originally was called O’Brien’s Bridge and later renamed Glenorchy. There is still a bridge in the Glenorchy area called O’Brien’s Bridge. (sic)
1788. Sunday 10th February. The first European child born in Australia was the daughter of Marine Sergeant Samuel Bacon, and his wife Jane Bacon. She returned to England on HMS Gorgon with her parents on Monday 26th November 1792.
1788. Wednesday 9th
July. The number of the Marines serving in New South Wales (NSW) in Australia,
was 211 men including 160 Privates.
1788. October. When Major Robert Ross learned that a detachment of Marines
was to guard the First Fleet on its way to Botany Bay, he was among the
first to volunteer. For the 46 year old Scot, this was the best thing
that had happened to the Corps since its involvement in the glorious
action at Bunkers Hill at the beginning of the American War.
Why
the Marines had been chosen instead of the Army was none of the Major's
business. Others could worry about that. Meanwhile, he had been
appointed to command the detachment and he meant to see that his
Marines acquitted themselves with honour.
As he wrote to his patron, Evan Nepean, Under Secretary for the
Colonies: "A good performance at Botany Bay will rescue the corps from
the obscurity in which it has been for so long." (Sic)
Less than four years after arriving at Botany Bay, however, the Marines
were on their way back to England - and the colony sighed with relief.
The detachment owed its unpopularity almost entirely to Major Ross, to
his personal touchiness and irascibility and to his near-insane
determination to protect the honour of the corps whatever the cost.
Originally founded by Charles II in 1664, the Marines had known a
continuous existence only since 1755, when war loomed once again with
the old enemy across the Channel, the French.
A newly organised Marine Corps, including the very young Second
Lieutenant Robert Ross, was in the vanguard of a British force under
General Wolfe which scaled the Heights of Abraham and took Quebec from
the French in 1759. But the Marines were everywhere in the Seven Years
War - in Canada, India, the West Indies, even in the far-off
Philippines, where 300 of Britain's sea-soldiers helped capture Manila
from the Spanish in 1762.
But as useful as they were in times of war, they had little standing in
peacetime Army officers, who paid highly for their commissions) didn't
mix in the society of mere Marine officers.
In 1786, the Marines were a minor branch of the Army establishment and
Robert Ross, for all his honorary rank of brevet-major, had made no
progress in his career since a promotion to captain in 1773. Thus, 27
years after Quebec, 11 years after Bunkers Hill, the veteran jumped at
the chance when volunteers were called for Botany Bay.
Knowing little or nothing of the country to which he was going, he
visualised the Marines defending the settlement against hostile
Aborigines, even winning new battle honours as they repelled possible
attacks on Botany Bay by the French, Spanish or Americans.
Even before the Fleet left Portsmouth, however, he saw how different
the reality was going to be. All the power was being invested in
Governor Phillip, While Ross was designated Lieutenant-Governor,
Phillip was the one who would make the important decisions, and
Phillip, as he quickly made clear didn't mean to consult Major Ross
about anything. -
An early example occurred on the voyage out. Four days before reaching
Capetown, Phillip divided his fleet into two, four vessels going on
ahead of the remaining seven to prepare the ground.
It was a sensible arrangement. But why had he, the second-in-command,
been almost the last to hear of the change of plan? This was the
question Ross kept asking himself, and brooding over, for the rest of
the voyage.
Finally, they arrived, and it didn't take the major long to see that
any military role for the detachment was just a dream. From the
remoteness of their situation and the wretched state of the Aboriginal
population, he guessed the Marines would be spending most of their time
on sentry duty and acting as slave-drivers to the unfortunate convicts.
It was pretty much the way it turned out, although Ross never stopped
fighting against what he saw as indignities from the day he landed on
"that miserable shore".
Not formerly noted as a severe disciplinarian, he was savage when he
caught any of his men thieving, fighting, breaking into the female
prisoners' quarters, or otherwise carrying on like convicts.
On the evening of March 16, 1788, the colony was less than two months
old when marines Hunt and Dempsey came to blows over a convict woman,
Jane Fitzgerald. Joseph Hunt, the original aggressor, was charged with
disorderly behaviour and a court-martial was convened under the
presidency of Captain Watkin Tench.
He was found guilty, but the sentence was rather unusual. Private Hunt
was required to ask Private Dempsey's pardon before the whole
battalion, or else receive 100 lashes from the drummers on his bare
back. The major was speechless when he heard of the sentence, but not
for long. No soldier had the right to choose his own punishment, he
shouted at Tench.
Not only was it against martial law, it removed from the man's
commanding officer all power to confirm or mitigate the decision of the
court. He went on raving and cursing but he couldn't shake the
determination of Tench and the four other young officers to stick by
the original sentence.
So, Ross had those five arrested as well and applied to Governor
Phillip to have them tried for insubordination. Phillip managed to put
him off for the moment, claiming he would have to refer the matter to
England first.
The difficult Scot, was responsible enough when it came to maintaining
the peace and good order of the little settlement and the governor had
no complaints to make on that score. Yet, on other subjects, he just
couldn't be reasoned with and he was making life unbearable for his
officers. One of them, Lieutenant James Maxwell, actually went mad
during his six months at Botany Bay.
Having been confined to hospital with an eye disease, the sick man was
later found to have planted 70 guineas, neatly set out in long rows in
the hospital garden. He had high hopes of a "good crop" the following
year, he told the doctors.
The behaviour of Captain James Meredith was another source of
embarrassment. One evening, Captain Meredith was rolling home, drunk
as usual, down Bridge St when he was tempted to visit 17 year old Sarah
Bellamy, a well-known prostitute.
At the time, Sydney consisted merely of two streets of "miserable
huts", according to one account. The officers' huts were in a row
opposite the Marine barracks in George St. The convict huts were
dispersed throughout The Rocks.
None had any windows beyond a lattice-work of sticks and, when the
captain came to. Sarah's house, he simply put his hand through and
grabbed the girl by her red hair. She promptly began screaming and kept
it up until the Sydney night watch arrived.
Meredith immediately demanded she be taken into custody. But the night
watch, a body of convict constables since Ross didn't permit his men to
perform constabulary duties was not to be bullied into submission by
any officer.
Constable John Harris made sure the girl had a chance to tell her side
of the story and, as a growing crowd listened in sympathy, Meredith
decided not to go on with the case.
It was glaringly obvious that, after 18 months, Sydney was divided into
two camps. The convicts, who had adopted Botany Bay as their home since
few of them could ever expect to see England again, were in one camp.
The marines were in the other.
For Robert Ross and his men, though, their worst moment had been in
March 1789 after the Commissary, Andrew Palmer found that thieves had
broken into the public store. A piece of a broken-off key was found in
the padlock of the front door. Palmer took it to the blacksmith for
identification and the blacksmith had no trouble recognising it as part
of the key he had specially altered for Marine Joseph Hunt.
Hunt was the same man who had luckily escaped 100 lashes 12 months
before. This time, he turned King's evidence and described how with six
others, he had had the keys altered so they fitted any of three locks.
When one of the seven was posted as night guard at the street-door, the
others could nip round to a back entrance and help themselves to as
much as they could carry away.
It had been going on for months during which most of the group had been
punished several times for drunkenness without the authorities having
any idea where they were getting the liquor.
Yet even before news of this dire occurrence reached London, a new
Secretary for the Colonies had decided to replace the Marines with a
detachment of infantry, to be known as the NSW Corps+ Six months later,
however, Governor Phillip still had not been informed of the decision.
(+ New South Wales Corps).
His pre-occupation was with the famine, which was fast approaching the
colony, and the only solution, as he saw it, was to divide his people
in two and send half to cultivate the much more fertile Norfolk Island.
It was also his chance to get rid of Major Ross.
And yet, if various accounts are true, the major was a changed man from
the moment he landed on the island at the head of two companies of
Marines and a large convict labour force.
In Sydney, much of his time had been taken up in writing to the
Admiralty to complain about Phillip On Norfolk, he was his own master,
free to concentrate exclusively on expanding the island's food
resources Ross spent 20 months there in which time he more than trebled
wheat and potato production.
Those who didn't farm, Marines as well as convicts spent their time
catching schnapper and hunting mutton-birds and the haul was
prodigious-41,000 birds in three months,1867 large schnapper in a
typical fortnight.
Full bellies all round resulted in more work being done and, when the
first NSW Corps arrived to take over, it saw a more flourishing
settlement than the one which had recently greeted its arrival in
Sydney.
In December 1791 Robert Ross and the Marines duly returned to England.
Two officers David Collins and George Johnston, chose to stay on, while
about 40 Marine NCOs and privates had transferred to the NSW Corps.
As it turned out, those who returned with Ross were the ones who
generally did best. Watkin Tench went on to become a lieutenant-general
while James Meredith retired with the rank of major-general. There also
had been more fighting for the Marines after the French Revolutionary
Wars broke out in 1793.
Finally, by Royal Order of April 29 1802, the corps became known as the
Royal Marines. Officially at least, the Marines now enjoyed parity with
the Army. But Robert Ross didn't live to see that day.
His reputation having been virtually destroyed by what Governor Phillip
had to say about his obstructive behaviour in Sydney, he was
transferred soon after his return to recruiting duties around the
countryside. Still a brevet-major, he died in London on 9th June 1794. From
Cleve Whitworth and reprinted by kind permission of the Sydney Daily
Mirror. This appeared under the title "Old marine major's dreams of
glory died at Botany Bay" on Thursday 15th December 1988, and also
featured in The Sun on Thursday 5th October 1989.)
1788. Monday 10th
November. The number of the Marines serving in NSW, was 196 men of all ranks,
including 160 privates, plus 12 men absent.
1788. Upon the British
First Fleet arrival there was no provision made for policing the new
settlement. Arthur Phillip’s commission empowered him to, "Appoint of
constables and other necessary officers and ministers in our said territory and
its dependencies for the better administration of justice and putting the law
in execution". However, policing in Britain was less than proficient, so
he had no model to base the establishment of a law enforcement agency upon.
Watchmen, called Charlie’s after King Charles II who introduced them, were the
first paid keepers of the peace in London, but they were rather ineffectual,
and it was a job for old men. Charlie’s were often ridiculed by the people. The
Marines who accompanied the First Fleet refused to carry out the duties of a
police force. Their Commander Major Robert Ross stated that his men were
soldiers, not prison guards, and it was insulting to His Majesty’s Regiments to
expect them to act in such a role. However, they did agree to guard the
settlement and patrol at night. Governor Phillips appointed freeman James Smith
as a peace officer, but he retired after a brief period, as he was deemed too
old and infirm to be effective.
1788 - 1850. The
English deported over 162,000 convicts to Australia in 806 ships.
1788 - 1930’s. The
Australian Frontier Wars were a series of conflicts that were fought between
Indigenous Australians and European settlers that spanned a total of 146 years.
The first fighting took place several months after the landing of the First
Fleet on Saturday 26th January 1788. The last clashes is recorded to have
occurred as late as 1934.
1789. Four companies of Marines, comprising 213 men, commanded by Major Robert Ross, sailed with the First Fleet for Australia. They remained in the Colony until their relief by the New South Wales Corps in 1791.
1789. Thursday 9th
July. Royal Visit to Portland Roads.
1789. Tuesday 18th
August. Royal Visit to Plymouth Sound.
1789. Thursday 24th
December. Loss of the Guardian.
1789. Scarcely a night
passed when there was not a theft of some kind. After six Marines were executed
during March 1789 for stealing provisions when the colony was close to
starvation, it became obvious that some form of organised law enforcement was
needed. In July 1789 convict John Harris went to Collins with a proposal for a
night watch to be established from among the convicts to deal with all those
found away from their huts at improper hours. Collins commented that: "It
was to be wished, that a watch established for the preservation of public and
private property had been formed of free people, and that necessity had not
compelled us in selecting the first members of our little police, to be
appointed from a body of men in whose eyes, it could not be denied, the
property of individuals had never been sacred. However, there was no choice
convicts who had any property were themselves interested in defeating such
practises as theft". This first night watch consisted of 12 well behaved
convicts and was split into four divisions. The Rocks watch patrolled from the
hospital to the observatory, approximately Globe Street to Dawes Point. In
November 1789, Collins wrote that the night watch had been very effective,
there were fewer crimes and the culprits were usually caught. On Monday 1st
February 1790, Governor Phillip advised Lord Sydney of "the institution of
a night watch to control robberies (particularly of vegetables and poultry) was
immediately effective” and that there was “no robbery in three months".
The night watch were held in "fear and detestation" by their fellow
convicts. Convicted pick-pocket George Barrington arrived in Sydney in 1791 and
was almost immediately appointed a police constable guarding the colony’s
stores. He later became Chief Constable at Parramatta.
1789 to 1792. The Third
Anglo Mysore War was a conflict that took place in South India between the
Kingdom of Mysore and the East India Company and its allies that included
France and the Maratha Empire.
1789. The start of the
French Revolution that took place from 1789 to 1799.
1789. The Plymouth
order Book. The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty do not recognise a Light
Infantry. Saying Officers may wear the appointments, if they have the ordinary
ones when required.
1790. The arrival of the first ship the Lady Juliana of the Second Fleet was a cause of much excitement in the new colony. Amongst the correspondence from the homeland was the orders for the formation of the New South Wales Corps, and encouragement for the Marines to become settlers.
“In consequence of the assurance that was given to the non-commissioned officers and men belonging to the battalion of Marines, on their embarking for the service of this country, that such of them as should behave well, would be allowed to quit the service on their return to England: or be discharged aboard upon the relief taking place, and permitted to settle in the country – His Majesty has been graciously pleased to direct the following encouragement to be held up to such non-commissioned officers and privates, as may be disposed to become settlers in this country or in any of the islands comprised within the government of the continent of New South Wales, on the arrival of the corps raised and intended for the service of this colony, and for their relief.
To every non-commissioned officer, an allotment of one hundred and thirty acres of land, if single; and one hundred and fifty acres if married. To every private soldier, an allotment of eighty acres if single, and of one hundred acres if married; and also, an allotment of ten acres for every child, whether of non-commissioned officer, or of a private soldier. These allotments will be free of all fines, taxes, quit rents and other acknowledgements for the space of ten years; but after the expiration of that period will be subject to an annual quit rent of one shilling for every fifty acres.
His Majesty has likewise been farther pleased to signify his royal will and pleasure, that a bounty of three pounds be offered to each non-commissioned officer and soldier who may be disposed in this country and enlist in the corps appointed for the service of New South Wales with a farther assurance, that the case of a proper demeanour on their part, they shall, after a farther service of five years, be entitled to double the former portion of land, provided they then choose to become settlers in the country, free of all taxes, fines and quit rents, for the space of fifteen years; but after that time, to be subject to the before mentioned annual quit rent of one shilling for every fifty acres.
And as a further encouragement to those men who may be desirous to become settlers and continue in the country, His Majesty has been likewise pleased to direct that every man shall, on being discharged, receive out of the public store a portion of clothing and provisions sufficient for his support for one year; together with a suitable quantity of seeds, grain etc, for the tillage of the land; and a portion of tools and implements of agriculture, proper for their use. And whenever any man, who may become a settler, can maintain, feed, and clothe, such number of convicts as may be judged necessary by the governor, for the time being, to assist him in clearing and cultivating the land, the service of such convicts shall be assigned to him.”: Article featured in the First Fleet Folio June 2000. (sic)
1790. Saturday 6th
March. HMS Sirus and HMS Supply having on board 65 officers and men, with 5
women and children belonging to the Marine detachment and the civil department,
116 male and 67 female convicts, with 27 children, sailed for that small but
beautiful, fertile Island of Norfolk. The Governor had sized on the opportunity
of getting rid of his uncongenial Lieutenant Governor, by giving him a
commission as Commandant of Norfolk Island, and it is quite possible that Ross
himself was glad enough to go.
1790. June. Five of the
six ships comprising the ‘The Second Fleet’ arrived at Sydney. The sixth HMS
Guardian had been so severely damaged by a collision with and Iceberg that she
had to be beached in Table Bay, narrowly escaping total loss.
1790. Thursday 10th
June. In a despatch from Sydney Australia Governor Hunter writes to the Duke of
Portland he states “I shall now only trouble your Grace further by mentioning
that there are a considerable number of the Marines, who were the first troops
sent to this country, and who upon the recall of that Corps from hence were
allowed to enlist for a five years in the New South Wales Corps, some of them
having completed this last engagement, are desirous of settling in the country
and are entitled to a double proportion of land in consequence of a double tour
of duty.”(Sic)
1790. December. The ship Lady Juliana reached Sydney Cove. This was the first ship to arrive from England since the First Fleet. She carried 226 female convicts. This arrival was an important milestone for Thomas Lucas, because among the convicts a woman was the spinster Ann Howard. She had been convicted at the Old Bailey and sentenced to seven years transportation.
It seems that Thomas Lucas and Ann Howard began to live together at Sydney Cove, and on Thursday 29th December 1791 a son was born. On Sunday 29th January 1792 he was baptised Thomas. This was the period when the colony was on extremely short rations. With the responsibility now of a de facto wife and a tiny baby, when volunteers were called for transfer to the New South Wales Corps, Thomas Lucas enlisted for five years, and was promoted to Corporal, joining the new Corps in April 1792.
Thomas Lucas appears to have still been stationed at Sydney until he left as part of a relief detachment in September 1794, with Ann and the baby Thomas on the store ship Daedalus for Norfolk Island. Ann was pregnant again, and she and the toddler Thomas were landed on Norfolk Island in October 1794, but Corporal Lucas did not come ashore until a week later. Perhaps he had to stay on board until unloading was finished. The soldiers all landed a week later.
Two months later Ann’s sentence expired, and then on Saturday 20th December 1794, baby Richard was born, but there is no record of his baptism. Thomas continued in the Army for two and a half years and was discharged on Thursday 6th April 1797. As a former Marine he was entitled a land grant of 60 acres, and Governor Hunter granted this in August 1797. In the meantime, a third son, John was born, but he was not baptised until four years later. In most of the Norfolk Island records the children are recorded under the name Howard, not Lucas.
The farm was developed, and a living was made by the sale of wheat, maize and pork to the government stores.
1799. Saturday 19th October. a fourth son was born called Nathaniel. On Sunday 2nd August, the Reverend Henry Fulton, baptised the two youngest children, John and Nathaniel. Fifteen days later (probably after banns had been published for the necessary three Sundays) Thomas and Ann were married on Monday 17th August 1801. Thomas signed his usual clear signature, but Ann made her mark.1
In 1803 the decision was made to abandon Norfolk Island. Thomas Lucas elected to be transferred to the Derwent. When the Lucas family left Norfolk Island they left behind a farm, which had been developed with 42 acres cleared and 17 acres not cleared. They had a shingled house of two floors, a thatched and boarded barn of two floors, 3 thatched outhouses and one boarded outhouse, various sheep and pigs as well as what and oats being cultivated.
The settlers were granted compensation for the farm and stock and promised a grant of land four times as much, i.e. for Thomas Lucas, 240 acres, in Van Diemen’s Land. Nevertheless, the settlers were reluctant to move.
On Saturday 3rd September 1808, the City of Edinburgh took aboard the last group of settlers for Van Diemen’s Land, and the Lucas family was among them. They sailed on Friday 9th September and arrived in Van Diemen’s Land Sunday 2nd October 1808.
The Lucas family settled into Van Diemen’s Land, and apparently chose land at Brown’s River near the present Kingston, where they are recognised as the first settlers. A muster on Sunday 30th April 1809 shows Thomas Lucas as having 530 acres between Hobart Town and Brown’s River. This was the largest holding in Van Diemen’s Land at the time.
On Tuesday 29th August 1815, at the age of 56 Thomas died and he was buried in St David’s Cemetery in Hobart. At his funeral the Masonic Lodge performed their ceremonies over a brother mason at the graveside. (sic)
1790. Vancouver's
Expedition in the Discovery.
1790. An empty bottle is
sometimes referred to as a 'Dead Marine'. The origin of the term is somewhat
obscure, but the following story is told to account for the expression. This is
one of the few Sailor expressions that can actually be traced to a specific
person on a specific date.
William IV who was known as the 'Sailor King' was the third son
of George III, he was born Prince William Henry. In 1789 he became Duke of
Clarence. As a youth he joined the Navy as a midshipman and rose through the
ranks. Someone in his social position who might be expected to become a Rear Admiral
through patronage. Which he did through true merit.
Shortly after receiving his promotion to Rear Admiral in 1790,
His Highness was at dinner on board one of his fleet's ships. He ordered the
steward to remove the 'Dead Marines' to make room for new bottles.
There was also in the mess a dignified elderly Major of Marines
who promptly took exception to this remark, and rising from the table asked,
"May I respectfully ask your Royal Highness why you apply the name of the
Corps, to which I have the honour to belong, to those empty bottles? The Duke,
with tact and quick wit, replied; "I call them Marines because they are
honest fellows who have done their duty and are now quite ready to do it
again." This reply somewhat mollified the indignant officer of Marines.
An alternative derivation comes from the animosity between the
Navy and the Marines. The Royal Naval seaman says that like an empty bottle a Marine
is of no use to anyone, and if dropped over the side in the position of
attention would float upright because of the size of his boots. The Marine's
retort is that like an empty bottle he is always ready for duty again.
Although some have been known to suggest that the term is
derived from the fact that an empty bottle always floats head up, and it has
been rumored that a Marine will do this even when dead, owing to the
traditional size of his feet and boots. I think the former explanation is
certainly the most just and decidedly the most apt. It is supposed that the
Duke of Clarence made use of this term on one occasion and the event is commemorated
in verse by Colonel W. Drury, R.
The story also caught the imagination of the Army officers. They
wanted their soldiers to be held in the same favorable view. They adapted the
term for their use, changing it to 'Dead Soldiers'.
Since it's a more nautical term, 'Dead Marines' is usually refer
to freshly emptied wine bottles, by Naval ratings and Royal Marines.
This same Duke of Clarence is said to have added the words 'By
Land or Sea' to the badge of the Royal Marines.
1790 - 1805. The Marines
uniform of the day. (Taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers:
Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI.)
1791. Tuesday 16th
August. Loss of Pandora.
1791. Wednesday 16th November. Chatham Orders. All the Officers, N.C. Officers and Private Men are to hold themselves in readiness to turn out a minute's notice to march where they may be ordered to receive Their R. Highness the Duke and Duchess of York; and uniformly dressed; and those that are unfit to join the Battalion are not to be straggling about the streets on any account.
1791. November. Phoenix
took Resolu.
1791. Thursday 18th
December. After 18 months service in Norfolk Island, major Ross returned to
Sydney, and with the greater part of Marines left for England on board
HMS Gorgon leaving behind only one Captainand Lieutenant, three 1st
Lieutenants, the Judge Advocate (Collins), eight Non Commissioned Officers, two
Drummers and fifty Privates.
1791. On a memorial
being presented, an invalid establishment was formed, allowing the following
officers to retire, one Commandant on 24d per day, one Lieutenant Colonel, one
Major, and twelve Captains, six First Lieutenants, and three Second
Lieutenants.
1792. Early in the year. The most important matter that employed the attention of the House of Commons in the early part of the year 1792, was a message from his Majesty, presented by Mr. Pitt on the 28th of January, which in fact announced the commencement of hostilities against France.
In almost every war between Great Britain and France, the West India islands have been among the first and principal scenes of contest, and the efforts of the british minister were again directed to that quarter of the world, with considerable hope of success ; for these islands, generally, were badly defended, and the French were too much occupied in preserving their own territories in Europe, to provide adequate means of protection for their distant possessions ; and as the black population of the colonies was strongly incensed against their employers, the british government confidently anticipated a speedy and easy reduction of the french West India islands. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1792. April. An attack was made upon the island of Tobago by vice-admiral Laforej^ in the Trusty of 50 guns, and some small craft, conveying 470 troops, including 32 marines under major Richard Bright, from Barbadoes. The landing was effected on the 14th; and on the 15th, after assaulting the fort of Scarborough, which was garrisoned by 200 men under a lieutenant-colonel of the french 32nd regiment, the island became again a dependency of Great Britain.
An attempt was next made on Martinique by rear-admiral Gardner with three ships of the line and a fleet of transports, having on board 1100 british, and 800 french-royalist troops, who were landed on the 16th and 17th; and on the 18th the united forces moved forward in two columns to the attack, the two batteries defending the town of St. Pierre. Owing to some confusion among the royalists they fired upon each other, and then retreated to the place of debarkation, followed by the English; and the admiral was compelled to re-embark in great haste, whilst many hundreds, who had espoused the royalist cause, took refuge on board the ships, to avoid the cruel vengeance of their adversaries.
The revolted state of the inhabitants in St. Domingo induced the better disposed to seek for british protection ; and in conse- quence of information brought to commodore Ford, commanding the naval forces at Jamaica in the 50-gun ship Europa, and some small frigates, that officer arrived near the harbour of Cape Nicolas Mole on the 21st of September; and finding that the inhabitants were apprehensive of an attack from the mulattoes and blacks, the commodore sent on shore terms of capitulation similar to those agreed upon at the surrender of Jeremie. Soon after daylight the next morning this proposal was returned, duly executed; and the Europa having proceeded to the anchorage, the town and its extensive dependencies surrendered to his britannic Majesty.
The marines of the Europa, under major Robinson, were the only british force on shore for several days in this important service; and they continued there until the arrival of troops from Jamaica.
The first encounter since the commencement of the war was on the 13th of May, when the 32-gun frigate Iris fell in with the french frigate Citoyenne Frangaise of 32 guns, off Bordeaux, and after engaging her from 6h. 30m. p.m. until 8 a.m., the stranger hauled her tacks on board, and shot a-head. At this moment, when the Iris was preparing to make sail in pursuit, her foremast, main top-mast, and mizen-mast went over the side. The Iris had 4 men killed, and 32 wounded; whilst the enemy sustained a loss of 15 killed, and 37 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1792. Wednesday 12th
September. Trial of some of the Bounty mutineers at Portsmouth.
1792. Thursday 13th September. The battering ships took their stations between the new and old mole, parallel with the rock, and about half a mile distant from it. The attention of general Elliot was principally directed to the effect of the red-hot shot upon the battering ships, but at the same time the whole peninsula seemed to be overwhelmed by the torrents of fire which poured upon it. About two o'clock in the morning, the admiral's ship was observed to be on fire, and shortly afterwards a second ship was in flames. Through the whole night of the 13th the fire was continued by the garrison without intermission, and when daylight appeared, a dreadful scene presented itself; the flames continued to rage on board the battering ships, and the men were seen imploring pity and assistance.
The governor having humanely ordered a cessation of the cannonade, the boats from the rock assisted in rescuing the Spaniards from the destruction which was at hand; and by the intrepidity of captain Curtis of the navy, and his gallant followers, above 400 of the enemy were extricated from their perilous situation. Nine battering ships blew up, and the tenth was destroyed by the British. The impression made on the enemy by the resistance of the garrison is strongly depicted in the following extract of a letter from a french officer: — " The eye is fatigued with the sight, and the heart, is rent with the groans of the dying and wounded. Their number makes me thrill with horror; and I am told that in other parts of the lines, not within my view, the number is still greater."
The loss of the garrison was comparatively small: the whole number between the 9th of August to the 17th of October, being 65 slain, and the wounded 388; nor was the danger done to the works very considerable.
About the time of the attack, lord Howe sailed from England with thirty-four ships of the line, escorting a fleet of transports laden with troops and supplies for the garrison; but owing to contrary winds they did not reach the straits until the 11th of October, and on the 18th this powerful armament entered the bay, in presence of the combined fleets of France and Spain. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1792. Friday 14th September. The Rainbow of 44 guns, captain Trollope, cruising off the Isle of Bas, captured the french 40 gun frigate Hebe, after a short action, in which the french ship had 5 killed, and several wounded; but the Rainbow sustained no injury, and had only one man killed.
The Santa Margarita, captain Elliot Salter, being on a cruise near Cape Henry, on the 29th of July brought to action the french 36-gun frigate Amazone. At 5 h. p. m., when within musket-shot, the enemy's ship opened her fire, and wore round on the same tack as the Santa Margarita: both then gradually closed until within pistol-shot of each other, in which position the actionwas maintained for an hour and a quarter; when the Amazone surrendered, with loss of main and mizen-masts, her captain, the vicomte de Montguiote, and 70 men killed, and more than that number wounded. The Santa Margarita had 5 men killed, and 17 wounded.
Lieutenant Frederick Hill Flight, and second-lieutenant Thomas Dyne, were the officer of marines on board the Santa Margarita.
On the 6th of December the Ruby of 64 guns, captain John Collins, having chased from the squadron under sir Richard Hughes, near Barbadoes, captured the french 64-gun ship Solitaire, commanded by the chevalier de Borda, after a close action of forty minutes, during which the enemy lost her mizen-mast, and had 20 men killed, and 35 wounded. The Ruby had only 2 men slightly wounded, but her masts, sails, and rigging were much injured. Captain Collins was honoured with knighthood for his gallant conduct in this action. The officers of marines in the Ruby were, captain Jonas Matthews, lieutenant Solomon Debrisay, and second-lieutenant Mark Oates.
While the fleet under earl Howe was equipping at Spithead to proceed to the relief of Gibraltar, the Royal George of 108 guns was careened, that some defects under water might be repaired. The ship, as usual on coming into port, was crowded with people from the shore; and among these were many wives and families resident in the neighbourhood of Portsmouth. In this situation, about ten in the morning on the 29th of August, while rear-admiral Kempenfelt was writing in his cabin, a sudden squall of wind threw the ship upon her broadside: the ports being open, and the sudden motion of the cannon probably increasing the shock, she almost instantly filled with water and sank. The rear-admiral; Mr. Saunders, first-lieutenant; Mr. Waghorne, 5th lieutenant; major John Graham, first-lieute- nants Richard Graham and Adam Currie, and second-lieutenant William Smith of the marines, the master, carpenter, surgeon, three master's mates, and all the midshipmen except four, with above 800 persons, are supposed to have perished. Upwards of 300 persons, including captain Waghorne, were saved. The Royal George was launched in 1 755, and was a favourite ship, having carried the flag of admiral Boscawen and of lord Hawke on the 20th of November 1759, when he defeated the french fleet under Conflans in Quiberon bay.
The honourable captain James Luttrell, in the Mediator of 44 guns, when cruising offFerrol, on the 12th of December fell in with a squadron of five ships of war bound to Port-au-Prince, consisting of PEugene of 36 guns, an american brig of 14 guns, the Menagere, a large ship en flute, mounting 30 guns, laden with stores and ammunition; next to this ship was placed the Alexander, 24 guns, under american colours, and the nearmost of their line was the Dauphin Royal of 28 guns. At 10 a. m. the enemy opened their fire, as the Mediator bore down upon them; and on their being obliged to tack and wear, the british ship was enabled to close with her opponents; upon which the brig and the Dauphin Royal stood away under a crowd of sail. At eleven the Mediator cut off' the Alexander from her consorts, and pouring in her broadside, compelled the enemy to strike her colours. The other two ships, after firing a few guns, made off before the wind. About noon, as soon as the prisoners were exchanged, captain Luttrell went in pursuit of the Menagere and Eugene; but the latte
having separated, her consort was pursued until 9 p. m., when the Menagere, being within gun-shot, hauled down her colours.
The Mediator was much cut up in her masts and rigging but suffered no loss. The Alexander had 6 killed and 9 wounded, and the Menagere 3 killed and 7 wounded. Lieutenant Rankine of the marines was serving on board the Mediator. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1792. Monday 19th November. Sounds Within the womb of American liberty, was partly contained that revolution in France, which, after a long and sanguinary struggle, has not as yet accomplished any permanent system. It is not my task to retrace its extensive causes, and it would be presumptuous to anticipate its final issue. In this, reason, unguided by precedents, is soon lost in the labyrinths of speculation.
Confining myself to such points alone as affect the dignity of my Country, or the honour of my corps, fancy shall not assume the reins, but I will strike at once to that momentous day which again involved those arbiters of Europe in all the horrors of war.
A conventional decree of 19th November 1792, circulated through every Country, and translated into every language, seemed represent the French Nation as the encouragers and protectors of reform in every State. At this period Britain was recovering fast from her late disastrous efforts. An unexampled influx of wealth, added to her native joys of contentment and freedom. An edict so much militating against the internal peace of every society, therefore, naturally roused the watchful jealousy of our Government. Discussions ensued, which were agitated with temper, until those libertines in the cause of emancipation, brought their amiable Monarch to the scaffold. I blush to say that there were even Englishmen who were capable of extenuating the bloody deed, while there were others, but under a more generous impulse, who, tasting pure freedom themselves, wished that the blessing might also flow through all the channels of mankind. A set of free thinkers in politics, and Philanthropists in theory, also started up, who, with all the enthusiasm of laudable zeal worshipped a statue erected by an American Stay-Maker, on which were inscribed "The Rights of Man." The mania of that day, thank God, is extinguished, and an Englishman has now only to contrast the fawning attitude of the French People, under the present yoke of a foreign and unprincipled Usurper, with their uncontrolled and licentious barbarity towards a good but fallen King, in order to form his opinions, and to suppress his sympathies in behalf of a nation, which, to gain its own ideal liberties, has uniformly aimed to desolate and enslave the world. He must also cease to admire the boasted victories and conquests of its soldiery, few of whom but do not now feel those chains which their triumphs have forged, and what all these once brave legions dare not now wrest from the hands of one man. But to resume my narrative Towards the close of 1792 a small addition was granted to the corps of Marines, and a much greater took place early in 93, in consequence of the intermeddling policy of France, and the war which followed it.
The narrow views that had influenced so great a reduction at the peace of 1783, were bitterly apparent at the commencement of hostilities. In every contest our enemies begin with superior advantages, from their despotic means. Impress is precarious and slow compulsive registration enforced by terror, brings forth a host at once. It is to the faithful Marine Soldier who knows not the meaning of desertion, that the nation, under such sudden emergencies, is often obliged to have recourse, in equipping as well as manning her fleets; for it is not in human nature to place confidence in that man who has been constrained to serve, and who recognises not either a voluntary will, or a sacred obligation to discharge his allotted duties.
It has always been remarked, that the corps of Marines recruit more successfully in every part of our isles, where their nature is ascertained, than any other under his Majesty. From this circumstance must have originated the motive of low bounties being given by its parties in 1793, while those of the line, and other departments were considerably higher.
This restriction upon our increase loaded our service with difficulties and presented almost insurmountable barriers to the attainment of that knowledge of tactics, in which every Marine Officer and Soldier should be conversant previous to his embarkation. For a time, there seemed but little disposition to remedy the former errors, until the imperious demands of an increasing Navy urged the adoption of more active measures.
At this period of surrounding danger, the liberal patriotism of the town of Manchester was highly conspicuous, and gave a local spur to access in strengthening the neglected ranks of the Marine corps.
What enhanced its manly and honest zeal, was, that the expression of it was almost coeval with that day, on which our Gracious Sovereign unbosomed his insulted feelings, and the perils that hovered round his Country, to a convened Legislature.
A sum of £5501-4s.-9d. was soon subscribed by that Loyal Society, which was applied to the auxiliary purpose of raising and sending forth to battle 1085 recruits, between the 19th of February and 3d of October, when a General Meeting, to inspect and close the accounts of their acting Committee, was dissolved, and their thanks were tendered to William Douglas, Esq. its Chairman.
These volunteers were levied under the endearing and uniting name of "The Manchester Marine Corps." My feelings lead me to diverge more extensively upon this meritorious theme, which my bounds, however, compel me to close with an earnest hope, that while the virtuous action shall long stand registered on our annals, its imitative influence may also be felt by the present, and transcend to the latest generations of my countrymen.
Owing to an inadequate establishment, from the cause assigned, many ships put to sea with only half a complement of Marines, while others had none at all. What prevented Capt. Faulkener, in the Venus, from consummating a gallant action by victory, but this deficiency? In many cases, regiments of the line were substituted; an alternative which can only be the offspring of necessity, but not the suggestion of public good.
The British arms were very early triumphant in the West, under the joint auspices of Major General Cuyler and Sir John Laforey.
Their force which included Major (now Colonel) Bright, 1 Lieutenant, 2 Serjeants, 1 Drummer, and 27 private Marines, not amounting to 400 men, carried Fort Castries by storm, and with it the island of Tobago, garrisoned by greater numbers. Some untoward circumstances arising from the cowardice or treachery of a guide, added to a dark night, occasioned a small derangement in our approach to the attack, but it was amply attoned by a general intrepidity in the troops; the main body of which pushed boldly towards the barrier, who attracted the whole attention of the enemy, while the flank companies of the 9th and 60th regiments entered their works. This affair was achieved by the bayonet, with little loss on either side; for mercy, as usual, was shewn by Englishmen to the vanquished.
St. Pierre and Micquelon also soon became easy conquests. Such are the crouded and brilliant instances of this war, that I cannot venture upon a minute detail of any or render justice to their merits.
Lord Hood, who had been recently called forth by his Country, in the hour of threatened danger, and who, upon its having been dispelled, had again become the citizen, was once more placed at the head of a powerful fleet. This he destined to carry to the Mediterranean, where it was his lot to perform very important services, throughout which, he approved himself an accomplished adept in the schools of a Sully and a Marlborough. Never since our existence before, have the talents of a Naval Officer been exerted on so wide a field.
Untrained to the courtly habits of life, uninstructed in the arts of diplomacy, the world usually attaches to him no embellishments of character, but professional bravery, uncorruptible zeal, impressive unadorned manners. The Nation, however, could not have had a more dignified representative, a cooler agent, or a more indefatigable servant than Lord Hood upon so trying an occasion, and amidst such mingled and arduous duties. His intercourse with the deputies from different departments in the South of France, was guided by wisdom and led to success, while his appeals to their community breathed a well-timed humanity towards that oppressed land.
After an interchange of terms, the Honourable Capt. Elphinstone (now Lord Keith) took possession of Fort La Malgue with 1800 troops and Marines upon the 28th of August. The fleet of Spain hove in sight, anchored, and reinforced that post with 1000 men. At first the inhabitants of Toulon, though royalists, were still jealous of the issue of things, but they were tranquillized in all their fears, by a solemn assurance, that the place and ships were held in trust for Louis the 17th, their lawful Sovereign. The approach of a part of Carteaux army, to Ollioules, produced a very spirited attack from La Malgue, headed by Capt. Elphinstone, and consisting of 600 Spaniards, British troops and Marines, who drove a superior enemy from that village, and took their cannon, ammunition, and some prisoners. The dispositions of the English commander were masterly and attested his abilities to wage war on either element.
Lord Mulgrave arrived at Toulon early in September, and assumed the command of the combined detachments, with the local rank of Brigadier General.
The Marines of the fleet were dispersed over the different posts of defence, some of which were cannonaded by the enemy, daily increasing in numbers.
All the military talents of Lord Mulgrave were requisite at this trying juncture. They were soon displayed in the most active measures, by occupying situations essential for checking the enemy's attacks, and affording a temporary security to many extensive objects, until reinforcements should arrive.
His Lordship had to guard against the insults of the Army of Le Poype on the East, as well as that of Carteaux on the West, in which he was materially aided also by the activity and steady bravery of the Officers and Seamen of the fleet. At this time too, the Spaniards were actuated by a spirit of cordial union.
On the 28th of September, a seasonable supply of 2800 Sardinian and Neapolitan troops arrived, who, in three days after, in conjunction with the other allied corps, of which the British Marines formed one, had an opportunity of signalizing themselves, led by Lord Mulgrave himself, in recovering the important heights of Pharon, which had been surprized and carried under cover of a fog, upon the 30th.
To the rapid enterprize of his Lordship, as much as the seconding valour of every subordinate Soldier and Seaman, may justly be ascribed the glory and success of the 1st of October. Very honorable mention was made of Serjeant Moreno, and three privates of the Spanish Marine Corps, who, with a daring and judicious zeal, traced out the line of march for the allied column on the right, to within pistol shot of the works.
Directed by genius, the laurel was obtained, and its value enhanced by a very trifling loss, while that of the French exceeded 1400 killed and wounded; Lieutenant Carter, of Marines, was amongst the English wounded.
A very bold sortie, from Fort Mulgrave, took place on the 8th of October, against the enemy's batteries, opposite the Hauteur de Grasse, evidently constructed with a view to incommode the fleet.
In this, 50 British Marines co-operated, and shared in the honor of destroying their guns on the Hauteur de Reinier; a service which was peculiarly allotted to the seamen under Lieutenant Serocold.
Fort Pomet, partly garrisoned by my corps, had been exposed to a severe cannonade; particularly from 2 guns and 1 mortar above it, which allowed no tests but of steady courage.
Captain Elphinstone bore testimony of Marine spirit, in an attack from Fort Pharon upon the French forces to the eastward, when Captain Dexter was distinguished for his services.
Much am I inclined to diverge upon the meritorious acts of all, but my scope is necessarily limited.
Lord Mulgrave resigned the command of the combined troops to Major General O'Hara, upon the 27th of October, after the most creditable discharge of his trust.
The British posts were extremely wide, and the duties of all were of the most fatiguing kind; but they were supported with the fortitude of Soldiers.
One of the most brilliant events of this checquered warfare, although unnoticed in any of the official details of it, and generally unknown, was meritedly attached to Lieutenant (afterwards Captain) Thomas Nailor, who was entrusted with the defence of a fort, having under him a little garrison of 120 men, principally Marines. A body of 2000 French moved on to attack him upon the morning of a day, with which I am uninformed as to date, under cover of a fog, and sanguine in the hope of surprising him. But he was on the alert and prepared to receive them. With a thoughtful but unshaken valour he awaited the onset, ordering his little band to reserve their fire, until the republicans were close, and to maintain it by platoons; but by no means in a scattered form. A Neapolitan Lieutenant Colonel had thrown himself into the fort when on the eve of its being attempted, but he fell early in the conflict. After repeated essays to carry it with those superior numbers, the French relinquished the field with the loss of nearly 400 killed and wounded; casting back an eye of disappointment, mingled with admiration, of their undaunted opponents.
That young man is now no more. Owing to bad health, he retreated from public to private life, both of which he adorned by modest merit, the mildest manners, and most intrinsic worth. The final destiny of man, but recently closed his life unstained by dishonour.
During the progress of this siege too, a very flattering occasion intervened of testifying the personal zeal of Lieutenant (now Captain) Burdwood, in one of the sorties from Toulon. Embarking in it originally as a Volunteer with the Light Company of the Royals, his talents were decreed to conduct the retreat of its remains, after having been deprived of its Officers. So much were his merits appreciated by that gallant corps, that a deputation of Serjeants waited on him the following day, to solicit that, if a similar opportunity should again offer, he would give a preference by attaching himself to the First Regiment of Foot. The Officers of it also, anxious to express their feelings, voted him a perpetual member of their mess; upon which books, his name now stands in record of their gratitude.
Jealous feuds were apparent in the breast of the Spanish Commander, Don Langara, early in October. It has since appeared that he spoke the sentiments of his court, which was basely negociating with the authorized agents of the diabolical Robespierre. Every trifling incident was seized as a subject far contention, and the subsequent conduct of the Spanish troops warrants the suspicion that this influence was general. The address of Lord Hood, under this dilemma, was great and manly.
The Enemy, from constant reinforcements, became daring in their attacks. On the 15th of November they attempted Fort Mulgrave on the Hauteur de Grasse, with a large force.
This post was occupied by the Spaniards on the right, who soon gave way, and retreated, firing their musquets in the air. To Capt. D. Campbell of the 2d battalion of Royals, and Lieut. Lemoine of the corps of Artillery, was owing the repulse of the enemy, and saving that very important post.
Towards the close of November, the French having opened against Fort Malbousket, and their shells also reaching the town, it was requisite to dislodge them from the ground they held. A body of 2300, under Gen. Dundas, of which the Marines composed a part, advanced against it, under many obstructions, on the 30th, drove the enemy from it, but, under an ill judged impetuosity, rushed onwards, instead of maintaining the post they had gained. The republicans gathering in numbers, in turn recovered all, and took Gen. O'Hara prisoner, after he was wounded, and had used the utmost endeavours to rally our Soldiers. This Officer foresaw not the unfortunate ardency but had arrived at the post in order to arrange its defence. He unhappily fell a sacrifice to his overstrained zeal.
Little hope now remained of preserving Toulon; the enemy, from his numbers, pushing matters to a close. Sickness began its ravages; and no reinforcements were at hand to supply them.
The very material post of Fort Mulgrave, partly garrisoned by British Marines, was much annoyed by shells, without having the means of retreat from their effects. On the 17th of December, at two in the morning, the French advanced to storm it. Here again the Spaniards gave way, and it was in vain that English courage alone was exerted in supporting their quarter of it. From hence our men retreated to Fort Balaguier, under cover of the different posts on the heights. After dawn, one unceasing fire against the different posts on Pharon, commenced, which ended in the republicans gaining possession of the mountain that overlooks Toulon. These reiterated disasters could not now be retrieved. To withdraw every detachment within the town of Toulon, for re-embarkation, became the only alternative. On the 18th it was directed that the whole combined forces should assemble near Fort La Malgue with secrecy, and about ten at night they began their march and the evacuation of Toulon. Avoiding the Fort of St. Catharine, which had been shamefully quitted during the day, without orders, the whole struck through a sally post, by which they gained an advanced part of the road, and arrived at Fort Malgue, where they formed on the rising ground above the shore. The Army reached the ships by day break, without loss.
General Dundas says, "it was impossible for him to express, but in general terms, the high approbation due to the Officers and men of the Regiments and Marines, for their exertions during a service the most harassing, distressing, and severe, seldom experienced by troops, for so long a time." The Royal Artillery was included in this encomium, as well as the Sardinian, Spanish, and French loyal auxiliaries.
It was supposed that Lieutenants John Williams, Barry, and Lynn, with 71 Marines, besides other gallant companions of the British Army, had fallen sacrifices in defending the posts of Mulgrave and Fort Pharon, but all the former and many of the latter rejoined, after having been prisoners, who now live ornaments to their corps.
Towards this seat of perilous duty Sir Sidney Smith had repaired in a private character, which, however, did not restrain him from tendering his services to Lord Hood. He was accordingly employed to carry into execution the destruction of the ships in the inner road of Toulon, the arsenals and magazines. Short was the time allowed him, and many were the attending dangers. It called forth all the resources of his ample mind, and all the courage of his intrepid followers. Besides an open enemy, he had to counteract the schemes of a treacherous friend, which had well-nigh overwhelmed him and his seamen, by the precipitate explosion of two powder ships, to which the Spaniards set fire, instead of sinking them. The conduct of Langara, throughout, but ill accorded with the reputed honour of his nation. It is not the calling of an Officer, and a brave man, to be the hidden agent of perfidy. Although the plan laid down by Lord Hood was well entitled to success, it still was not to that extent he wished. From the conflagration at Toulon, however, may be dated the wide triumphs of the British flag through the subsequent stages of the war, an achievement which can never be forgotten by a grateful nation, which must recognize its safety, and its commercial prosperity, in that early event.
In whatever quarter of the globe we cast an eye each continued to witness the exertions of the Marine Soldier. The convulsions at St. Domingo called aloud for British protection, whither an expedition sailed from Jamaica, under Commodore Ford. Proceeding first to Jeremie, it entered into terms; after which the Europa, carrying his broad pendant, went to Cape Nicola Mole, where she arrived on the 22d of September. On the following day, matters having been arranged, Captain Robinson, an Officer of distinguished merit and abilities, was landed with 50 Marines, to whom the Commodore granted the Brevet rank of Major and invested him with the command of its garrison. This gentleman acquitted himself with so much credit to himself that, when superseded in this important key to St. Domingo by Lieutenant Colonel Dansey, everything had been so properly conducted, that no trouble accrued to his successor, in the adjustments usually consequent upon such events. Commodore Ford gave his cordial approbation of the firm and regular conduct of the Seamen and Marines of his squadron, in the most unequivocal language, and their steadiness through every allotted duty, in that destructive clime, was uniformly observed.
The operations of the squadron and army, in the East, were most active and early. Pondicherry, and many subordinate places surrendered without much resistance, owing to the zealous intelligence conveyed by Mr. Baldwin, British Consul, in Egypt, of the commencement of hostilities.
Some gallant single actions were fought during 1793. That between La Nymphe and La Cleopatra was well contested, and in which Lieut.
John Whitaker, of Marines, is mentioned, as having ably seconded Sir Edward Pellew on the quarter deck. The former was wounded in the course of it, besides 10 of his party killed or maimed. Another equally brave, but not alike fortunate, happened on the coast of America, betwixt the Boston, Captain Courtenay, and L'Ambuscade,
French frigate. That promising Officer, ever anxiously in search of an occasion to distinguish himself, decoyed his antagonist from Sandy Hook. They met and fought; during the heat of the combat, one fatal shot decided the fate both of Captain Courtenay, and Lieutenant Butler, of Marines. A sincere friendship existed between them, and as they had been united in their lives, so were they also united in their deaths. Those amiable young men were hand in hand chanting every loyal Briton's anthem, "God save the King," at the moment their golden pitchers were broken. Adored by the crew, they unhappily left their guns to bid their departed father a long adieu, but he was no more, and to this circumstance alone was owing the Frenchman's escape, whom the Boston was unable to follow.
The capture of La Reunion, by the Crescent, Captain Saumarez, was a proof of English discipline, as the republican frigate sustained a loss of 120 killed and wounded, without one accident on our side.
The Honorable Captain Yorke, in the Circe, hastened to share in the glory, but was prevented by light winds.
This closes my details for 1793. (Taken from Chapter 38 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1792. Tuesday 11th
December. The last of the Marines left Sydney (NSW) with Governor Phillip on
his ship HMS Atlantic.
1792. Saturday 15th
December. A number of Marines remained in Australia as settlers and in a
despatch from Governor Phillip, these included 8 at Parramatta and 31 at
Norfolk Island, while others remained in Sydney, some had died and six had been
executed.
1792. Lodging money was allowed at the following rates: commandants 20s, per week, field-officers 12s., captains 8s., and subalterns 6s. The non-commissioned officers and privates obtained the privilege of allotting. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1792. By the Benevolent
Act of 1792 Non-Commissioned Officers and Private Marines were allowed the
privilege of allotting a portion of their pay (usually a moiety) to their
wives, families, or others, which, till that period, was confined to the Seamen
alone.
Immediately after embarkation, he who has a relative
or a friend to whom he inclines to allot such a part, should execute this
instrument, which the Captain of the ship he may belong to, will forward to the
Navy Board; the Treasurer of which, authenticates the ticket and transmits it
to the person for whose benefit it is designed.
The Receiver General of Land Tax, Collectors of Customs or Excise, and Clerks of the Checque, are officially obliged to pay these allowances to the holder of it, every four weeks, and should no money be in hand for the purpose, one or other must name a day of recall within a fortnight, under a penalty, as likewise if any deduction shall be made from the net sum. Tickets of allotment are irrevocable by the grantor, while he lives and is in public pay, unless he shews a very solid cause for cancelling them. If a wife who holds one, having children under fourteen, shall die, the fact must be attested by the Minister and Church Wardens of the parish, a person named who undertakes to receive their future allowances, and all the circumstances thus established must be remitted to the Navy Board for its sanction. He who becomes the representative ought to appear in person to receive such monies, unless prevented by sickness. But should a wife die (leaving children of the above description) and if no steps are taken or any claims made for their benefit, within six months, such allotments become void, and they will in future be paid either to the grantor himself, or his heirs and executors after his decease.
Those who hold such tickets may always be assured of the friends who gave them being alive, up to the date of the latest payment, as the Navy Board never fails to acquaint those Agents who have been accustomed to issue the money for allotments, with every death that happens; each of whom is bound, under a penalty, to acknowledge the receipt of such an intimation within two days. The same forms are observed in Ireland, where allotments are paid by the Collectors or Commissioners of Revenue.
All enquiries concerning the situation or destinies of distant relatives serving in the Royal Marines when embarked on board of ship, should be preferred to the Navy Board, Somerset Place, London, and through its present Secretary, (R. A. Nelson,) or whoever may succeed him, as the returns of ships are transmitted to that office, in which the Marines are included. In order to identify the Soldier, about whom an enquiry is made it is necessary to hand, at the same time, the number of his divisional company, as well as that of his allotment ticket, if he has granted one.
Successful reference may also be had to the division, where he is attached, by addressing a letter, "On his Majesty's service," to the Adjutant of it; always remarking the number of his Company.
In the year 1792 Marines were placed on the same footing and became sharers in the benefit of an Act "To prevent frauds and abuses in payment of wages, prize-money, and other allowances."
Wills, or letters of Attorney, when executed on board of ship, must be attested by the Captain, and one or more of the signing Officers. They are not valid unless they are revocable. The Captain acquaints the Navy Board in his ship's return when any Seaman or Marine under his command has made his testament, which is an evidence of the justice of future claims on his property in case of decease. Any will made by either, after his discharge from the service, or any power of Attorney affecting pay, prize-money, or other property acquired by him, while on board his Majesty's fleet, if executed within the bills of London or Westminster, must be attested by an Officer appointed by the Treasurer of the Navy, where wages are paid. If either a will or power of Attorney, as above, is made in England or Ireland, it must be witnessed by the Minister and Church Wardens; if in Scotland, by the Clergyman and two Elders of that parish in which the executor of such an instrument may reside.
Any Marine dying on board intestate upon information of his decease reaching his friends, he who is entitled to his effects must give in a petition to the Inspector of Wills, (J. Bedingfield, Esq) Somerset Place, London, or whoever may be his successor, stating the name of such Marine, to what part of the King's dominions he belonged, the name of the ship or ships in which he served, the applicant's own name, at full length, his relation to, or connexion with the defunct, what other kindred the deceased may have alive to the best of the petitioner's knowledge, and where resident. This must be certified by two respectable housekeepers of the parish, town, or place where the applicant dwells, who must aver that they believe such account to be true, which is also to be attested by the Minister and Church Wardens, that those subscribing witnesses live in the parish and are of honest repute.
Upon a petition and a certificate, executed agreeable to such prescribed forms, being transmitted to the Inspector of Wills, he will enquire into the truth of all, and when satisfied that no will of the deceased remains with him, he will send or deliver to the claimants an abstract of his petition, with a note or ticket signed by himself and subjoined, marked by his stamp, representing that such statement of the claimant appears just, and that the person so petitioning may have letters of administration to the deceased, provided he is otherwise entitled by law, which will be addressed to a Proctor in Doctor's Commons, that letters may pass in favour of the applicant, while the original petition and certificate are preserved on the records of the Treasurer of the Navy and kept by him, and the letters of administration must be lodged and registered in the same manner as the probates of wills, with the Inspector, who must give a cheque signed and stamped by him, or his representative, to the Administrators or their Attorneys, which will be sufficient for either to demand payment of all sums due to them on account of the deceased. Proctors are liable to a penalty of 500-l. if aiding to procure probates or letters of administration to empower any to receive pay, prize-money, &c. for service in the fleet, without having first obtained a certificate from the Inspector of Wills and powers of Attorney, and they will, moreover, be incapacitated from acting in any Ecclesiastical Court of Great Britain or Ireland.
Non-Commissioned Officers and Private Marines should be cautious to execute latter wills and powers exactly conformable to the prescribed rules, for if not attended to, they will be of no effect, besides the testator or executor being subject to a penalty.
The stated fees of Proctors are as follow, and with them I shall close an Appendix, which, I humbly trust, will prove of general benefit. Every remark which it contains is alike applicable in pursuing the interests of the heirs of Seamen as well as of Marines.
For seal, parchment, writing, and suing forth the probate granted to the Executors of any Marine whose property is 20-l. £0-15-2.
To Proctor on letters of administration on do. when 20-l. £1-4-2.
To Proctor for probate when property is 40-l. £1-8-8.
Do. letters of administration when do. do. £1-17-8
To Proctor for probate when property is 60-l. £1-11-2
To do. letters of administration when do. do. £2-8-6
To Proctors for probate when property is 100-l. £1 13-8
Do. letters of administration when do. do. £2-11-0
If the funds exceed my statements, the charges progressively become augmented, of which any Proctor can inform, as they are uniformly limited.
FINISH.
M. Swinney, Printer, Birmingham.
(Taken from the Appendix 'An Historical Review of the Royal marine Corps' By Alexander Gillespie)
1792. Lodging money was allowed at the following rates: Commandants 20 shillings per week, Field Officers 12 shillings. Captains 8 shillings and Subalterns 6 shillings. The non-commissioned Officers and Privates obtained the privilege of allotting.
1792. Although no
complete Marine units were garrisoned in Australia between 1792 and 1824 a few
individual Marines and Officers were attached to garrison Regiments in NSW
during that period. Those who choose to stay after having completing their
military service and in some cases having married, were give crown land to
settle on and build a home. Many Australians today can trace their ancestors
back to these Marines.
1792 - 1824. At that time, private Marines enlisted for life although discharge by purchase was allowed on payment of 10 guineas. Those who went to NSW, however, had the option of discharge after three years. Recruits were paid a 2 guinea bounty as an inducement to join.
1792 - 1824. Although no complete Marine units were garrisoned in Australia, a few individual Marine officers were attached to garrison regiments in NSW during that period.
1793. Saturday 2nd
February. War declared by France against Great Britain. It meant that for the
next twenty three years the Marines were in action around the world. At the
start of the war the Marines had 70 companies However, the establishment was
raised to 9,815 men.
1793. Wednesday 2nd January. The 32-gun frigate Magicienne, captain Thomas Graves, in company with the Endymion frigate, escorting a convoy to the West Indies, chased two suspicious sail. At 12 h. 30 m. a. m., the Magicienne opened her fire, and after a few broadsides her opponent surrendered. The Magicienne then stood on, and brought the headmost ship to action, which continued until 2 h. 30 m. p. m., when the british ship's mizen-mast and main-topmast came down, and in another five minutes the fore and main-masts followed. The Endymion soon arrived up, cheered, and passed on in pursuit of the enemy, which was the Sybille of 40 guns, having about 300 supernumerary seamen on board, bound to the Chesapeake. The Magicienne lost 3 officers, and 16 seamen and marines killed; her first-lieutenant, 1 midshipman, her boatswain, lieutenants Henry Reddish Furzer and William Minto, of the marines, and 29 wounded, out of a crew of 189 men.
The fleet under vice-admiral Barrington, consisting of twelve sail of the line, had nearly reached Ushant on their way down Channel on the 5th of April, when several vessels hove in sight, and the signal was immediately made for a general chase. About sunset the strangers were discovered to be three or four ships of war, and seventeen sail of convoy. At half-past nine the sternmost ship, on perceiving that the Fourdroyant of 80 guns, captain Jervis (afterwards earl St. Vincent), was gaining fast upon her, bore away, and was pursued by the british fleet. It came on to blow fresh, which occasioned the Fourdroyant to separate from the squadron, and at 12 h. 47m. a.m. on the 6th she brought the french 74-gun ship Pegase to close action and continued to engage her until 1 h. 30 m. a. m., when she laid her on board on the larboard quarter, and compelled the french ship to surrender, having 80 men killed and 40 wounded, whilst the Fourdroyant had only 3 men wounded. The officers of marines of the Fourdroyant were, first-lieutenant JohnHobbs, second-lieutenant Richard Murphy. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)93
1793. Wednesday 13th
March. Scourge captured Sans Culotte.
1793. Friday 15th
March. Syren, and convoy engaged batteries at Moordyke.
1793. Sunday 14th
April. Phaeton captured General Dumourier.
1793. Monday 15th
April. The capture of Tobago. The British forces numbered 400 men that included
Major Richard Bright, 1 Lieutenant 2 Sergeants, 1 Drummer and 27 Private
Marines.
1793. Monday 13th May.
Iris engaged Citoyenne Francaise.
1793. Monday 27th of May. The Venus of 32 guns, captain J. Faulknor, when one hundred and twenty-five leagues to the westward of Cape Finisterre, discovered the french 36-gun frigate Semillante. At 8 a.m. the Venus opened her fire, and a warm action was maintained on both sides, as the ships gradually approached, until 10 a.m., when they were scarcely half a cable's length asunder.
By this time the Semillante had suffered severely in her masts and rigging, with a loss of 12 men killed, and 20 wounded; and when the Venus was endeavouring to run her alongside, a stranger, under french colours, hove in sight to leeward, on which the Semillante bore up to join her. This terminated the action, and the Venus hauled to the wind as well as her crippled state would permit, having sustained a loss of 2 killed, and 20 wounded. A party of the 2nd regiment of foot was serving as marines on board the Venus.
The consort of the Semillante was the twelve-pounder 36-gun frigate Cleopatre, captain Mullon, of which we have to give a further account, by relating her proceedings in the ensuing month, when cruising off the Start. On the 18th of June, at 4 a.m., the Cleopatre was discovered by the Nymphe of 36 guns, eighteen-pounders, captain Edward Pellew, and immediately chase; but at 5 a. m., finding her adversary closing with her fast, the Cleopatre hauled to the wind and, under top-sails, resolutely awaited her approach. At 6h. 15m. a.m., when within hail, both ships opened their fire, and the action continued with great fury until 7 a.m., both frigates running before the wind. The wheel and mizen-mast of the Cleopatre having been shot away, she fell on board of her antagonist's head and stern; and at 7h. 10m. a.m. was boarded by a party from the Nymphe, who struck the french national colours. The Cleopatre had her captain killed, and her total loss amounted to 63 killed and wounded. On board the Nymphe 23 men were killed; lieutenant John Whitaker of the marines, and 26 men wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1793. Monday 27th May.
Hytzna taken by French squadron.
1793. Monday 27th May. The Venus of 32 guns, captain J. Faulknor, when one hundred and twenty-five leagues to the westward of Cape Finisterre, discovered the french 36-gun frigate Semillante. At 8 a.m. the Venus opened her fire, and a warm action was maintained on both sides, as the ships gradually approached, until 10 a.m., when they were scarcely half a cable's length asunder.
By this time the Semillante had suffered severely in her masts and rigging, with a loss of 12 men killed, and 20 wounded; and when the Venus was endeavouring to run her alongside, a stranger, under french colours, hove in sight to leeward, on which the Semillante bore up to join her. This terminated the action, and the Venus hauled to the wind as well as her crippled state would permit, having sustained a loss of 2 killed, and 20 wounded. A party of the 2nd regiment of foot was serving as marines on board the Venus.
The consort of the Semillante was the twelve-pounder 36-gun frigate Cleopatre, captain Mullon, of which we have to give a further account, by relating her proceedings in the ensuing month, when cruising off the Start. On the 18th of June, at 4 a.m., the Cleopatre was discovered by the Nymphe of 36 guns, eighteen-pounders, captain Edward Pellew, and immediately chase; but at 5 a. m., finding her adversary closing with her fast, the Cleopatre hauled to the wind and, under top-sails, resolutely awaited her approach. At 6h. 15m. a.m., when within hail, both ships opened their fire, and the action continued with great fury until 7 a.m., both frigates running before the wind. The wheel and mizen-mast of the Cleopatre having been shot away, she fell on board of her antagonist's head and stern; and at 7h. 10m. a.m. was boarded by a party from the Nymphe, who struck the french national colours. The Cleopatre had her captain killed, and her total loss amounted to 63 killed and wounded. On board the Nymphe 23 men were killed; lieutenant John Whitaker of the marines, and 26 men wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1793. Tuesday 18th
June. Nymphe captured Cleopatre.
1793. July. The Marines
were authorised to recruit in Ireland at three recruiting stations in Dublin,
Waterford and Cork.
1793. Wednesday 31st
July. Boston engaged L’embuscade.
1793. Thursday 15th August. The assemblage of a powerful fleet in the harbour of Toulon, made it necessary that a british naval force should be despatched to the Mediterranean. Accordingly, a fleet in several divisions proceeded to that station; and on the 15th of August vice-admiral lord Hood arrived before Toulon, with twenty-one sail of the line and several frigates. The French had in that port, ready for sea, seventeen ships of the line, four refitting, nine repairing, and one on the stocks; making a total of thirty sail of the line.
The fleet was commanded by rear-admiral the comte de Tregoff, whose attachment to the ancient monarchy was in accordance with the sentiments of a great portion of the inhabitants of the southern provinces.
In order to encourage the loyalists to declare their sentiments, lord Hood issued a preliminary declaration, in which he pledged himself to support the people of Provence, provided the standard of royalty were hoisted, the ships in the harbour dismantled, and free egress and regress allowed to the british fleet. In that case, no private property of any individual, whatever his previous principles or conduct might have been, should be injured; and as England had no object in view but a firm and lasting peace on liberal and honourable terms, his lordship solemnly promised them, that the port, with all the ships and the forts of Toulon, should be restored to France, when that object was accomplished.
He next addressed an animated proclamation to the towns and provinces in the south of France, assuring them of the determination of the coalesced powers to co-operate with the well disposed, in putting down the tyrannous faction that governed the country. The reply to this proclamation was favourable to the admiral's wishes, and on the 27th of August lord Hood landed 1500 troops, with 200 marines and seamen, near Fort la Malgue, of which they immediately took possession, and captain Elphinstone of the Robust was appointed governor. On a message being conveyed from the fort to the french rearadmiral Julien, that such ships as did not proceed into the harbour would be treated as enemies, the crews abandoned their ships, and about 5000 men and officers escaped into the interior. In the morning the ships moved into the harbour, and in the afternoon the british and Spanish fleets (the latter, composed of seventeen sail of the line, having recently arrived) anchored together in the outer harbour of Toulon. A reinforcement of 1000 men from the Spanish fleet having been sent into Fort la Malgue, rear-admiral Gravina took the command of the troops, and rear-admiral Goodall was appointed governor of Toulon and its dependencies.
On the 31st, captain Elphinstone, with 300 british and the same number of Spanish troops, made a successful attack on a french body of 800 infantry, with two pieces of cannon, near Ollioules; and after a slight resistance the enemy abandoned the position, leaving their cannon and ammunition in the hands of the British. In this affair captain Douglas of the 11th regiment was killed, and 13 wounded; and the Spaniards lost 2 killed, and 3 wounded.
During the night of the 30th September the republicans, availing themselves of a thick fog, surprised a detachment of Spanish troops, and took possession of the heights of Pharon, immediately over Toulon; but on the following day they were driven from their new possession with great slaughter by the allied troops under the command of brigadier-general Mulgrave, assisted by rear-admiral Gravina and captain Elphinstone. Out of 2000 men the republicans lost 1 500 in killed, wounded, and missing. Of the combined forces 8 were killed, 72 wounded and missing, and 48 prisoners. Buonaparte assisted in defending a battery on the Pharon heights; and for his skill and bravery on that day he became so much noticed, that he was shortly afterwards made a brigadier-general.
On the night of the 5th of October, a detachment of 50 Spaniards, 100 Piedmontese, 50 Neapolitans, and 408 British, including 50 marines and a party of seamen, — the whole under lieutenant-colonel Nugent, proceeded to the attack of three batteries recently erected on the heights Des Moulins, and two to the southward on the height De Regnier; all of which menaced the shipping in the road: the force on these heights consisted of more than 1200 men, besides 300 in the batteries. The British, having gallantly marched up the difficult ascent, stormed and carried the batteries with very little loss; and after destroying the guns, they returned to their quarters without molestation.
Towards the end of October, the third and last division of Neapolitan troops arrived at Toulon, and the combined forces were then as follows: — French royalists, 1542; Piedmontese, 1584; Neapolitans, 4,832; Spaniards, 6,840; British, 2,114; making a total of 16,912 rank and file. Of this number not more than 12,000 were effective, the remainder being sick in the hospitals; and of those fit for duty, three-fourths were necessarily distributed among the different posts, extending at least fifteen miles, including several intermediate points; between most of which there was only a water communication.
The army of Kellerman had directed its march on Toulon, and supposing that half of his force had arrived by the 9th of October, there would then have been before the place 33,000 troops. General Dugommier had taken charge of the besieging army, having under him the generals Laharpe, Gamier, Lapoype, Monnet, and though last, not least, Napoleon Buonaparte.
On the evening of the 15th November the republican troops made a vigorous attack on Fort Mulgrave, situated on the heights of Balaguier: the first assault was directed against the right, where the Spaniards were stationed, who retreated in disorder, firing their muskets to create alarm. Major-general O'Hara fortunately arriving at this moment from on board the Victory, directed a company of the Royals to advance; and these gallant fellows instantly leaped the works, and routed the enemy with the bayonet. The loss of the allies amounted to 61 in killed and wounded, including among the latter captain Duncan Campbell of the Rovals, who had commanded the detachment, and lieutenant Lemoine of the royal artillery. The loss of the French was supposed to amount to 600 in killed and wounded.
General Dugommier, having erected works on the heights of Arenes, directly opposite to the fort of Malbousquet, on which were mounted twenty pieces of cannon, established his camp on the crest of another eminence, at a short distance in its rear; and as these guns greatly annoyed the garrison and endangered the arsenal, which was contiguous to it, it was determined to attack the enemy's position.
For this service a corps of 400 french royalists, 600 Spaniards, 600 Neapolitans, 300 Sardinians, and 300 British, forming a total of 2200 men, under major-general Dundas, marched from Toulon on the morning of the 30th of November. They ascended the heights with great difficulty and succeeded at once in driving the enemy from their guns; but the troops, misled by their impetuosity, descended to the hollow in its rear in their endeavour to carry the next eminence, to which the retreating enemy had fled. Here the main body of Dugommier's army attacked them, and not only compelled them to make a rapid retreat, but to relinquish the battery which their valour had won, and which they could hHere’s one for you Bobby???ave held, and carried off the guns, had they remained in that position. The loss in this unfortunate attack was severe on the part of the British, who had 20 killed, 90 wounded, and 98 missing. General O'Hara, in endeavouring to rally the troops, was wounded and taken prisoner, and general Duo-ommier received a wound in the knee, when repelling our attack.
By the early part of December, the republican forces hadreceived such considerable reinforcements, that a council of war decided on an immediate attack on the fortifications and town of Toulon; but whilst these measures were under consideration, on the night of the 14th of December, in the midst of a heavy storm, the French marched from their encampments in three columns, each taking a route leading towards a different point, so that their attack might be simultaneous. By two a. m. on the 16th, the besiegers had erected five batteries in front of Fort Mulgrave, and continued to cannonade the works with considerable effect until two a.m. on the 17th; when, under cover of the dark and tempestuous weather, the enemy succeeded in entering the fort by the Spanish side ; and although resisted by the few remaining British under captain Conolly of the 18th regiment, they compelled the remnant of the garrison (originally not more than 700) to retire towards the shore of Balaguier. During these operations, the column under general Lapoype having succeeded in carrying all the posts upon the heights of Pharon, the line of defence was broken upon in two of its essential points, and the position was so commanding, that the ships were compelled to retire to a place of greater safety.
Under these circumstances a council of war was held by the British, when it was determined to evacuate Toulon, as soon as proper arrangements could be made for that purpose. The troops occupying the redoubt and the lunette of Pharon were ordered to retire to the posts of Artigues and St. Catherine's, whilst those of St. Antoine, St. Andre, Pomet, and the Mills might be withdrawn; but that of Malbousquet and Mississi to be retained as long as possible. The french ships of war, being armed, were to proceed to sea with the fleet, while those in the harbour, together with the arsenal and magazines, were to be destroyed.
The troops were withdrawn from the heights of Balaguier without much interruption from the enemy, as were those of the other posts deemed necessary to be evacuated. The purposed retention of the forts of Malbousquet and Mississi was prevented by the indiscretion of the Neapolitans, who abandoned them without orders, and deserting their posts, hastened on board the ships in the utmost confusion and disorder. In the course of the 18th, the remaining troops were concentrated in the town and in the fort of La Malgue, ready to embark when the conflagration of the shipping should take place.
The important service of destroying the ships and magazines was entrusted to sir Sidney Smith, at his own particular requestand on the same afternoon, taking with him a small lateen vessel, in which he had recently arrived from Malta, and three english and three Spanish gun-boats, sir Sidney proceeded to the arsenal to prepare the combustibles required for the occasion. The dock-yard gates had been judiciously closed and secured, and the galley-slaves, amounting to about 800, for the most part unchained, seemed to view these preparations with vindictive satisfaction; and as the guns of the tender and of a gun-boat were pointed towards them, they remained quiet spectators of the impressive scene. All this while the party of sir Sidney Smith was exposed to a fire of shot and shell from Malbousquet and the neighbouring hills, which tended to keep the slaves, as well as the republicans in the town, in entire subjection.
At 8 p. m. the Vulcan fire-ship, captain Charles Hare, was towed into the basin; and at 10 p. m., on a preconcerted signal, the trains leading to the different magazines and storehouses were set fire to, as well as the fire-ship. The flames ascended in terrific grandeur, and the rapid spread of the fire, almost overpowering by its heat, laid open to view all who were aiding in this perilous service; whilst the enemy, having distinct objects to point at, opened their batteries from every quarter. At this juncture an unexpected and awful explosion took place: the Spaniards, instead of scuttling, set fire to the Iris frigate, containing several thousand barrels of powder, and its effect shook one gun-boat to pieces, while another was blown into the air; but, providentially, only three of the crew were killed.
The business of the arsenal completed, sir Sidney Smith and his brave followers proceeded to the destruction of two 74 gunships, filled with french prisoners, who being landed in a place of safety, the Heros and Themistocle were set on fire. The gallant officer and his party, having effected all that could be done, were returning to the fleet, when another powder-vessel exploded close to them; but, extraordinary as it must appear, without doing any injury. The British were now so exhausted, that they stood slowly out towards their friends, heeding little, after their last narrow escape, the few ill-directed shots that were fired from forts Balaguier and Aiguillette.
The commencement of the conflagration had been the signal for evacuating the town, and under the direction of captain Elphinstone, late governor of Fort la Malgue, the whole of the troops embarked, and were on board the fleet by daylight on the morning of the 19th, without sustaining any loss. The fugitives from Toulon, to the amount of 14,877, men, women, and children, received an asylum on board the british ships, where they crowded to such an extent, that the Princess Royal had 4000, and the Robust 3000 of those unhappy people. Of the unfortunate who were left to the mercy of the enraged republicans, above 5000 perished by the sword or the guillotine, or were drowned in their endeavours to escape from the infuriated soldiery. Twenty sail of the line were lost to France: three ships of 80 guns, and fourteen of 74 guns, were destroyed, and the Commerce de Marseilles of 120 guns, with the Pompee and Puissant of 74 guns, were brought to England.
In the latter part of July, the 32-gun frigate Boston, captain George W. A. Courtenay, was cruising off New York, watching the french 36-gun frigate Embuscade, captain J. B. F. Bompart, lying in that harbour. In consequence of a hostile message sent by captain Courtenay, the french frigate put to sea, and on the morning of the 31st was seen coming down before thewind, to accept the challenge. After some preparation, the Embuscade, at 5h. 5 m. a.m., ranged along the weather side of the Boston, and a furious action was maintained on both sides. At 6 h. 20 m. a. m., captain Courtenay and lieutenant James Edward Butler of the marines, while standing at the fore-part of the quarter-deck, were killed by the same shot. By this time the Boston had lost her main and mizen top-masts and was much disabled in her sails and rigging. Thus, circum stanced, with two of her lieutenants wounded, the british frigate bore up and made sail, followed by the Embuscade until eight a.m., when the french frigate hauled to the wind. The Boston sustained a loss of 10 killed, and 24 wounded: the Embuscade 50 killed and wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1793. Thursday 15th
August - 18th December. Operations at Toulon. Lord Hood leading a squadron of
21 ships of the line and several frigates entered the harbour of Toulon to
assist the inhabitants against the tyranny of the Republican faction which had
seized control of the Government. The Loyalists willingly handed over the town,
and 1,500 troops and a number of Marines under the Command of Captain Richard
Bidlake near fort La Malgue. The later occupied the fort which stood on a hill
between the little and the great roads, while Fort Mulgrave was situated on the
tongue of land that continued from the hill into the harbour. Soon afterwards a
Spanish fleet arrived with reinforcements, and on the 31st August the allied
British marched out and defeated a republican detachment near Ollicules. The
Marines of the fleet were dispersed over the various forts and lines of
defence, which soon came under fire from the enemy’s batteries, the number of
the besiegers increasing day after day. Fighting continued until December, when
the increasing pressure of the enemy rendered the evacuation of the town
inevitable. One of the most brilliant events of the siege was the defence of a
redoubt by Lieutenant Thomas Naylor of the Marines with 120 men, mostly of his
own Corps. A French column of 2,000 strong, covered by a fog attempted to
surprise the redoubt in the early morning, but the garrison was on the alert,
and Naylor, ordering his men to reserve their fire until the Republicans were
at close quarters and then to fire by platoons, succeeded in killing or
wounding nearly a quarter of their numbers and eventually repulsing their
attack. Fort Mulgrave became known as the ‘Little Gibraltar’, and other forts
fell one after another into the hands of the Enemy, and at 10pm on the18th
December, the defence was restricted to the town and the Fort on La Malgue,
which were held while the French men of war in harbour and the magazines were
burnt and blown up, and the Loyalist who number nearly 15,000 men, women and
children embarked on board the fleet to save them from the bloodthirsty
Republicans. (sic)
I793. August to
December. 0perations under Lord Hood at Toulon.
1793. September.
Lowestoft captured a tower at Mortella, Corsica.
1793. Tuesday 1st
October. Ardent and convoy at Tornelli and San Fiorinzo, Corsica.
1793. Saturday 5th
October. Bedford and Speedy captured Modeste.
1793. Saturday 12th
October. Boats of Captain captured Imperieuse.
1793. Sunday 20th
October. Crescent captured Reunion.
1793. Tuesday 22nd
October. Agamemnon engaged French frigates.
1793. Wednesday 23rd October. Vice-admiral Vernon, with a squadron of five ships of the line, and one of fifty guns, sailed from Portsmouth on the 20th of July, and arrived at Jamaica on the 23rd October 1793, the day on which war was proclaimed in England; and embarking two hundred soldiers to serve as Marines, he proceeded to Porto Bello, which was the destined object of his attack. At the entrance of the north side of the bay, close by a steep rock, was a strong fort called the Castillo de Ferro, mounting seventy-eight guns, with a battery beneath of twenty-two. On the opposite side of the bay, and about a mile further up, on an eminence, stood Gloria Castle, consisting of two regular bastions towards the sea, mounting ninety guns, with a curtain between of twenty-two more, besides eight guns pointing towards the harbour. A little above this castle, near the other end of the town, lay Fort St. Jeronimo, a strong quadrangular redoubt; under the guns of which, and of Gloria Castle, all the ships of the fleet rode at anchor; and at the bottom of the harbour stands the town of Porto Bello, situated on the north coast of the Isthmus of Darien. On the 20th of November the fleet arrived at the place of its destination. The Hampton-Court took up her position near Castillo de Ferro and was soon followed by the Norwich and Worcester. After firing several broadsides, on perceiving that the Spaniards abandoned their guns, the signal was made for landing; and the seamen and marines on reaching the shore, successfully scaled the walls, and immediately placed the English colours on the lower battery. This was no sooner perceived by the garrison in the upper fort, than they hoisted a white flag, and surrendered at discretion. The Burford was engaged with the Gloria Castle until night; and on the morning of the 22nd it capitulated, when the British troops took possession of that fortress, and of the fort of St. Jeronimo. After destroying the fortifications, the squadron sailed for Jamaica on the 13th of December. Soon after this, Admiral Vernon bombarded Carthagena and having entered the river Chagre, reduced St. Lorenzo, after destroying the castle and custom-house. He then returned to Porto Bello, and thence back to Jamaica. The intelligence of these successes diffused joy throughout the kingdom; and the Commons, in 1740, cheerfully enabled his Majesty to equip a very powerful fleet for the ensuing naval campaign. A camp was ordered to be formed on Hounslow Heath; while another was marked out in the Isle of Wight for 6000 Marines, destined to be employed in the West Indies. In 1741 the House of Commons voted 40,000 seamen for the service of the year, together with ten new regiments of Marines.
The fleet, which had assembled at Spithead under Sir John Norris, consisting of twenty-one sail of the line, proceeded no further than Torbay, and then returned to its former anchorage. On receiving intelligence that the Ferrol squadron had gone to the West Indies, and that the Brest and Toulon fleets were at sea, Lord Cathcart embarked with a large body of troops; and this formidable armament, amounting to one hundred and seventy sail, under Sir Chaloner Ogle, proceeded to the West Indies on the 26th of October. It had scarcely cleared the Channel before it was scattered by a violent tempest; nevertheless, the admiral pursued his voyage, and reached Jamaica on the 9th of January 1741, where he found Admiral Vernon, who now commanded a fleet of thirty ships of the line, with a considerable proportion of frigates, &c, having about 15,000 seamen, with 12,000 troops, including six regiments of English Marines, and four battalions raised in America. Touching at Dominica, to take in wood and water, on their passage to Jmaica, the expedition sustained an irreparable loss in the death of Lord Cathcart, a talented and experienced officer, who died of dysentery. The command then devolved on Lieut. -general Went worth, a man of very moderate abilities, and of no experience. The fleet, now numbering one hundred and twenty four sail, quitted (rish Bay, in Hispaniola, on the 25th of February, and anchored in Plaza Granda, which is to windward of Carthagena, on the 4th of March ; but the commanders of the respective forces, as if determined to give the enemy time to recover from their surprise, remained inactive in the bay until the 9th, when the first division of the fleet under Sir Chaloner Ogle, followed by Admiral Vernon with all the transports, moved forward towards the entrance of the harbour, called Boca Chica, which was defended by several formidable batteries; while the third division, under Commodore Lestock, remained at their anchorage. The Norfolk, Russell, and Shrewsbury, anchored close to the forts of St. Jago and St. Philip, which, being silenced in less than an hour, were taken possession of by a detachment of British grenadiers. On the 10th, the regiments of Harrison and Wentworth, with six regiments of Marines landed on the island of Tierra Bomba, and having pitched their tents, they commenced erecting a battery against the castle of Boca Chica; but they soon found themselves exposed to the fire of a fascine battery on the opposite side of the harbour, on the island of Varu. The admiral immediately directed Captain Boscawen, with a party of seamen, to land a mile to leeward of this battery, which mounted fifteen twentyfour pounders, and was situated under a raised battery of five guns. Those gallant fellows soon gained possession of both batteries, and having spiked the guns, returned to their ships. . (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1793. Thursday 24th
October. Thames engaged Uranie.
1793. Thursday 31st
October. Quebec, and Convoy attacked Ostend and Nieuport.
1793. Monday 18th
November. Latona engaged Tigre and Jean Bart.
1793. Monday 25th
November. Penelope and Iphigenia captured Inconstante
1793. Saturday 30th November. General Dugommier, having erected works on the heights of Arenes, directly opposite to the fort of Malbousquet, on which were mounted twenty pieces of cannon, established his camp on the crest of another eminence, at a short distance in its rear; and as these guns greatly annoyed the garrison and endangered the arsenal, which was contiguous to it, it was determined to attack the enemy's position.
For this service a corps of 400 french royalists, 600 Spaniards, 600 Neapolitans, 300 Sardinians, and 300 British, forming a total of 2200 men, under major-general Dundas, marched from Toulon on the morning of the 30th of November. They ascended the heights with great difficulty and succeeded at once in driving the enemy from their guns; but the troops, misled by their impetuosity, descended to the hollow in its rear in their endeavour to carry the next eminence, to which the retreating enemy had fled. Here the main body of Dugommier's army attacked them, and not only compelled them to make a rapid retreat, but to relinquish the battery which their valour had won, and which they could hHere’s one for you Bobby???ave held, and carried off the guns, had they remained in that position. The loss in this unfortunate attack was severe on the part of the British, who had 20 killed, 90 wounded, and 98 missing. General O'Hara, in endeavouring to rally the troops, was wounded and taken prisoner, and general Duo-ommier received a wound in the knee, when repelling our attack.
By the early part of December, the republican forces hadreceived such considerable reinforcements, that a council of war decided on an immediate attack on the fortifications and town of Toulon; but whilst these measures were under consideration, on the night of the 14th of December, in the midst of a heavy storm, the French marched from their encampments in three columns, each taking a route leading towards a different point, so that their attack might be simultaneous. By two a. m. on the 16th, the besiegers had erected five batteries in front of Fort Mulgrave, and continued to cannonade the works with considerable effect until two a.m. on the 17th; when, under cover of the dark and tempestuous weather, the enemy succeeded in entering the fort by the Spanish side ; and although resisted by the few remaining British under captain Conolly of the 18th regiment, they compelled the remnant of the garrison (originally not more than 700) to retire towards the shore of Balaguier. During these operations, the column under general Lapoype having succeeded in carrying all the posts upon the heights of Pharon, the line of defence was broken upon in two of its essential points, and the position was so commanding, that the ships were compelled to retire to a place of greater safety.
Under these circumstances a council of war was held by the British, when it was determined to evacuate Toulon, as soon as proper arrangements could be made for that purpose. The troops occupying the redoubt and the lunette of Pharon were ordered to retire to the posts of Artigues and St. Catherine's, whilst those of St. Antoine, St. Andre, Pomet, and the Mills might be withdrawn; but that of Malbousquet and Mississi to be retained as long as possible. The french ships of war, being armed, were to proceed to sea with the fleet, while those in the harbour, together with the arsenal and magazines, were to be destroyed.
The troops were withdrawn from the heights of Balaguier without much interruption from the enemy, as were those of the other posts deemed necessary to be evacuated. The purposed retention of the forts of Malbousquet and Mississi was prevented by the indiscretion of the Neapolitans, who abandoned them without orders, and deserting their posts, hastened on board the ships in the utmost confusion and disorder. In the course of the 18th, the remaining troops were concentrated in the town and in the fort of La Malgue, ready to embark when the conflagration of the shipping should take place.
The important service of destroying the ships and magazines was entrusted to sir Sidney Smith, at his own particular requestand on the same afternoon, taking with him a small lateen vessel, in which he had recently arrived from Malta, and three english and three Spanish gun-boats, sir Sidney proceeded to the arsenal to prepare the combustibles required for the occasion. The dock-yard gates had been judiciously closed and secured, and the galley-slaves, amounting to about 800, for the most part unchained, seemed to view these preparations with vindictive satisfaction; and as the guns of the tender and of a gun-boat were pointed towards them, they remained quiet spectators of the impressive scene. All this while the party of sir Sidney Smith was exposed to a fire of shot and shell from Malbousquet and the neighbouring hills, which tended to keep the slaves, as well as the republicans in the town, in entire subjection.
At 8 p. m. the Vulcan fire-ship, captain Charles Hare, was towed into the basin; and at 10 p. m., on a preconcerted signal, the trains leading to the different magazines and storehouses were set fire to, as well as the fire-ship. The flames ascended in terrific grandeur, and the rapid spread of the fire, almost overpowering by its heat, laid open to view all who were aiding in this perilous service; whilst the enemy, having distinct objects to point at, opened their batteries from every quarter. At this juncture an unexpected and awful explosion took place: the Spaniards, instead of scuttling, set fire to the Iris frigate, containing several thousand barrels of powder, and its effect shook one gun-boat to pieces, while another was blown into the air; but, providentially, only three of the crew were killed.
The business of the arsenal completed, sir Sidney Smith and his brave followers proceeded to the destruction of two 74 gunships, filled with french prisoners, who being landed in a place of safety, the Heros and Themistocle were set on fire. The gallant officer and his party, having effected all that could be done, were returning to the fleet, when another powder-vessel exploded close to them; but, extraordinary as it must appear, without doing any injury. The British were now so exhausted, that they stood slowly out towards their friends, heeding little, after their last narrow escape, the few ill-directed shots that were fired from forts Balaguier and Aiguillette.
The commencement of the conflagration had been the signal for evacuating the town, and under the direction of captain Elphinstone, late governor of Fort la Malgue, the whole of the troops embarked, and were on board the fleet by daylight on the morning of the 19th, without sustaining any loss. The fugitives from Toulon, to the amount of 14,877, men, women, and children, received an asylum on board the british ships, where they crowded to such an extent, that the Princess Royal had 4000, and the Robust 3000 of those unhappy people. Of the unfortunate who were left to the mercy of the enraged republicans, above 5000 perished by the sword or the guillotine, or were drowned in their endeavours to escape from the infuriated soldiery. Twenty sail of the line were lost to France: three ships of 80 guns, and fourteen of 74 guns, were destroyed, and the Commerce de Marseilles of 120 guns, with the Pompee and Puissant of 74 guns, were brought to England.
In the latter part of July, the 32-gun frigate Boston, captain George W. A. Courtenay, was cruising off New York, watching the french 36-gun frigate Embuscade, captain J. B. F. Bompart, lying in that harbour. In consequence of a hostile message sent by captain Courtenay, the french frigate put to sea, and on the morning of the 31st was seen coming down before thewind, to accept the challenge. After some preparation, the Embuscade, at 5h. 5 m. a.m., ranged along the weather side of the Boston, and a furious action was maintained on both sides. At 6 h. 20 m. a. m., captain Courtenay and lieutenant James Edward Butler of the marines, while standing at the fore-part of the quarter-deck, were killed by the same shot. By this time the Boston had lost her main and mizen top-masts and was much disabled in her sails and rigging. Thus, circum stanced, with two of her lieutenants wounded, the british frigate bore up and made sail, followed by the Embuscade until eight a.m., when the french frigate hauled to the wind. The Boston sustained a loss of 10 killed, and 24 wounded: the Embuscade 50 killed and wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1793 - 1802. The
‘French Revolutionary Wars’. In which Great Britain, Austria, Spain, Russia,
Germany and the French Royalists were all against French Revolutionaries. While
Marines saw action in the Mediterranean, South Africa, India, Egypt and the East
Indies, and its strength was increased to 9,815 men.
1793. In consequence of the field officers being restored, and the establishment of an invalid retirement, several officers, who had quit active service, determined on returning to the effective corps; a circumstance that would have been attended with so much injustice to those who had continued in the service, and more particularly to the junior ranks, that it was resolved to resist such applications, for they had already experienced the injury arising from officers re-joining. Memorials were sent to the Board of Admiralty from each division to this effect: "That all officers may take rank and do duty in the corps from the date of their last appointment, receive promotion, and be placed on the list accordingly." The memorials were acceded to and enforced until a recent period, when a few officers were permitted to re-join; but this infraction, which was on a very limited scale, arose from a resolution of Mr. Hume, that he would not consent to the retirement of officers on full pay, or selling out, while serviceable officers remained on half-pay. Only four or five re-joined the corps, and about forty quitted the service.
1793. September. During the time that Toulon remained in possession of the allies, a formidable insurrection existed in Corsica, and general Paoli, the leader of the insurgents, having sought the aid of the English; commodore R. Linzee, with the Alcide and Courageux of 74, Ardent 64, Lowestoffe 32, and Nemesis 28, sailed from Toulon for Villa Franca in the month of September. Owing to some unexplained cause, the commodore delayed the attack on the redoubt of Fornelli, which is situated about two miles in advance of the town of San Fiorenzo, until the garrison had made such preparations as enabled them to defeat the attempt. On the night of the 30th of September, the Ardent was led into a situation to annoy the redoubt, and at the same time covering the approach of the other ships. At 3 h. 30 m. a.m. on the 12th of October, having opened her fire, she was soon joined by the Alcide and Courageux, and the three ships maintained a warm cannonade until 8 h. 15 m. a.m., without any visible effect on the redoubt; but the Courageux and Ardent had been unexpectedly opposed to a raking fire from the town of San Fiorenzo, by which they were considerably damaged; the Courageux having 2 killed and 13 wounded, the Ardent 14 killed and 17 wounded, and the Alcide 9 men wounded. The failure was attributable to a want of co-operation on the part of Paoli's adherents, who had undertaken, simultaneously with the naval operations, to storm the forts on the land side; but it is probable that the ill success was in great measure occasioned by the tardiness of the commodore in making the attack.
The great importance of the harbour of San Fiorenzo to Great Britain, as a point of rendezvous for her Mediterranean squadrons, suggested to lord Hood the propriety of assisting the loyal part of the inhabitants in their attempt to expel the French from the island. On the 24th of January the fleet and transports with the troops, amounting to sixty sail, quitted the bay of Hyeres, and proceeded to that of San Fiorenzo; but the armament was driven to leeward by a heavy gale, and did not reach Porto Ferrajo, in the island of Elba, until the 29th. On the 5th of February the Alcide, Egmont, and Fortitude, of 74 guns, with Lowestoffe and Juno frigates, Avere detached to a bay to the westward of Cape Mortella; and on the evening of the 7th, 1400 troops under major-general Dundas having landed and taken possession of a height which commanded the tower of Mortella, an attack was made upon it on the following day. The Fortitude and Juno, after engaging two hours and a half, were compelled to withdraw, with a loss on board the former of 6 men killed, and 56 wounded; nor was the battering from the height attended with better success until some additional guns were mounted, and then the brave garrison of thirty-three men, commanded by enseigne le Tellier, was compelled to surrender.
The post next attacked was the Convention redoubt, mounting twenty-one pieces of heavy ordnance, and considered as the key of San Fiorenzo. By surprising exertions, several eighteen-pounders were placed on an eminence of very difficult ascent, 700 feet above the level of the sea : this rocky elevation was deemed inaccessible, but the seamen, by means of blocks and tackles, contrived to haul up the guns, and a cannonade was unremittingly kept up during the 16th and 17th, when the works were stormed ; but the greater part of the garrison had retreated, and during the night passed over to the town of San Fiorenzo, with their two frigates. On the 19th, after sinking one of their frigates and burning the other, the French evacuated the town of San Fiorenzo, and retreated towards Bastia, leaving the British in possession of the former place, as well as of the tower and batteries of Fornelli and the seamen soon found means to weigh, and carry off the Minerve, a fine frigate of 40 guns. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1793 - 1815. 'Per Mare Per Terram' - The Royal Marines 1793-1815 By Ron McGuigan.
The following is a short, concise look at the Royal Marines during the Napoleonic Wars. Largely forgotten when calculating the forces of Great Britain, they formed a valuable reserve of men for the Royal Navy and were often available to serve quickly on land until army reinforcements arrived to assist or replace them.
The value of soldiers aboard a Royal Navy ship was long recognized with the first recorded regiment converted for sea service on 16th October 1664, shortly after the beginnings of Britain's standing army. There then followed a parade of Maritime Regiments raised for service during wartime, with land regiments serving as marines in the fleets as well, and then disbanded at the peace, although some were re-raised as land regiments and their lineage is perpetuated today.
1687 to 1698, a total of seven Marine Regiments were raised and subsequently disbanded.
Early 1702, during the War of the Spanish Succession, orders were issued to raise six regiments of marines.
1701 and 1702, six Marine regiments were either converted or raised for ‘Sea Service’. They were either disbanded or converted to foot Regiments by 1714. It is interesting to note that the Marine Regiments had 2nd Lieutenants whilst those Regiments designated for sea service had Ensigns.
1739 The largest number of Marine Regiments was formed from 1739 to 1740, when ten Regiments were raised for service. They ranked as the 44th to 53rd in seniority with the regular Army Regiments. They were all disbanded after the peace in 1748.
Seven years after the last Marine Regiment had been disbanded, it was determined to raise a Marine force on a permanent basis and on 5th April 1755 the order to raise the force was issued. With this in mind, fifty companies of Marines were authorized divided into three divisions based at Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth. The companies were known as Marine Forces. A Colonel Commandant commanded each division. The main staff officer was the Adjutant General.
1755 also marked the date when Officers’ Commissions in the Royal Marines were no longer allowed by purchase, but by regular rotation of seniority.
By 1762, there were 135 Companies of Marines, which were drastically reduced to 70 Companies at the peace in 1763. Reaching 146 companies in 1782, by 1784 the establishment of the marine force had again been quickly reduced. These companies served at sea and on land in the Seven Years War 1755-1763 and the American Revolution 1775-1783, sometimes as individual companies and sometimes as ad hoc battalions. In 1791 an invalid establishment was created, and officers allowed to retire from active service.
Whenever the Royal Marines serve with the army, they take precedence in seniority after the 49th Regiment of Foot. Royal Marine seniority is only calculated from its formation in 1755 and not by any previous service of the disbanded marine regiments.
When Great Britain found itself at war again on 1 February 1793, it meant that for the next twenty-three years, the Royal Marines were in action around the globe.
During the years of peace between 1783 and 1793, the Royal Marines had been reduced to about 5,000 men. At the start of the war the Marines had 70 companies and in the Royal Navy estimates for 1793 the establishment was raised to 9,815 men.
In July 1793, the Royal Marines were authorized to recruit in Ireland at three recruiting stations of Dublin, Waterford and Cork.
In 1794 the establishment was increased to 12,000 men and in 1795 its establishment reached 15,000 men. In 1796 it augmented the companies to 8 sergeants, 8 corporals, 8 drummers and 113 privates and later that year to 120 privates for a total establishment of some 18,000 men. There were no further augmentations in either 1797 or 1798. In 1799 its establishment reached 22,716 men and between 1800 and 1801 it reach 24,200. The number of companies increased with the augmentations in establishments.
On 29th April 1802, in recognition of their services, the companies were granted the style of Royal Marines by His Majesty King George III, “In order to mark his approbation of the very meritorious conduct of the Marines during the late war, has been graciously pleased to direct that in future the corps shall be called the Royal Marines.” (Also carried in the army lists as Royal Marine Forces) The white facings of the corps were changed to blue in accordance with the practice that royal regiments all wore blue facings.
With the peace in 1802, it was reduced to 100 companies and 12,100 men. But in 1803, with war again declared, the Royal Marine establishment was raised to 22,467 men. With another increase in 1804 it reached 29,000 men. A fourth division was formed at Woolwich in 1805 and the Marine establishment set at 30,000 with four artillery companies. The year 1806 saw additional companies raised to accommodate supernumerary Marines. Between 1807 and 1814 the establishment remained at 31,400 men. The peace of 1814 brought the usual reduction in numbers.
Even these augmentations proved inadequate and many line regiments served in the fleets between 1793 and 1814, although becoming less prevalent in the later years.
The Royal Marine Artillery was raised c.1804 for service in the bomb-ketches and other like vessels with one company raised for each division. A fourth company was raised in 1805 when the Woolwich Division was formed. They first saw service with the Boulogne Squadron and then at Copenhagen 1807.
In 1747, the deployment aboard ship was usually at a ratio of one marine per gun with officers. This ratio was maintained when the Marine Forces were re-raised. The Marines were present in every notable, and not so notable, fleet and ship-to-ship action between 1793-1815. For example they were at 1st of June, St Vincent, Camperdown, the Nile, Copenhagen, Trafalgar, the Dardenelles, Cape Lissa and Aix Roads.
They always formed part of any cutting out excursion (i.e. seizing an enemy ship by using ships' boats and taking it from its anchorage). But the Marines also distinguished themselves on land either serving with the army or serving as part of a naval brigade (a force made up of both seamen and marines) such as at Tenerife in 1797 or Santa Maura in 1810.
Other examples are 1799 in the Helder where they helped garrison the forts or in 1812, where the Royal Marine Battalions served aboard Commodore Home Popham's squadron off the north coast of Spain. Together with Spanish forces, they disrupted coastal traffic, captured several towns and ports and tied up the French Army of the North not allowing it to reinforce the Army of Portugal, which was subsequently defeated at Salamanca.
Most marine battalions were ad hoc formations temporarily made up from the marines serving in the fleet or squadron. There were Royal Marine battalions formed by the fleets for locations such as South Africa 1795, Acre 1799, Naples 1799, Malta 1800, Egypt 1801, Elba 1801, South Africa 1806, South America 1806-1807, Portugal 1808, Walcheren 1809, Anholt 1811, Java 1811, Netherlands 1813, North America 1814-1815 and Marseilles 1815.
There were, however, three more permanent battalions formed in Britain for service overseas:
The 1st Battalion at Chatham, formed 30 September 1810 for service in Lisbon as the Royal Marine Battalion (numbered when the 2nd Battalion was raised). It left Lisbon in early 1812 to reorganize in Britain and returned to the north coast of Spain in 1812. Left for Britain again in December 1812 and arrived in Chesapeake Bay in June 1813 taking part in all of the operations there. In October 1813, the 1st Battalion left for British North America where it served until July 1814 when it was ordered to be distributed in the Great Lakes squadrons. A cadre reformed the battalion in Bermuda and it went to the Georgia coast, where it last saw action at St. Mary’s River, Georgia in January and February 1815. It was finally disbanded in Britain July 1815. It had an artillery company and a small rocket corps attached.
The 2nd Battalion at Chatham, formed in July 1812 for service in the Peninsula. The 2nd Battalion arrived on the north coast of Spain in August 1812. In company with the 1st Battalion, it left for Britain December 1812. It arrived in the Chesapeake Bay in June 1813 taking part in all of the operations there. The 2nd Battalion was sent to British North America in September 1813. By order of the Admiralty in May 1814, the 2nd Battalion was broken up and dispersed among the Great Lakes squadrons. A cadre went to Chesapeake Bay where in August 1814, the 3rd Marine Battalion was now re-designated the 2nd Marine Battalion. It saw service at Bladensburg. In December 1814, the 2nd Battalion, with the 3rd Battalion, went to join the 1st Battalion at St. Mary’s River, Georgia. The 2nd Battalion was disbanded in Britain July 1815. It had an artillery company attached.
Each battalion organized for service in North America originally contained:
1 Major Commanding; 1 Major; 8 Captains; 16 Lieutenants; 1 Paymaster; 1 Adjutant; 1 Quartermaster; 1 Surgeon; 1 Assistant-Surgeon; 2 Staff-Sergeants, 40 Sergeants; 40 Corporals; 16 Drummers and 672 Privates.
Each battalion also included one company of Royal Marine Artillery:
1 Captain; 4 Lieutenants; 4 Sergeants; 4 Corporals; 6 Bombardiers; 2 Drummers and 60 Gunners.
Artillery consisted of:
Four light 6 pounders; two light 5 ½ inch howitzers; two 10 inch mortars and two 8 inch brass howitzers.
The 3rd Marine Battalion at Portsmouth, formed in January 1814, by detachments there and by Royal Marine detachments withdrawn from serving in the Netherlands. It consisted of:
1 Major, 4 Captains, 21 Lieutenants 1 Adjutant, 1 Quartermaster and 10 Companies of 100 men each. Attached was one company of Royal Marine Artillery.
It arrived in Chesapeake Bay in July 1814. In August 1814, the 3rd Battalion was re-designated the 2nd Battalion and in September Vice Admiral Cochrane ordered the formation of a new 3rd Battalion using three companies of Royal Marines from the old 2nd Battalion and three companies of Colonial Marines. The Colonial Marines had been formed in Maryland, in May 1814, from escaped slaves and had been serving on the Atlantic coast. They saw service at Bladensburg and North Point.
The 3rd Battalion, with the 2nd Battalion, left Chesapeake Bay in December 1814 and rendezvoused with the 1st Battalion at St. Mary’s River, Georgia. In April 1815 the Royal Marine companies were separated from the Colonial Marine companies of the 3rd Battalion. The Colonial Marines were joined by three new companies recruited from escaped slaves in Georgia, continued to be known as the 3rd Battalion, and finally disbanded in August 1815 in Trinidad.
In 1815, the Royal Marines once more went on a war footing. Officers just recently placed upon half-pay were brought back on full pay. The establishment was to be raised to two-thirds of its former war strength. The naval squadrons were reinforced by marine forces including detachments of the Royal Marine Artillery. One RMA company served in Wellington’s army where it was stationed at Ostend. Commanded by Captain Charles Burton, it consisted of 124 officers and men. Its original armament was to be of four 6 pounders and two 5½ inch howitzers. These guns were left behind when the company sailed for Ostend in the first week of June. It remained in garrison at Ostend and the company was recalled home at the end of September.
For their services the Royal Marines received medal awards as diverse as the Portuguese Cayenne Medal 1809 awarded to the Marines of HMS Confiance and the Spanish Medals for Bagur and Palamos 1810. They were also eligible for the Naval General Service Medal (awarded in 1849) with clasps for specific fleet and ship-to-ship actions and as well as for boat service (e. g. cutting out excursions by using a ship's boats). Royal Marines were also eligible for the Army General Service Medal (awarded 1848) with clasps for Martinique 1809, Guadeloupe 1810 and Java 1811.
Between 1814 and 1816, the Royal Marines were reduced to a peacetime establishment set at eighty companies (four of artillery) of 6,222 men. This reduction, of course, did not last and its numbers again increased, and you see the Royal Marines once again called upon to serve around the globe both at sea and on land.
1793. On the declaration of war with France, the marines were increased to 9,815 men. In consequence of the field-officers being restored, and the establishment of an invalid retirement, several officers, who had quitted the active service, determined on returning to the effective corps; a circumstance that would have been attended with so much injustice to those who had continued in the service, and more particularly to the junior ranks, that it was resolved to resist such applications; for they had already experienced the injury arising from officers rejoining. Memorials (Appendix 7) were sent to the Board of Admiralty from each division to this effect " That all officers may take rank and do duty in the corps from the date of their last appointment, receive promotion, and be placed on the list accordingly." The memorials were acceded to and enforced until a recent period, when a few officers were permitted to rejoin; but this infraction, which was on a very limited scale, arose from a resolution of Mr. Hume, that he would not consent to the retirement of officers on fullpay, or selling out, while serviceable officers remained on halfpay. Only four or five rejoined the corps, and about forty quitted the service. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1794. The establishment
of Marines was increased to 12,115 men, in consequence of a general memorial to
Earl Spencer, then first Lord of the Admiralty, presented by General Souter,
which having obtained his Lordship's favourable consideration, twenty one
companies were added, including those of six field-officers, and the levy money
was also increased to eight guineas.
1794. A number of additional Companies were deemed necessary to the corps of Marines, which was composed of 12,115 for the service of 1794. During this year a number of First Lieutenants were appointed to Companies in Black Regiments; a transit which many embraced.
A correspondence with General Paoli having been opened by Lord Hood, relative to the state of Corsica, that active Officer determined, in consequence, upon driving the French from all their ports in the island.
Throughout the whole of this arduous business, the constancy and persevering valour of the Naval Officers and Seamen were never more conspicuous. To their scientific and laborious exertions in dragging cannon to the top of a hill which commanded the Fort of La Convention, must be ascribed the success against that important key to St. Fiorenzo itself. The storm which was consequent upon it, reflects high honour upon that shining Officer Col. (now Gen.) Moore.
The Naval Chief was not contented with possession of the Gulf and Fortress of St. Fiorenzo alone, but followed up his views also against Bastia, the capital. This he resolved to attempt with the skeletons of four regiments, serving in his fleet as Marines, and a brigade of Seamen. The final surrender of that town and citadel, garrisoned by 4000 French and Corsican Soldiers, to a besieging force of 1248, and of mingled descriptions, must ever stand as one of the most brilliant events that adorn our military history. His Lordship was lavish in praise of all his brave coadjutors, which was repeated on the reduction of Calvi and with it the fall of Corsica. This closed his meritorious career.
The defenceless and disaffected state of the French West India islands had prompted an enterprize against them, which sailed from England towards the close of 1793. These objects were confided to Sir John Jervis (now Earl St. Vincent) and Lieutenant General Sir Charles Grey. The rapidity and success of all their movements convinced their Country that the trust could not have been reposed in more able hands.
Soon after their arrival at Barbadoes little time was lost, when their first efforts were levelled against the strong and valuable island of Martinique. My bounds will not authorize me to enlarge upon the train of operations, which preceded its surrender, so very honorable to the talents and zeal of those distinguished Commanders, in most of which, the corps of Marines appears to have had but a trifling share. The chief duty, of an active nature, which fell to their lot was against Fort St. Louis, upon which a combined attack was planned, by a brigade of 1000 Seamen and Marines, under Commodore Thompson, and supported by Captains Riou, Rogers, and Baynton of the Royal Navy, approaching from Point Negro towards its western side, while it was assailed by the Asia and Zebra sloops in front, and harassed by the enfilading fire of two batteries on shore. A body of Grenadiers and Light Infantry, from the camps of La Coste and Sourriere, were also to advance, on the land side, under the cover of a hill. This joint attack was, however, anticipated by the unparalleled enterprise and courage of Captain Faulkener, of the Zebra sloop, who dashed close to the walls of the Fort, and carried it, at the head of his ship's company of Seamen and Marines, at the very moment when the republicans were in consultation about its defence.
Mons. Rochambeau, instead of turning the guns of Fort Bourbon against the town, afterwards occupied by Colonel Symes and the flank corps, as well as Fort Louis, both of which it commands, immediately stipulated for its surrender, and the whole island, which took place on the following day being the 21st of March. His Royal Highness Prince Edward, (now Duke of Kent), who had lately arrived from Canada, commanded at the Camp of La Coste, with deserved credit.
No time was lost in proceeding against St. Lucia, which became an easy conquest. The islands of the Saintes were likewise carried by the Seamen and Marines of the Quebec, Blanche, Ceres, and Rose. The reduction of Guadaloupe immediately followed, where a landing was effected in the Ance de Gosier, of some infantry and a body of 500 Seamen and Marines, under cover of the Winchelsea, Lord Garlies, who, carrying his ship close to the enemy's batteries, quickly silenced them.
The assault of the Fort of La Fleur d'Epée, was attempted in three divisions, headed by Prince Edward, Major General Dundas, and Colonel Symes; to each of which was attached a part of the Naval battalion. The storm was most decisively conducted with the bayonet, but, amidst the heat of the contest, a great part of the garrison was put to the sword. Having thus obtained possession of the quarter of Grande Terre, from the republicans also abandoning Fort Louis, the town of Point a Petre, and the battery upon the islet à Couchon, the 43d Regiment was left at D'Epée, and the rest of the forces were re-embarked. Two divisions of the Army under Prince Edward, and Colonel Symes, were again landed on the evening and morning of the 14th and 15th of April, at Petit Bourg, who seized the evacuated redoubt of D'Arbond, carrying Arret by assault, in which was involved the material post of Palmiste, by day break of the 20th; while Major General Dundas, having been put ashore near the town of Basseterre, led his division against Morne Magdaline, which he also gained.
General Collot being now cooped up within the town, and Fort Charles, both of which were commanded by the heights in possession of the British, he proposed terms for the surrender of Guadaloupe, which were discussed, and subscribed.
Sir Charles Grey says, "that to the unanimity and extraordinary exertions of the Navy and Army, under fatigues never exceeded, his Majesty and their Country, are indebted for the rapid success in extending the British Empire, by adding to it the valuable islands of Martinique, St. Lucia, Guadaloupe, the Saintes, Marigalante, and Descada." Sir John Jervis remarked, "that the unabated exertions of the Officers and men, under his command, could never be surpassed, and that keeping constant pace with the troops no difficulty or danger arrested, for an instant, their career of glory."
A kind of forlorn detachment from France, which escaped all our cruizers, achieved the recovery of Guadaloupe, after a series of hardy contests, in which the Marines bore a part--Lieutenant John Mercer, of my corps, was wounded in one of them, and became a victim to fever, lamented by his friends, and his corps. Fruitless would have been all the enemy's efforts, if fascinating liberty had not erected her standard, whither numbers repaired, in the sanguine hope of sharing in her gifts.
The 1st of June 1794, presents one of the best fought actions that appears on our Naval records. France had continued to molest our commerce by her cruising squadrons, but her internal necessities, during this year of general scarcity, obliged her to concentrate her ships, and, with all her united forces, to cover the safety of an immense convoy from America. This was the main object, for which nothing too much could be risqued.
From the instances of defection which had so often occurred in her military leaders, that republic, jealous of its baneful extension, combined Mons. St. Andre, an approved democrat, in the public character of a Commissioner, with their Chief Vice Admiral Villaret Joyeuse, on board the Montagne.
During three preceding days the fleets were in sight, two partial affairs took place, and some very able manœuvring. The wind having been gained by Lord Howe, on the evening of the 31st of May, at seven in the morning of the following day, he bore up to battle, while the French coolly awaited his approach to so close a distance that little more than an hour decided the victory. The republican Chief gave the first example of flight, in which St. Andre, doubtless, coalesced, in spite of all his popular enthusiasm. Seven captured ships were amongst the fruits of that glorious day, which enervated all the subsequent exertions of a vindictive foe, during the war.
Many of the fleet having been supplied with acting Marines, from different regiments, the loss which befell our establishment was, on that account, proportionally less. Captains (now. Colonel) Smith, and C. Money, besides Lieutenant S. Mitchell, were among the wounded, and comprized the total of our casualties in Officers.
The carnage amongst the French was dreadful, and in the ships alone that were taken, it far exceeded the whole sustained by the British fleet.
The united thanks of a grateful Country were conveyed to the Officers, Seamen, and Marines, for their faithful services on this proud day.
Few single actions appear on the face of this year. One which was fought betwixt the Artois and La Revolutionaire French frigate, did honour to Captain Nagle in achieving her capture; but it deprived his King of a brave and good soldier, his family of a promising member, and his corps of one of its most shining ornaments, in Lieut. Peter Craigie, of Marines, who was severely wounded, and died soon after amputation. (Taken from Chapter 39 'An Historal review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1794. Saturday 11th
January. There was a curios sequel to the evacuation of Toulon. Not knowing of
the British withdrawal HMS Juno sailing from Malta arrived in Toulon at 10pm in
the evening. She had no pilot on board, and made her way into the harbour the
as best she could. Although here Captain was somewhat surprised to see no
British ships in the outer harbour, although the lights of several vessels were
clearly visible further in. Eventually a Brig at anchor loomed up through the
darkness, and as HMS Juno passed her a shout was not understood, and supposed
to be “What ship is that?” Upon the answer the crew of the Brig was heard to
cry out “Viva”, and as HMS Juno crossed her stern a voice from her called out
distinctly “Luff”. The helm was at once put to lee, but HMS Juno grounded and
so its boats were hoisted out to warp her off. A sudden gust of wind drove her
astern, and the anchor was let go, but as she swung to it she touched again
aft. While the boats and sail trimmers were at work to get her off again, a
boat came out from the shore, and running alongside, two officers and a party
of seamen came on board and informed the Captain Sir Samuel Hood that it was
the regulation of the port and the Commanding Officers orders that the ship
should go to another branch of the harbour to perform quarantine. “Where is
Lord Hood’s flagship”, asked the Captain. The reply he received aroused his
suspicion, and it was then discovered that the visitors were Frenchmen. All
pretence was dropped. ”Soyez tranquille” said the visitors, “les Anglais sont
des braves gens lestraitons bien, l’Amiral Anglais est parti il ya quelque
temps” It was a terrible trap, but just then a gust of wind came down the
harbour, and “I believe, Sir” said the 3rd Lieutenant “we shall be able to
fetch out if we can only get her under sail”. Where upon it was every man to
his station to set the sails upon the ship. The Frenchmen drew their cutlasses,
but the Marines seizing the boarding pikes from their racks charged and drove
the unwelcome visitors below, where they were disarmed. The cable was cut, and
the ship got under way, and in spite of heavy fire opened upon them from the
batteries and forts on shore HMS Juno succeeded in making her way out to sea
without loss of a man.
1794. Sunday 12th
January. Sphinx captured Trompeuse.
1794. Wednesday 22nd
January. Britannia and Nonsuch captured Vengeur and Resolu.
1794. Saturday 25th
January. Houghton and Nonsuch engaged Cybele.
1794. Wednesday 5th
February. The Capture of Martinique, by a British expeditionary force under the
Command of Admiral Sir John Jervis and Lieutenant General Sir Charles Grey. By
Thursday 20th March, only Fort Bourbon and Fort Royal still held out. Jervis
ordered the third rate ship of the line HMS Asia of 64 guns, and HMS Zebra to
take Fort Saint Louis. HMS Asia was unable to get close, and so Commander
Faulkner went in without her help. Despite facing heavy fire, Faulkner ran HMS
Zebra close under the walls. He and his ship's company then used HMS Zebra’s
boats to land. The British stormed the fort and captured it. HMS Zebra lost
only her pilot killed and four men wounded. Meanwhile the boats of the British
fleet captured Fort Royal and two days later Fort Bourbon capitulated.
1794. Saturday 8th February.
Fortitude and Juno captured Mortella, Corsica.
1794. Monday 17th
February. Alcide and squadron captured Fornelli, Corsica.
1794. Wednesday 19th
February. The Capture of the ship St Fiorenzo in Corsica by Lord Hood. The St
Fiorenzo was a 38 gun fifth rate, formerly the French ship named Minerve. She
was captured having been scuttled by the French. She was raised, and placed on
harbour protection from 1812 and finally broken up in 1837.
1794. In the latter part of the month of January 1794, vice-admiral sir John Jervis, K.B. arrived at Barbadoes as the commanderin-chief on that station, accompanied by lieutenant-general sir George Grey with 7000 troops; and on the 5th of February, the expedition arrived off Martinique, consisting of the following ships of war: — Boyne 98 guns, Vengeance and Irresistible of 74 guns, Asia and Veteran of 64, with several frigates and sloops. The troops were disembarked at three different points, and the respective divisions overcame all opposition. By the 16th of March the whole island, except forts Bourbon and Royal, was in possession of the British; but this was not effected without the loss of 71 killed and 193 wounded. Lieu- tenant W. Tremenheere, with a small party of marines and 200 seamen under captain E. Harvey, were landed, and having conveyed a twenty-four pounder gun and two mortars to the heights of Souriere, a fire was opened upon Fort Bourbon, and the island soon surrendered. Guadaloupe was the next object of attack, and a detachment of seamen and marines having assisted in the reduction of the strong post of Fleur d'Epee, the whole colony surrendered on the 20th; but a french squadron appearing off the island on the 3rd of June, disembarked 1400 troops, who regained possession of Fleur d'Epee. Sir John Jervis being apprised of this reverse, quickly repaired off Guadaloupe with four ships of the line, and on the 19th two battalions of seamen were landed and took possession of the village of Gosier.
From the 25th to the end of June several skirmishes took place; and on the morning of the 2nd of July an unsuccessful attempt was made upon the town of Pointe-a-Pitre, which failure led to the abandonment of Grand-terre by the british forces. Between the 10th, and the 3rd of July, the army had 105 killed, 330 wounded, and 56 missing. On the part of the navy, captain Lewis Robertson, 4 seamen, and 2 marines were killed; lieutenant Isaac Woolley, lieutenant of marines John Mercer, 24 seamen, and 3 marines wounded; and 16 seamen missing. Lord Hood arrived at the anchorage before Bastia, and on the same evening the troops, guns, and stores were landed; and a detachment of seamen, commanded by captain Horatio Nelson of the Agamemnon, disembarked to the northward of the town. The total of the combined forces, when landed, amounted to 1248 officers and men, exclusive of about the same number of Corsicans under general Paoli; whilst the french and corsican troops in the garrison of Bastia were about 3000. Lord Hood moored the fleet in the form of a crescent, just out of the reach of the enemy's guns, and the entrance to the harbour was effectually guarded by gun-boats and armed launches.
After a siege of thirty-seven days, and four of negotiation, the town and citadel of Bastia, with the several outposts, surrendered. The loss sustained by the army was only 7 killed and 21 wounded; and that of the navy, lieutenant Carey Tupper of the Victory, and 6 men killed; lieutenant Andrews, and 12 men wounded. On the 19th, captain Nelson, the senior officer in the absence of lord Hood, (who with the fleet had sailed to look after the Toulon squadron,) disembarked the troops at Port Agra, situated about three miles from Calvi; and on the same day lord Hood, arriving in Mortella Bay, sent on shore a detachment of seamen under captains Hallowell and Serecold. On the 27th, the Victory having arrived before Calvi, seven of her lower-deck guns were landed, and the batteries were soon opened; but it was not until the siege had lasted fifty-one days that general Casa-Bianca could be induced to capitulate; and on the 10th of August the garrison of Calvi surrendered.
The loss on the part of the british army was 1 field-officer, 2 lieutenants, and 20 men killed; 3 captains, 4 lieutenants, and 46 wounded. Of the navy, captain W. Serecold, 1 midshipman, and 5 seamen were killed, and 6 seamen wounded. Captain Nelson was not reported wounded, although he lost the sight of his right eye, from some particles of sand which had been driven into it, by a shot striking the battery near him.
On the 20th of October the 36-gun frigate Crescent, captain James Saumarez, was standing close along shore, off Cape Barfleur; and just as the day dawned, she discovered to leeward the french 36-gun frigate Reunion, captain F. A. Denian. The Crescent immediately bore away, and in a short time ranged up alongside the french frigate. In the early part of the action which ensued, the Crescent, after losing her fore-topsail yard and then her fore-topmast, came round on the opposite tack, and brought her larboard guns to bear. The Reunion, having lost her fore-yard and mizen topmast, was exposed to several raking broadsides from her opponent; and after a gallant defence of two hours and ten minutes, in which she had 33 killed and 48 severely wounded, the french frigate struck her colours, just as the british 32-gun frigate Circe was perceptible to leeward, using every exertion to close. Lieutenant Henry Hodge was serving on board the Crescent, which ship had only one man wounded.
On the 4th of October, the 32-gun frigate Thames, captain James Cotes, being some degrees to the westward of Ushant, engaged the french 40-gun frigate Uranie from 10 h. 30 m. a.m., until 2 h. 20 m. p.m., when the latter made off, leaving the british frigate so much crippled as to be incapable of pursuit, having 11 men killed, and 23 wounded. Whilst repairing her damages, three french frigates and a brig hove in sight, and the Thames was captured and carried into Brest. Lieutenant Anthony Stransham was serving on board the Thames. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1794. February - March.
Operations at and the capture of Martinique.
1794. February. The
Siege of Saint-Florent took place during the ‘French Revolutionary War’ when a
British force joined with Corsican partisans to capture the French garrison
town of Saint-Florent, Corsica. After a blockade by Royal Naval ships under
Horatio Nelson. A landing was made, and British troops were put ashore where
they were joined with around 1,200 Corsicans. The town was dominated by two
defensive towers, one to the north at Mortella Point and the other at the
strong Convention Redoubt. Once these had been taken the town agreed to
surrender and the British fleet under Lord Hood was able to sail into its
harbour. A large number of its defenders were able to escape to Bastia where
they participated in its defence. Saint-Florent was one of three major French
garrisons on Corsica the others being Bastia and Calvi.
1794. Monday 3rd February the important post of Cape Tiburon, St. Domingo, mounting twenty-two pieces of cannon, was taken by the British; and on the 18th, the port of Aoul was carried, after a sharp resistance, by a body of troops under lieutenant colonel Dansey. Fort Brissoton surrendered on the 2nd of June, and on the morning of the 4th the british colours were hoisted at Port-au-Prince. Throughout the operations which led to the capture of the West India islands, the navy and marines took part with the troops; and sir John Jervis observes, " the unabated exertions of the officers and men under his command could never be surpassed; and that, keeping constant pace with the troops, no difficulty or danger arrested, for an instant, their career of glory."
In the course of this year several french frigates, chiefly in squadrons of three or four, cruised in and near the British Channel, and were so successful in their attempts to capture or destroy our merchant shipping, that three british squadrons were ordered to sea to intercept them. One of these, under command of commodore sir John Borlase Warren, consisting of five frigates, fell in with three french frigates and a corvette on the 23rd of April, near Guernsey. At 6 h. 30 m., the Flora being abreast of the rearmost ship, opened her fire, and continued engaging as she passed the three sternmost of the enemy; but having her main-topmast shot away, and otherwise crippled, she dropped astern, and was succeeded by the Arethusa. The French now made all sail to escape, but the Arethusa, Melampus, and Concorde soon approached the Pomone of 40, and Babet of 20 guns, and both these ships surrendered, after a gallant resistance, at 9 h. 30 m. p. m. The pursuit of the other two frigates was continued by the Concorde and Melampus, and the Engageante of 36 guns was captured by the Concorde, after a close engagement of more than an hour, in which the french ship suffered severely. The Resolue effected her escape into Morlaix.
The following is a statement of the killed and wounded, with the names of the officers of marines serving on board the squadron.
Arethusa, 38 guns, captain sir Edward Pellevv, 3 killed, 5 wounded. First-lieutenant Richard Williams.
Flora, 36 guns, commander sir John B. Warren, bart., 1 killed, 3 wounded. First-lieutenant John Richardson.
Melampus, 36 guns, captain Thomas Wells, 5 killed, 5 wounded. Second-lieutenant John Campbell.
Concorde, 36 guns, captain sir Richard Strachan, 1 killed, 12 wounded.
Nymphe, 36 guns, captain George Murray. First-lieutenant Solomon Desbrisay.
Total 10 killed, 25 wounded.
The Pomone lost her main and mizen-masts and had above 100 men killed and wounded.
A very determined defence was made by the french 36-gun frigate Atalante, captain C. A. L. D. Linois, when captured by the Swiftsure of 74 guns, captain Charles Boyles, on the 7th of May, after a running fight of an hour, in which she lost 10 men killed, and 32 wounded. The Swiftsure had one man killed.
On the 29th of May the 28-gun frigate Carysfort, captain Francis Laforey, cruising to the westward of Ushant, captured the french 32-gun frigate Castor, after an action of one hour and fifteen minutes; in which the latter had 16 killed, and 9 wounded. The Carysfort had 1 man killed, and 4 wounded. Lieutenant James Fynmore was serving on board the Carysfort.
On the 17th of June, as the Romney, 50 guns, captain the hon. William Paget, having a convoy under her charge from Naples to Smyrna, was passing the island of Miconi, in the Archipelago, a french frigate was discovered at anchor. Captain Paget directed the convoy to proceed on, and the Romney was presently at an anchor within a little more than a cable's length of the 40-gun frigate Sibylle, commodore J. M. Rondeau.
At one p.m. the Romney, having taken her position with springs on her cables, opened her fire, and the action continued without intermission for an hour and ten minutes; when the Sibylle, being in a defenceless state, and having 46 men killed, and 156 artois and revolutionaire.
112 wounded, struck her colours. The Romney had only 266 men and boys on board; and of these, 8 were killed and 30 wounded. Lieutenant W. H. Allen was the officer of marines on board the Romney.
On the 21st of October a squadron of four frigates under sir Edward Pellew, when a few leagues to the westward of Ushant, chased the french 40-gun frigate Revolutionaire, captain H. . Thevenard. The superior sailing of the Artois of 38 guns, enabled her to bring the french frigate to action, and the latter defended herself with great spirit for forty minutes; when the Diamond having approached within gun-shot, and the other two ships coming up fast, the Revolutionaire struck her colours, with a loss of 8 killed, and 4 wounded. The Artois had 2 killed; lieutenant Peter Craigie of the marines (who died after suffering amputation), and 5 wounded.
On the 2nd of May a fleet under earl Howe, consisting of thirty-four ships of the line, with a number of smaller vessels of war, and nearly a hundred sail of merchant-men, sailed from Spithead. When off the Lizard, rear-admiral Montagu was detached with eight ships of the line, to protect the East and West India convoys; leaving twenty-six sail of the line and seven frigates cruising off Ushant.
On the 16th of May the french fleet, consisting of twenty-five ships of the line and several frigates, under rear-admiral Villaret de Joyeuse, and the conventional deputy Jean Bon Saint-Andre, sailed from Brest, with the wind at north-east; and on the 28th the enemy was seen to windward, bearing down towards the english fleet; but they hauled to the wind when they had reached within nine miles; and, after some delay, formed an indifferent line a-head. In the afternoon the rear division, under rear-admiral Pasley, was partially engaged with the enemy, and the Revolutionaire of 120 guns suffered so severely that she bore away from the flee and was taken into Rochefort in a disabled state. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1794. Early April. The
Siege and surrender of Bastia in Corsica took place during the French
Revolutionary War, when an allied force of British and Anglo Corsicans forces
laid siege to the French town of Bastia. After a six-week siege the garrison
surrendered due to a lack of supplies owing to a blockade by the Royal Navy.
The siege was marked by constant disputes with Lord Hood the naval Commander
and Senior Army officers.
1794. Friday 4th April. Lord Hood arrived at the anchorage before Bastia, and on the same evening the troops, guns, and stores were landed; and a detachment of seamen, commanded by captain Horatio Nelson of the Agamemnon, disembarked to the northward of the town. The total of the combined forces, when landed, amounted to 1248 officers and men, exclusive of about the same number of Corsicans under general Paoli; whilst the french and corsican troops in the garrison of Bastia were about 3000. Lord Hood moored the fleet in the form of a crescent, just out of the reach of the enemy's guns, and the entrance to the harbour was effectually guarded by gun-boats and armed launches.
After a siege of thirty-seven days, and four of negotiation, the town and citadel of Bastia, with the several outposts, surrendered. The loss sustained by the army was only 7 killed and 21 wounded; and that of the navy, lieutenant Carey Tupper of the Victory, and 6 men killed; lieutenant Andrews, and 12 men wounded. On the 19th, captain Nelson, the senior officer in the absence of lord Hood, (who with the fleet had sailed to look after the Toulon squadron,) disembarked the troops at Port Agra, situated about three miles from Calvi; and on the same day lord Hood, arriving in Mortella Bay, sent on shore a detachment of seamen under captains Hallowell and Serecold. On the 27th, the Victory having arrived before Calvi, seven of her lower-deck guns were landed, and the batteries were soon opened; but it was not until the siege had lasted fifty-one days that general Casa-Bianca could be induced to capitulate; and on the 10th of August the garrison of Calvi surrendered.
The loss on the part of the british army was 1 field-officer, 2 lieutenants, and 20 men killed; 3 captains, 4 lieutenants, and 46 wounded. Of the navy, captain W. Serecold, 1 midshipman, and 5 seamen were killed, and 6 seamen wounded. Captain Nelson was not reported wounded, although he lost the sight of his right eye, from some particles of sand which had been driven into it, by a shot striking the battery near him.
On the 20th of October the 36-gun frigate Crescent, captain James Saumarez, was standing close along shore, off Cape Barfleur; and just as the day dawned, she discovered to leeward the french 36-gun frigate Reunion, captain F. A. Denian. The Crescent immediately bore away, and in a short time ranged up alongside the french frigate. In the early part of the action which ensued, the Crescent, after losing her fore-topsail yard and then her fore-topmast, came round on the opposite tack, and brought her larboard guns to bear. The Reunion, having lost her fore-yard and mizen topmast, was exposed to several raking broadsides from her opponent; and after a gallant defence of two hours and ten minutes, in which she had 33 killed and 48 severely wounded, the french frigate struck her colours, just as the british 32-gun frigate Circe was perceptible to leeward, using every exertion to close. Lieutenant Henry Hodge was serving on board the Crescent, which ship had only one man wounded.
On the 4th of October, the 32-gun frigate Thames, captain James Cotes, being some degrees to the westward of Ushant, engaged the french 40-gun frigate Uranie from 10 h. 30 m. a.m., until 2 h. 20 m. p.m., when the latter made off, leaving the british frigate so much crippled as to be incapable of pursuit, having 11 men killed, and 23 wounded. Whilst repairing her damages, three french frigates and a brig hove in sight, and the Thames was captured and carried into Brest. Lieutenant Anthony Stransham was serving on board the Thames. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1794. Thursday 10th
April. Capture of the Saintes.
1794. April. The
British capture of Tobago and Santa-Lucia from the French. However, Santa-Lucia
was retaken by the French during the summer of 1795, and later taken back by
the British during April 1796.
1794. The North and the
South Barracks were built in Deal.
1794. Friday 11th -
12th April. The Winchelsea at Guadaloupe.
1794. Wednesday 23rd
April. Sir J. B. Warren’s action off Guernsey, when the Arethusa captured the
Pomone and Babet.
1794. April - May.
Bombardment and capture of Bastia.
1794. Monday 5th May.
The Orphers captured the Duguay-Trouin.
1794. Monday 5th - 7th
May. The Swiftsure captured the Atalante.
1794. Wednesday 28th May. During the night of the 28th the two fleets continued in sight of each other; and on the morning of the 29th earl Howe, with the intention of making some further impression on the rear of the enemy, ordered the fleet to tack, and then cut through the enemy's line in order to obtain the weather-gage. At 8 a.m. the van of the French wore round to support their rear, and then hauled to the wind. At 9 a. m., when on the larboard and same tack as the british fleet, the French bore away, and at 10 a. m. opened an ineffectual fire upon our van; but some of that division were enabled to get sufficiently near to make an impression on several of the french ships, nor did the British escape with impunity. At 11 h. 30 m. the signal was made to tack in succession, with the intention of passing through the enemy's line; but. the Csesar, the leading ship, wore round, and then ran past the eighth ship of the enemy, before she hauled to starboard and cut through. About 1 p. m. the Queen wore and passing under the lee of the Terrible of 110 guns, ran along the french line, and became so much crippled, that she could not haul up and pass through as intended. On perceiving the disabled condition of the Queen, lord Howe resolved to set the example of cutting the enemy's line, and at 1 h. 30 m. p. m. the Queen Charlotte tacked, and then passed close under the stern of the Eole, the sixth ship from their rear; and the two seconds to the british admiral, the Bellerophon and the Leviathan, passed respectively under the sterns of the Tyrannicide and Indomptable. Lord Howe then came round again on the larboard tack, and hoisting the signal for a general chase, the Queen Charlotte pursued the Terrible.
At 4 p. m. the Queen Charlotte, with several ships, ran down to cover the Queen and Royal George, who were much disabled, from the attack of the french admiral. This movement again brought the two vans within random shot and afforded an opportunity for the Glory to distinguish herself. At 5 p. m. the french commander-in-chief, having recovered his two disabled ships, wore round, and rejoined the rear of his fleet; and the British, by wearing in the same direction, kept the weather-gage. During the two following days the weather was so foggy, that the enemy could only be seen at times; but on the 31st, at 9 a.m., the french fleet was descried to the northward, and plainly seen to consist of twenty-six of the line. At 2 p.m. lord Howe bore up and ran down towards the enemy until 3 h. 30 m., when the British hauled to the wind on the larboard tack. At 5 p.m., having formed the larboard line of bearing, they edged away towards the enemy; but the admiral preferring a daylight contest, again brought the fleet to the wind at 7 p.m., and kept under commanding sail during the night, to preserve the weather-gage. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1794. Thursday 29th
May. The Carysfort captured the Castor.
1794. Thursday 29th
May - Sunday 1st June. Lord Howe’s Victory, the battle of the Glorious First of
June off Ushant. One of the great sea battles in which many Marines took part.
It was the first and largest fleet action of the naval conflict between Great
Britain and the First French Republic during the ‘French Revolutionary Wars’.
The British Channel Fleet under Admiral Lord Howe attempted to prevent the
passage of a vital French grain convoy from the United States of America, which
was protected by the French Atlantic Fleet, commanded by Rear-Admiral Villaret
Joyeuse. The two forces clashed in the Atlantic Ocean, some 400 nautical miles
(741km) west of the French island of Ushant. Howe's ships inflicted a severe
tactical defeat on the French fleet. Although in the aftermath of the battle
both fleets were left shattered and in no condition for further combat. Both
fleets were forced to return to their home ports.
The following is an extract taken from an account
wrote immediately after the battle, by an officer who served in the battle. It
gives a vivid description of what happened: “The sinking of the Vengeur was one
of the most awful sights ever beheld. This ship and the HMS Brunswick by some
means got on board each other. HMS Brunswick lost her mizzen mast before she
got clear, but left her enemy a wreck of horrible ruin. She carried her mast
and yards, every one away, tore her decks and sides to pieces, and left her
sinking. She went to the bottom at about a quarter past six, and I saw her
sinking, fast, but gradually. After the loss of her mizzen mast, main top mast
and rigging cut to pieces, the French hoisted an English Jack, and called for
quarters, but HMS Brunswick, having all her boats shot to pieces, could not
board the enemy, and was obliged to let her go down, and all on board
perished.”
The most obstinate conflict of the battle was between
HMS Defence that carried 74 guns Captained by J. Gambier and HMS Jacobin with
110 guns. They were in close action for upwards of three hours, at the expiration
of which time HMS Jacobin went to the bottom, and HMS Defence had become
totally unmanageable as to be obliged and towed out of the line by the frigate
HMS Phaeton. The HMS Jacobin lay without masts and a helm, and moving around by
the force of the water, which rapidly entering shot holes in her hull, and
running over her galleries, she quickly sunk. Yet so invincible was the spirit
of her crew, that they were still manning their upper deck guns, while the
water was running in at the lower deck ports. It seems that they had previously
agreed never to give up and nailed their colours to the staff, which were
flying when she went down. Those on the upper deck to a man, refused to take to
a cutter, and when the water rose to where they stood, they took off their hats
and gave three cheers universally crying out “Vive la Republique Vive la
Liberte”. This is corroborated in a letter from a Seaman on board HMS Queen. (sic)
1794. Sunday 1st June.
The Irresistible and Squadron took Fort Brissoton, P. au Prince.
1794. Sunday 1st of June. Latitude 47° 48' north, longitude 18° 30' west, the wind moderate from south and by west, the enemy were seen about six miles on the lee bow of the British, in line of battle upon the larboard tack. At 5 a.m. the british fleet bore up, but at 7 h. 10 m. hauled to the wind on the same tack as the enemy; and as soon as the crews had taken their breakfast, at 8 h. 12 m. a. m. they filled, and bore down upon their opponents. About a quarter past nine the French opened their fire upon the van of the British, who were steering in a lasking direction towards the enemy. Soon after 10 a. m. the Queen Charlotte passed under the stern of the Montague of 120 guns, and ranged close up on her lee bow, where she became exposed to the fire of the 80- gun ships Juste and Jacobin. A few of the british ships following the example which had been set them by their noble and gallant chief, cut through the french line, and engaged their opponents to leeward; but the remainder hauled up to windward, some at a great distance, whilst others were sufficiently near to engage with effect. At half past ten, when the action was at its height, the french admiral in the Montagne made sail a-head, followed by his second in the line, and afterwards by such ships as had suffered but little in the contest. By 11 h. 30 m. a.m. the firing had nearly ceased, when the British were left with eleven, and the French with twelve, more or less dismasted ships: at this time none of the enemy had struck their colours, and many of the crippled ships were striving to escape under a spritsail, or some small sail set on the stump of their masts. Admiral Villaret, having failed in his attempt to cut off the Queen, which lay disabled at some distance from the body of her fleet, stood on, and contrary to all expectation, was enabled to cover and rescue four of his dismasted ships, the Republican 110, Muscius 74, Scipion 80, and Jemappes 74; a fifth, the Terrible 110, having previously joined him, by gallantly fighting her way through the british fleet. At about 1 h. 15 m. p. m. the action had nearly ceased; but it was not until 2 h. 30 m. p. m. that the six dismasted french ships nearest at hand, the Sans Pareil 80, Juste 80, Amerique, Impetueux, Northumberland, and Achille, of 74 guns, were secured. At a little after 6 f. m. a seventh french ship, the Vengeur of 74 guns, was taken possession of, but in so shattered a state that in ten minutes afterwards she went down, with upwards of 200 of her crew on board, composed chiefly of wounded men.
Admiral Villaret, after recovering his four disabled ships, two of them without a stick standing except their bowsprit, stood away to the northward; and before 7 p.m. the whole of his nineteen remaining line of battle ships were out of sight of the british fleet. It was not until the 3rd that lord Howe had sufficiently repaired his ships to proceed to Spithead where he anchored with his prizes and the whole of his fleet, except thirteen ships, which he had ordered to Plymouth.
As our limited space will not admit of a detailed account of this glorious contest, we merely subjoin a list of the ships and their commanders, with the killed and wounded on the 29th of May, and on the 1st of June; together with the names of the officers of marines serving in the fleet:
Queen Charlotte, 100 guns, admiral earl Howe, captains sir R. Curtis and sir A. Douglas, May 29, 1 killed; June 1, 13
killed, 29 wounded. 2nd regiment of foot. Royal George, 100 guns, vice-admiral sir A. Hood, captain
W. Domett, May 29, 15 killed, 23 wounded; June 1, 5 killed, 49 wounded. Captain L. P. Jones, first-lieutenant Andrew Polkington, second-lieutenant Samuel Claperton.
Royal Sovereign, 100 guns, vice-admiral T. Graves, captain H. Nicholls, May 29, 8 killed, 22 wounded; June 1, 6 killed, 22 wounded. Captain C. B. Money, first-lieutenant Charles Allen, first-lieutenant Stephen Mitchell.
Barfleur, 98 guns, rear-admiral G. Bowyer (wounded), captain C. Collingwood, June 1, 9 killed, 25 wounded. 69th regiment of foot.
Impregnable, 98 guns, rear-admiral B. Caldw T ell, captain G. B. Westcott, June 1, 7 killed, 24 wounded. Captain-lieutenant George James Prosser, first-lieutenant Nicholas Croad, second-lieutenant John Hebrington.
Queen, 98, rear-admiral A. Gardner, captain J. Hutt (wounded), May 29, 22 killed, 27 wounded; June 1, 14 killed, 40 wounded. Captain-lieutenant Thomas Solby, second-lieutenant Frederic Liardet.
Bellerephon, 74 guns, rear-admiral T. Pasley (wounded), captain W. Hope, June 1, 4 killed, 27 wounded. Captain Walter Smith, first-lieutenant Samuel Foreshall, second-lieutenant Richard Gamble.
Glory, 98 guns, captain J. Elphinstone, June 1, 13 killed, 39 wounded.
Gibraltar, 80 guns, captain J. McKenzie, June 1, 2 killed, 12 wounded. 25th regiment of foot.
Caesar, 80 guns, captain A. J. Pye Molloy, May 29, 3 killed, 19 wounded; June 1, 15 killed, 52 wounded. Captain James
Driffield, first-lieutenant Benjamin Dickenson, second-lieutenant Thomas Hopper.
Brunswick, 74 guns, captain J. Harvey (killed), June 1, 44 killed, 114 wounded. 29th regiment of foot.
Valiant, 74 guns, captain T. Pringle, June 1, 2 killed, 9 wounded. Captain Robert Moncrieffe, first-lieutenant Henry Cox, second-lieutenant George Jones.
Leviathan, 74 guns, captain Lord H. Seymour, June 1, 10 killed, 33 wounded. Captain Theophilus Lewis, first lieutenant Thomas Maxwell, first-lieutenant Richard Stephens.
Alfred, 74 guns, captain J. Bazeley, June 1, 8 wounded. Culloden, 74 guns, captain J. Schomberg, June 1, 2 killed, 5 wounded. Captain W. Henville, first-lieutenant Hugh
Holland, second-lieutenant G, A. Livingstone. Defence, 74 guns, captain J. Gambier, May 29, 1 killed, 3 wounded; June 1, 17 killed, 36 wounded. Second-lieutenant Samuel Brother.
Invincible, 74 guns, captain hon. T. Pakenham, May 29, 10 killed, 21 wounded; June 1, 4 killed, 10 wounded. Captain-lieutenant James Cassell, first-lieutenant Alexander
Mackenzie, first-lieutenant Thomas Piers. Majestic, 74 guns, captain C. Cotton, May 29, 1 killed, 13 wounded; June 1, 2 killed, 5 wounded. 2nd regiment of foot.
Marlborough, 74 guns, captain hon. C. C. Berkeley, June 1, 29 killed, 90 wounded. Lieutenant Charles Lyon, 25th regiment of foot.
Montagu, 74 guns, captain J. J. Montagu, June 1, 4 killed, 13 wounded. Captain Robert Henderson, second-lieutenant Charles Lewis, second-lieutenant William Ratton.
Orion, 74 guns, captain J. T. Duckworth, May 29, 3 killed; June 1, 2 killed, 24 wounded. Captain George Dyer, first lieutenant Palms Westiopp, second-lieutenant William B ransom.
Ramilies, 74 guns, captain H. Harvey, May 29, 3 killed; June 1, 2 killed, 7 wounded. 29th regiment of foot.
Russell, 74 guns, captain J. W. Payne, June 1, 8 killed, 26 wounded. 2nd regiment of foot.
Thunderer, 74 guns, captain A. Bertie. 29th regiment of foot.
Tremendous, 74 guns, captain J. Pigott, June 1, 3 killed, 8 wounded. Lieutenant-colonel Duncan Campbell, first-lieutenant John Simpson.
Phaeton, 38 guns, captain W. Bentinck, June 1, 3 killed, 5 wounded. First-lieutenant A. J. Trident. 67 killed, 128 wounded, on the 29th of May.
Total— 287 „ 840
The thanks of both houses of Parliament were voted to the flag-officers, captains, and other officers of the fleet for their bravery and gallant conduct, with their approval and acknowledgment of the services of the seamen, marines, and soldiers. The city of London voted the sum of £500 for the relief of the wounded warrant-officers, petty-officers, seamen, and marines, and also for the widows and children of those who so gloriously fell in the action.
Notwithstanding this proud mark of approval, it was so apparent that several captains in the fleet had not done as much as was expected by their country, that the lords commissioners of the Admiralty restricted the distribution of medals to certain officers, excluding the commanders of eight ships in the fleet; and the sentence of a court-martial held on captain Anthony Pye Molloy, at his own request, in consequence of some observations made by the commander-in-chief reflecting on his conduct, dismissed him from the command of the Csesar.
Early on the morning of the 6th of November, at 5 a.m., the 74-gun ships Alexander, captain Rodney Bligh, and Canada, captain Hamilton, fell in with a french squadron of five sail of the line and two frigates, under rear-admiral Nielly, who bore up in chase of the british ships. A running fight was continued until 1 p. m., when the Alexander, having suffered considerably, her main-yard, spanker-boom, and her three top-gallantmasts shot away, and having sustained a loss of 40 men killed and wounded, including among the latter a lieutenant of marines, struck her colours and was taken into Brest.
The officers of marines were major W. Tench, with lieutenants Oliver, Fitzgerald, and William Brown. The Canada arrived at Plymouth in safety. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1794. Sunday 8th June.
The Crecent and the Druid engaged a French squadron.
1794. Wednesday 11th
June. The Dido engaged a squadron in Gourjeau bay.
1794. Tuesday 17th
June. The Romney captured S,bille.
1794. July to Sunday
10th August. The Siege and Capture of Calvi took place during the French
Revolutionary by the British forces, ending in a British Victory. Troops under
Charles Stuart under took the attack against Calvi, one of his officers being
Horatio Nelson. Heavy bombardment drew equally heavy French and Corsican
resistance. It was during the fighting on the Saturday 12th July that Nelson
lost the sight of his right eye during an assault on the town. There followed
heavy fighting, but the French batteries were captured one by one, and on
Sunday 10th August the French garrison finally surrendered with full military
honours, having held out for 40 days. During the siege it was estimated that
24,000 cannon balls had been fired at the town.
1794. June - August.
Victory and Agamemnon at Calvi.
1794. June - December.
Unsuccessful operation at Guadaloupe.
1794. Saturday 23rd
August. Squadron destroyed Volontaire.
1794. Saturday 23rd
August. The Flora and Arethusa destroyed the Filicite, Espion, and Alerte.
1794. Tuesday 21st
October. The Artois captured the Revolutionnaire.
1794. Wednesday 22nd
October. The Centurion and the Diomede engaged a French Squadron.
1794. Thursday 6th
November. The Canada and the Alexander (taken) engaged a French Squadron.
1794. Early December. While the 64-gun ship Ardent, captain Robert Manners Sutton, was stationed off Villa Franca, she took fire and blew up, and everyone on board perished. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1794. Tuesday 30th
December. The Blanche attacked the Desirade and captured a French Squadron.
1794. After a mutiny on
board HMS Culloden, her crew flogged several Marines for not joining them.
1795. Fifteen thousand Marines were voted for the service of 1795.
In consequence of the reverses of France at Toulon, and in the battle of the 1st of June, her commerce was neglected, and her Sailors became dispirited. Limiting nearly the whole of her energies to one element, she was thus enabled in every quarter, to pour from her frontiers a host of Soldiers and of Conquerors.
Holland, hitherto our ally, was over-run by her legions, who, wherever they directed their steps, found the success of their arms already ensured by the delusive power of their principles.
Although, in reality, a province, still a shew of acknowledged independence was maintained, and the Dutch were admitted as principals in a treaty of alliance which was concluded between the two republics. Thus fraternized, Great Britain had to reckon a new and decided enemy in a recent friend.
Accordingly, orders were issued in February 1795, for the detention of vessels and property belonging to the subjects of Holland, an expedition was framed against the Cape of Good Hope, and an authority to subdue her settlements in the East, were transmitted to our Commanders in that quarter of the world.
In those distant services the Corps of Marines bore a partial, but an active share.
The attempt against the Cape was entrusted to the immediate conduct of Sir George Elphinstone and Major General Craig, who arrived in Simon's Bay early in July. A fruitless summons to surrender it having been forwarded to its Governor, a debarkation of 450 of the 78th Regiment, and 350 Marines, under Major, now Colonel Hill, was effected upon the 14th, in time to save that town from devoted destruction.
Our troops had been expressly restrained from hostility against the Dutch forces, but such was their conduct that it soon provoked retaliation. It being necessary to dislodge them from the strong post of Mysenburgh, which was fortified with heavy guns, and secured from approach both by land and sea, by a steep mountain on the right, and shallow water, constantly agitated by surf, on its left, 800 Seamen were landed under the Captains Spranger and Hardy, which constituted a total strength of 1600 men. As they were without cannon, the whole awaited the fortune of a wind that would allow the ships of war to unite in the attack. This occurred on the 7th of August, when Commodore Blankett got under weigh with the America, Stately, Echo, and Rattlesnake; while General Craig advanced with his little army. So judicious was the Naval disposition, that the Dutch were driven by the fire of those ships, and some launches armed with carronades, from one post to another, which the troops successively occupied.
Retiring to a ridge of rocky heights beyond their camp, which they had abandoned, the enemy were very spiritedly assaulted by Major Moneypenny, at the head of the advanced guard, supported by the whole of the gallant 78th. Although seconded by some heavy guns that over-awed it from across the lagoon towards Cape-town, and possessing a hold almost impregnable from its situation, they were still forced from it, after a contest which closed only with the day. In the course of it, the Dutch left behind them some artillery, which were drilled, and once more rendered serviceable by Lieutenant Coffin and his company of pikemen, from the Rattlesnake.
On the morning of the 8th of August, the enemy having drawn their whole force from Cape-town, aimed it to recover the posts they had lost. Observing, however, the strength of the British positions, they desisted from any attempt, and the day was chiefly spent in skirmishing with the 1st battalion of Seamen, under Captain Hardy, and the Marines under Major Hill, who had passed the lagoon. General Craig says, that both Corps were distinguished throughout by regularity in manœuvre, and the most steady resolution. Major Hill was very ably assisted by the valuable advice of Captain, now Lieut. Colonel Sir John Douglas, during the whole of these fatiguing and combined duties.
A small reinforcement arrived on the 9th from St. Helena, but the pressures of the army daily increased to such a degree, that it became expedient, in order to alleviate them, to risque the storm of one of the enemy's principal out-posts on the 27th of August, which unfortunately failed. So critically were matters circumstanced, that it was determined between the Commanders in Chief to try the fortune of another assault in six days, if Sir Allured Clarke should not appear with the expected reinforcements.
The Dutch had resolved, however, to anticipate this issue, which was, in event, to decide the fate of the Colony.
A disastrous affair on the 1st of September, in which the picquet was driven in with loss, and Major Moneypenny most severely wounded, encouraged them to this daring effort on the 3d. With a train of eighteen field-pieces, and all the strength they could muster, they appeared after break of day, but were stayed in their progress by the signal for a fleet having hove in sight.
On the 4th, Major General Craig resigned the command to Sir Allured Clarke, not without expressing his high sense of the animated exertions of all, in the face of a superior enemy, as well as for their cheerful resignation under the greatest hardships and fatigues.
From the powerful aids which had arrived, matters were pushed on most briskly, and the Army moved against the post of Wyneberg on the 14th. Here the Dutch demonstrated a shew of resistance; but Commodore Blanket appearing in Table Bay with three ships, in order to create a diversion, the enemy retreated, and early on the morning of the 16th, proposed terms of surrender. By these, the whole settlement was added to the British dominions.
Sir Allured Clarke united his cordial testimony with that of Sir George Elphinstone, of the very meritorious conduct of the Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the squadron, during a tedious service of labour and even privation of necessary food. Only nine Marines were wounded throughout.
In the East, the Islands of Ceylon and Manar, the Peninsula of Malacca, Cochin, a seaport on the coast of Malabar, and, in fine, most of the valuable settlements of the Dutch in Hindostan, fell successively under the combined efforts of our Naval and Military forces; in all of which, however, intrigue was more conspicuous than active hostility.
It falls not within my scope to enlarge upon the many disastrous events that took place in the West. There Victor Hughes, a man of the most consummate talents, but which were stained by inhumanity, acted both as the agent and the organ of republican France. He perfectly assimilated himself to the temper of his employers; recognizing only the rules of expediency, he was ever the ready advocate for the most sanguinary works and felt not the control of principle where it opposed his interests. His incendiary attempts will long be reviewed with horror by those islands which were the theatres of his plots.
This year abounded with Naval achievements. In the Mediterranean the French suffered a defeat, on the 8th of March, from an inferior force, when on their way to recover Corsica. Admiral Hotham's loss, in killed and wounded, upon this partial occasion, was 315 Seamen and Marines.
Another action was fought on the 12th of July, which terminated in the capture of one ship. Captains Towry and Middleton, the Seamen and Marines of the Dido and Lowestoffe, were eminently noticed for their gallantry in a successful contest with two of the heaviest frigates from France, which terminated in the surrender of one; while the other found refuge in flight.
On the coast of America, the Hon. Captain Cochrane, with Captain Beresford, were equally conspicuous in subduing their superior antagonists; in which the former says, that the carronades on the quarter deck of the Thetis, were very ably served by Lieut. (afterward Captain) Paul Crebbin, and the Marines under his command.
The masterly retreat of Vice-Admiral Cornwallis, in the face of an enemy nearly thrice his force, exhibited such a display of cool valour, as not to produce a parallel upon our annals. The energies of his pen bespoke the feelings of his invincible mind; and although the merit was exclusively his own, yet he generously shared it amongst his faithful associates, in these words:
"Royal Sovereign, June 18, 1795.
"Vice Admiral Cornwallis returns his sincere thanks to the Captains, Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the Fleet under his orders, for their steady and gallant conduct in the presence of the French Fleet yesterday; which firmness, he has no doubt, deterred the enemy from making a more serious attack. It would give the Vice Admiral pleasure to put the whole of their exertions in effect by meeting a more equal force, when the Country would receive advantage, as it now does honour, from the spirit so truly manifested by its brave men."
This gratifying tribute was followed up to each, by the most precious tender which can be offered to a Briton that of the legislative thanks of his Country.
The Marine Soldier can often be retraced upon those proud records.
It was reserved for Lord Bridport to convince the enemy of the decisive weight of an equal force. On the 23d of June they owed the salvation of all their Fleet to their formidable batteries, and the strong Naval port of L'Orient. Lieut. William Jephcote, of Marines, fell upon that day, which augmented our Fleet with three sail of the line.
The engagement betwixt La Blanche, Captain Faulkner, and the French frigate La Pique, fought early in 1795, off the island of Guadaloupe, affords a lasting test of the superiority of English discipline and courage. While our loss was confined to 29 killed and wounded, that of the republicans exceeded a total of 212. After exhibiting every quality of a judicious and brave Officer, Captain Faulkner was shot through the heart, who left not behind him a brighter example of true heroism.
The Marines of La Blanche behaved nobly, and maintained a constant fire under Lieut. Richardson, who, with Serjeant George Dice, did honour to their Corps. (Taken from Chapter 40 'An Historal Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1795. Friday 3rd - 7th
January. The Diamond reconnoitred Brest.
1795. Sunday 4th
January. The Blanche captures the Pique. The official report reads ”The Marines
under Lieutenant Richardson keeping up so well directed and constant a fire,
that not a man could appear on the forecastle till she struck.”(sic)
1795. Tuesday 5th January. The 32-gun frigate Blanche, captain Robert Faulknor, cruising off Grande-terre, Guadaloupe, sustained a very severe action with the french 36-gun frigate Pique. At 1 a.m. the two frigates became closely engaged, and at 2 h. 30 m. the main and mizen-masts of the Blanche fell over the side; the Pique, having shortly afterwards ran foul of her antagonist on the larboard quarter, made several ineffectual attempts to board. About 3 a.m. captain Faulknor was killed by a musket-ball, whilst assisting lieutenant David Milne in lashing the bowsprit of the Pique to the capstan of the british frigate; but the lashings soon afterwards broke loose, and the Pique crossing the stern of the Blanche, fell on board of the latter's starboard quarter. Her bowsprit was immediately lashed by the british crew to the stump of the Blanche's mainmast and in this position, towed before the wind, the enemy were defeated in their attempts to cut the lashings, by the rapid and well-directed fire of the marines under lieutenant Thomas Richardson. Although exposed to a galling and raking fire, with her three masts over the side, the Pique continued to defend herself until 5 h. 15 m. a.m., when, having sustained a loss of 76 killed and 110 wounded, out of a crew of 279 men and boys, the French hailed that they had surrendered. The Blanche lost her commander and 7 killed, and 21 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1795. January - June.
The Blanche and the Squadron at St. Lucia, Grenada.
1795. The Marines were
further augmented to 15,000 men. In consequence of some differences arising
with regard to the Regiments of the line doing duty as marines in the fleet,
they were ordered to be disembarked, and many of the men were permitted to
enlist in the Marines at an additional bounty of five guineas; and on the 15th
of November the levy money was increased to fifteen pounds, which allowed ten
guineas and a crown bounty to each recruit. This arrangement gave such fresh
vigour to the corps, that the companies were soon up to their full strength.
1795. The French
unsuccessfully attempt to retake Corsica.
1795. Saturday 7th
March. The Berwick was captured by the French Fleet.
1795. Friday 13th
March. The Lively captured the Tourterelle.
1795. Saturday 14th
March. Hothams Victory off Genos, and the capture of two sail of the line.
1795. Sunday 29th
March. The Cerberus captured the Jean Bart.
1795. Tuesday 7th April. On the night of the 7th of April an expedition, consisting of thirty-three flat-bottomed boats carrying troops, accompanied by some gun-brigs, sailed from Havre to attack these islands; but meeting w r ith the Diamond and Hydra frigates, they were driven back and stood into Caen, where they were reinforced by seven heavy gun-brigs and forty sail of boats. After three weeks' blockade, this formidable flotilla reached the road of La Hogue, which is situated about half-way between Cape Bar fleur and the islands, and they waited until the neap tides, when the current would offer less opposition to their progress. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1795. Friday 10th
April. The Astrea captured the Gloire.
1795. Saturday 11th
April. The Hannibal captured the Gentille.
1795. Wednesday 6th May. At midnight, the guard-boat made the signal for the enemy's approach, and although the french officers were heard giving their orders, the night was so dark that none of the boats were visible. The attacking force consisted of fifty-two gun-brigs and flat-bottomed boats, having on board above 5000 men. At day-break on the 7th, the flotilla was seen drawn up in line opposite to the south-west front of the western redoubt, and a fire was instantly opened upon them from seventeen pieces of cannon, consisting of 4 four-pounders, 2 six-pounders, and 6 twenty-four pounder long guns, and 2 thirty-two pounder carronades. The brigs remained at the distance of three hundred yards, in order to batter the redoubt with their long guns, while the boats rowed up until within musket-shot of the battery; but the discharge of round, grape, and canister, poured such destruction among them, that they were soon compelled to seek their safety in flight. Six or seven boats were seen to go down, and one small flat was afterwards towed in, bottom upwards, on board of which some papers were found, stating that she had a crew of 144 persons, including 129 men of the second Boulogne battalion.
The loss sustained by the British in this affair amounted to 1 marine killed, 2 marines and 2 seamen wounded; a loss much less in amount than might have been expected from the fire of upwards of 80 long guns, many of which were thirty-six, and none less than eighteen-pounders. According to the french account, their loss amounted to several hundred in killed and wounded. Owing to the calm state of the weather, the british squadron were unable to intercept the flotilla, and consequently they got back to the Hogue without further loss.
A french squadron, consisting of the Hoche 74 guns, commodore Bompart, with eight frigates, having on board 3000 troops with a large train of artillery, sailed from Brest on the evening of the 6th of September, with an intention of invading Ireland. On the following morning they were discovered by the Ethalion, who continued to watch their movements; and by the time the french ships arrived on the Irish coast, a considerable british force was in pursuit. On the 11th of October, when off Tory island, the leading frigate got sight of the enemy; and on the 12th, at day -break, the British found themselves in a situation to prevent their escape. The french ships were formed in an irregular line a-head, thus: — Semillante 3fi, Romaine 40, Bellone 36, Immortalite 40, Loire 40, Hoche 74, Coquille 36, and Embuscade 36 guns.
The british squadron consisted of the following ships: — Canada, 74 guns, captain sir J. B. Warren, 1 wounded. Captain William Patten, first-lieutenant Mark Oates, second-lieutenants Thomas Moore and Richard Bagnold. Foudroyant, 80 guns, captain sir J. T. Bayard, 9 wounded. Captain George Wolfe, first-lieutenant Richard Bunce, second-lieutenants Joseph Collins and Zachaeus Miller.
Robust, 74 guns, captain Edward Thornborough, 10 killed, 40 wounded. Captain Richard Williams, first-lieutenant W. Cottle (mortally wounded), second-lieut. Charles Coleman.
Melampus, 36 guns, captain Graham Moore, 1 wounded. Lieutenants Francis Hole and James Isherwood.
Magnanime, 44 guns, captain the hon. M. de Courcy, 7 wounded. Lieutenant W. H. Snowe, second-lieutenant Thomas Patterson.
Ethalion, 38 guns, captain G. Countess, 1 killed, 4 wounded.
Anson, 44 guns, captain P. C. Durham, 2 killed, 13 wounded. First-lieutenants Thomas Deering and A. Bell (wounded).
Amelia, 38 guns, captain the hon. C. Herbert. First-lieutenant James Coles.
At 7 a.m. on the 12th, the Robust, followed by the Magnanime, edged away, and at 7h. 20m. they became closely engaged with the Embuscade and Coquille, and then passed on to the Hoche. The Foudroyant coming up, and discharging a few broadsides at the Loire, Immortalite, and Bellone, who had been keeping up a galling fire upon the Magnanime as she ranged a-head, and to leeward of the Robust; the three french frigates ceased their annoyance and made sail to the south-west.
The Hoche, after sustaining the attack of the principal part of the british squadron, but more particularly of the Robust and Foudroyant, struck her colours at 10 h. 50 m. a. m; and out of 1237 men and boys, the Hoche lost 270 in killed and wounded. The Bellone, after receiving the fire of several ships, defended herself against the Ethalion for nearly two hours; nor did she surrender until her rigging and sails were cut to pieces, and her loss, out of 519 men, amounted to 20 killed and 45 wounded. The Embuscade, out of 486, lost 15 killed and 26 wounded; and the Coquille, having 18 killed and 31 wounded out of 507, also surrendered to the british squadron. The remaining five frigates, as they stood away to the westward, successively engaged the Anson, who had 2 men killed and 11 wounded, and her masts and rigging much cut up.
On the 14th the Resolue, at 1 a. m., was fallen in with by the Melampus, and after a feeble resistance was captured. On the ]7th the Loire was engaged by the 32-gun frigate Mermaid, captain Jan.es N. Newman, and Kangaroo 18-gun brig, captain Edward Brace. After a spirited action, in which the Mermaid had her mizen-mast and main top-mast shot away, and was otherwise much damaged, with loss of 3 killed and 13 wounded; and having also disabled the brig, the Loire put before the wind and was soon out of sight, although her mast, sails, and rigging gave evidence of the effect produced by the animated fire of her opponent. Lieutenant Mortimer Timson of the marines was serving on board the Mermaid.
The Loire had only escaped from one antagonist to fall into the hands of another, for at daylight on the 18th, having lost her main and fore top-mast, she was discovered by the 44-gun frigate Anson, captain P. C. Durham; who had lost her mizenmast, main-yard, and main cross-trees in her previous action with the french ship and her four companions. The Anson commenced the action at 10 h. 30 m., and the two disabled ships continued the contest until 1 1 h. 45 m. a. m., when the Kangaroo bore up and fired her broadside. Shortly afterwards the Loire's mizen-mast came down, and she surrendered. The Anson had 2 men killed; first-lieutenant Wm. A. Bell of the marines, and 12 wounded. The Loire, out of a complement of 624 men, had 46 killed and 71 wounded. Captain Durham speaks highly of first-lieutenant Deering of the marines.
We have now disposed of five frigates of M. Bompart's squadron; a sixth, the Immortalite, when on her cruise to Brest on the 28th of October, was pursued bythe38-gun frigate Fisgard, captain T. B. Martin, and brought to action at 11 h. 30 m. a. m. So effectual was the fire of the french frigate, that in less than half an hour the Fisgard was rendered ungovernable, having her sails and rigging cut to pieces; but by active exertion she was again alongside of the enemy at half-past one o'clock. The firing was renewed with great fury and continued until 3 p. m.j when the Immortalite, with her mizen-mast over her side, and having six feet water in the hold, her gallant captain with 54 killed and 61 wounded out of a complement of 580, was compelled to haul down her colours. The Fisgard, out of 281 men and boys, lost 10 killed; lieutenant Mark Anthony Gerrard of the marines, and 23 wounded. The two remaining frigates, the Semillante and Romaine, reached the ports of l'Orient and Brest. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1795. Saturday 9th May.
The Melampus and squadron were in Gourville Bay.
1795. Sunday 17th May.
The Thetis and the Hussar captured the Raison and the Prlvoyante.
1795. Monday 25th May.
Thorn captured Courier National in the West indies.
1795. Monday 8th June.
The Kingfisher engaged a french convoy.
1795. Tuesday 9th June.
The Masquito captured a Privateer.
1795. Wednesday 17th
June. Cornwallis's retreat.
1795. Tuesday 23rd
June. Bridports Victory off O’Oient.
1795. Thursday 24th
June. The Dido and the Lowestoft engaged the Minerve and Artemise.
1795. Monday 25th May.
The Thorn captured the Courier National in the West Indies.
1795. Thursday 25th
June. The 300 Marines at Quiberon.
1795. Monday 29th of June. The Jason and Pique frigates, captains Charles Sterling and David Milne, when off the Penmarcks at 7 p. m. chased the french 40-gun frigate Seine, which had sailed from the Isle of France, and was making for the first french port. The pursuit continued throughout the day, and at 9 p. m. the Pique commenced firing her bow guns. At 11 p.m. she ranged up alongside, and a running fight continued for two hours and thirty minutes, when the british frigate had her main top-mast shot away, and consequently dropped astern. The Jason now coming up, took the ground; and the Pique, when on the larboard side of her consort, also stuck fast. Almost at the same instant the land near Pointe de la Trenche was seen a-head, and the french frigate was also aground, and totally dismasted. As the tide rose, the Jason swung with her stern towards the enemy's broadside, which cut up her rigging and sails, and she sustained the loss of her second-lieutenant and 6 men killed; her captain and 1 1 wounded. The Jason was soon able to bring her guns to bear; and on the approach of the Mermaid frigate, the Seine struck her colours, having sustained a loss of 170 killed and 100 wounded, out of a complement of 610 men. Every effort to get the Pique afloat proving unavailing, she was abandoned by her crew, whose loss amounted to 2 killed and 6 wounded. First-lieutenant R. A. Symes was serving on board the Jason.
The 32-gun frigate Ambuscade, captain Henry Jenkins, mounting 32 long twelve-pounders, and 8 carronade twelvepounders — total 40 guns, with a reduced crew of 190 men and boys, was cruising off Bordeaux on the 14th of June at 7 a. m., when a sail was discovered running down before the wind. At 9 a.m., when the stranger had arrived nearly within gun-shot, she hauled to the wind and made sail to get away; but the Ambuscade immediately went in pursuit, and at 11 h. 30 m. she was sufficiently near to exchange shots with the french corvette Bai'onnaise, mounting 24 long eight-pounders, 6 long sixes, and 2 brass thirty-six pounders — total 32 guns, having a crew of 250 men and boys. The french ship, after shortening sail, commenced the action, which had continued an hour, when an unfortunate accident happened on board the Ambuscade: one of her main-deck guns burst, which did great damage, and wounded 11 men. The corvette, on seeing the confusion on board the british ship, made sail; but the Ambuscade was presently alongside to leeward. At this time, the Baionnaise being much cut up in her sails and rigging and having sustained a considerable loss in officers and men, with no chance of escape, laid the Ambuscade on board, carrying away with her bowsprit the british ship's starboard quarter-deck barricade, mizenshrouds, and mizen-mast, which in its fall unshipped the wheel. The Baionnaise then dropped under the Ambuscade's stern, but still remaining foul, by a grappling iron caught in the latter's rudder chain, the french troops from their bowsprit scoured the decks of the Ambuscade, whilst the british marines kept up a smart fire in return; but in a short time lieutenant Dawson, captain Jenkins and lieutenant Sinclair of the marines, were severely wounded; and they were scarcely taken below when Mr. Brown, the master, was killed. The only surviving lieutenant, Joseph Briggs, who had come from a sick cot to take part in the action, was wounded in the head, and the command of the ship now devolved on Mr. Win. B. Murray, the purser. At this moment an explosion of some cartridges on the rudder-head, occasioned by firing a gun from the cabin windows into the bow of the Bai'onnaise, produced a panic, which enabled the french crew from the bowsprit to reach the british quarter-deck, and after a short struggle the Ambuscade surrendered, with the loss of 10 killed and 36 wounded. The Baionnaise had 30 killed; her commander, captain Richer, and 30 men badly wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1795. June - December. Royal Marines in Quiberon.
1795. July. Sir Sidney Smith, when in command of the Diamond frigate, took possession of the two islands of St. Marcouf, situated off the river Isigny, on the coast of Normandy, and about four miles from the shore. The islands, which are close to one another, and each about 200 yards in length and 120 in in breadth, were mounted with several pieces of cannon, and garrisoned by a detachment of invalids and a party of marines, under lieutenants J. Maughan, — Ensor, and — Lawrence, with a proportion of seamen; and the whole under the command of lieutenant Charles P. Price, of the navy. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1795. In the early part of August. A squadron, consisting of the Monarch, Victorious, and Arrogant, of 74 guns, America and Stately, of 64 guns, with two brigs, having on board a detachment of the 78th regiment commanded by major-general Craig, anchored in Simon's Bay, Cape of Good Hope. The governorgeneral Sluysken, refusing to place the colony under the protection of his britannic Majesty, a debarkation took place of 450 men of the 78th regiment, with 300 marines, commanded by major Hill, having under him majors Ballinghall, Douglas, and Wingrove; captains Samuel Baldwin and Gilbert Gardner, and lieutenants C. W. Adair (adjutant), Wingrove, Burn, Clapperton, Glaze, Templeton, and Thomas Mould. Meanwhile the dutch militia had taken post on the adjacent heights and occupied a pass about six miles distant from the town, which they had well fortified. A thousand seamen were also landed and formed into battalions under captains Hardy of the Echo, and Spranger of the Rattlesnake. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1795. Friday 7th August. The lighter ships of the squadron stood in shore, and with the gun-boats and launches covered the advance of the troops so effectually, that at 4 p. m. major-general Craig, after a fatiguing march over heavy sandy ground, arrived at and took possession of the abandoned dutch camp.
The advanced guard of the 78th, supported by the battalion, drove the Dutch from an advantageous post on a rocky eminence, and on the following day, the 8th, the enemy having augmented his force from Cape Town, and having several fieldpieces, advanced to regain the position they had lost; but after some skirmishing the Dutch were compelled to retire. The battalion of marines under major Hill obtained the commendation of major-general Craig, " for their steadiness and resolution" on this occasion.
Some partial successes gained by the Dutch on the 1st and 2nd of September, encouraged them to meditate a general attack on the british camp; and in the night they advanced with all their force, accompanied by eighteen field-pieces. At this anxious moment the long-expected english fleet, with reinforcements, opportunely appeared in the offing; and on the following morning fourteen sail of East India ships, conveying a large body of troops, with artillery and stores, under the command of general Alured Clarke, came to an anchor in Simon's Bay. The disembarkation was completed on the 14th, and the troops having immediately commenced their march, the dutch governor became so alarmed, that he proposed terms of capitulation: and on the 16th the colony surrendered, when about 1000 regular troops were made prisoners. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1795. Friday 7th August - 16th September. During the ‘Napoleonic Wars’, Britain captured the Dutch Cape Colony’s, from the Dutch East India Company. 350 Marines landed under Major Hill and took part in the battle of Muizenburg, receiving the commendation of Major General Craig “for their steadiness and resolution” upon this occasion. The advanced guard of the 78th, supported by the Marines, drove the Dutch from their position on the heights, and on the Thursday 8th August repelled a counter attack supported by artillery.
1795. Saturday 22nd
August . Engagement of Iris and consorts with Dutch frigates.
1795. Tuesday 25th
August. Spider (cutter) captured a brig.
1795. Wednesday 26th
August. Cutting-out exploits at Alassio and Lanqueglia Bays.
1795. Friday 3rd July.
The Melampus and the Hebe captured the Vesuve.
1795. July. Nelson
Captures Elba.
1795. Sunday 12th July.
The Cumberland captured the Alcide off Hyeres.
1795. Friday 7th August
- 16th September. During the ‘Napoleonic Wars’, Britain captured the Dutch Cape
Colony’s, from the Dutch East India Company. 350 Marines landed under Major
Hill and took part in the battle of Muizenburg, receiving the commendation of
Major General Craig “for their steadiness and resolution” upon this occasion.
The advanced guard of the 78th, supported by the Marines, drove the Dutch from
their position on the heights, and on the Thursday 8th August repelled a
counter attack supported by artillery.
1795. Saturday 22nd
August. Engagement of the Iris and consorts with dutch Frigates.
1795. Tuesday 25th
August. Spider (cutter) captured a Brig.
1795. Friday 26th
August. Cutting out exploits at Alassio and Lanqueglia Bays.
1795. Monday 28th
September. Rose captured a privateer and sank another.
1795. Monday 28th September. The 32-gun frigate Southampton, captain James Macnamara, when cruising off Genoa, chased several suspicious sail, and at 10 p.m. brought to action the french 36-gun frigate Vestale. After exchanging several broadsides, the enemy's ship made oft under all sail, closely pursued by the Southampton, until the mizen of the latter fell over the side; and although great exertion was made to clear the wreck, and in erecting a jury-mast, the Vestale effected her escape, having 8 men killed, and 9 wounded. Lieutenant Archibald Campbell of the marines was serving on board the Southampton. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1795. Tuesday 29th
September. Southampton engaged Vestale.
1795. August. The
capture of the Cape Colony by Elphinstone.
1795. August - October.
Operations under Commodore Rainier at Ceylon.
1795. August -
December. The capture of Malacea, Chinsura and Cohin.
1795. Wednesday 16th
September. The Capture of Cape Town from the Dutch.
1795. Wednesday 7th
October. Action off St. Vincent. Censeur captured by the French.
1795. Saturday 10th
October. Mermaid captured Brutus.
1795. Tuesday 13th
October. Mermaid captured Republicaine.
1795. Wednesday 14th
October. Melampus and Latona engaged batteries at Groix.
1795. Thursday 15th
October. Melampus and consorts engaged Tortue and Nertide.
1795. Saturday 5th December. As the 74-gun ship Culloden, captain Thomas Troubridge, lay at -Spithead, the crew, bursting into open mutiny, unshipped the ladders; and having broken into the magazine, they raised a barricade ofhammocks across the deck between the bits, loaded the two second guns from forward with canister and grape, and pointed them towards the hatchway. The marines, with the exception of six, were immediately under arms, commanded by captain Thomas Currie, with first-lieutenant Hugh Holland, and second-lieutenant G. A. Li- vingstone. The seamen continued below during the night, arming themselves and preparing for defence; but on the morning of the 17th the petty-officers and some of the seamen were allowed to come upon deck. Notwithstanding the endeavours of admirals lord Bridport, Cornwallis, and Colpoys to induce the men to return to their allegiance, they continued to act in defiance of their officers until the 10th, when captain the hon. Thomas Pakenham succeeded in persuading them to return to their duty. On the 15th the ten ringleaders were tried by a court-martial, and on the 13th of January five of them suffered on board the Culloden at Spithead, and the others received the king's pardon. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Eighteen thousand Marines was the establishment of 1796.
The extensive and lamentable casualties which had befallen our troops in the West Indies, with the enterprizing successes of Victor Hughes, demanded auxiliary aids from Europe, not only to remedy misfortunes, but to fill up their exhausted ranks.
After a train of unprecedented bad weather, which was combated by Rear Admiral Christian with an uncommon perseverance, this squadron and army, under Sir Ralph Abercromby, reached Barbadoes early in 1796. An expedition was instantly undertaken against the Dutch settlements in Guiana, to which Demerara, with Issequibo, capitulated on the 22d of April, as did Berbice on the 2d of May, without resistance.
The first object of the main Army was against St. Lucia, upon which island, a debarkation was made on the 27th of April. A series of attacks took place against the enemy's posts, in which Brigadier General Moore, and the 27th Regiment, were particularly noticed.
On the 2d of May 800 Seamen and 320 Marines were landed, who co-operated on shore with much credit, until the total subjection of St. Lucia, upon the 26th. I cannot express their good conduct in stronger terms, than in these which proceeded from Sir Ralph Abercromby, in General Orders of May 27th.
"During the services which have been carried on in the island of St, Lucia, all the courage and every exertion of the Army, would have proved ineffectual, if Rear Admiral Sir H. C. Christian, and the Royal Navy, had not stepped forward with the alacrity which had been so conspicuous in forwarding the most arduous part of the public service; to their skill and unremitting labour is, in a great measure, owing the success which has attended his Majesty's arms. It will afford the Commander in Chief the greatest satisfaction to be able to lay before his Majesty the eminent services which have, on this occasion, been performed by the Royal Navy; and Admiral Sir H. C. Christian will confer a particular obligation on Lieut. General Sir R. Abercromby and the Army at large, if he will communicate to the Royal Navy, and particularly to Captains Lane, Ryves, and Stephenson, and the other Officers who acted on shore; and to the Corps of Marines, the great obligation which they consider themselves under to them.
"T. BUSBY, Adjutant General."
St. Vincents and Grenada, disorganized by the bustling Victor Hughes, were again restored to order; in effecting which objects, the Marines were also auxiliary, in union with their brethren of the Navy.
Early in this year the Dutch possessions of Amboyna and Banda were taken by the exertions of the squadron under Admiral Rainier, and the reduction of Columbo in the isle of Ceylon, with an immense booty, also occurred, by the joint forces under Colonel J. Stuart, and Captain Gardner of the Heroine. Although devoid of much military interest, still those settlements were of high importance in a commercial view, and I reflect with a mixture of pleasure and of pride, upon every instance in which my Corps has been instrumental in promoting the solid interests of their Country.
An expedition, that was destined for the recovery of the Cape of Good Hope, under Admiral Lucas, became a prey to the active vigilance of Sir George Elphinstone, who, with a cool judgment, and anxious to spare the effusion of blood, proposed terms of surrendering his squadron. By this exemplary address, eight ships of war were gained without a shot, or the loss of a man.
The French settlement of Foul Point, on the island of Madagascar, on the coast of Africa, was destroyed by the Seamen and Marines of the Crescent, Brave, and Sphynx, in the month of December.
Captain, now Lord Nelson, gave crouded displays of his zeal and courage upon various services in the Mediterranean during this year, by the cutting out some vessels from under the batteries of Loano, the capture of a Spanish frigate in La Minerve, and in obtaining possession of the Isle of Elba, without any loss. Porto Ferrajo, afterwards noted for its distinguished defence by a few Marines and some mixed troops, likewise capitulated to him, on the Captain, of 74 guns, having been placed against the grand Bastion.
The able valour of Captain Macnamara, of the Southampton, in boarding and bringing off, from under a heavy fire of the batteries on Porquerollos, one of the Hieres islands, the corvette Utile, is beyond praise. Lieut. Lydiard behaved most spiritedly, and William Oirton, private Marine, was the only man killed on this brilliant service.
The conduct of Captain Bowen, his Seamen and Marines, in the Terpsichore, was twice most gallantly evinced by the capture of El Mahonesa and La Vertale, in the months of October and December.
Returning homewards, the Naval incidents of the year were repeated and animated.
On the 17th of March, Sir Sidney Smith, with that intrepidity in hazard so natural to him, destroyed a small convoy within the port of Herqui; which was not accomplished however, without landing some Seamen, under Lieut. Pine, and the Marines of the Diamond, under Lieut. Carter, who, in spite of a body of troops, pushed ashore, climbed the precipice in front of their batteries, and re-embarked, after having spiked the guns. Lieut. Pine was wounded, and Lieut.
Carter mortally, of which he soon died, leaving behind him the merited character of a most excellent Officer and amiable man.
On the 20th, Sir John Warren, with his little squadron, engaged a very superior force, taking one frigate and four of a convoy.
Lieut. Williams, of Marines, appears mentioned by Sir Edward Pellew as having rendered essential service on board the Indefatigable, in capturing La Virginie upon the 21st of April.
The fortunate contest between the Unicorn, Captain Sir Thomas Williams, and La Tribune, began under an obvious disadvantage, and while it has fully established the fame of that Officer, it was likewise most honourable to Lieut. Hart of my Corps. The Seamen and Marines of La Margaretta were also much distinguished in Captain Martin's official dispatch, announcing the capture of La Tamise.
Captain Trollope, in the Glatton, of 54, armed with heavy carronades, stands most highly on the records of this year, by his having encountered and beat a squadron carrying upwards of 200 guns, and in every respect nearly thrice his force. While the circumstances of the battle reflect a lustre upon all who fought, the unsubdued spirit of Captain Strangeways, of Marines, was truly heroic, and demands the grateful sympathy of his Country and his Corps. After having received a ball in his thigh, he was necessarily carried below, and on a tourniquet having been applied by the Surgeon, he insisted upon going again to his quarters, where he continued to animate his men until he fainted from loss of blood, when Captain Trollope was obliged to interpose his authority for his removal from danger. He afterwards fevered and died, forsaking by destiny a distressed widow and family to deplore his fall, to the tutelar care of Providence and the British nation William Hall, Corporal of Marines, was, besides, the only one wounded in this memorable action.
Sir John Warren, by his reiterated exploits through the year, has very meritedly founded a name for spirit and zeal.
Towards the close of 1796 the French fleet put to sea from Brest, with the direct aim of invading the sister kingdom of Ireland. To it an army of 15,000 men was united under General Hoche. Heaven again stepped forth to thwart their schemes, whose elementary agents were employed to overthrow them. Scarcely had they set sail, when the winds began to blow with violence, which burst into a storm after gaining sight of the wished for land. Their armament was finally scattered, and while a part of it, was buried in the ocean, others were doomed to augment the British Navy, and the remains to hasten back, in disappointment and in terror, towards their own ports.
Judging, from external evidences, their reception would have been worthy of Irishmen, had their invaders reached their shores.
Patriotism shone forth in every rank of society, and one godlike churchman[3] exerted those powerful energies, which must always be attached to every reputable member of his honorable calling, in keeping alive the sacred flame.
FOOTNOTE:
[3] Dr Moylan, Titular Bishop of Cork.
(Taken from Chapter 41 'An Historal Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1796. Tuesday 19th January. The revolutionary spirit which prevailed in Holland, rendered that country an easy conquest for the armies of France while at the same time she retained the nominal dignity of an independent state, under the style of the Batavian republic, it gave to the conquerors every advantage which they could have derived from possessing Holland as a province, without incurring the expense of maintaining her as an integral part of the french empire. England took the earliest opportunity of weakening the maritime power of the new ally of France; and on the 19th of January orders were issued for seizing all dutch vessels in the british ports. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Monday 15th
February. Ceylon capitulated without resistance.
1796. Monday 16th February. A small squadron, under rearadmiral Peter Rainier, with three transports conveying troops, arrived off the dutch island of Amboyna, the capital of the Molucca islands; and the troops having landed on the same afternoon, possession was taken of the colony without resistance. The squadron sailed for the islands of Banda on the 5th of March, and on the evening of the 7th the expedition arrived off Banda Neira. Early on the afternoon of the 8th the troops, with the marines from the squadron, were disembarked on the north side of the island, covered by the Orpheus frigate, whose fire having silenced the batteries, they were soon occupied by the troops; and on the same evening these islands surrendered to the british arms.
In the early part of August, a dutch squadron, consisting of three small ships of the line, with three frigates and two smaller vessels, arrived off Saldanha bay, with the intention of making an attempt to regain possession of the Cape of Good Hope. Eight ships of the line, under the command of vice-admiral sir George Keith Elphinstone, were lying in Simon's Bay when the intelligence was received of the arrival of the dutch force, and on the 6th the british squadron put to sea; but the violence of the weather compelled them to return to their former anchorage on the 12th. On the 15th the vice-admiral again sailed, and on the following evening discovered the enemy's ships as before described, lying at anchor in Saldanha bay. The british ships soon afterwards anchored within gun-shot of the hostile squadron, and a message was sent by sir George Elphinstone, inviting the dutch officer to surrender without attempting any resistance. On the 17th a capitulation was agreed to, and rear-admiral Lucas surrendered his nine ships. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Tuesday 16th
February - Sunday 8th March. The capture of Amboyna and Banda Niera.
1796. Tuesday 16th
February. Amboyna capitulated.
1796. Tuesday 8th March.Vice-admiral Hotham was lying in Leghorn roads, with a fleet of fifteen sail of the line and several frigates, when he received intelligence, on the 8th of March, that the french fleet had been seen off the island of Sainte Marguerite. On the 9th the british fleet put to sea, and the 10th the look-out ships got sight of the enemy. On the 13th the french fleet, consisting of thirteen ships of the line, was seen to windward, and the admiral made the signal for a general chase. The Inconstant being far in advance, captain F. T. Freemantle had the opportunity of distinguishing himself, by ranging up within musketshot of the 80-gun ship C^a-Ira (who had lost her fore and main topmasts) and engaging her for some time. During the day the Agamemnon, Bedford, and Egmont became engaged with the rearmost ships, but nothing of importance occurred. On the 14th, at o h. 30 m. a.m., when about seven leagues to the south-west of Genoa, the British finding themselves to windward of the enemy, the Bedford and Captain were ordered to attack the dismasted Ca-Ira, then in tow of the Censeur of 74 guns, and at some distance from the body of their fleet. Both the british ships were so roughly handled in their attempt, as to be compelled to withdraw from the contest, and the Captain was rendered so unmanageable that she was towed clear of her opponents. The wind having died away, it was with difficulty that the enemy's fleet wore round at 8 a. m; and then passing to leeward of the British, they became engaged with the Illustrious and Courageux, both which ships suffered severely; the former losing her main, mizen-mast, and fore-topmast, and the Courageux her main and mizen-masts. The french line then stood on, abandoning the Ca-Ira and Censeur to their fate; but neither of these ships surrendered until they were dismasted and incapable of further resistance, and sustained a loss of 400 men in killed and wounded. The troops serving in the fleet w r ere principally from regiments of the line: the only officers of marines were captain Hugh Dawes, lieutenants Henry Johnstone, Francis Lynn, and William Allen.
Vice-admiral Hotham was lying in San-Fiorenzo bay on the 8th of July, with the fleet as stated above, to which must be added the Victory 100 guns, Bai'fleur 98, Gibraltar 80, Bombay Castle, Saturn, Cumberland, Culloden, and Audacious, of 74 guns, making a total of twentv-three sail of the line and two frigates, when the french fleet, consisting of seventeen sail of the line with several frigates, appeared off that harbour. Admiral Hotham immediately put to sea, and the British, before noon, were under all sail, steering westward in pursuit of the enemy.
On the 13th, at day-break, when off Hyeres, the french fleet was discovered about five miles to leeward; upon which viceadmiral Hotham formed his ships in line of battle, and edged away, so as to cut off the enemy from the shore, then about five leagues distant. At 12 h. 30 m. p.m. a shift of wind brought the leading ships, which were the Victory, Culloden, and Cumberland, in a position to engage; and at 2 p.m. the Alcide 74, struck her colours. Shortly afterwards several other british ships had been distantly engaged, and were coming up fast with the enemy, when the signal was made to discontinue the action. The Victory had 2 midshipmen and 3 marines killed; 1 lieutenant, 1 midshipman, major Frederick Hill Flight and lieutenant William Darley, of the marines, and 11 men wounded; Culloden, 2 killed, and 5 wounded; Blenheim, 2 killed, 2 wounded; Captain, 1 killed and Defence, 1 killed and 6 wounded: making a total of 1 1 killed, and 27 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Wednesday 9th
March. Boats of Barfleur and consorts, re-captured vessels at Tunis.
1796. Thursday 10th
March. Phaeton and convoy captured Bonne Citoyenne.
1796. Sunday 13th March. The 32-gun frigate Lively, captain George Burl ton, when about thirteen leagues to the westward of Ushant, captured the 28-gun corvette Tourterelle, after a gallant defence, which lasted from 10 b. 40 m. a.m. until 1 h. 30 m. p.m., when, being much disabled, with 16 men killed and 25 wounded, she struck her colours. The Lively had only two men wounded. The officer of marines of the Lively was lieutenant B. Burke.
The Astrea of 32 guns, captain lord Harry Paulet, having chased from a squadron under rear-admiral Colpoys cruising to the westward, on the 10th of April, at 10 h. 30 m. p.m., brought to close action the french 36-gun frigate Gloire, captain Beens, and after a defence of fifty-eight minutes, compelled the enemy to haul down her colours. The Asti'ea did not lose a man and had only 8 wounded. The Gloire lost 40 in killed and wounded. Second-lieutenant William Johnstone was the officer of marines on board the Astrea. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Thursday 17th
March. The storming of batteries at Herqui.
1796. Thursday 17th March. Diamond and convoy engaged at Port Spergni. Sir Sidney Smith, with that intrepidity in hazard so natural to him, destroyed a small convoy within the port of Herqui; which was not accomplished however, without landing some Seamen, under Lieut. Pine, and the Marines of the Diamond, under Lieut. Carter, who, in spite of a body of troops, pushed ashore, climbed the precipice in front of their batteries, and re-embarked, after having spiked the guns. Lieut. Pine was wounded, and Lieut. Carter mortally, of which he soon died, leaving behind him the merited character of a most excellent Officer and amiable man.
1796. Friday 18th March. The 38-gun frigate Diamond, captain sir William Sidney Smith, proceeded to attack a trench corvette and convoy in the port of Herqui, near Cape Frehel, which was defended by two batteries mounting 3 twenty-four pounders, situated on a high promontory. Lieutenant H. Pine and lieutenant Edmund Carter, of the marines, landed with a detachment and stormed the battery. The only loss sustained by the British in this gallant affair was lieutenant Carter, mortally wounded.
Lieutenant George Jones, of the marines, was serving on board the 38-gun frigate Revolutionaire, captain Francis Cole, when that ship, having chased from a squadron cruising off Ushant on the 13th of April, captured the french 36-gun frigate Unite, after a short resistance, in which the enemy had 9 men killed and 1 1 wounded; but the Revolutionaire did not sustain any loss. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Sunday 20th
March. Anson and consorts engaged with French convoy. Sir John Warren, with his
little squadron, engaged a very superior force, taking one frigate and four of
a convoy. Lieutenant. Williams, of Marines, appears mentioned by Sir Edward
Pellew as having rendered essential service on board the Indefatigable, in
capturing La Virginie on the 21st of April.
The fortunate contest between the Unicorn, Captain Sir
Thomas Williams, and La Tribune, began under an obvious disadvantage, and while
it has fully established the fame of that Officer, it was likewise most
honourable to Lieutemant. Hart. The Seamen and Marines of La Margaretta were
also much distinguished in Captain Martin's official dispatch, announcing the
capture of La Tamise.
Captain Trollope, in the Glatton, of 54, armed with
heavy carronades, stands most highly on the records of this year, by his having
encountered and beat a squadron carrying upwards of 200 guns, and in every
respect nearly thrice his force. While the circumstances of the battle reflect
a lustre upon all who fought, the unsubdued spirit of Captain Strangeways, of
Marines, was truly heroic, and demands the grateful sympathy of his Country and
his Corps. After having received a ball in his thigh, he was necessarily
carried below, and on a tourniquet having been applied by the Surgeon, he
insisted upon going again to his quarters, where he continued to animate his
men until he fainted from loss of blood, when Captain Trollope was obliged to
interpose his authority for his removal from danger. He afterwards fevered and
died, forsaking by destiny a distressed widow and family to deplore his fall,
to the tutelar care of Providence and the British nation. William Hall,
Corporal of Marines, was, besides, the only one wounded in this memorable
action.e capture of La Tamise.
1796. Monday 21st of
March. The town and fort of Leogane, in the island of San Domingo, was attacked
by a detachment of Colonial and British troops under Major General Forbes with
two divisions, supported by the squadron, which consisted of the three ships of
the line HMS Leviathan, HMS Swiftsure, and HMS Africa, with the frigates HMS
Ceres and HMS Iphigenia, but the fort proving better capable of defence than
was anticipated, the troops were withdrawn on the following day and night,
without sustaining much loss. HMS Leviathan had 5 men killed, and 12 wounded,
and HMS Africa one killed, and 7 wounded, and both ships were so seriously
damaged, that they were under the necessity of going to Jamaica to refit
A more successful attack was afterwards made on the fort and parish of Bombarde, at a distance of fifteen miles. The only road leading to it, by which cannon could be conveyed, had been effectually blockaded by the enemy; never the less the troops, after some difficulty and opposition, surrounded the fort and compelled the garrison, consisting of 300 whites, to surrender; but the possession of the place cost the British 8 killed, and 18 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Spain having become a compulsory ally of France, during the last year, an expedition took place against the valuable island of Trinidad, on the North East coast of Terra Firma, in South America, which surrendered after a very trifling resistance, to the joint forces under Sir Ralph Abercrombie and Rear Admiral Hervey. Blended with this capture, were 4 sail of the line and one frigate, which offered no opposition to our fleet, but were destroyed by the enemy, excepting the St. Damaso of 70 guns.
Another but less fortunate attempt was made upon Porto Rico, but it was relinquished from the inadequacy of means to carry it, after some loss. On both occasions the Marines were placed in readiness to act but were not required to land.
Sir John Jervis (now Earl St. Vincent) had the honourable distinction of standing foremost in the list of Naval Heroes, who, unappalled by very superior numbers, dashed at everything.
His masterly manœuvres, upon the 14th of February, rendered this encouraging advantage unavailing to the Spanish Fleet, which, by a bold and decisive push, he separated, and defeated. This immortal action was not only crowned with the glory of capturing 4 sail of the line, but it had also its influence upon the spirits of our enemy, in every subsequent combat on the sea. An uncommon display of personal intrepidity was evinced by Commodore Nelson, Captain Miller, and Lieutenant (afterwards Captain) Berry, who at the head of the boarders from his Majesty's ship Captain, assaulted and carried, sword in hand, the San Joseff and St. Nicholas. The battle raged from 10 in the morning, until the close of day, which screened this powerful armament from destruction. Major William Norris, Lieut. G. A. Livingstone, and Serjeant Watson, of Marines, finished their lives, and 6 privates were killed, besides 21 wounded, in a contest where all were distinguished. The Legislative thanks were bestowed upon every class of our victorious fleet, and all these honours which a grateful Country could give, were conferred upon her meritorious servants. The port of Cadiz was afterwards most effectually blockaded, and was twice bombarded, in one of which Captain John Oldfield, of Marines, was wounded.
No war, in which England was ever engaged, has produced so many high examples of subordinate enterprise, as that of which I treat.
Like the gymnastick games, it is a spirit which should always be kept up, and although similar to petty skirmishing, it is as a drop in the bucket in the scale of importance, it still has a tendency to animate an emulous zeal, and the love of glory. It is the school in which greater deeds are taught, and to which all should be invited.
While I thus appear the humble advocate in recommending an ardency for early achievement, I would at the same time urge a gradation of recompence, or of honorary grants, suited to the feelings of every description of its agents. These have been of old standing, and have undergone many a change, alternately adapted to the fluctuating manners of society. Many a useful hint might be gleaned from the institutions of the Greeks and the Romans, and as human nature never alters, they might well be applied to ourselves. The French have studied and practised these doctrines with success. Louis the 11th rewarded the prowess and bravery of one of his soldiers, Launay Morvillier, by publicly taking the collar of a military order, from his own neck, and putting it on his. Under the republican system, this has been invariably observed, towards the meanest, by every convention, of whatever stuff it has been composed, and it has been one of the engines by which their numerous armies have been worked into enthusiasm.
Medals, descriptive of those merits that have acquired them, would be estimable even to the poor man. While they adorned the cottage, they would also be viewed by every one of its tenants as monumental emblems of loyal valour; a title which each of its members would not only be loth to forfeit but inclined to rival.
These remarks are introductory to one of the many exploits by which this contest was marked.
The boats of the Lively and La Minerve under Lieut. Hardy, in which, Lieut. Bulkeley, of Marines, most handsomely volunteered, boarded, and carried La Mutine brig of 12 six pounders and 2 thirty-six pound corronades, having 113 men, in the bay of Sancta Cruz, amidst the fire of all the Spanish batteries, and a sharp discharge from the French corvette. Only 15 were wounded in this hot affair. Lieut. Hardy was deservedly promoted, but his brave companions have no traces of the deed, but in their own minds. An unsuccessful essay upon Teneriffe on the 25th of July, under Commodore Nelson, fraught with many feats of unsurpassed bravery, ended in the re-embarkation of the seamen and Marines, by consent of the enemy, who were threatened by Captain Trowbridge, with the vengeance of our squadron, in the event of molestation. Owing to the judicious proposals made by that excellent Officer, boats were supplied by the Spanish Governor, to remedy the loss of our own from the violence of the surf; the wounded were kindly taken into the hospitals, and that generous foe even tendered such refreshments as his invaders might request. Commodore Nelson here lost his arm, which happily did not deprive his Country of the services of one of its most valuable subjects.
Lieut. Robinson and Basham, and 16 of my corps fell, 15 were wounded, and 102 Seamen and Marines were drowned or missing. Although the event was unpropitious, still our arms were not sullied.
Partaking of the diabolical spirit of the times, one of the most daring and sanguinary mutinies broke out in the Hermione, on the 22d of September, that ever disgraced the Christian world. After the most shocking barbarities exercised upon Captain Pigot, the Officers, Marines, and loyal Seamen, who were unsuspicious of their hellish plot, they carried the ship into the Spanish port of La Guira, whose Governor most ingloriously refused to give her up.
An avenging power, in numberless examples, too striking to be overlooked, has followed those traitorous murderers, and has vindicated the justice of his injured laws. Contempt embittered by remorse have been the inseparable companions of all those guilty individuals. Driven from the shores where they sanguinely anticipated nothing but recompence and applause, many of those wretched outcasts, by retracing their steps towards their native land, have met a certain and disgraceful doom, others unable to bear the stings of a wounded conscience, and abhorring existence, have precipitated their own dissolution, while the remains of those unhappy wanderers still throw a wishful eye from, their lurking spots, back on the soil which gave them birth, but where a vigilant Police, that vicegerent of heaven's purposes, is ever awake to their crimes. Even the very ship which was the theatre of their lawless outrage, has also been involved in their accursed destinies, for she was sometime after gallantly cut out of Porto Cavallo, by Sir Edward Hamilton, at the head of a body of Seamen and Marines from the Surprize, although protected by 200 heavy cannon, and under circumstances of incredible carnage, with the loss of only one Englishman .A peculiar spirit of activity seemed to pervade our squadron upon the Jamaica station, during the year 1797. Above 60 vessels of different descriptions were taken or destroyed, under batteries where they rode in confident security, but which were uniformly inadequate to shelter them from determined valour. The zeal and directing genius of Captains W. H. Ricketts, and the unfortunate Pigot, were always well seconded by their Officers, their Sailors and Marines.
At the eventful period when Britain was contending for the general liberties of mankind against the most vindictive and powerful enemies she had ever encountered, when our islands were menaced with invasion, and treason stalked throughout our streets, she suddenly found herself deserted by her long tried and guardian fleets.
The turbulent demon first appeared in the garb of justice, but after having gained its ends, he soon threw away the mask which covered his mutinous and corrupt heart. Those liberal concessions made by a considerate and grateful Country, appeared to stimulate, instead of suppressing revolt, and its contaminating principles diffused themselves over every quarter of the world.
Many were the individual instances of fidelity in my corps, at this awful crisis. Many were the gallant fellows in it who preferred the honorable distinction of allegiance to their King, to the mercenary attainments of self-interest. The partial support of the party of Marines on board the London, given to Admiral Colpoys and his Officers, at a time when they were surrounded by thousands of disaffected comrades, afforded a faint display of what would have been their general energies had such been called forth. They were indeed overpowered by numbers, after a contest, in which Lieutenant (now Captain) W. Sims was severely wounded. The loyal conduct of Serjeant Sweet, on board the Pompee, was evident to the members of a Court Martial which sat upon the trial of some misguided mutineers of that ship.
An instance of true heroism appeared in Charles Cubitt, private Marine, (in the Royal Sovereign I think,) who, after having been stabbed in the belly, by a Sailor, with a pike, pursued him with a loaded musket at his ear, but on the fellow begging for life, he nobly spared him.
The steady faithfulness of all those Marine Soldiers who had served during the American war, and had survived the heavy reduction at its close, was uniformly conspicuous. At the outset of these lamentable events, an unshaken resolve to stand or fall with their Officers, inspired every breast, which, had it been accepted, might have led to the sacrifice of those brave men who would have been opposed to uneven numbers, in the Seamen and many of their fellows, whom public emergency had embarked, untrained even to the common duties of their profession, and unhabituated to that strict obedience, which is the essence of every military virtue.
Unconscious of that dignity which belongs to his character, the raw recruit readily gives in to any scheme urged by the designing; of which there were too many drawn from the dregs of society, amongst those provincial conscripts who had previously been levied at the most enormous bounties, to man the fleet.
This fiendly spirit soon found its way to the Mediterranean, where all the achievements of Earl St. Vincent's life were yet, I may say, surpassed, by the evidences of that manly vigour with which he subdued it. In this, his Lordship was zealously seconded by all the Officers and the Marines of his fleet, and by one uniform system of subordination which emanated from his high example. The conduct of Admiral Duncan, at Yarmouth, and Admiral Pringle, at the Cape of Good Hope, was alike energetic.
Subsequent events have shewn that this flame was only stifled, but not extinguished, and it would have yielded me the highest gratification to have here bidden an adieu to the hateful topic.
It is an occasion, worthy of the gratitude of Britons, to notice the relative situations of our republican foes at this alarming juncture. France would have eagerly embraced such an hour of calamity to consummate her ambitious views upon our happy Country, but she was paralyzed by similar principles in her own Navy, while the meditated expedition against Ireland, was detained in the ports of Holland by unabating and contrary winds.
This year was remarkable by an increase of pay to his Majesty's subaltern Officers, the abolition of arrears to them, to Captains of the Army, as well as Marines, besides a very handsome addition to the wages of Seamen, and to inferiors in all the other departments of our military forces. That liberal allowance of provisions which was also granted to the Sailors and Marines of the fleet, has rendered their situations truly enviable, as upon a general aggregate they are more than they can possibly consume.
The overplus being converted into money is nearly adequate to the purchase of those cordials of which they stand in need, and, in consequence, a prudent man is under little necessity to encroach upon his pecuniary gains. No class of his Majesty's servants is more independent or might be more happy.
The gallantry of our Navy in the face of an enemy, notwithstanding these outrageous scenes, was uniformly apparent. That expert Seaman and intrepid Officer, Sir Edward Pellew, stands first on the list, accompanied by his brave supporter Captain R. C. Reynolds, of the Amazon, who nobly seconded the Indefatigable, in a contest, with but few intervals, of ten hours. Their opponent, Les Droits de L'Homme, of 74 guns, had been attached to the squadron destined for Ireland, and was on her return to France when attacked by those daring Officers. She had 1600 men on board, by which she fought her cannon on both sides, and thus enjoyed her great superiority.
The winds blew a storm, and all their animosities subsided at last in the predominant duty of self-preservation; for a glimpse of the moon providentially penetrating the sullen clouds, pointed out the breakers on a near shore, and the gloomy presage of instantaneous destruction. They were fatal to the unhappy Frenchman, who merited a better doom, as well as to the Amazon, after all her efforts. Sir Edward Pellew expressed his grateful feelings to Lieuts. O'Connor and Wilson, of Marines, for their conduct under these trying occasions.
A disastrous fate seems to have always pursued every modern aim at the conquest of our isles. A petty attempt on Wales, by means of a set of wretched criminals, terminated with their immediate surrender to Lord Cawdor; and the capture of the frigates that had transported them, by Sir H. Neal and Captain J. Cooke, of the St.Fiorenzo and Nymphe, in sight of their own fleet in the road of Brest. Lieut. (afterwards Capt.) Carruthers, who was subsequently drowned in the Invincible, and Lieut. Campbell, of Marines, were distinguished in this spirited affair.
Sir John Warren and his squadron were highly active in annoying the enemy's Naval force and coasting trade during this year.
It is needless to enlarge upon the merits of the brilliant victory of the 11th of October, achieved under the most hazardous circumstances, and signally productive of the most important consequences. The very modest recital of Admiral, now Lord Duncan, of the proceedings of that day, adds a lustre to his well-earned glory. Long baulked in the hopes of meeting his cautious enemy, no wonder his joy kept pace with his zeal to close with them when he had them in his power. The Dutch Marine has not yet recovered the blow, and the services of the North Sea fleet have, experimentally, transcended in their effects to enervate the Naval exertions of that province of France, in two wars.
During the very able and vigilant administration of Earl Spencer, reward was the rapid follower of desert, and the British Commander, after not many hours absence from his Country, found himself, on return to it, elevated, from a commoner, to a Peer of the Realm. A suitable tribute was bestowed upon his brave second Vice Admiral, now Sir Richard Onslow, and Captain H. Trollope, who was bearer of the glad tidings, as well as W. G. Fairfax, the Admiral's Captain; both of whom were created Knights Banneret [4], by a benevolent and grateful Sovereign. The Thanks of the Nation were also conveyed to the Officers, Seamen, and Marines, through its representatives.
The generous contributions of the patriotic and the wealthy of our land, were likewise extended to many a disconsolate widow, a fatherless offspring, and a helpless orphan. The sufferings of the wounded and indigent Officer too were alleviated by public kindness, which sought for objects upon which to exercise its benevolence amongst the lowest ranks of those brave defenders. How criminal it is in any to violate the duties of fidelity to such a Country!
In this well-fought battle 751 Seamen and Marines were killed and wounded, amongst the latter of which were numbered Captains Cuthbert and Cassel, Lieuts. Chambers, Smith, Walker, Charles Rea, and Sandys.
A dash at the Brutus, of 74 guns, by Sir Thomas Williams, after the battle, was ineffectual; but did honour to himself, his Officers, Seamen, and Marines, in the Endymion.
The capture of La Nereide, by Captain, now Sir Robert Barlow, in a night action, displayed the courage and talents of that Officer, and was highly honourable to Lieut. Stewart and his detachment.
On the 19th of December one of the most delightful scenes ever witnessed in the metropolis of any Empire, was exhibited in ours.
It was the procession of the best of Kings, his amiable consort, every branch of the Royal Family, and the representatives of the greatest Nation on earth, towards the altars of their God. Never did prayers ascend on high with a greater fervor of devotion, which was heightened by every surrounding object. The occasion was well calculated to convert the heedless infidel, and to excite a military enthusiasm not to be easily effaced.
Bodies of Marines, drawn from Portsmouth and from Chatham, chiefly formed from those who had so often contributed to the Naval victories of the State, in union with their brethren the Seamen, were allotted for the protection of these trophies which their valour had conquered, and what moved along towards the spot, where all were to pour forth their solemn thanksgivings. Their Majesties were greeted on the way by thousands of their affectionate subjects, and the Prime Minister of the day, who had presided over the Councils of his Country with such ability during its unexampled difficulties, was received with that unconstrained applause, which attested that Englishmen knew how to appreciate his transcendent virtues.
FOOTNOTE:
[4] They take precedence next to Knights of the Bath, and are creations exclusively granted to military men, who have performed any feats of valour. They are always understood to take place on the field of battle, for though Sir William Erskine was invested with the order by his present Majesty, in Hyde Park, for his bravery in the battle of Emsdorff, at the head of the 15th Light Dragoons, still he was not acknowledged as such in this country.
(Taken from Chapter 42 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1796. Wednesday 13th
April. Revolutionnaire captured Unite off Ushant.
1796. Sunday 17th
April. Boats of Diamond captured Vengeur.
1796. Wednesday 20th April. The 44-gun frigate Indefatigable, captain sir Edward Pellew, after a chase of fifteen hours, brought to action, at about midnight, the french 40-gun frigate Virginie and the contest was continued under all sail, during one hour and forty-five minutes, by which time the french frigate had lost her mizen-mast and main top-mast; nor was the Indefatigable much less disabled, having had her mizen top-mast and gaff shot away. The Amazon and Concorde arriving up, compelled the Virginie to surrender, having 15 men killed and 27 wounded. First-lieutenant Samuel Williams was serving on board the Indefatigable, which ship did not lose a man in the action. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Wednesday 20th
April. Inconstant captured Unite in the Mediterranean.
1796. Monday 25th
April. Agamemnon and squadron captured French vessels at Finale.
1796. Wednesday 27th
April. The capture of the Island of St. Lucia. 350 Marines were landed and the
Re official report read “The conduct of the Marines upon this, as upon all
other occasions, was perfectly correct.”
1796. Monday 27th April. Rear-admiral sir Hugh C. Christian arrived off Saint Lucie, with a quadron and several transports, having a large body of troops on board under the command of lieutenant-general sir Ralph Abercromby, which were landed at several points, under cover of the ships of war; and 800 seamen were also disembarked, to co-operate in the intended attack on Morne Fortunee. Morne Chabot, the first post attacked, was carried by one division of the force on the 28th, with the loss of 13 killed, and 49 wounded ; but the attempt on the batteries near the grand cul-de-sac on the 3rd of May, and on the post of the Vigie on the night of the 17th, although conducted with the greatest bravery, were both unsuccessful, and was attended with a loss of 12 killed, 56 wounded, and 34 missing at the first of these assaults ; and of one officer killed, 14 men wound- ed, and 65 missing at the latter. After a few attacks of outposts, the enemy retired to the fortress of Morne Fortunee, and having obtained a suspension of arms, the garrison, amounting to 2000 men, marched out with the honours of war, and laid down their arms. The total loss sustained in the reduction of this valuable colony amounted to 66 killed, 378 wounded, and 122 missing. The marines of the squadron, amounting to 320 men, assisted in these operations, and their promptitude and gallantry was acknowledged by lieutenant-general sir Ralph Abercromby in the handsomest terms.
The island of St. Vincent was taken possession of on the 11th, after an obstinate resistance; on which occasion the British lost 38 killed, and 145 wounded. A few days afterwards Grenada also submitted; but not without a determined opposition, and a loss to the British of 9 killed, and 60 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Saturday 30th
April. Agamemnon and squadron captured six vessels at Oneglia.
1796. April - May.
Operations resulting in capitulation of Barbados.
1796. Wednesday 4th
May. Spencer captured Volcan.
1796. Thursday 12th
May. Phoenix captured Argo.
1796. Tuesday 17th May. The 36-gun frigate Thetis, captain the hon. A. F. Cochrane, and 28-gun frigate Hussar, captain J. P. Beresford, when twenty leagues from Cape Henry, attacked five french frigates, armed en flute; and after an action of an hour, captured the Prevoyante mounting 24 guns, and Raison 18 guns. The Thetis had 8 men killed, and 9 wounded; the Hussar 3 men wounded. Lieutenant Paul Crebbin of the marines was serving on board the Thetis; and on board the Hussar, lieutenant James Atcherly. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Friday 27th May.
Suffisante captured Revanche.
1796. Friday 4th June. The 28-gun frigate Dido, captain George Henry Towry, and 32-gun frigate Lowestoffe, captain Robert Gambier Middleton, when near Toulon, discovered the french 40-gun frigate Minerve, and 36-gun frigate Artemise. At 8 h. 30 m. a.m. the Minerve wore round on the same tack as the Dido and opened her fire; shortly afterwards the Minerve bore up and ran the Dido on board, with her bowsprit locked in the mizen rigging of her little opponent; and after several attempts to board, which were defeated by the marines and pikemen of the Dido, the bowsprit of the Minerve snapped in two, carrying with it the wounded mizen-mast of the british frigate. The Minerve then passing a-head, received the fire of the LowestofTe, which brought down the french ship's fore-mast, also her main and mizen top-masts. About this time the Artemise fired an ineffectual broadside and hauled her wind under all sail. At 11 h. 45 m. a.m. the Minerve, on the fail of her mizen-mast, hailed to say they had surrendered. The Dido had 6 men killed, her first-lieutenant Richard Buckoll, and 14 wounded. The Lowestoffe had only 3 men wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Wednesday 8th June. When cruising at the entrance of the Channel, the 32-gun frigate Unicorn, captain Thomas Williams, and 36-gun frigate Santa Margarita, captain Thomas Byam Martin, chased the french 36-gun frigates Tamise (late Thames) and Tribune, with the Lege re corvette. At one p. m. the enemy opened a fire from their stern chasers with such destructive effect upon the sails and rigging of their opponents, that it was not until 4 p.m. that the Santa Margarita was enabled to close with the Tamise; and after a resistance of twenty minutes, compelled her to strike her colours, having 32 men killed, and 19 wounded. The Santa Margarita, on board which ship was second-lieutenant James Dyson of the marines, had only 2 men killed, and 3 wounded.
Seeing the fate of her companion, the Tribune endeavoured to make her escape ; but the Unicorn, at 10 h. 30 m. p. m., after having ran above 200 miles in the pursuit, ranged up alongside her antagonist, and a close action continued for thirty-five minutes, when the Tribune dropped astern, and endeavoured to gain the wind of the Unicorn ; but by throwing all aback, the latter placed herself on the Tribune's weather bow, and after a few broadsides brought down her fore and main-masts, also her mizen top-mast, and compelled her to strike her colours, having sustained a loss of 37 killed, and 15 wounded. Second-lieutenant George Hart was serving on board the Unicorn, which ship, like the Indefatigable, had the good fortune to escape without any loss. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Wednesday 8th -
11th June. The capture of the Island of St. Vincent, during the evening the
troops destined for the attack were safely disembarked, under cover of the 38
gun frigate HMS Arethusa, Captain Thomas Wolley, who also sent a detachment of
seamen to serve on shore with the troops. After some skirmishing and an
obstinate resistance, the enemy, composed chiefly of people of colour and
Charibs, capitulated on the terms proposed by General Abercromby, who, on the
11th, took possession of the island. The loss sustained by the British amounted
to 38 officers and privates killed, and 145 wounded.
1796. Thursday 9th June. The british fleet was cruising off Toulon, when a french corvette was descried working up towards the road of Hyeres; upon which, captain Macnamara of the 32gun frigate Southampton, was directed by sir John Jervis to endeavour to bring her out, and with this intent the british frigate steered for the Grande Passe, between the islands of Porquerolles and Posteros. At 6 p.m., the corvette having been discovered lying close to the shore, the Southampton stood boldly across Hyeres road, and at 8 h. 30 m. p.m. got within pistol-shot of the french ship-corvette Utile, of 24 guns, with a crew of 130 men. Captain Macnamara hailed and cautioned the commander not to make a fruitless resistance; but the latter instantly snapped his pistol at the speaker as the Utile fired her broadside, which was quickly returned by the guns of the Southampton. After the third broadside, captain Macnamara hauled athwart the hawse of the Utile, and having lashed the corvette's bowsprit to the main rigging of the British frigate, lieutenant Lydiard, heading the boarders, sprang upon the frenchman's decks, and after a determined resistance of ten minutes, during which the french captain gallantly fell at his post, the corvette surrendered. Lieutenant Archibald Campbell of the marines was serving on board the Southampton, whose loss on this occasion was confined to 1 marine wounded. The Utile's loss amounted to 8 men killed, and 17 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Saturday
11thJune. The capture of Grenada, was taken with ease after the locals knew
what had happened on St Vincent only 4 days earlier.
1796. Monday 13th June. At 1 a.m., the 36-gun frigate Dryad, captain lord Amelius Beauclerk, cruising off Cape Clear, discovered the french 40-gun frigate Proserpine, and pursued her until 9 p.m., when she closed on the lee and larboard quarter of her opponent. After a resistance of forty minutes, the Proserpine having sustained a loss of 30 men killed, and 45 wounded, struck her colours. Lieutenant Thomas Shearman was serving on board the Dryad, whose loss amounted to 2 men killed, and 7 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Wednesday 22nd June. Lord Bridport, with fourteen sail of the line and several frigates, when to the westward of Belleisle, and return- ing to his station off Ushant from escorting the expedition under sir J. B. Warren to Quiberon, discovered the french fleet under admiral Villaret, which had chased admiral Cornwallis, standing towards the land: all sail was made in pursuit, but in the afternoon, it fell nearly calm. At 3 a. m. on the 23rd, a light breeze sprang up from the south-west, and as the daylight appeared, the french fleet were seen right a-head in a cluster, except three or four ships, who were somewhat astern of their companions. At 6 a.m. the sternmost of the enemy opened their fire, and at 6 h. 15 m. the Queen Charlotte and Orion commenced action with the Alexandre and Formidable. The breeze freshening, brought up the remainder of the british ships, and the cannonade continued until 7 h. 57 m. a.m., when lord Bridport made the signal to discontinue the action; having taken possession of the Alexandre 74 guns (formerly british), Formidable 74, and Tigre 74. The loss sustained by the british fleet amounted to 31 killed, and 113 wounded. Lieutenant William Jephcott of the marines was killed on board the Sans Pareil. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Friday 27th June.
Inconstant saved British residents and consorts at Leghorn.
1796. June. Mermaid and
squadron captured Grenada.
1796. Thursday 7th
July. Quebec and convoy engaged two French frigates.
1796. Sunday 10th July.
Captain seized Porto Ferrajo.
1796. Friday 15th July.
HMS Glatton engaged a French squadron off Flanders.
1796. Sunday 17th July. The 50-gun ship Glatton, captain Henry Trollope, mounting 28 long eighteen-pounders on the main-deck, and 28 carronade sixty-eight pounders on the lower deck, being then on the coast of Flanders, discovered several ships under the land, which proved to be four frigates: one mounting 46 guns, one of 44 guns, one of 40, one of 28, with two corvettes of 22 guns each, and two brigs. At 8 p.m. the four frigates formed in line to await the attack; and at 10 p.m. the Glatton ranged up alongside of the commodore, the second from the van, who, on displaying the french colours, opened a brisk fire, and was immediately seconded by the other ships. Shortly afterwards the leading ship tacked, and after receiving a destructive broadside from the Glatton, stood away to the southward. In about twenty minutes after the commencement of the action, the french commodore tacked, to avoid running on the Brill shoal; and while in stays, received a heavy raking fire, which did considerable damage: the other french ships had previously gone on the other tack. After the Glatton got round, which was attended with some difficulty owing to the disabled state of her sails and rigging, she exchanged a few shot with one of the three ships to leeward; but before 11 p.m. the enemy withdrew from the contest, leaving the Glatton so much dismantled as to be incapable of pursuit. No men were killed on board the Glatton, and the only wounded were captain Henry Strangeways of the marines, and a corporal. This gallant officer, although mortally wounded by a musket-ball in the thigh and compelled to quit the deck to have a tourniquet applied, insisted on returning to his quarters, where he continued to animate his men, until, being faint from loss of blood, he was carried below. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Friday 22nd July. The 32-gun frigate Aimable, captain Jemmet Mainwaring, when cruising off the island of Guadaloupe, sustained a gallant action with the french 3fi-gun frigate Pensee, which, after some manoeuvring, commenced at 8 h. 35 m. a.m., and continued until 9 a.m., when the enemy bore away, firing her stern chase-guns until out of range of her dull sailing opponent. The Aimable had only two men wounded, but the Pensee is reported to have sustained a loss of 90 men in killed and wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Friday 22nd -
23rd July. Amiable engaged Pensee, which escaped.
1796. Monday 8th
August. Mermaid engaged Vengeance and batteries.
1796. Wednesday 17th
August. The surrender of Dutch Squadron at Simon's Bay.
1796. Monday 22nd -23rd
August. Galatea and convoy destroyed Andromaque.
1796. Thursday 25th
August. Raison engaged Vengeance.
1796. Sunday 28th
August. Topaze captured Elizabeth.
1796. Friday 9th September. The Arrogant of 74 guns, captain Richard Lucas, on board of which ship were, captain George Ball and first-lieutenant Robert Johnston, of the marines; with the Victorious 74, captain William Clark; captain of marines, major Frederick H. Flight, first-lieutenant William Darley, and lieutenant Thomas Buck; when off Pulo Way, isle of Sumatra, sustained an action with six french frigates under rear-admiral Sercey. The firing commenced at 7 h. 25 m. a.m., and lasted until 10 h. 55 m., at which time the enemy's squadron bore up to the westward under a crowd of sail. The Arrogant was very seriously cut tip and lost 7 killed and 27 wounded. The Victorious, who had only 485 men at quarters, having a lieutenant and 90 men away in prizes, lost 17 men killed, her captain and 55 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Friday 23rd
September. Pelican engaged Medee.
1796. Thursday 13th October. The 32-gun frigate Terpsichore, captain Richard Bo wen, when cruising off the port of Carthagena, observed the Spanish 34-gun frigate Mahonesa running down towards her. Having approached within hail at 9 h. 30 m. a.m., the Spanish frigate rounded to on the weather-beam of the Terpsichore and commenced an action which continued with great spirit for an hour and twenty minute 2 when the enemy endeavoured to make off. At this time the Terpsichore was much disabled in her masts, spars, and rigging; but in less than twenty minutes the british frigate had refitted, was again alongside her opponent, and ready to recommence the contest; when the Mahonesa struck her colours, having lost 30 men killed, and as many wounded. Second lieutenant John Orton of" the marines was serving on board the Terpsichore, which ship had none killed, and but four men wounded.
Having repaired her damages at Gibraltar, the Terpsichore was again at sea in search of an opponent, when on the 12th of December, at day-break, being twenty leagues to the westward of Cadiz, an enemy's frigate was discerned lying to, about four miles on the weather-quarter. Sail was immediately made in chase, which continued until 9 h. 30 m. p.m. on the 13th, when the enemy's ship, (which was the french 36-gun frigate Vestale), hauled up her courses and hove to. At 10 p.m. the Terpsichore ranged close up on her weather-quarter, and both ships opened their fire, which continued until 11 h. 4 m. p.m., when the Vestale struck her colours, having lost her captain and 27 killed, and 37 men wounded. The Terpsichore could only muster at quarters 166 men and boys, having away in prizes two lieutenants, three midshipmen, and 41 men: her loss in the action amounted to four seamen killed, lieutenant George Bowen and 17 men wounded. During the night of the 13th, the french crew rose on the small party in possession of the prize and carried her into Cadiz. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Monday 24th
October. Sta. Margaritta captured Buonaparte.
1796. Tuesday 25th
October. Sta. Magaritta captured Vengeur and prize.
1796. October -
November. Corsica re-taken by the French.
1796. Wednesday 16th
November. In consequence of some differences arising with regard to the
Regiments of the line doing duty as Marines in the fleet, they were ordered to
be disembarked, and many of the men were permitted to enlist in the Marines at
an additional bounty of five guineas, and on 16th November the levy money was
increased to fifteen pounds, which allowed ten guineas and a crown bounty to
each recruit, this arrangement gave such fresh vigour to the Corps, that the
companies were soon completed to their full strength.
1796. Friday 2nd
December. Crescent and Sphinx at Foul Point, Madagascar.
1796. Friday 2nd
December. Hazard captured Musette.
1796. Saturday 3rd
December. Lapwing captured Dedeux and destroyed Vaillante.
1796. Monday 12th
December. Terpsichore captured Vestale.
1796. Friday 16th December. An expedition had been for some time in preparation in the different french ports for the invasion of Ireland, and the fleet was finally to assemble at Brest; from which anchorage they were to proceed to Bantry Bay. On the 16th of December this armament put to sea, consisting of seventeen ships of the line, thirteen frigates, six corvettes, with transports — in all forty-four sail, having 600 troops on board of each line of battle ship, and in each frigate 250; so that with the number on board the other vessels, the army amounted to 18,000 men; and in addition to the troops, which consisted of both cavalry and infantry, the fleet carried a quantity of field artillery, with stores and ammunition. It blew hard from the eastward, and during the night the Seduisant of 74 guns was wrecked on the Stevenet rock in the passage Du Raz, when about 700 men perished. The remainder of the fleet arrived ofF Dursey island on the 21st, and part of the ships anchored at the eastern extremity of Bear island, where they continued until the 25th; when a heavy gale drove them from their anchors and compelled them to put to sea. They remained scattered on the coast for some days, and then made the best of their way back to Brest; as did the remainder of their men-of-war, with the exception of the Droits de l'Homme and some frigates, of which we shall have presently to give a favourable account. The Droits de l'Homme of 74 guns, commodore La Crosse, having separated from her companions, steered for l'Orient; and on the 13th of January 1797, when off the Penmarcks, was discovered through the thick weather which prevailed by the Indefatigable 44, captain sir Edward Pellew, and the Amazon 38, captain Robert Carthew Reynolds. At 4 h. 15 m. p.m. a squall carried away the fore and main top-masts of the french ship, and she continued steer- ing towards the shore under her courses and mizen top-sail; whilst the Indefatigable and Amazon took positions upon either bow, pouring in an occasional raking fire until 4 h. 30 m. a.m. on the 14th, when the appearance of land close to leeward caused the frigates to haul off from the threatened danger, and the Droits de l'Homme to make a similar effort. During the whole of this long engagement the sea ran extremely high; the Indefatigable had four feet water in the hold, and all her masts were in a wounded state. The Amazon had also suffered severely from the enemy's fire in her masts and rigging, and she had 3 men killed and 15 badly wounded. On board the Indefatigable there were none killed, but 18 men were wounded.
As daylight appeared, the french 74 was seen lying on her broadside in Audieone bay, with the sea beating over her. The Amazon, on perceiving the danger, wore to the northward, and soon afterwards struck the ground and was wrecked; but her crew, with the exception of six persons, got safe to the shore. Lieutenants O'Connor and Wilson of the marines were favourably mentioned by Sir Edward Pellew, for their exertions on this trying occasion. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Monday 19th December. Commodore Nelson, in the 38-gun frigate Minerve, captain George Cockburn, with the 32-gun frigate Blanche, captain d'Arcy Preston, when near PortoFerrajo, fell in with two large Spanish frigates; and whilst the Blanche wore and attacked the one to leeward, the Minerve hauled up, and at 10 h. 40 m. brought to close action the 40-gun frigate Sabina. After a brave resistance of two hours and fifty minutes, the Spanish ship struck her colours, with the loss of her mizen-mast, and having 10 men killed, and 45 wounded. The Minerve had 7 killed; lieutenant Noble and 32 wounded. Shortly afterwards, another Spanish frigate was seen approaching; upon which the Minerve, casting off her prize, brought the stranger to action, and after engaging for half an hour, compelled her to haul off: at this moment the approach of the Principe de Asturias and two frigates, induced the british frigate to look to her own safety, whilst her prize, the Sabina, fell into the enemy's hands. In a few minutes after the Minerve poured her first broadside into the Sabina, the Blanche was close alongside the frigate to leeward, and after some sharp firing, the Ceres hauled down the Spanish colours, with the loss of 7 men killed, and 15 wounded; but like her consort, she was recaptured by the Spanish squadron. The Blanche sustained neither damage nor loss in the action. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1796. Monday 19th
December. Blanche engaged Ceres.
1796. December.
Theobald Wolfe Tone a leading Irish revolutionary ordered the dispatch of a
force of 14,000 French veteran troops under the Command of General Hoche which
arrived off the coast of Bantry ay in Ireland. After eluding the Royal Navy,
unremitting storms, indecisiveness of its leaders and poor seamanship all
combined to a failed landing. The French fleet was forced to return to France.
Theobald Wolfe Tone was later to remarked, "England has had its luckiest
escape since the Armada.”
1796. December. Horatio
Nelson had obtained the rank Commodore and was too senior to command a ship. He
was transferred to HMS Captain which became his flag ship. The squadron he
commanded covered the evacuation of British family’s from Leghorn, Corsica and
Elba.
1796. The vote for the
sea service affording no extension to the Corps, an earnest memorial was
addressed to Earl Spencer and in consequence of that application nine companies
were added, with a Second-Lieutenant to each company, which was increased to 8
Sergeants, 8 Corporals, 8 Drummers, and 113 Privates each. In November, six
more companies were added, and seven additional privates to every company,
which then consisted of 120 men. At the same time three Colonels and
Second-Commandants were added to the establishment of the corps.
1797. Sunday 8th
January. Indefatigable and Amazon destroyed Droits de l'Homme.
1797. Tuesday 31st
January. Andromache captured an Algerine corsair.
1797. Monday 13th February. At this period the navy was so much augmented, that the supplies voted were for 120,000 men for the sea service, including 20,000 marines. On the 13th of February admiral sir John Jervis, with fifteen sail of the line, was steering towards Cadiz; when the Minerve frigate, captain George Cockburn, bearing the broad pendant of commodore Nelson, brought intelligence that the Spanish fleet had been seen at the mouth of the Straits, consisting of twenty-seven ships of the line and twelve frigates, under the command of don Josef de Cordova, having sailed from Carthagena on the 12th of February. On the 14th, at daylight, several ships were discovered through the haze to windward of the fleet, and before 9 a.m. twenty sail of the line were visible from the Victory's mast-head. About 11 a.m. the fog had cleared away, and the Spaniards were seen grouped together under all sail, with the wind on the starboard quarter, running down to form a junction with six ships of the line to leeward, who were close hauled on the same tack, striving hard to close with the main body of their fleet.
With the intention of cutting off the lee division of the enemy, and at the same time to be prepared to receive the nineteen bearing down to windward, who at 11 a.m. began trimming in succession on the larboard tack, the british admiral formed his fleet in line of battle astern of the Victory, and steered to the south-west, keeping the six detached ships of the enemy on the lee or larboard bow, directing his course for the opening between the two divisions of the enemy, whilst the latter were still endeavouring to form a junction. At 11 h. 30 m. the van ships w r ere distantly engaged, and about this time two Spanish threedeckers and a two-decker stood across the head of the british line, and joined the ships to leeward thus, augmenting the Spanish lee division to eight, and reducing their force to windward to sixteen sail of the line.
At 8 m. past noon, after passing the sternmost of the enemy's weather-ships, the leading british ship, the Culloden, tacked; and about the same time the Spanish lee division also went about, and stood towards the head of the british line, still on the starboard tack. The Spanish vice-admiral steered to cut the british line a-head of the Victory, but the latter was too rapid in her advance, and compelled the Spanish three-decker to tack close under her lee, raking her whilst in stays with such destructive effect, as induced her to bear away in great confusion, followed by the second three-decker and five other ships; but the Oriente gallantly kept upon the larboard tack, and passing along the british line, succeeded in joining her van. At 1 p. m., just as the rear ship of the British, still on the starboard tack, had reached beyond the leading ships of the spanish weather-division, then passing in the contrary direction, the advanced ships of the enemy bore up together, as a last effort to join their friends to leeward. Commodore Nelson in the Captain, the third ship from the rear of the british line, apprehensive that the weather-division of the enemy would form a junction with those to leeward before the ships in the british van could possibly reach them, immediately wore round, and passing between the Diadem and Excellent, ran athwart the bows of the Spanish ships as far as the sixth from the rear; and at 1 h. 30m. p.m., when the Culloden had arrived up from the british van and commenced firing, the Captain was engaged with the Santissima Trinidada ; for the Spanish admiral, frustrated in his attempt of running to leeward, had with his fleet hauled up on the larboard tack. The Blenheim, Prince George, and Orion, had now taken part in the action, and at 2 h. 26 in. p. m. the Excellent opened her fire on the Salvador del Mundo, as she passed on the latter's weather bow; and then having stood on to the San Ysidro, ranged up on her lee-beam and engaged her until 2 h. 53 m. p. m., when the Spanish colours were hauled down. The Excellent then passed on a-head and engaged the 80-gun ship San Nicolas, who had been contending with the Captain; and in hauling up to avoid her new antagonist, the San Nicolas ran foul of the San Josef, whose mizenmast had been shot away. The Captain now re-opened her fire upon the San Nicolas, and then laid her on board, hooking with her larboard cathead the starboard quarter-gallery of the Spanish 80, and with her spritsail yard, the latter's mizen-rigging. Commodore Nelson immediately boarded, and following a soldier of the 69th regiment, entered the upper gallery window; but by the time he reached the quarter-deck, captain Berry was in possession of the poop, and the Spanish ensign was hauling down. At this time the San Nicolas was foul of the San Josef and had opened a fire of small arms from her stern at the British on the forecastle of the captured ship; upon which commodore Nelson directed his men to board the first-rate, and they were preparing- for the assault, when a Spanish officer looked over the quarter-deck rail, and said they had surrendered.
The Excellent, on quitting the San Nicolas, took a position under the lee of the Santissima T rinidada, who was then warmly engaged by the Orion and Irresistible. After losing her fore and mizen-masts, the fire of this formidable ship ceased, and the Spanish colours disappeared; but the opportune arrival of eleven ships saved the crippled four-decker from further molestation. This was at about 4 p. m., and shortly afterwards the feritish admiral, observing the approach of these ships, ordered the frigates to take the prizes in tow, and for the ships of the fleet to form in close line a-head in the wake of the Victory. All firing had ceased before 5 f. m., when the British found themselves in possession of the San Josef and Salvador del Mundo of 1 12 guns, the San Nicolas of 80, and the San Ysidro of 74 guns. This conquest had been accomplished by fifteen ships of the line against twenty-six Spaniards, with the trifling loss on the part of the British of 73 killed and 227 wounded; and the only ship that lost a spar was the Captain, whose fore top-mast had fallen over the side.
The names of the officers of marines serving in the fleet are stated in the following order of battle, giving the killed and wounded on board of the respective ships—
Culloden, 74 guns, captain T. Troubridge, 10 killed, 47 wounded. Captain Thomas Carrie, lieutenant G. A. Livingstone (killed), lieutenant Richard Barford.
Blenheim, 98 guns, captain T. L. Frederic, 12 killed, 49 wounded. Major James Berkeley, with a subaltern of the 51st, one of the 18th, and one of the 90th regiments.
Prince George, 98 guns, rear-admiral W. Parker, captain John Irwin, 8 killed, 7 wounded. Captain Oliver Naylor, secondlieutenant Robert Miles, second-lieutenant W. T. J. Matthews.
Orion, 74 guns, captain sir James Saumarez, 9 wounded. Captain J. B. Savage, first-lieutenant Henry Hodge, second lieutenant Thomas Weaver.
Colossus, 74 guns, captain George Murray, 5 wounded. Captain Acheson Crozier, first-lieutenant John Crane, second-lieutenant Jacob Harrison.
Irresistible, 74 guns, captain George Martin, 5 killed, 14 wounded. Captain James E. Gordon, first-lieutenant John Kendall, first-lieutenant Charles Tyldesley.
Victory, 100 guns, admiral sir John Jervis, K.B., captains Robert Calder and George Grey, 1 killed, 5 wounded. Major F. H. Flight, first-lieutenant William Darley, second-lieutenant John Williams.
Egmont, 74 guns, captain John Sutton. Major G. Whiting, lieutenant W. H. Duer. Goliath, 74 guns, captain sir C. H. Knowles, bart., 8 wounded. Major Andrew Burn, lieutenant W. H. Young, second-lieutenant Charles Harvey.
Barfleur, 98 guns, vice-admiral hon. William Waldegrave, captain James R. Dacres, 7 wounded. Major James Young, first-lieut. William Johnstone, second-lieut. Edward Cox.
Britannia, 100 guns, vice-admiral Charles Thompson, captain Thomas Foley, 1 wounded. 69th regiment.
Namur, 90 guns, captain J. H. Whitshed, 2 killed, 5 wounded. Captain N. Croad, first-lieutenant Henry A. Durrie, second-lieutenant Thomas Henderson.
Captain, 74 guns, commodore Horatio Nelson, captain R. W. Miller, 24 killed, 56 wounded. Major William Norris (killed), lieutenant John Graham, and lieutenant Charles Pearson, 69th regiment.
Diadem, 64 guns, captain G. H. Towry, 2 wounded. 11th regiment.
Excellent, 74 guns, captain Cuthbert Collingwood, 11 killed, 12 wounded. Captain Arthur Ball, lieutenants William Cottell, William Connolly. Total, — 73 killed, and 227 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1797. Tuesday 14th
February. Sir John Jervis's Victory off Cape St. Vincent.
1797. Monday 17th -
18th February. Trinidad surrendered without resistance.
1797. Tuesday 28th
February. Terpsichore engaged Santissima Trinidada.
1797. Friday 17th
February. The British capture Trinidad from Spain. A fleet of 18 warships under
the Command of Sir Ralph Abercromby invaded and took the Island of Trinidad.
Within a few of days the last Spanish Governor, Don José María Chacon
surrendered the island to Abercromby.
1797. Thursday 9th March. The 36-gun frigate San Fiorenzo, captain sir Harry Neale, and 36-gun frigate Nymphe, captain John Cooke, being the in-shore squadron off Brest, bore down and attacked the french 40-gun frigate Resistance, and 22-gun corvette Constance, and after a slight opposition, both the latter ships surrendered. Neither of the british ships suffered any loss, whilst the Resistance had 10 killed and 9 wounded; and the Constance 8 killed and 6 wounded. First-lieutenant John Campbell was serving on board the Nymphe, and first-lieutenant R. Carruthers on board the San Fiorenzo. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1797. Monday 13th
March. Viper captured Virgen Maria del Carmen.
1797. Monday 13th
March. Plymouth captured Amitie.
1797. Wednesday 22nd -
23rd March. Hermione destroyed vessels at Porto Rico.
1797. Wednesday 29th
March. Kingfisher captured General.
1797. Saturday 1st
April. Hazard captured Hardi.
1797. Thursday 6th April. Major Andrew Burn, being the senior officer of marines in the fleet, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
On the 6th of April, in the night, the boats of the 32-gun frigate Magicienne, and 44-gun frigate {en flute) Regulus, commanded by the lieutenants of those ships, on which service lieutenants Philip Luscombe Perry and George Frazer of the marines assisted, entered the harbour of Cape Roxo, in the island of San Domingo, where they captured, sank, and burnt, thirteen sail of square-rigged vessels; and they destroyed two batteries of two guns each at the entrance of the harbour. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1797. Sunday 16th
April. Thunderer and Valiant destroyed Harnionie.
1797. Thursday 20th
April. Cutting out affair at Port au Paix.
1797. Wednesday 26th
April. Irresistible and Emerald captured two Spanish frigates.
1797. Saturday 22nd
April. Magicienne, Regulus, and Fortune at Carcasse Bay.
1797. April. A mutiny
of the Royal Navy took place at Spithead off Portsmouth.
1797. Saturday 20th
May. Oiseau engaged a Spanish frigate.
1797. Sunday 28th May. The Lively and Minerve frigates, captains Benjamin Hallowell and George Cockburn, discovered an armed brig anchored in the road of Santa Cruz. On the following day it was determined to attempt her capture by the boats, under the orders of lieutenant Thomas Masterman Hardy, on which service lieutenant Robert Bulkley of the marines was a volunteer. At 2h. 30 m. p. m. the boats made a resolute attack upon the brig as she lay at anchor, and although opposed by a sharp fire of musketry, they boarded and carried her and under a heavy fire from the batteries on shore, as well as from a large ship lying in the roads, the french brig Mutine, mounting 14 guns, was safely brought alongside the frigates by 4 p. m. The British had none killed, but lieutenant Hardy and 15 men were wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1797. Monday 29th May.
Boats of Lively and Minerve cut out Mutine.
1797. May. A second
mutiny took place at the Nore, a sand bank off the Kent coast in the Thames
where the fleet usually anchored.
1797. Monday 3rd June -
5th July. The Bombardment and assault of the Spanish port of Cadiz was a part
of a protracted naval blockade by the British Royal Navy, which comprised of a
siege and the shelling of the city as well as an amphibious assault on the port
itself. The battle involved Horatio Nelson and John Jervis pitted against the
Spanish Jose de Mazarredo and Fererico Gravina. It was a Spanish victory
although both sides suffered an economic loss. The British casualties amounted
to one killed and 20 wounded that included Captain Thomas Francis Fremantle, 3
boats were sunk, and the Victory's launch driven ashore.
1797. Thursday 15th June. “I write this from Gravesend at which place we arrived yesterday having received a route in the morning at six o'clock, to march immediately.
This place is all bustle and confusion. We have a Captain, two Subalterns and 80 Privates on board the STANDARD man of war and I expect every moment to receive orders to go on board some of the other ci-devont mutinous ships.
I believe ours is the first Militia regiment that ever acted as Marines. To the honour of the men the whole garrison turned out volunteers, and the conduct of those in the ship is most exemplary."
1797. Friday 23rd June. The Leicester and Nottingham Journal. It was the Lieutenant of Marines that was shot by a woman on board the IRIS, and not a Midshipman as was first understood. A disturbance having arisen on board the ship, the Marines as usual were called up to quell it.
The Lieutenant was very active in suppressing the riot; and finding one man particularly outrageous after the others had submitted he cut him down with his sword.
The wife of the man, who was present instantly went down below, and taking a large pistol went up coolly to the Lieutenant and discharged the contents in his belly, which caused his immediate death. She is now in safe custody.
1797. Friday 23rd June. The Leicester and Nottingham Journal. The following is an extract of a letter from an officer of the Warwickshire Militia to a friend in Birmingham.
Gravesend Thursday 15th June 1797.
“I write this from Gravesend at which place we arrived yesterday having received a route in the morning at six o'clock, to march immediately.
This place is all bustle and confusion. We have a Captain, two Subalterns and 80 Privates on board the STANDARD man of war and I expect every moment to receive orders to go on board some of the other mutinous ships.
I believe ours is the first Militia regiment that ever acted as Marines. To the honour of the men the whole garrison turned out volunteers, and the conduct of those in the ship is most exemplary."
1797. Early July. A british fleet of twenty-one sail of the line, under admiral sir John Jervis, blockaded the Spanish fleet of twenty-six ships of the line in the harbour of Cadiz. On the 3rd of that month the town was bombarded by the Thunder, supported by the armed boats of the fleet, who were attacked by the Spanish gun-boats; but these were driven back under the guns of Cadiz, with the loss of two mortar boats and the commandant of the flotilla, who was captured after a personal conflict with rear-admiral Nelson. A second bombardment took place on the 5th by three bomb-vessels, covered by the Theseus, Emerald, and Terpsichore. The cannonade produced considerable effect both on the town and the shipping, and the british and Spanish gun-boats again encountered each other. The loss did not exceed 3 killed; captain Thomas Oldfield of the marines, and 15 men wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1797. Monday 3rd - 5th
July. Cadiz bombardad by Nelson.
1797. July. Attack on
Santa Cruz by Nelson.
1797. Thursday 6th
July. Three Marines Lee, Coffy and Branham who had been found guilty by court
Marshall for attempting to excite a mutiny in Stonehouse Barracks. While
another Marine, M Gennis was convicted of a similar crime and sentenced to 1000
lashes (although he only received 500) and then transported to Botany Bay for
life. The other three were lead out on to Plymouth Hoe and at 2.30pm on the 6th
made to kneel in front of their coffins wearing a blind fold. At a given signal
the firing squad carried out the order, and both Coffy and Branham fell
immediately, but it seems that not one shot out of the sixteen fired had struck
Lee, as he remained on his knees by the coffin. Until a Marines discharged his
musket through the front of his head. He then fell, and another musket was
fired through the side of his head and he died instantly. All four were in
their thirties and of Irish decent. Marine Lee was found to belong to the
‘United Irishmen’ organisation. He was also an Attorney by profession and seems
to have been the conspirator, and all who joined him used to meet on the Long
Room Hill at Stonehouse to be sworn in as partakers in the plot. The ring
leaders had enlisted in to the Marines, probably with the view of spreading
disaffection in their ranks. It was also believed that the 58th Regiment and
the crews of two ships then in an insubordinate state were also implicated.
1797. Sunday 16th July.
Anson and Sylph destroyed Calliope.
1797. Thursday 20th July. The three frigates, with the cutter and mortarboat, together with the boats of the squadron, stood towards the shore; but a gale of wind coming on, they were prevented from landing. On the 22nd, it having been determined to make an attack on the heights on the north side of the bay, and then carry the fort by storm, at 9 p. m. the frigates anchored inshore off the east end of the town and landed their men; but finding the heights too strongly guarded, the British re-embarked in the course of the night, and without loss. On the 24th the Leander joined the squadron, and at 5 p. m. the line of battle ships anchored about seven miles to the north-eastward of the town, and the frigates within two of the shore, as if intending to land in that direction; but this was a feint, and the mole-head was to be the rendezvous for the boats. At 11 p.m. about 700 men embarked in the boats, 180 in the Fox cutter, and 75 on board a large boat which had been captured, numbering, with a small detachment of artillery under lieutenant Baynes, about 1100 men: the detachments of seamen were under their respective captains, and the whole commanded by the rear-admiral in person. Every precaution had been taken to keep the boats together, but the rough state of the weather, and the extreme darkness of the night, rendered this arrangement impracticable.
The following are the names of the ships composing the squadron, and the officers of marines who assisted in this expedition:
Theseus, 74 guns, rear-admiral sir Horatio Nelson, K.B., captain R. W. Miller. Captain Thomas Oldfield, lieutenant George Beatty, Arthur Hull.
Culloden, 74 guns, captain Thomas Troubridge. Lieutenant Barford.
Zealous, 74 guns, captain Samuel Hood. Captain James Home, lieutenants William Vivion, William Judson.
Leander, 50 guns, captain T. B. Thompson. Lieutenant Raby Robinson, (killed).
Seahorse, 38 guns, captain T. F. Freemantle. Lieutenant Francis Wemyss.
Emerald, 36 guns, captain John Waller. Lieutenant William Basham, (killed).
Terpsichore, 32 guns, captain Richard Bowen. Lieutenant John Orton.
Fox cutter, lieutenant John Gibson; and a mortar boat. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1797. A complaint
(Taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI.)
1797. Saturday 22nd -
Tuesday 25th July. Horatio Nelson led a doomed assault on the Spanish island
Santa Cruz de Tenerife was an amphibious assault by the Royal Navy on the
Spanish port and city in the Canary Islands. Launched by Rear-Admiral Horatio
Nelson the assault was defeated, and the remains of the landing party withdrew
under a truce with the loss of several hundred casualties. Nelson himself had
been wounded in the arm, which was subsequently partially amputated: a stigma
that he carried to his grave as a constant reminder of his failure. The ship's
surgeon, James Farquhar, wrote in his journal: "Compound fracture of the
right arm by a musket ball passing through a little above the elbow; an artery
divided, the arm was immediately amputated." It is claimed that within 30
minutes, Nelson was again issuing orders to his men. On Tuesday 1st August
Farquhar noted: "Admiral Nelson, amputated arm, continued getting well
very fast. Stump looked well; no bad symptoms whatever occurred.” British
losses were 250 dead, 128 wounded, 300 captured, many drowned and 1 cutter
sunk.
1797. July. An order in Council, fixed the pay of Marines at the following
rates: Sergeants. Corporals. On board £-12-0s-10p and on shore at,
£1-6s-1p.
1797. July 22nd - 24th
July. Attack on Santa Cruz by Nelson.
1797. Tuesday 25th July. About 1 h. 30 m. a.m. on the 25th, the Fox cutter, attended by the rear-admiral's boat and some others, had reached within half gun-shot of the mole head, undiscovered; when, on the alarm being given, a fire was opened from more than 30 pieces of cannon and a body of troops stationed along the shore, which so injured the Fox, that she immediately went down with 97 brave fellows, including lieutenant Gibson. A shot struck the rear-admiral on the right elbow, just as he was in the act of drawing his sword, and so disabled him, that he was conveyed back to his ship another shot sank the boat in which captain Bowen had embarked, whereby 8 seamen perished. In spite of all this opposition the British effected a landing, and immediately stormed and carried the mole-head, defended by 300 men and 6 twenty-four pounders. Having spiked these guns our men were about to advance, when a destructive fire was opened upon them from the citadel and the houses near the mole-head, which occasioned the principal part of the loss sustained in this unfortunate enterprise. Captain Troubridge with his division not being able to reach the mole, had pushed on shore under a battery close to the southward of the citadel, as did captain Waller and a few other boats but the surf ran so high that many of the boats put back, while those that did not return were instantly filled with water, which destroyed the men's ammunition. Captain Troubridge having collected a few men, advanced with captain Waller to the principal square of the town, the appointed place of rendezvous; and not meeting the other officers with their detachments, he sent a serjeant with two of the inhabitants to summon the citadel. After waiting an hour, without receiving an answer to his message, captain Troubridge marched to join captains Hood and Miller, who with a small body of men had made good their landing to the southwest of the spot where he had disembarked. By day-break, captain Troubridge's party consisted of no more than 180 seamen with small arms, 80 pikemen, and 80 marines, making a total of 340; and with this force he was meditating an assault. But as they soon found that the streets were commanded by field-pieces, and that 8000 armed Spaniards, with 100 Frenchmen, were approaching them from every point, and considering that the boats were all stove, and that no possibility existed of receiving a reinforcement, captain Troubridge sent captain Hood with a flag of truce to the governor, offering to capitulate on terms, that the british troops should be allowed to re-embark with their arms, take their boats, if saved, or to be provided with others ; and in case of compliance, he engaged that the ships should no further molest the town, nor attack any one of the Canary islands.
Notwithstanding the surprise which the governor expressed on receiving such a proposal, and under such desperate circumstances, he nevertheless acceded to these conditions: captain Troubridge accordingly marched his men to the mole-head and embarked them in boats furnished by the Spaniards. The governor liberally supplied the retreating invaders with a ration of biscuit and wine and removed the british wounded into the hospital; moreover, he intimated to rear-admiral Nelson that he was at liberty to send on shore and purchase such refreshments as his squadron might require.
Thus, terminated an expedition, which although so fatal and unsuccessful, furnished abundant proof of the valour and intrepidity of british seamen and marines. The melancholy loss sustained included captain Richard Bowen, lieutenants John Weatherhead, Theseus ; George Thorpe, Terpsichore ; William Earnshaw, Leander ; and John Gibson, Fox ; lieutenants of marines Raby Robinson and William Basham ; 23 seamen, and 14 marines killed : the rear-admiral (right arm amputated), captains Freemantle and Thompson, lieutenant Douglas, 1 midshipman, 85 seamen, and 15 marines wounded ; 97 seamen and marines drowned, and 5 missing : total, 1 14 killed and drowned, 105 wounded, and 5 missing, — a loss exceeding the killed, and not far short of the total of the killed and wounded in the battle which obtained the glorious victory off Cape St. Vincent. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1797. Thursday 10th
August. Arethusa captured Gaite.
1797. Friday 11th
August. Sylphe and consorts destroyed gunboats at Sable d'Olonne.
1797. Monday 14th
August. The battle of Cape St Vincent was one of the opening battles of the
Anglo-Spanish War of 1796 to 1808, as part of the French Revolutionary Wars.
During which a British fleet under the command of Admiral Sir John Jervis
defeated a larger Spanish fleet under Admiral Don José de Córdobay Ramos near
Cape St. Vincent in Portugal. After the battle Admiral Lord St. Vincent wrote:
“A very considerable Corps of Marines should be kept up, and I hope to see the
day when there is not another foot soldier in the kingdom, in Ireland or in the
colonies”. While Nelson also voiced his opinion: “When I become First Lord of
the Admiralty, every fleet shall have perfect battalions of Marines, with their
artillery, and commanded by experienced field officers, they will be prepared
to make a serious impression on the enemy’s coast.” 1 Major, 1 Lieut., 1
Sergeant, and 5 rank and file killed, 21 wounded.
1797. Tuesday 15th
August. Alexandrian captured Coq.
1797. Monday 21st
August. Penguin captured two French brigs.
1797. Sunday 27th
August. Jason and Triton captured part of a French convoy.
1797. Monday 28th
August. Pomone destroyed Petit Dia'le.
1797. Sunday 17th
September. Pelican destroyed Trompeur.
1797. Early October. Admiral Duncan, with the major part of his ships, were refitting in Yarmouth roads, leaving a small squadron, under captain Trollope, to watch the dutch fleet in the Texel. On the 9th, the Active cutter appeared at the hack of Yarmouth sands, with the signal flying for an enemy: all was bustle and confusion, and before noon admiral Duncan, with eleven sail of the line, put to sea, directing his course with a fair wind straight across to his old station, and was joined on the next day by the remaining ships belonging ito his fleet. On the afternoon of the 10th, the advanced ships were sufficiently near to count twenty-two sail of vessels at anchor in the Texel, but these were chiefly merchant-men; and on receiving information from captain Trollope of the course of the enemy, the admiral stood along shore to the southward.
On the 11th July, at 7 a.m., the look-out ships made the signal for the enemy in sight to leeward; and at 8 h. 30 m. a.m. the dutch squadron was discernible in the quarter pointed out, consisting of four ships of 74 guns, seven of 64 guns, four of 50 guns, one of 44 guns, one of 40 guns, and two ships of 32 guns ; making fifteen ships of the line and four frigates, commanded by vice-admiral De AY inter, who hauled to the wind on the larboard tack on discovering the british fleet ; and squaring their main-yards, the Dutch resolutely awaited the approach of their opponents. The british ships were so scattered, that admiral Duncan, at 11 h. 10 m., brought to on the starboard tack, to enable the dull sailers to take their allotted stations; but find ing that the enemy were drawing fast in-shore, he made the following signals: " Each ship to engage her opponent — to bear up — and, for the van to attack the enemy's rear."
At 11 a.m. admiral Duncan made the signal to pass through the enemy's line and engage to leeward, which was replaced by the signal for close action. At about half-past noon the M onarch, bearing the flag of vice-admiral Onslow, passed under the stern of the Jupiter, the fourth ship from the rear, and then ranged close up to leeward, leaving the Haerlem to the Powerful. The Monmouth and Russell were soon in action, followed by the remaining ships of the larboard division.
It was about a quarter of an hour after the Monarch had broken the dutch line, that the Venerable, frustrated in her attempt to pass astern of the Vryheid by the advance of the States-general, ran under the stern of the latter, whilst the Triumph closed with the next ship in the line, the Wassanaer. Meanwhile, the Venerable had ranged close on the lee side of the Vryheid, with whom the Ardent was warmly engaged on the opposite side, and a-head by the Bedford, as the latter cut through the line astern of the Devries.
The ships in the centre of the enemy's line, not being immediately engaged, advanced to the succour of their admiral; and from their fire, the Venerable and Ardent, as well as the other ships of the british van, received considerable injury. The Hercules having caught fire on the poop, bore up out of the line, and shortly after the flames were extinguished she surrendered, for it was stated that in their alarm they had thrown their powder overboard.
The Venerable had received so much damage as to be obliged to haul off; upon which the Triumph, after compelling the Wassanaer to surrender, closed with the Vryheid, and this nobly defended ship, after being engaged by four powerful opponents, with her three masts over the side, dropped out of the line and struck her colours. The action ceased with the surrender of admiral De Winter's ship, at which time the British were in possession of the Vryheid and Jupiter, of 74 guns; Devries, Gelykheid, Haerlem, Hercules, and Wassanaer, of 64 guns; Alkmaar and Delft, of 50 guns, and the frigates Monnikendam and Ambuscade. The remainder of the dutch ships bore away towards the land, then only five miles distant; and as the british fleet was in nine fathoms water, they hastened to secure their prizes, to enable them to get clear of the shore, which was the land between Camperdown and the village of Egmont.
The british fleet consisted of the following ships, which sustained the casualties severally enumerated.
Venerable, 74 guns, admiral A. Duncan, captain W. G. Fairfax, 15 killed, 62 wounded. Brevet-major Thomas Trollope, second-lieutenant Patrick O'Malley, and second-lieutenant George Chambers (wounded).
Monarch, 74 guns, vice-admiral R. Onslow, captain E. O'Brien, 36 killed, 100 wounded. Captain Thomas Abernethy, second-lieutenant Richard R. Trotter, second-lieutenant J. J. Smith (wounded).
Russell, 74 guns, captain H. Trollope, 7 wounded. Second lieutenant John Jennings, second-lieutenant Robert Stevens.
Montagu, 74 guns, captain John Knight, 3 killed, 5 wounded. Captain John Williams, second-lieutenant Thomas Aslett, second-lieutenant Robert Miles.
Bedford, 74 guns, captain sir T. Byard, 30 killed, 41 wounded. Captain John Victor, first-lieutenant Richard Bunce, second-lieutenant James Collins.
Powerful, 74 guns, captain W. O. B. Drury, 10 killed, 78 wounded. Captain Thomas Strickland, lieutenant Francis
Black, second-lieutenant R. G. W. Walker (wounded).
Triumph, 74 guns, captain W. Essington (wounded), 29 killed, 55 wounded. First-lieutenant Thomas A. Parke, second-lieutenant Henry Steele.
Belliqueux, 64 guns, captain J. Inglis, 25 killed, 78 wounded. Captain James Cassel (wounded), second-lieutenant Robert Pinkerton.
Agincourt, 64 guns, captain J. Williamson. Captain T. Hopper.
Lancaster, 64 guns, captain J. Wells, 3 killed, 18 wounded. Captain Walter Smith, second-lieutenant John Sandys, (wounded).
Ardent, 64 guns, captain R. R. Burgess, 41 killed, 107 wounded. Captain Richard Cuthbert (wounded), second-lieutenant James Marrie.
Veteran, 64 guns, captain G. Gregory, 4 killed, 21 wounded. Captain-lieutenant Henry Elliott, second-lieutenant R. J.
Director, 64 guns, captain W. Bligh, 7 wounded. Captain Thomas Davy, first-lieutenant David Weir
Monmouth, 64 guns, captain J. Walker, 5 killed, 22 wounded. Captain John Clarke, second-lieutenant Robert Phillips.
Isis, 50 guns, captain W. Mitchell, 2 killed, 21 wounded. First-lieutenant J. IN. N. D'Esterre, second-lieutenant Charles Ilea (wounded).
Adamant, 50 guns, captain W. Hotham, Second-lieutenant John Owen, second-lieutenant John Maughan.
Total— 203 killed, and 622 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1797. Wednesday 4th
October. Alexandrian captured Epicharis.
1797. Wednesday 11th
October. The battle of Camperdown was the most significant action between
British and Dutch forces during the French Revolutionary Wars and resulted in a
complete victory for the British, who captured eleven Dutch ships without
losing any of their own. Although they suffered 203 killed and 622 wounded.
While the Dutch suffered 540 killed, 620 wounded.
1797. Wednesday 25th
October. Indefatigable captured Hyene.
1797. Sunday 12th
November. Cerberus captured Epervier.
1797. Monday 13th
November. Boats of fairy captured Epervier, a lugger.
1797. Tuesday 14th
November. Cerberus captured Renard.
1797. Wednesday 20th December. At 10 a.m., the 36-gun frigate Phoebe, captain Robert Barlow, being in latitude 50° north, longitude 8° west, discovered and chased the french 36-gun frigate Nereide on her weather bow. The pursuit continued all day, and at 6 p.m. both ships having been taken aback, bore up; and at 9 p. m. the Nereide commenced firing her stern chasers, which did considerable damage to the Phcebe's sails and rigging. At 9h. 10m. p.m., just as the Phoebe was in a situation to commence the attack, the Nereide hove in stays, and as soon as the Phcebe could reduce her sails she came round, and the two frigates exchanged broadsides in passing on opposite tacks. At 10 p.m. the Phcebe got alongside her opponent, and both ships having backed their main top-sails, commenced the action in right earnest, the Nereide placing herself within musket-shot to windward of her opponent. In a short time, the french frigate fell on board of the Phoebe, but the latter bore away clear of her; having again hauled up, she renewed her fire, and both ships continued to engage until 10 h. 45 m. p.m., when the Nereide hauled down her light, and hailed that she surrendered. Out of a crew of 330 men, she had 20 killed and 55 wounded; whilst the Phoebe, out of 261 men and boys, had only 3 killed and 10 wounded. Lieutenant Robert D. Stuart, and his detachment of marines, obtained the favourable report of captain Barlow.
On the occasion of the public thanksgiving in St. Paul's cathedral, the following order was issued: —
GUARD OF HONOUR. 195
"Admiralty Office, Wth of December 1797.
Sir,
I am commanded by my lords the commissioners of the Admiralty, to signify their direction to you to order a captain's guard of marines, together with the band of the division under your command, to march from Chatham to be in town on the 18th instant, (which, if possible, is to be commanded by officers who were in the actions of 1st of June, 1794, 14th of February, or 11th of October last,) in order to attend his Majesty to St. Paul's cathedral on the 19th instant, to offer thanksgiving for the many victories obtained by his Majesty's navy in the course of the present war. This being a king's guard, the colours must of course accompany it, and their lordships desire it may be selected from the best and most orderly men at quarters.
I am, sir, &c &c.
(Signed) William Marsden."
" To Major-General Innes, Chatham."
" Chatham, 13th December 1797.
Agreeable to the orders of my lords commissioners of the Admiralty, a captain's guard, consisting of 1 captain, 4 subalterns, 8 Serjeants, 8 corporals, 3 drummers, and 120 privates, with the divisional colours and band, are to march on Friday morning next to London, to be in readiness to attend his Majesty to St. Paul's cathedral on the 19th instant, to offer thanksgiving for the many signal victories obtained by his Majesty's navy in the course of the present war. The officers for this duty are major Andrew Burn, first-lieutenants Thomas Piers, Templeton, M'Leod, and Woodmeston: second-lieutenants Robert
Phillips, Charles Rea, and — Merry."
" D. O., Wth of December 1797.
" To the non-commissioned officers and privates of the
detachment under orders to march to-morrow.
11 From your characters as men and soldiers, you have been selected from the whole of the division to compose a guard of honour to attend your Sovereign to St. Paul's on the day of general thanksgiving for the signal victories obtained over the enemies of your country by his Majesty's naval forces, in which the corps to which you belong has ever borne a part.
" Upon so solemn an occasion you need not be told, that not only the eyes of your King, but those of your country will be fixed upon your conduct on that day. To add further to the honour of your situation, the officers by whom you will be conducted are such as have distinguished themselves in the different actions with the enemy's fleets.
" You will not fail to recollect, that the division to which you belong has well earned the honour of being styled the ' first division,' from the eminent loyalty it displayed in its answer to the infamous hand-bill, and which conduct was followed by every other corps. And although but a small part, you are to consider yourselves as the representatives of the whole, beingentrusted with the most sacred pledge for your good behaviour, andthe colours of your division.
" Firmly relying upon your correctness in all points, I look forward with impatience for your return, to receive my public thanks." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1797. Thursday 21st
December. Phoebe captured Nereide.
1797. Friday 29th
December. Anson captured Daphne.
1797. ‘Marines and Mutiny’ (Being well aware of the justifiable and massive pride our members have for our glorious corps and the sensitivities of some, it is with some trepidation I submit this article.
However, as these events occurred over 200 years ago, I have decided to go ahead and present this very well researched, well written and positive article. I believe that a sense of fairness and respect for the truth are some of those great attributes that through history the Royal Marines have often had to protect.
I urge you to maintain an open mind when reading the following interesting historical information. – Editor.)
The 1797 mutinies involved Marines by default, though the nature of their involvement has been debated. In previous, more individual, insurrections, Marines did their duty to their ship, such as in 1779. HMS Defiance's crew refused to sail with Maximillian Jacobs, with the claim that he had flogged fifty men for 'mere trifles':
“On which they all Called out together. Another Captain. No Jacobs. No Jacobs. and immediately got the foremost Gun on each side run in and Pointed aft these were brought as far as the fore hatchway when they Laid a bulwark of hammocks a Cross the ship to defend them from Small Shot that might be fired on them from aft.”
During this incident, the Marines stood by, their muskets loaded, but their intervention was fortunately unnecessary.
During the 1797 mutinies, it is generally believed by early Corps historians that the Marines were similarly loyal. Gillespie wrote about "The steady faithfulness of all those Marine soldiers who had served during the American War", with their "unshaken resolve to stand or fall with their officers". Field suggested that, well-handled, the Marine Corps might have "reduced the mutinies at Spithead and the Nore to a mere flash in the pan". He cites the refusal of HMS Agamemnon’s captain to use his Marines "because some of them would be shot, and he could not endure seeing them lying suffering on the deck".
It is unlikely that the Marines themselves felt adherence to duty as a greater calling, however. They, like the seamen, had not known an increase in pay since the 1660s, and indeed the Spithead mutineers included the Marines in their demands, referring to them as "our brethren the Marines” and insisting on their inclusion in a pay raise.
Many believed the mutinies were supported by outside influences. One captain called the outbreaks “perfectly French”. In reality, no trace of interference existed. The mutinying seamen behaved themselves largely with discipline, committing no violence upon their officers and stating they would fight if the French put to sea.
Lieutenant Mortimer Timpson, of HMS Montague, remained aboard throughout the Nore mutiny, alongside his captain, and both were “allowed our liberty and permitted to walk the quarter deck without any insult or molestation”. Only the ship’s surgeon received any ill attention, when he was tarred and feathered, using handfuls of feathers from a pillow, “as you would flour a piece of roasting beef with flour dredge... even to the clocks of his stockings”.
There was nearly great violence earlier aboard Montague, however. The cheering ship’s crew loaded and pointed guns aft, to which the Marines responded by lining both sides of the lower deck with loaded muskets. “The seamen were then ordered to restore the Guns to their places & told, that if they did not, we should fire on them: they obeyed, and we were dismissed”. This stand against their shipmates proved to be a singular event. The next day, “Captain Knight found the whole of the Ship’s crew, together with the Marines, forward on the Lower Deck in a state of mutiny and could get none of them to come aft to their duty.”
After the American Revolution, the Marine Corps had been reduced to a mere 4,495 men. When war broke out with France, this number quadrupled. The result was that, in 1797, most Marines were young and inexperienced. The problem was reported to the First Lord, Earl Spencer, by a captain in Portsmouth:
“No reliance can be placed on the Marines, who are recruits, and never had any habits of military life or discipline from the seamen, [who] are one class with them. This is one of the evils of keeping the establishment of the corps so low in peace.”
Marine resistance to the mutiny was isolated and came from the NCOs. A corporal at Spithead was ducked twice but put ashore unharmed, for refusing to take the delegates’ oath. Sergeant Jenkins of HMS Monmouth, at the Nore, was flogged, receiving three dozen lashes and after had his head shaved, for keeping to his duty. Conversely, there were Sergeants Dunn, a Nore delegate, “whom they now call Captain of Marines” and Dickinson at Plymouth, who made a literate Marine aboard HMS Saturn copy out a mutinous oath.
There was no sympathy amongst Marine officers for the mutinies. At Spithead, Lieutenant Robyn’s endured “the mortifications of witnessing the state of anarchy and confusion of the fleet,” and “the disgraceful mutiny which is now happily subsided.”
The men generally sided with the seamen, prompting Admiral Duncan at the Nore to report, “the Marines in most ships have joined the seamen”, as had happened at Spithead. In Pompee, “The Marines mixed with the Ships Company, and were equally forward in the business.” In Mars, Marines joined the mutineers when brought to the point of opposing their shipmates: “ordered under arms and on the word being given to prime and load they immediately lay down their arms and came forward to join the ship’s company.”
Sea officers tended to avoid such confrontations, with one particular exception. On the 7th May, when the Spithead delegates attempted to board the London, Admiral Colpoys secured the ship against them, sending his crew below and posting Marines around the upper decks. The crew below became restless and Colpoys ordered his officers to fire down the gangways, which brought the seamen into fighting temper. They broke into the magazine and unlashed the middle deck guns, and received no opposition from the Marines, who threw down their arms to join them. Marine Lieutenant Simms and one of his men were wounded, with two of the Admiral’s party, while four or five seamen were killed. Colpoys was not pleased with the Marines’ conduct, claiming they “had given all reasons to suggest they meant to stand by us”, but “the premeditated murder” of unarmed seamen was too much for them to bear.
The Spithead mutiny achieved all of its aims, including rises in pay for seamen and Marines, and changes in pursers’ measurements. The First Lord himself admitted “the wages were undoubtedly too low in proportion to the times” and showed surprised “that the purser’s deductions, and the system of short weights and measures depending on it, should have been so long tolerated.” Additionally, none of the Marines’ allowances ashore were to be stopped while they were at sea.
This left the Nore mutineers with conflicting objectives: “a different distribution of Prize Money - an alteration in their Provisions - That the ship should be docked &c &c: in short they hardly knew what they wanted.” Cohesion amongst the mutineers crumbled and men and ships began gradually returning to duty. HMS Montague was ordered to Portsmouth, where the mutiny’s ringleaders were court-martialled, and her Marine detachment put ashore in favour of a fresh one. The experience did not, however, diminish Lieutenant Timpson’s confidence in his men:
“I must say that the Marines, in the first instance, behaved as well as men could do, and, I am sure, that it was not without great difficulty and much persuasion, that they were at last induced to join the Mutiny; had they been kept to themselves, after the first outbreak, the result might very probably have been different.”
The idea of separating Marines and seamen is credited to Lord St Vincent, but it predates the mutinies. In 1796, Admiral Knowles recommended that Marines should be “birthed Aft next the Gun room on both sides”. At the height of the Spithead mutiny, a captain wrote to Lord Spencer on the same subject:
“The Marines have ever been a separate body from the seamen. I have never known an instance of their having been concurred in a mutiny... and they are men which we look to in general for protection in such disagreeable situations; therefore, the fear of separating the Marines and seamen, is rather to be courted than dreaded.”
Earl St Vincent, being Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean, took action in this respect. He called his Captains of Marines together, “under the pretext of informing them about uniformity in dress, in exercise, and in economy: but really to give them some sense about keeping a watchful eye, not only upon their own men, but upon the seamen.” He enacted a deliberate policy of physically separating Marines from the seamen:
“to this effect I directed that in the ships of three decks, they should be berthed in the after part of the middle deck; and in those of two decks, close to the bulkhead of the gun rooms, or to the officers’ cabins before it, giving them the two after berths on each side, from one side of the ship to the other, that they might not be burst in on.”
St Vincent took other steps to improve the status of his Marines. He directed officers of Marines to visit their men at their meals and keep up the pride and spirit of their detachments. A Quondam Sub had complained about Navy lieutenants undermining Marine discipline by” imposing on them such tasks, as sunk them in their own estimation, by insulting their military pride.” This was another thing St Vincent changed. He freed Marines from regular ships’ duties, enabling them to spend their time under their own officers’ supervision, with the exceptions of shifting anchors and getting under sail.
He also urged that the numbers of NCOs should be doubled in 74-gun ships, “that they may be relied on in case of any further attempt being made by the seditious to wrest control of His Majesty’s ships from the officers.”18 Further, he stressed formal discipline to overawe the impressionable. The uniformity of dress was enforced amongst the fleet’s Marine detachments, with each ship sending “one intelligent Sergeant and their Master Tailor to look at the pattern winter and summer regimentals, working jacket, hat, etc’, to the flagship. Each morning, St Vincent, in full dress, stood on deck and watched the guard mounted, “with all the form and order practised on the best regulated parades”, with the band played ‘God Save the King’ and the Guard presented arms, “with the respect and decorum due to the occasion”.
The use of Irish was forbidden amongst the Marines after an unusual alliance of United Irishmen and conservative-minded captains opposed the separation of Marines and seamen. An Inspector of Marines was appointed to enforce the new policies. A retired admiral charged St Vincent with “completely overturning the natural order of things” with his efforts. It was believed that a military force could not enforce obedience at sea, because Marines would never challenge seamen, upon whom the safety of the ship depended. Further, Marines’ only ‘qualification’ was the ability to load and fire a musket, and many never acquired “what is called sea-legs and are therefore in great measure useless in bad weather at sea”. This is plain nonsense, since Marines, like seamen, spent years at sea.
St Vincent’s efforts only put fresh steel into existing practises. Many sea officers were keen to support their Marines. Captain’s Orders for HMS Mars, in 1795, addressed the “general complaint that the marine officers do not possess sufficient authority and command over their own men when embarked” and gave them exclusive responsibility for “their interior economy as well as their prompt obedience and dispatch in coming upon deck and performing the public duty of the ship’. Further, there was a provision against…
“improper interference on the part of the naval officers of the ship... as they have only to acquaint the officers of marines upon duty what neglect he discovers and what is necessary to be done and he will order his sergeant etc to see it executed.”
Thus, officers and NCOs of Marines became the primary channel for issuing orders to the men, “by which means the interference of the Boatswain and his mates may be less necessary”. Marine officers also learned to resent appeals against their authority. Measures intended “to prevent Drunkenness and Rioting” amongst Marines on the North American station were objected to, which in turn drew angry responses to the objections: “The Commanding Officer cannot avoid expressing his astonishment and displeasure at the conduct of those men of the Battalion who presumed to appeal from his decision to that of a Naval Officer.”
The opinion of Marines amongst Navy officers was considerably warmer in these days than it had been in the 1690s, when a “Splenetick Gentleman” at the Admiralty supposedly referred to them as “Water Rats”. By contrast, the Naval Chronicle commented on “the admitted importance of this corps, than whom there are no better soldiers”
In 1802, at the Peace of Amiens, the strength of the Corps stood at 12,119, and was held there, thus keeping experienced men on the establishment. Officers in the Channel Fleet suggested that Marines provide a quarter of ship’s complements, replacing landsmen for most duties, and forming “the strongest possible barrier against internal irregularity.” By 1810, the number of Marines in a first-rate’s detachment had risen from 100 men, the number given in 1747, to 166 men. Further, the 1808 regulations reserved the Admiralty’s veto on Marines transferring to the Navy, thus implying they were now considered equal in value to seamen.
Lord St Vincent never made it a secret that he was partial to the Marine Corps. He looked forward to the time “when there is not another foot soldier in the kingdom, in Ireland, or the Colonies, except the King’s Guards and Artillery”. His position as First Lord of the Admiralty enabled him to obtain for the Corps a Royal distinction, which was granted on the 29th April 1802. The occasion was celebrated with grand festivities at the three Divisions’ Headquarters and likely aboard ships. The previous impractical white facings were replaced with dark blue, as befits a Royal regiment, and new uniforms were introduced. These were modelled on those of the First Foot Guards at His Majesty’s express command, and first appeared on the King’s birthday, the 4th June 1802. The Plymouth battalion celebrated by firing volleys into the air, while the band played ‘God Save the King’, and three hearty cheers were given for His Majesty. It was “a most animating scene, as the Royal Corps of Marines, both in peace and war, have ever been considered by the nation at large as a family and constitutional corps.”
Perhaps the best tribute, however, was given by Lord St Vincent at the end of his life:
“In obtaining for them the distinction of “Royal” I but inefficiently did my duty. I have never known an appeal made to them for honour, courage, or loyalty that they did not more than realize my highest expectations. If ever the hour of real danger should come to England, they will be found the country’s sheet anchor.” (Courtesy – ‘Wayward Shadows’)
1798 - 1799. The Fourth
Anglo Mysore War was a conflict in South India between the Kingdom of Mysore
and the British East India Company at that time run by the Earl of Mornington.
1798. Twenty thousand Marines constituted the force of 1798.
No occurrences worthy of particular remark happened this year either in Asia or America; but few opportunities presented to signalize our Navy, and these were of an inferior rate, while the diminished territory of our enemies in both, left but a limited range for further conquest.
The possession of Port-au-Prince, and its dependencies in the island of St. Domingo was relinquished, after a struggle truly honourable to our soldiery and squadrons; but in which the loss of many lives, and an immense expenditure, were unhappily involved.
It is to the shores of the Mediterranean and the coasts of Africa, the eye is called to witness scenes of insatiable ambition, but of unrivalled glory.
At this era France had overcome her numerous foes by the enchantments of her principles, the charms of her gold, or the terror of her arms. Hitherto she had almost supported her immense armies within those provinces she had subdued, or the countries she had invaded. Peace shut the channel of such resources, as there were now but scanty gleanings from an unabating rapacity, which had desolated every soil that had been visited by her citizens.
An army, long inured to plunder and to victory, became a natural object of jealousy within the bosom of their Country. One enemy, manly in politics, unexhausted in wealth, and unbended in attitude, continued to oppose this insinuating monster, too long arrayed in the borrowed garb of freedom. The riches of our island, and the virtues of its natives, had each their effects in stimulating this mass of men to farther dangers, and in attracting the hatred of a Government, which, consciously, derived all its temporary energies from that infidelity to God, and annihilation of every moral principle which, by pervading France, had reconciled Frenchmen to the commission of any act.
The title of "Invading Army of England" was bestowed upon these extended corps, who were diverted from employing their speculative ideas as subjects, by pointing out to them future duties as soldiers. We may judge of this mighty force when we reflect that its right wing alone, posted on the coasts of the Mediterranean exceeded 40,000. At the head of it was Buonaparte, denominated the Conqueror of Italy, and deservedly standing high as a General; but his exploits had rendered him an object of suspicion to the rulers of France, who were well aware of his popularity amongst the soldiery, and his thirst for power.
An expedition to Egypt, with a view to overthrow the British power in the East, had long been a favourite scheme of the Monarchy, and it was revived under the Republic, which was anxious to get rid of its legionary troops. It was well suited to the ambition of Buonaparte, and he was an admirable agent to execute such faithless purposes.
My limits will not allow me to indulge in farther theories, nor can I accompany him in his unprincipled progress. Malta, that key to all his hopes, soon fell under his intrigues; after which he proceeded, with an unexampled secrecy, to the friendly and unsuspecting sea-coasts of the Turkish Empire. Alexandria and Cairo became easy and alternate conquests to his delusive promises. The covering fleet, under De Bruix, in the meantime anchored, and formed into order of battle, in the Bay of Aboukir, protected by flanking batteries, and seemingly impregnable by any force.
Rear Admiral Nelson, long distinguished for the most gallant and active zeal, was destined to oppose this formidable combination, and to achieve one of the most brilliant Naval victories that stands upon the annals of the world. I will forbear to dwell on an event which is so generally appreciated, and what must be immortal as time itself.
Captain Faddy, of Marines, fell on the memorable 1st of August, whose widow and family recognized a protector and a friend in Lord Nelson.
Captains J. Cresswell, John Hopkins, and Lieut. John Jewell, were wounded; 46 Marine Soldiers were killed, and 78 were wounded.
As usual, the honorary and pecuniary gratitude of the Nation was stretched forth to every rank amongst the conquerors, and its Legislative Bodies conveyed their sense of such splendid deeds, in adequate and animated terms, to all.
Upon the following day a general thanksgiving was offered up to heaven, which made not a greater impression upon ourselves than on the captive Frenchmen, who could not but express their admiration of so solemn an assemblage, at a time of seeming confusion, and when every heart felt all the elations of success.
The Admiral also tendered his acknowledgments to all the Officers, Seamen, and Marines, for their gallant behaviour, and for a victory that had been gained by their discipline and good order.
No battle on the sea ever produced more signal consequences. Itstimulated Austria to resume her arms and aroused the effeminate States of Italy to a sense of their glory and their danger.
Although eclipsed in comparison, still the subordinate Naval transactions in the Mediterranean were guided by a similar spirit.
Lieut. Perry, of Marines, distinguished himself upon a voluntary dash at the corvette Mendovi, which was carried by the boats of the Flora, under a heavy fire from the batteries of Corigo, that brig, and the vessels in the harbour. John Perks, private Marine, was the only brave fellow killed in this daring attempt, and Lieut. Perry was slightly wounded.
Captain Digby, and the crew of the Aurora, were likewise noticed for a train of enterprise; and Captain Foote, with all his coadjutors, in the Seahorse, by the capture of La Sensible French frigate.
The action of Captain Manley Dixon, in the Lion, of 64, with four heavy Spanish frigates, one of which he took, was a most brilliant affair, in which all under his command were alike deserving.
The combat between Le Genereaux, of 74, full of men, and the Leander, of 50, upon the 18th of August, though unfortunate in its issue, was yet highly honourable to our arms, when the circumstance of her diminished crew is considered. Captain Thompson, whose conduct in the battle of the Nile had been most conspicuous, says, that "his antagonist run the Leander on board the larboard bow, with a view to carry her, and continued along-side for some time; a most spirited and well-directed fire, however, from our small party of Marines (commanded by a Serjeant) on the poop, and from the quarter-deck, prevented the enemy from taking advantage of his good fortune, and he was repulsed, in all his efforts to make an impression on us."
The Leander, afterwards reduced to a wreck, surrendered to her superior foe; but not without killing or wounding one-third of their number. The brave Serjeant Dair and seven Marines were slain, and nine wounded; being nearly a half of their little party.
The capture of La Legere gun-boat, by the Alemene, Captain Hope, afforded a striking instance of intrepidity in James Harding, Marine Drummer, and John Taylor, Seaman, on board the British frigate. Although going through the water more than five miles an hour, yet, observing a packet of dispatches to have been thrown overboard from the republican vessel, they dashed into the sea and recovered them, at the imminent risk of their lives; those fine fellows were, however, picked up by a boat, and each of them was rewarded by a pension of 20 l. a year, from the Corporation of London. The contents were of much importance, as being from the National Convention to their General Buonaparte, in Egypt. Harding afterwards shared upwards of 200-l. from the galleons taken on the 16th of October, by the Alemene and others.
So sensible was the Common Council of London of their merits, and so anxious to recompence them, that they made special enquiry, through their clerk, to the Board of Admiralty, in order to ascertain the circumstances and families of those brave men, and the above annuity was consequent upon that investigation.
On the 28th of October the fortified island of Goza, about five miles to the North-west of Malta, belonging to the Knights of that Order, surrendered to Captain Ball, of the Alexander; when Captain, now Major Cresswell, with a party of Marines, took possession of it.
The detachments from the Leviathan and Centaur had the honour of being attached to the Army, under General Stuart, to whom, and the squadron under Commodore Duckworth, the important island of Minorca capitulated, on the 15th of November, after a trifling resistance, and without the loss of one British Soldier.
His Sicilian Majesty took refuge on board of Lord Nelson's ship, and retired to Sicily on the 21st of December, as the French had possessed themselves of Naples. It fell to the lot of a branch of my Corps, under Lieut. Colonel Strickland, to be highly instrumental in restoring that Prince to the Neapolitan throne, in a short but brilliant campaign, during the summer of the ensuing year.
Few periods of our Naval history have presented so many instances of achievement on the home station, as that under discussion.
On the 21st of March a desperate action was fought between the Mars and La Hercule, of nearly equal force, both ships touching during the space of one hour and a half. English valour at last prevailed, but with a heavy loss. Captain Alexander Hood, who blended in himself all the talents and virtues of his ancestors, fell in the moment of victory; and Captain Joseph White, of Marines, shared his fate, while discharging the duty of a gallant Officer.
Much do I lament in not being able to commemorate the names of five brave privates of my Corps, who, with an habitual intrepidity, attempted to board the enemy, but dropping into the sea, were crushed between the sides of the contending ships.
The defence of the little islands of St. Marcou, against an immense flotilla of the enemy, manned with nearly 8000 Soldiers, is inferior to none of the many exploits of our arms. Garrisoned chiefly by Marines, I am well assured that their cool courage on the 7th of May was never surpassed, and it was indeed evidenced by a scene of carnage amongst their enemies, while their own casualties were limited to Thomas Hall, private, killed; Richard Dunn and Thomas Williamson, privates, and Thomas Banks, Seaman, wounded. The attack having been levelled against the westernmost island, although both were in the line of shot, prevented any efforts on the part of Lieut. Bourne, who commanded on the eastern battery. Much might have been otherwise expected from the abilities of that Officer, and the system of discipline he invariably maintained. He would have also been well seconded by Lieut.Lawrence, of my Corps, whose gallantry upon an ulterior occasion fully justifies my assertion.
Nothing could exceed the steadiness of Lieuts. Maughan and Ensor, of Marines. It was worthy of the Country and the service whose honour was in their hands.
Lieutenant (now Captain) Charles P. Price also mentioned the conduct of Serjeant Henderson, of the Royal Artillery, in handsome terms. Indeed, that body is outdone by none in the world, wherever it is called forth.
The capture of La Seine, French frigate, on the 29th of June, drew forth the encomiums of Captains Stirling and Milne, of the Jason and Pique, upon the spirit of Lieutenants Symes and Macdonald. The former of these amiable young men has now paid the debt of nature, but he will long be remembered by his friends. Lieutenant Ross was much distinguished in a very daring affair in the port of Corigiou, upon the morning of the 4th of August. After having carried the corvette Adventurier, a contrary wind sprung up, which exposed her, nearly two hours, to the fire of all the batteries, working out in a narrow passage which was at last effected. That Officer is also now no more.
Notwithstanding all the boasts of invasion, still the French dared not anything upon a scale of consequence. A few frigates landed General Humbert, who, with his followers, were made prisoners in Ireland; but not without making a respectable opposition.
It was reserved for our naval bulwarks to render abortive another attempt, and to give some creditable earnests of their Officers' talents and courage. On the 12th of October, Le Hoche of 80, the frigates Bellone, Coquille, and Ambuscade were taken by Sir John Warren's squadron. The decisive spirit of that gallant and rising character Captain Graham Moore, was fully shewn in the prompt attack of La Resolue of 40 guns and taking her before she could be supported by her consort. They were both superior in force to the Melampus. The conduct of Lieutenant Hole, and his party of Marines was mentioned in gratifying terms.
On the 20th of October another action, alike brilliant, was fought between the Fishguard, Captain Martin, and L'Immortalité, which, after a spirited contest of more than two hours, ended in the Frenchman's surrender.
Lieutenant Gerrard, of Marines, was wounded upon that occasion. So uniformly respectable, was the course of that Officer's life, and so creditable his services, that it may not be amiss to state here, a very honorable testimony subsequently bestowed upon him, from the Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the Fishguard. The gift of a sabre and belt was accompanied to him, with the following very flattering eulogium: "This sabre and belt are presented to 1st Lieut. Gerrard, of Marines, by those who served with him on board his Majesty's ship Fishguard, in memory of the action with L'Immortalité, the 20th October 1798, the boarding expeditions at the Saintes, Penmarks, Quimper, Noirmoutier, St. Matthew, St. Andero, and Corrunna; on which he served as a volunteer and bore so distinguished a part." He has recently been appointed to an Adjutancy at Plymouth vacated by the promotion of Captain Perceval.
La Loire frigate was engaged by the Mermaid, of 32, Captain Newman, who, after the most persevering courage, was obliged to relinquish the unequal combat, which afforded an additional test of the zealous intrepidity of Captain Durham, in the Anson, who, although much disabled by the prevailing gales, attacked and carried her after an hour and one quarter's dispute. First Lieut. W. A. Bell, of Marines, was wounded, and Captain Durham acknowledges the services he derived from him, as well as Lieutenant Derring, who superintended the carronades of the Anson, during the fight. The privates James Cummings and Robert Dillon were also wounded. Captain Countess, in the Ethalion, likewise took his bird.
By such successive exploits, was the invasion of Ireland averted, and so important were they deemed by the Nation, that its public thanks were expressed to Sir J. Warren, his Officers, Seamen, and Marines.
An unfortunate meeting between the Ambuscade and La Bayonnaire, of equal force, closed the transactions of 1798. So habituated are Englishmen to conquer on the sea, that they never reckon upon many accidents to which contests, on that element, are subject. The courage of Captain Jenkins could not compensate for his want of fortune. He and Lieutenant Sinclair, of Marines, were badly wounded, before the colours were struck, and the enemy, for once, successfully availed themselves of a panic, occasioned by the bursting of a gun, to gain her by boarding. (Taken from Chapter 43 'An Histoical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1798. Wednesday 3rd
January. George taken by Spanish privateers.
1798. Friday 5th
January. Pomone sank Cheri.
1798. Monday 8th
January. Kingfisher captured Betsy
1798. Sunday 14th
January. Sibylle and Fox at Caista Roads, Manilla.
1798. Yuseday 16th
January. Boats of Babel captured Desiree.
1798. Monday 22nd
January. Sibylle and Fox at Samboangon.
1798. Tueasday 23rd
January. Melampus captured Volage.
1798. Saturday 3rd
February. Speedy engaged Papillon.
1798. Friday 16th February.
Boats of Alfred captured Scipion.
1798. Sunday 25th February.
Marquis of Coburg sunk Revanche.
1798. Wednesday 21st
March. A desperate action was fought between the Mars and La Hercule, of nearly
equal force, both ships touching during the space of one hour and a half.
English valour at last prevailed, but with a heavy loss. Captain Alexander
Hood, who blended in himself all the talents and virtues of his ancestors, fell
in the moment of victory; and Captain Joseph White, of Marines, shared his
fate, while discharging the duty of a gallant Officer.
Quote, "Much do I lament in not being able to
commemorate the names of five brave privates of my Corps, who, with an habitual
intrepidity, attempted to board the enemy, but dropping into the sea, were
crushed between the sides of the contending ships." Alexander Gillespie.
1798. Thursday 22nd -
23rd March. Phaeton, Canada, and Anson engaged Charente.
1798. Sunday 8th - 9th
April. Diamond and Hydra in Caen River.
1798. Tuesday 17th April. Recovery captured Revanche.
1798. Saturday 21st April. During the early part of the year, the french government kept England in a state of alarm by the threat of an invasion; but while troops were assembling on the northern shores of France for the purpose of putting this plan into execution, a more serious and secret expedition was preparing at Toulon, which sailed from that port on the 19th of May under the command of general Buonaparte, as we shall presently relate.
The Mars, captain Alexander Hood, having distanced her companions, continued the pursuit of a ship of the line, which at 7 h. 30 m. p. m. evinced an intention to escape through the passage Du Raz. At 8h. 30 m. p.m., the Bee du Raz bearing north by east two or three miles, the french 74-gun ship Hercule, captain L'Heritier, finding it im- possible to work up against the strong current, came, to an anchor, and furled sails. At 9h. 15 m., the Mars having closed with the Hercule, both ships commenced the action at the same time, and captain Hood finding that the current would not admit of remaining under weigh, the Mars ranged a-head, let go her anchor, and then dropped alongside of her opponent at 9 h. 30 m. p. m. The cannonade continued until 10 h. 30 m., at which time, the Hercule having failed in two attempts to board, and being very much shattered, a french officer hailed that they had surrendered. The loss sustained by the Mars, out of a crew of 634 men and boys, amounted to her commander, captain Joseph White of the marines, and 20 killed, and 8 missing; 2 lieutenants, 1 midshipman, and 57 wounded. The Hercule had 290 men killed and wounded. The subalterns of marines on board the Mars, were first-lieutenant Christopher Epworth, second-lieutenants J. H. Hawkins and Walter Taite.
1798. Saturday 21st
April. Mars captured Hercule.
1798. Tuesday 24th
April. Pearl engaged two French frigates.
1798. Thursday 30th April. James Scott, Sergeant of Marines and John Easty noted that two Marines were missing. Easty wrote, about one o’clock in the afternoon Edward odges, Michell Towlien, Marines which belonged to rose hill and was doing Duty they went out Shooting and was Lost in the woods.
1798. Saturday 2nd May: James Scott recorded that a greyhound, which Tolan and Odgers had taken with then, returned to camp at Rosehill.
1798. Saturday 5th May.
Badger and Sandfly repulsed 52 gun brigs at Marcon.
1798. Wednesday 6th May: Scott wrote that he had abandoned all hope that Tolan and Odgers would be found, because of bad weather.
Their ration of provisions, except in being debarred from an allowance of spirits, was equal to that which the Marines received. Under these circumstances I record with pleasure, that they behaved better than had been predicted of them – To have expected sudden and complete reformation of conduct were romantic and chimerical Watkin Tench – on the convicts. (sic)
1798. Monday 7th May.
Victorieuse captured Brutus.
1798. Monday 7th May.
The Defence and Battle of the Islands of St. Marcou took place near the
Cotentin peninsula on the Normandy coast of France in May 1798 during the
French Revolutionary Wars. During 1795 a British garrison was set up on the
islands, which operated as a resupply base for Royal Naval ships cruising off
the coast of Northern France. Their strength was that of 500 Marines a few
sailors and 17 guns. Wanting to remove the British presence on the islands and
simultaneously test the equipment and tactics then being developed in France
for a projected invasion of Britain, the French launched a massed amphibious
assault on the southern island using over 50 landing ships and thousands of
troops. Although significant Royal Naval forces were in the area, a combination
of wind and tide prevented them from intervening and the island's 500-strong
garrison was left to resist the attack alone. The British suffer 1 killed and 4
wounded, while the French suffered 900 killed, 3000 wounded, 500 captured and 7
boats destroyed.
1798. Sunday 13th May. The 36-gun frigate Flora, captain R. G. Middleton, chased the french brig-corvette Mondovi, mounting 16 guns with a crew of 68 men, into the harbour of Cerigo, in the island of that name in the Archipelago; and on the same evening the boats of the frigate, under the orders of lieutenant William Russell, attacked the Mondovi, in face of a heavy fire from the brig and the boats which commanded the entrance of the harbour. She was nevertheless gallantly boarded and brought out with no greater loss on the part of the British than one marine killed; lieutenant Richard Parry of the marines (who was a volunteer on this service), and seven wounded. The Mondovi lost 1 killed, 4 drowned, and 8 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.
1798. Saturday 19th
May. Disembarkation at Ostend.
1798. Sunday 27th May.
Plymouth (Uniform). Light Infantry Officers ordered to wear on their shoulders
‘a Bugle, Horn and wings’.
1798. Tuesday 29th May. When the signal was made for the fleet to weigh, it was reluctantly complied with, and such ships as did get under sail soon returned to Yarmouth roads. Soon afterwards, but in the course of the day, with the exception of the Venerable and Adamant, who proceeded off the Texel, the whole returned to Yarmouth roads. Admiral Duncan, on finding himself deserted by his squadron, turned the hands up on board the Venerable, and thus addressed his crew,
" My Lads,
" I once more call you together with a sorrowful heart from what I have lately seen, the disaffection of the fleets: I call it disaffection, for the crews have no grievances. To be deserted by my fleet in the face of an enemy, is a crime which, I believe, never before happened to a british admiral; nor could I have supposed it possible. My greatest comfort, under God, duncan's address, is, that I have been supported by the officers, seamen, and marines of this ship; for which, with a heart overflowing with gratitude, I request you to accept my sincere thanks. I flatter myself, much good will result from your example, by bringing those deluded people to a sense of that duty which they owe, not only to their king and country, but to themselves.
" The british navy has ever been the support of that liberty which has been handed down to us by our ancestors, and which I trust we shall maintain to the latest posterity; and that can only be done by unanimity and obedience. This ship's company, and others who have distinguished themselves by their loyalty and good order, deserve to be, and doubtless will be, the favourites of a grateful country. They will also have, from their inward feelings, a comfort which will be lasting, and not like the floating and false confidence of those who have swerved from their duty.
" It has often been my pride, with you, to look into the Texel, and see a foe which dreaded coming out to meet us: my pride is now humbled indeed My feelings are not easily to be expressed; our cup has overflowed and made us wanton. The all-wise Providence has given us this check as a warning, and I hope we shall improve by it: on him, then, let us trust, where our only security can be found. I find there are many good men among us; for my own part, I have had full confidence in all of this ship, and once more beg to express my approbation of your conduct. May God, who has thus far conducted you, continue to do so; and may the british navy, the glory and support of our country, be restored to its wonted splendour, and be, not only the bulwark of Britain, but the terror of the world. But this can only be effected by a strict adherence to our duty and obedience; and let us pray that the Almighty God may keep us in the right way of thinking.
God bless you all"
This unassuming and impressive appeal to the generous character of english seamen, roused them to a proper sense of their duty, and they declared their resolution to support their admiral under all circumstances. Their example was followed by the other ships which had remained with the Venerable in Yarmouth roads, and notwithstanding the defection of so considerable a part of his squadron, admiral Duncan repaired to his station, to watch the motions of the dutch fleet.
The principal subject of complaint, on the part of the mutineers, was the unequal distribution of prize-money, for which they blamed their fellow-seamen at Portsmouth. Emboldened by the strength of their position, they resolved to persevere in, their demands and they proceeded to secure sufficiency of provisions by seizing vessels laden with stores; and they cut off all communication with London by placing four of their ships across the entrance of the Thames.
These transactions were warmly reprobated by the seamen at Portsmouth and Plymouth; who, admonishing their fellow-seamen at the Nore, condemned their proceedings as a scandal to the name of the british sailor; and they exhorted them to turn to their duty, and to be satisfied with the concession already obtained. But this warning proved ineffectual: the committee of delegates on board the Sandwich commissioned captain the earl of Northesk, whom they had in confinement on board the Montague, to lay their petition before the king in the name of the fleet. This address was loyal and respectful to his Majesty but reflecting severely on his ministers; and they threatened, in case of a refusal of their demands, to put imme- diately to sea. Not receiving an answer to their message, and learning tiat their proceedings were highly disapproved of by the nation at large, the mutineers, despairing of success, struck the red flag, and restored a free passage of the trade to the metropolis. Every ship was now left at its own command, and they all gradually returned to obedience; although on board of some, violent struggles took place between the loyal and the disaffected parties.
The principal ringleader of the mutiny, Richard Parker, was imprisoned, and after a trial on board the IN eptune which lasted three days, he was sentenced to death. He suffered with great intrepidity, acknowledging the j ustice of his sentence, and expressing his hope that mercy might be extended to his associates; but it was considered necessary to make public examples of the most guilty, who were accordingly tried, condemned, and executed. Others were sentenced to be severely flogged, wdiilst several remained under sentence of death until after the victory obtained by admiral Duncan off Camperdown, when his Majesty sent a general pardon to those unhappy men. The mutiny at Portsmouth and Plymouth may be attributed to he popular maxim, of the inherent right of all men to require an equitable treatment; and if denied them, to obtain it by force if other means proved insufficient. The unjust treatment of sailors in the navy was undeniable: it was a subject of ordinary discourse, and the impartial public loudly participated in their claims for redress.
There certainly was a reasonable pretext for the combinations at Portsmouth and Plymouth, but the formidable revolt at the Nore was not impelled by necessity, nor provoked by unjust aggression or neglect. It was impatience of authority, progressive in its demands, intent on civil discord and convulsion; and was rather the influence of malcontent incendiaries, than the genuine spirit of the English sailor. As soon as the determination of taking the ships to the Nore was made known, the officers of the Agamemnon declined doing duty, and retired to the ward-room, where they remained unmolested.
When the mutineers applied to captain David Wilson of the marines for the keys of the arm-chest, the gallant veteran, finding himself unsupported by captain Fancourt, threw the keys overboard, telling the delegates to go after them. On board this ship, as in many others, if the captain had shown a determination to resist the demands of the seamen, there is little doubt, but the spirit of insubordination would have been crushed.
Unhappily, there was a yielding timidity, that was soon taken advantage of by the daring leaders of this combination. Captain Fancourt declined calling on the marines to act; for the late Captain Edward Pelham Brenton of the navy, who was then a lieutenant of the Agamemnon, states, " that the captain, when urged to avail himself of the assistance of the marines, refused to do so, because some of the men would be shot, and he could not endure seeing them lying suffering on the deck; but with a little patience, there would be unanimity again" The marines would as zealously have obeyed their officers as they did on board the enerable and Adamant, had the opportunity been afforded them; and we find that, in the sequel, when there was some disaffection among the mutineers, the marines again showed their readiness to support the officers in regaining the command of their ships.
In the reply of the seamen to the lords commissioners of the Admiralty there is a passage referring to the claims of the marines, to this effect: — " And as a further proof of our moderation, and that we are actuated by a true spirit of benevolence towards our brethren the marines, who are not noticed in your lordships' answer, we humbly propose that their pay be augmented, while serving on board, in the same proportion as ordinary seamen."
The commissioners, in their consideration of this representation, resolved to recommend to his Majesty, " that none of the allowance made to the marines, when on shore, shall be stopped on their being embarked on board his Majesty's ships. We have also resolved, that all seamen, marines, and others serving in his Majesty's ships shall have the full allowance of provisions, without any deduction for leakage or waste."
The contaminating effect of insubordination extended beyond the discontented crews of the fleet, and evil-disposed persons on shore contrived to disseminate a spirit of disaffection among the troops; but their treacherous designs were overthrown by a firm and vigorous resistance. Serjeant Andrew Gilborn, for his loyalty on the occasion, was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant; and in the ensuing year Serjeant O'Neal obtained a similar reward for conduct equally praiseworthy, in detecting a conspiracy on board the 80-gun ship Caesar.
The following are copies of letters detailing these circumstances: —
" Marine Barracks, Plymouth, 9tk of July 1797.
Sir,
I have to request you will represent to my lords commissioners of the Admiralty, that serjeant Andrew Gilborn of this division was the man who was instrumental in discovering the late mutiny, and whose activity after the discovery enabled me to bring the charges home to the individuals who have suffered for it. His conduct appears to me to deserve some marked approbation; and I think if a commission was given him, in which opinion I am joined by major-general Campbell, the president of the court-martial, it would be a very strong incitement to the non-commissioned officers for similar exertions: his services have been in his situation various and meritorious, and he is a child of the service, his father for many years serving with credit here as a serjeant-major.
If their lordships should not think it right to give him a commission, I trust they will find it necessary to order him some other reward, to show good conduct does not pass unnoticed.
(Signed) J. BOWATER."
" E. Nepean, Esq."
"Admiralty Office, WthJuly, 1797.
Sir,
I have received and read to my lords commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 9th instant, recommending serjeant Andrew Gilborn to their lordships as deserving some marked approbation of his conduct in discovering the late mutiny, and whose activity afterwards enabled you to bring the charges home to the individuals who have suffered for it : and in return, I am commanded by their lordships to acquaint you, that in consequence of what has been stated of his good conduct, he has been promoted to the rank of second-lieu-tenant.
(Signed) E. NEPEAN."
" M. G. Bowater."
" Marine Barracks, Plymouth, 26tk August 1798.
Sir,
I beg you will lay the enclosed letter from captain Home before my lords commissioners of the Admiralty, and I have in justice to Serjeant O'Neal to state, that he was also very active in bringing forward evidence on the marines who mutinied and were shot here the 6th of July 1797. His family is also good, and his appearance much above his present situation; I therefore think it a part of my duty to say, if their lordships should be pleased to honour him with a commission, I think it would be rewarding merit.
(Signed) J. BOWATER."
" E. Nepean, Esq"
"Admiralty Office, 28th August 1798.
Sir,
I have received and read to my lords commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 26th instant, inclosing one you had received from captain Home, stating the meritorious behaviour of serjeant O'Neal in detecting the late conspiracy of the united Irishmen belonging to his Majesty's ship Caesar, and strongly recommending him to their lordships for promotion ; at the same time informing their lordships, that serjeant O'Neal was also very active in bringing forward evidence on the marines who mutinied, and were shot at Plymouth in July 1797, and recommending him to their lordships as meriting the reward of a commission ; and in return, I am commanded by their lordships to acquaint you, that in consequence of the good conduct of serjeant O'Neal on the occasions above stated, their lordships have been pleased to recommend him to his Majesty for a commission of second-lieutenant of marines, and that you should take care to let the cause of his promotion be generally known, as an inducement to other persons who may be placed under similar circumstances to follow so laudable an example.
(Signed) E. NEPEAN."
" M. G. Bowaterr (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1798. Wednesday 30th -
31st May. Hydra and consorts destroyed Confiante.
1798. May to September.
The Irish Rebellion was an uprising against British rule in Ireland. The
Republican Revolutionary group were heavily influenced by the ideas of the
American and French Revolutions, and were the main organising force behind the
rebellion.
1798. Saturday 16th
June. Boats of Aurora destroyed two vessels.
1798. Tuesday 19th
June. Aurora engaged off Adeira.
1798. Friday 22nd -Thursday 28th June. Only three vessels were spoken, and from these no intelligence could be obtained, nor was there any appearance of the enemy as the harbours of Alexandria opened to their view. A retrograde movement was now resolved upon, taking a more northerly course, and it was not until the 4th of July that the British made the coast of Natalia. The fleet continued beating to windward until the 16th, when the weather becoming more favourable, it anchored on the 19th in the harbour of Syracuse; and having obtained provisions and water, put to sea again on the 25th. It is remarkable that the two fleets crossed each other's track on the 22nd of June but as the weather was hazy, and the British sailed in close order, having no frigates to spread as look-out ships, the enemy was not discovered. It is equally striking, that as the british squadron quitted the shore on its departure from Alexandria, it was actually seen from the Pharos tower on the morning of the 30th, the very day on which the French, in the evening, made their appearance on the coast of Egypt. On leaving Syracuse, the rear-admiral directed his course to the Morea for as the enemy had not been seen in the Archipelago, nor in the Adriatic, and not gone down the Mediterranean, no other conclusion remained but that Egypt had been their destination. On the 28th the Culloden was despatched to Coron, whence she brought intelligence that the french fleet had been seen about four weeks since on the coast of Candia, steering south-east. The british ships now pursued that course, and on the 1st of August, at 10 a. m., the minarets of Alexandria made their welcome appearance but although the french flag was flying on the walls of the city, the enemy's fleet was not discovered. This disappointment was of short duration, for at 1 p. m. the Zealous signalled that seventeen ships of war, thirteen or fourteen of them in line of battle, were at anchor in a bay upon her larboard bow. The british fleet instantly hauled up, steering to the eastward under top-gallant sails, with a fine breeze at north-north-west. The enemy's fleet, which had been signalled by the Zealous, consisted of one ship of 120 guns, three of 80 guns, nine of 74 guns, and four frigates.
On first taking up this anchorage, vice-admiral Brueys held a council of war, composed of the flag-officers and captains, to determine whether, in case of attack, the fleet should engage at anchor or under sail. All the officers, except rear-admiral Blanquet, approved of the fleet's remaining at anchor; but he maintained, that it was only when a fleet could be supported by strong forts crossing each other in their fire, that any advantage could be gained by anchoring; and as the majority was against his opinion, the rear-admiral requested that the Franklin might be placed as one of the seconds to the commander-in-chief. Ihis request was complied with, and the ships were formed in line a-head in the following order:
Guerrier 74, Conquerant 74, Spartiate 74, Aquilon 74, Peuple-Souverain 74, Franklin 80, Orient 1 20, Tonnant 80, Heureux 74, Mercure 74, Guillaume Tell 80, Genereux 74, Timoleon 74, with the four frigates forming an inner line. The van ship bore from Aboukir island south, distance a mile and three quarters, and between each line of battle ship the distance was about 160 yards; so that the line occupied a space of about a mile and five-eighths, but the line was not a straight one; from the Orient, the centre ship, the van bore north-west, the rear ship south-east by south, and the Guerrier and Timoleon from each other about north-west half north, and south-east half south ; hence the line formed an obtuse angle, having its projecting centre towards the sea. Besides the bomb-vessels, which were stationed on the flanks of the line, a battery was erected on Aboukir island, mounting 4 twelve-pounders, a few pieces of lighter calibre, and 2 thirteen inch mortars. As soon as the french admiral was convinced that the British intended an immediate attack, he directed the necessary preparations for battle, and ordered each ship to lay out an anchor on the south-east, and to send a stream cable to the next ship astern of her, making a hawser fast to it, in order to spring her broadside towards the enemy. The british ships at 4 p.m. were ordered to prepare to anchor by the stern, and shortly afterwards the admiral made the signal to attack the enemy's van and centre thus, occupying the attention of only one half their line, while it was intended to place a british ship on the bow and quarter of every french ship of the seven brought into action. At 5 h. 30 m., the fleet being nearly abreast of the shoal, the signal was made to form in line of battle ahead and astern of the admiral, as most convenient ; and at 6 p. m. captain Hood, in the Zealous, by careful sounding, led the fleet, which on rounding the shoal brought the wind on their starboard beam, in the following order : — Goliath, Zealous, Orion, Audacious, Theseus, Vanguard, Minotaur, De-fence, Bellerophon, Majestic, Leander, with the Culloden at some distance to the northward, and beyond her the Alexander and Swiftsure, using every exertion to close with the squadron. Soon after the british ships had thus formed, they hoisted their colours, with jacks in various parts of the rigging.
At about 6h. 20 m. p.m., the french line having also hoisted their colours, the Conquerant and the Guerrier opened their fire upon the Goliath and Zealous, then in line close to each other, and at some distance a-head of the other ships. At 6h. 30 m. the Goliath crossed the head of the french line, and after pouring her broadside into the bows of the Guerrier, bore up for that ship's inner bow; but the anchor did not bring the ship up until abreast of the larboard quarter of the second ship, the Conquerant, and she then commenced a warm action with the latter. The Zealous, following the Goliath, brought up abreast of the inner and larboard-bow of the Guerrier, which was precisely the position captain Foley intended the Goliath to have taken, and in less than five minutes her fire brought down the Guerrier's fore-mast, just at the moment the sun was sinking into the horizon; and this auspicious commencement of the battle was greeted with three cheers from the british fleet. The Orion, after firing at the Guerrier in passing, rounded the Zealous on her starboard side, and passed the Goliath on the same side, intending to bring up abreast of the fourth ship, the Aquilon; but the Serieuse frigate having presumed to fire at the Orion, the latter opened upon her so effectually with her starboard guns, that the frigate, after being dismasted, drifted upon the shoal and sank : the Orion then dropped her anchor, and brought up, head to wind, abaft the Peuple-Souverain. Previous to the delay occasioned by the interruption of the Serieuse, the Theseus and Audacious had previously anchored; the former, steering close a-head of the Guerrier, and passing between the Zealous and Goliath, into whose opponents she successively fired in passing, anchored by the stern in line a-head of the Goliath, and abreast of the Spartiate. In the mean time the Audacious had anchored on the outside of the line, and on the starboard bow of the Conquerant.
Having detailed the proceedings of the leading ships, and explained the manner in which they took up their respective positions, it must be evident that this advantageous manoeuvre arose from pure accident, and was never premeditated by the victorious leader of the attacking squadron : it was entirely owing to the circumstance of the Goliath not bringing up in the situation assigned to her, and which incident induced captain Hood to place the Zealous in the position intended for the leading british ship. The two succeeding ships availed them selves of the opportunity which presented itself, of doubling in upon the van of the enemy; and by thus bringing their whole force upon the van and centre, the British were enabled to subdue a considerable portion of their opponents, and then fall upon the rear of the french line; which, until that moment, had been incapable of taking any part in the action.
The Vanguard, after receiving the fire of the van-ships as she edged away, anchored within eighty yards of the starboard beam of the Spartiate, at about 6 h. 40 m. p. m; and a few minutes afterwards the Minotaur, placing herself a-head of the Vanguard, brought up abreast of the Aquilon. At about 7 p.m. the Defence anchored on the starboard side of the Peuple Souverain, whilst the Bellerophon and Majestic passed on with the intention of attacking the ships in the centre and rear; and shortly after 7 p. m. the Bellerophon dropped her stern anchor abreast of the Orient. Soon afterwards the Majestic brought up abreast of the Tonnant, from whose heavy fire the british ship suffered severely, and lost her gallant captain.
To return to the proceedings in the van: the Guerrier continued to defend herself until 9 p.m., although exposed to the constant fire of the Zealous, who had placed herself in a position of comparative safety; and after being assailed by the raking broadsides of three other ships, and having lost her three masts, with more than 350 men killed and wounded, the Guerrier was taken possession of by the Zealous, whilst the latter had only seven men wounded. The Conquerant, unable to contend against her three opponents, was the first ship that surrendered: her fore and mizen-masts were shot away, and her main-mast in a falling state; and she sustained a heavy loss in killed and wounded. Of her principal opponents, the Goliath had 21 killed and 41 wounded; whilst the Audacious, from her secure position on the larboard bow, had only 1 killed and 35 wounded.
The Spartiate, after sustaining the fire of the Theseus, Vanguard, and Minotaur, and from the quarter-guns of the Audacious, and having lost all her masts, struck her colours about the same time as the Guerrier. The Vanguard was exposed to the raicing fire of the Aquilon as she sprung her broadside, until the Minotaur gave the french ship full occupation; and from the united fire of the Aquilon and Spartiate, the Vanguard sustained a loss of 30 killed, and 76 wounded.
The Aquilon, assailed by the Minotaur on her starboard side, and by the Theseus on the inner side of the line, was soon reduced to the same dismasted state as her three companions a-head; and at 9 h. 25 m. p.m. she struck her colours. The Minotaur had 23 killed and 64 wounded: and the Theseus 5 killed and 30 wounded.
The Peuple-Souverain lost her fore and main-masts by the close fire of the Defence and raking broadsides of the Orion, as the latter lay on the french ship's larboard quarter. The cable of the Defence having been shot away, she re-anchored abreast of the Orient. The Defence had only 4 killed and 11 wounded; while the Orion sustained a loss of 13 killed and 29 wounded.
The Bellerophon, from being exposed to the formidable broadside of the Orient, lost her mizen-mast, and then her main-mast at about 8 p.m. At about 8 h. 20 m. p.m., being entirely disabled, she cut her stern cable, and setting her sprit-sail, wore clear of the fire of her powerful opponent: but she had scarcely filled her fore top-sail, than her shattered fore-mast fell over her larboard bow. In drifting along the french rear, she received a broadside from the Tonnant, and some distant shots from the Heureux. The loss sustained by the Bellerophon amounted to 49 killed, and 14S wounded.
The Majestic anchored so close to the Tonnant, that her captain was killed by a musket-ball, about half an hour after the firing commenced. About 8 h. 30 m., finding she was drifting athwart the hawse of the Heureux, the Majestic slipped her stern cable, and letting go her best bower, brought up head to wind, having the Heureux on her starboard quarter; and shortly afterwards the Tonnant, after slipping her cable in consequence of the fire on board the Orient, brought up on the larboard bow of the british ship.
When the Alexander and Swiftsure had reached the island of Aboukir and expected soon to be round the reef that lies off its northern extremity, the wind shifted from north-north-west to north, which caused the Alexander, then on the lee bow of the Swiftsure, to tack, and consequently gave the lead to the latter ship. The Culloden having unfortunately grounded shortly after the commencement of the action, stuck fast on the reef off the island, and her signals enabled her two friends, as they successively came up, to round the shoal in safety.
About 8 p.m., just as the Bellerophon had withdrawn from the contest, the Swiftsure brought up by the stern, about half a ship's length from the spot the former had quitted, and opened a fire from her foremost guns at the starboard bow of the Orient, and her aftermost at the quarter of the Franklin ; whilst the Leander, who had recently arrived, (on account of her detention in rendering the Culloden assistance,) kept under weigh in the vacant space left by the Peuple-Souverain when she quitted the line, and poured a raking fire into the bows of the Franklin with impunity. Shortly afterwards the Alexander came rapidly up, passed through the opening which the Tonnant had left, and dropped her bow anchor, so as to bring her broadside to bear on the larboard quarter of the three-decker. About 9 p.m. a fire broke out on the poop of the Orient, which after spreading along the decks, and ascending the rigging with terrific rapidity, reached the magazine; and about 10 p.m. this superb ship blew up with a tremendous explosion. The vibration shook the ships severely, but the flaming mass very fortunately flew over the Swiftsure, whilst a few fragments fell on board the Alexander.
This melancholy catastrophe was so impressive, that it was full ten minutes before the mighty strife was renewed. By this time the wind, as if just recovering from the trance into which all nature had been hushed, freshened up; and as the breeze ruffled the water's surface, it seemed to bring reanimation to the appalled senses of the combatants.
The Franklin was the first to recommence hostilities by firing her lower deck guns at the Defence and Swiftsure, who returned the fire with powerful effect, as they lay close on her starboard bow and quarter. This gallantly fought ship, without a second ahead or astern, continued to defend herself until her main and mizen-masts went by the board; and being incapable of further opposition, she struck her colours about midnight. At this time no other french ship but the Tonnant continued the cannonade, while the Swiftsure, owing to the position of the Alexander, could make little or no return to the Tonnant's gall ing fire. The Majestic was still the principal opponent of this formidable ship, whose heavy fire brought down her main and mizen-masts at 3 a.m. on the 2nd; and shortly afterwards the Tonnant's three lower masts were shot away, but even this circumstance did not compel her to strike her colours.
At 4 a.m., just as the day broke, the firing recommenced between the Tonnant, Guillaume Tell, Genereux, and Timoleon on one side, and the Alexander and Majestic on the other. This renewal of the action brought the Theseus and Goliath to the spot, when the Artemise frigate fired a broadside and struck her colours, but she shortly afterwards caught fire and blew up. In the mean time the four french ships had dropped so far to leeward, as to be almost out of gun-shot of the British. The Goliath, Theseus, Alexander, and Leander stood towards the Heureux and Mercure, who had run themselves on shore to the southward of the bay and compelled them to surrender; but whilst attending to these ships, the Genereux and Guillaume Tell, with the frigates Justice and Diane, took the opportunity of getting under weigh, and effected their escape; receiving the fire of the Zealous in passing, which they returned, without doing any injury except to the sails and rigging.
The Tonnant and Timoleon were lying ashore mere wrecks, but both kept their colours flying until the approach of the Theseus and Leander on the morning of the 3rd, when the Tonnant surrendered; and shortly afterwards the Timoleon, having been set on fire by her crew, exploded. Thus, terminated this memorable battle, leaving in the hands of the British two ships of 80, and seven of 74 guns; whilst only two of the line and two frigates made their escape. he following is a statement of the british ships, in the order in which they led into action on the 1st of August 1798, showing the number of killed and wounded; also, the names of the officers of marines serving on board the respective ships: —
Goliath, 74 guns, captain T. Foley, 21 killed, 41 wounded. Lieutenants Charles Harvey and William Bulkley.
Zealous, 74 guns, captain Samuel Hood, 1 killed, 7 wounded. First-lieutenant William Vivion, second-lieutenant William Judson.
Orion, 74 guns, captain sir James Saumarez, 13 killed, 29 wounded. Captain John B. Savage, second-lieutenant Thomas Weaver.
Audacious, 74 guns, captain Davidge Gould, 1 killed, 35 wounded. Captain James Weir, lieutenants Richard McCarthy and Augustus Bozon.
Theseus, 74 guns, captain R. W. Miller, 5 killed, 30 wounded. Captain Thomas Oldfield, first-lieutenant George Beatty, second-lieutenant Arthur Hull.
Vanguard, 74 guns, rear-admiral sir Horatio Nelson, K.B., captain Edward Berry, 30 killed, 76 wounded. Captain-lieutenant William Faddy (killed), first-lieutenants Thomas Young and Christopher Noble, and second-lieutenant J. Hair.
Minotaur, 74 guns, captain T. Louis, 23 killed, 64 wounded. Second-lieutenant John S. Kirchner (killed), second-lieutenant John Jewell (wounded).
Defence, 74 guns, captain J. Peyton, 4 killed, 11 wounded. Captain William Binks, second-lieutenant James Wheeler.
Bellerophon, 74 guns, captain H. D'Esterre Darby, 49 killed, 148 wounded. Captain John Hopkins (mortally wounded), second-lieutenant John Wright.
Majestic, 74 guns, captain G. B. Westcott (killed), 50 killed, 143 wounded. Captain George Dunsmuire, first-lieutenant Robert Hart.
Leander, 50 guns, captain T. B. Thompson, 14 wounded. No marine officer.
Culloden, 74 guns, captain T. Troubridge. Captain-lieutenant James Knox, lieutenant Richard Barford.
Alexander, 74 guns, captain A. J. Ball, 14 killed, 58 wounded. Captain John Creswell (wounded), first-lieutenants Thomas B. Adair and John Scobell.
Swiftsure, 74 guns, captain B. Hallowell, 7 killed, 22 wounded. Captain Charles Allen, first-lieutenant James Short, second lieutenant John Witts.
Total, — 218 killed, and 678 wounded.
This glorious victory obtained rewards for the officers of every class. The rear-admiral was created a peer of Great Britain by the title of baron Nelson of the Nile and of Burham Thorpe, with a pension of £2000 per annum from the Parliament of England, and £1000 from that of Ireland. The senior lieutenants of each ship, and many inferior officers, were promoted; but the only reward conferred upon the marines was the brevet rank of major on the senior officer serving in the squadron, — captain Thomas Oldfield.
It is related of the late sir John Savage, who was captain of marines on board the Orion in the eventful battle before us, that when the ship was approaching her station, he thus laconically addressed his men as they were drawn up on the poop: — " My lads, do you see these ships; and do you see that land? Well, the ships are those of the enemy, and that is the land of Egypt; and if you don't give those Frenchmen a d — d good licking, you will very soon be in the house of bondage!"
The 50-gun ship Leander sailed from before Alexandria on the 6th of August, with the despatches from rear-admiral sir Horatio Nelson to the commander-in-chief on the Mediterranean station; and on the 18th, when within six miles of the west end of Goza de Candia, discovered a large ship coming towards her with a fine breeze from the southward, whilst the Leander lay becalmed. The stranger was the french 74-gun ship Genereux, which had escaped from the battle of the Nile, mounting 80 guns, with a crew of 936 men and boys; while the Leander mounted 51 guns of smaller calibre, and had only 282 men and boys on board.
At 9 a.m. the Genereux ranged up within half gun-shot on the Leander's larboard and weather quarter, both ships being under a press of sail; but finding an action inevitable, the Leander took in her canvas, and hauled up to bring her broadside to bear. On a shot being fired by the Genereux, a vigorous cannonade commenced on both sides, the ships nearing each other until 10 h. 30 m. a. m., when the french ship struck the Leander on her larboard bow and dropped alongside. A spirited and well-directed fire from the marines on the poop of the Leander, commanded by serjeant James Dair, (no officer having arrived on board since the death of lieutenant Raby Robinson, who was killed at Tenerifie,) and from the small-arm men of the quarter-deck, prevented the enemy in their attempts to board.
A light air springing up, the Genereux forged a-head and disentangled herself from the Leander, now lying with her mizenmast over the starboard quarter, her fore top-mast over the larboard bow, and both her lower yards on the booms. In this crippled condition the Leander, by the aid of her sprit-sail, wore under the stern of her antagonist, and raked her with great effect. The cannonade continued without intermission until 3 h. 30 m. p.m., when the Genereux, by the aid of a light breeze, was enabled to station herself on the larboard bow of her opponent. The Leander was now totally ungovernable; not a stick standing, save the bowsprit and the shattered remains of the fore and main-masts, and the ship's hull was cut to pieces. In this defenceless state the Leander, on being hailed by her opponent, signified she had surrendered. Her loss amounted to 35 killed and 57 wounded, out of a reduced crew of 282 men and boys. Of this number serjeant James Dair and 7 marines were killed, and 9 privates wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1798. Tuesday 26th -
27th June. Seahorse captured Sensible.
1798. On the 26th of June the 36-gun frigate Sensible, on her passage from Malta to Toulon with despatches, was fallen in with by the 38-gun frigate Seahorse, captain Edward James Foote, who, after a chase which continued from 4 p. m. until 4 a.m. on the 27th, came up with the trench frigate, and a close action was maintained for about eight minutes; when the Sensible, having lost 18 men killed, her captain and 36 wounded, hauled down her colours. Lieutenant Francis Wemyss was serving on board the Seahorse. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1798. Friday 29th June.
Pique and Jason captured Seine.
1798. Wednesday 11th
July. Boats of Regulus captured three vessels.
1798. Sunday 15th July. At 9 a. m., the Lion of 64 guns, captain Manley Dixon, when near Carthagena, fell in with four Spanish 34-gun frigates, who were formed close in order of battle, on the larboard line of bearing. The third from their van, the Dorotea, having her fore top-mast gone, the Lion bore down and made this ship her principal object of attack. The other three frigates tacked in succession and passed the Lion very gallantly within musket-shot, receiving the broadside of the british ship as they passed. Captain Dixon continued to pursue the Dorotea, who kept up a galling fire from her chase guns. The three frigates having again tacked, made a second attempt to support their friend but they were repulsed by a broadside from the Lion as she closed with the Dorotea, who still nobly defended herself, whilst her consorts made a third and ineffectual attempt to rescue her. The Lion now wore round on the same tack as the Dorotea, who, being abandoned by her friends, with her mizen-mast over the side, and having sustained a loss of 20 men killed and 23 wounded, hauled down the Spanish colours. The Lion suffered considerably in her masts and rigging, but she had only 2 men wounded. The officers of marines were lieutenants Philip Patriarche and John C. Hoskins.
For some months past great exertions were made in the southern ports of France in equipping the expedition intended for the invasion of Egypt, and on the 19th of May this formidable armament sailed from Toulon. It consisted of thirteen sail of the line, eight frigates, two Venetian sixty-fours, six fri gates en flute, with various smaller vessels; numbering together seventy-two vessels of war, and when joined by vessels from other ports, a total of 400 transports. This immense fleet, whose crews amounted to 10,000 men, conveyed 36,000 troops, and the whole force was under the command of Napoleon Buonaparte.
The fleet first steered for Genoa and having been joined by the transports in that port, stood across to Cape Corse, and remained in sight of the eastern coast of Corsica until the 30th. It then sailed along the island of Sardinia, in expectation of the convoy from Civita Vecchia but after waiting until the 7th of June, the fleet proceeded without the looked-for reinforcement. On the 8th the expedition quitted the coast of Sicily, and on the 9th, when in sight of the islands of Goza and Malta, was joined by the Civita division of transports. The troops effected a landing on the 10th, and on the 12th the islands of Malta, Goza, and Comino surrendered by capitulation.
After a stay of four days, Buonaparte quitted Malta on the 19th of June, leaving general Vaubois with 4000 troops in possession of the island. The expedition steered a direct course to the eastward, the advanced frigates detaining and destroying every vessel they fell in with, to prevent the circulation of in- telligence respecting the probable destination of the fleet; and on the morning of the 1st of July, the minarets of Alexandria were discerned by the leading ships. Learning that an english squadron had appeared on the coast, Buonaparte expedited the landing of part of the army; and on the 2nd, after an action in which the French had many killed and wounded, including general Kleber among the latter, they obtained possession of Alexandria. In the course of the next day the remainder of the troops were disembarked, and the ships of the line and four frigates proceeded to the bay of Aboukir; where we take leave of them for a short time, to introduce a subject of greater interest.
Rear-admiral sir Horatio Nelson having returned to England to recruit his health, after the unsuccessful and disastrous attack on Santa Cruz, arrived off Cadiz in the Vanguard on the 29th of April, and on the 2nd of May repaired to Gibraltar, where, being joined by the Orion and Alexander, seventy-fours, two frigates and a sloop, he sailed thence on the 9th. On the 22nd, in a heavy gale, the Vanguard carried away her main and mizen top-masts, and then her fore-mast, and consequently proceeded to the harbour of St. Pietro, in Sardinia, in company with the two other line of battle ships. Having got up a jury fore-mast, the Vanguard and her companions put to sea on the 27th, and steered for the rendezvous off Toulon, which they reached on the 31st. On the 5th of June the Mutine brig apprized sir Horatio that ten ships of the line were on their way to join him; and on the evening of the 7th this reinforcement placed themselves on the orders of the rear-admiral, making his force thirteen sail of the line, one of 50 guns, and a brig.
The squadron, after being some days detained by a calm, steered towards the island of Corsica, where it arrived on the 12th, and then pursued its course along the shore of Tuscany, with a fine breeze at north-west. On the 17th they stood into the bay of Naples, and learning that the French had coasted the island of Sardinia, and probably proceeded to Mlta, the rear-admiral again got under sail; but the light airs during the two succeeding days so retarded the progress of the squadron, that it was not until the morning of the 20th that it entered the straits of Mes-ina. Receiving intelligence of the French being in possession of Malta and Goza, and that their fleet was lying at anchor at the latter place, the British were soon clear of the straits, and the island of Malta was now their destination. At day-break on the 22nd it was ascertained from a ragusian brig, which had the day before passed through the french fleet, that the enemy quitted Malta on the 18th, with the wind at northwest; it was therefore conjectured that Alexandria was their destination, and accordingly the british fleet immediately bore up, and steered south-east under all sail. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1798. Thursday 26th
July. Brilliant engaged Vertu and Regenre.
1798. Wednesdat 1st
August - Friday 3rd August. The Battle of the Nile took place. France had
declared war on Britain during 1793, where upon several Naval battles took
place between the two countries. One of the most famous victories was the
battle of the Nile. The Lieutenant of Marines in Nelson’s flagship wrote,
“Fought the French fleet at anchor off Alexandria, consisting of 13 sail of the
line and several frigates, took 10 sail of the line and burnt one three decker
and one frigate and sunk one frigate. Captain Faddy of the Marines and six
privates killed and seven wounded.” The total British losses were 218 killed
and 677 wounded, while the French losses were very high and estimated at around
3 to 4000 casualties, with a further 3000 captured, 2 ships of the line and 2
frigates were destroyed, and 9 ships of the line captured.
1798. Saturday 4th
August. Boats of Melpomene and Childess captured Aventurier.
1798. Tuesday 7th
August. Espoir captured Liguria.
1798. Tuesday 7th
August. Indefatigable captured Vaillante.
1798. Sunday 12th
August. Hazard captured Neptune.
1798. Saturday 18th
August. Leander captured by Gentreux.
1798. Wednesday 22nd
August. Naiad and Magnanime captured Decade.
1798. Wednesday 2nd
September. The Siege of Malta was a two year blockade by the British of the
French occupied garrison of Valletta the largest city on the Island. That had
been captured by a French expeditionary force during earlier during 1998. The
garrison held over 3,000 men under the command of Claude Henri Belgrand de
Vaubois and was besieged for over two years, eventually surrendering on
Wednesday 2nd September 1880.
1798. Friday 7th
September. Phaeton and Alison captured Flore.
1798. Saturday 22nd September. During the night the 32-gun frigate Hermione, captain Hugh Pigot, was cruising off the west end of Porto Rico, when a most daring and unexampled mutiny broke out on board of her. It appears that captain Pigot had threatened to flog the last man off the mizen top-sailyard, after reefing top-sail and the men well knowing from his determined character that he would keep his word, each hastened to get into the top, and in their eagerness to escape punishment, two poor fellows, missing their hold, fell on the quarter-deck, when both were killed. The circumstance being reported to the captain, he brutally replied, " Throw the lubbers overboard."
This tyrannical conduct, coupled with a succession of acts of oppression, produced such increasing discontent, that on the following night the men loudly expressed their dissatisfaction, and on the first-lieutenant going among them to inquire the cause of the disturbance, the wretches cut his throat with a tomahawk, and then threw him overboard. The captain, hearing a noise, ran on deck, but was driven back with repeated wounds; and his coxswain and three other seamen, having followed him into his cabin, forced him out of the windows.
In a similar manner the mutineers proceeded with eight other officers, cutting and mangling their victims in the most cruel manner; and the only officers that escaped were the master, gunner, carpenter, and one midshipman (David O'Brien Casey). We have gone somewhat into the details of this revolting act of cruelty to show, that although the tyrannous conduct of captain Pigot had driven the men to desperation, yet the marines were not unmindful of the trust reposed in them; and the following evidence of the captain's steward, extracted from the minutes of the court-martial, testify that, even under such aggravating circumstances, a marine was still faithful to the trust reposed in him. " On the 21st of September, about 11 p.m., I left the cabin, after extinguishing the light, and went to my hammock under the half-deck, where I had lain but a few minutes, when I heard a confused noise of people round the main-mast. The next thing I heard was, the bulk-head of the cabin burst through, and a number of people rushing in. I immediately jumped out of my hammock, and saw the sentinel at the cabin door, bleeding. I entreated him, for God's sake, to tell me what the matter was. He said that some of the people had broke into the cabin, and were murdering captain Pigot, begging me at the same time to keep out of the way, as they had been asking for me." This clearly proves that the marine was firm to his duty, and by resisting the mutineers in their attempt to enter the cabin, he probably fell a victim to his loyalty. The captain, three lieutenants, purser, surgeon, captain's clerk, one midshipman and lieutenant of marines, were murdered. The ship was carried into La Guyra, a port of the Spanish main; and was recaptured by the boats of the Surprise, as related in our account of the transactions of 1799. . (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1798. Friday 12th -
14th October. A larger French force consisting of 3,000 men, and including
Wolfe Tone attempted to land in County Donegal near Lough Swilly. Later it
became known as the battle of Donegal They were intercepted by a larger Royal
Naval squadron, and finally surrendered after a three hour battle without being
able to land in Ireland. It was the last action of the Irish Rebellion of 1798.
The battle also brought to an end the French trying to land soldiers in
Ireland. Wolfe Tone was tried by a court-martial in Dublin and found guilty. He
asked for death by firing squad, but when this was refused, Tone cheated the
hangman by slitting his own throat in prison on Monday 12th November, and died
a week later.
1798. Friday 12th
October – Sunday 14th October. Warrens Victory Off Ireland. Captain R. Williams
of the Marines lowered a boat and took possession of the French ship La Hoche
with 50 officers of ranks on board going to join the rebel forces in Ireland,
and also the notorious Wolf Tone, at whose subsequent trail in Dublin he was a
principle witness. A pair of large engravings of this action were published by
an officer of Marines who was present on board HMS Canada.
1798. Tuesday 16th
October. Kangaroo engaged Loire.
1798. Wednesday 17th
October. Mermaid engaged Loire.
1798. Thursday 18th
October. Anson and Kangaroo captured Loire.
1798. Saturday 20th
October. Fisgard captured Immorlalite.
1798. Wednesday 24th
October. Sirius captured Furie and Waakzamheid.
1798. Sunday 28th
October. The fortified island of Goza, about five miles to the North-west of
Malta, belonging to the Knights of that Order, surrendered to Captain Ball, of
the Alexander. When Captain, later Major Cresswell, along with a party of
Marines, took possession of it.
1798. Sunday 28th -
29th October. Cesar and consorts engaged four French frigates.
1798. October. Malta.
300 Marines served on shore during the blockade of Valetta under Major Weir who
raised an efficient Regiment of Maltese. Castle of Gozo occupied by Captain J.
Creswell and detachment Marines.
1798. Wednesday 7th
November – 14th November. The reduction of Minorca. Captain Minto with Marines
of HMS Centaur and HMS Leviathan.
1798. Monday 3rd
December. Victorieuse and consorts at Trinidad.
1798. Friday 7th
December. Perdrix captured Armee d'Italie.
1798. Friday 14th
December. Aminscale captured by Bayonnaise.
1798. During the
disturbances that took place in various parts of the kingdom, the loyalty of
the troops was unshaken, and the example of devotion to their Sovereign which
was first shown by the Marines at Chatham, then commanded by Lieutenant General
Innes, was eagerly followed by the soldiers of the line in that garrison. The
public journals were daily filled with the loyal resolutions of various Corps,
and the seditious designs of the secret agitators entirely frustrated. Sergeant
Pinn of the Chatham division particularly distinguished himself upon this
occasion, and as a recompense for his excellent conduct the Lieutenant General
granted him his discharge, but as this was done without the sanction of the
Board of Admiralty the general was tried by a court martial for a breach of the
Articles of War. Although there was no positive sanction of the Board for the
step he had taken, yet it appeared in evidence that the Earl of St. Vincent,
(then the first Lord,) in a conversation with General Innes upon the subject,
had approved of the measure, consequently the court pronounced an honourable
acquittal. His Royal Highness the Duke of York, commander of the forces, wrote
to Lieutenant General Innes, expressing his high approbation of the loyalty and
example shown by the Chatham division, and the Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty also conveyed their satisfaction of their loyalty and zeal.
1798. Its recorded that
tobacco was introduced in the navy, mostly for chewing, but was known and used on
shore long before this time.
1799. Twenty thousand Marines formed the establishment of 1799.
An event truly brilliant in itself, and most important in its results, claim a merited precedence in my narrative of the transactions of this year. I mean, the noble defence of St.
Jean d'Acre, in the land of Palestine. Yielding to the habitual sentiments of my mind, I am always led to exult in any occasion, upon which the energies of the Soldier, but more especially of my corps, have been conducive to the protection, or the aggrandisement of commerce. It constitutes the very vitals of our Country and demands the fostering care of every member of it. The world is well apprised of the ambitious views which directed the expedition of Bonaparte to Egypt. Although his army had been cut off from all intercourse with France ever since the decisive battle of Aboukir, still the inventive resources of his genius had established within a few months, a little independent Empire guided by social institutes, and a regulated police. Versatile and accommodating in his principles, they always veered with his interests, and he knew human nature too well not to make them subservient to the religious prejudices of these superstitious natives, over whom he had usurped a government. Wherever hostility appeared, it was successively overcome, and his dominion over Lower Egypt might be said to have been complete at the opening of 1799.
This solid position, on the high road to our valuable possessions in the East, soon awakened all the active jealousy of the British Nation. Although secrecy had marked the steps of this unprincipled and hypocritical crusader, still they were guessed at, and traced by an enlightened Cabinet.
Sir Sidney Smith was selected to arrange and animate a plan for chacing this encroacher from his strong holds, who sailed from England for Constantinople, vested both with diplomatic as well as military powers, in the Autumn of 1798.
Having reached the Ottoman Capital, he, in union with his brother, discussed and signed a treaty of triple alliance between Great Britain, Russia, and the Turk. The outlines of future operations were also framed, which suggested an attack by the Pacha Djezzar from the deserts of Syria, upon the frontiers of Lower Egypt, who was to be seconded by an Army, penetrating across Asia Minor, while a maritime diversion took place at the different mouths of the Nile, and the remnants of Mourad Bey's forces, already twice defeated, should adopt a harassing system from the Upper Province.
Bonaparte having learned the active views of Djezzar, and the arrival of Sir Sidney, which foreboded instantaneous hostility, resolved to anticipate their schemes, and to march into Syria. After having adjusted all his measures in Lower Egypt, he put his Army in motion early in February, consisting nearly of 12000 men. To detail his progress across the deserts would exceed my limits.
Upon the 10th of that month Bonaparte, in person, left Cairo to head his troops, whom he joined at El Arisch on the 17th; which village and its castle, were completely gained on the 25th. Ghazah likewise surrendered, and Jaffa, that theatre of his indelible crimes, was carried by storm upon the 7th of March. After the most incredible hardships, and many a harassing contest with the numerous Mamelukes, the French Army ascended the heights which command St. Jean d'Acre, upon the morning of the 18th of March, and commenced its investment.
Sir Sidney had employed this momentous interval, in a train of judicious measures. Leaving Constantinople on the 19th of February, he arrived off Alexandria upon the 3d of March, where he relieved Commodore Trowbridge, and assumed the command of the Naval Forces.
That city had been long closely blockaded by Capt. Hood, and Sir Sidney, anxious to divert the French from their purposes against Syria, commenced its bombardment, but perceiving it fruitless, he proceeded for that coast in order to rally its affrightened Pacha, and to intercept the battering cannon destined for the siege of St. Acre, which he well knew must be transported by sea.
His conceptions were most prophetic, and all his plans were executed in a masterly stile. Reaching Caiffe upon the 11th of March, he afterwards steered for St. Jean d'Acre, where he arrived on the 15th, and concerted a system of defence with Djezzar.
On the 18th he chaced and captured the looked for flotilla off Cape Carmel, afterwards landed the ammunition it contained, and mounted the heavy cannon upon the ramparts of the Syrian bulwark and capital. Its works were much strengthened under the able eye of Colonel Philippeaux, and never were a few critical hours better applied than those which preceded the investment of St. Acre. The greater part of the Marines of the Tygre, Theseus, and Alliance were disembarked, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel (now Sir John) Douglas, who was vested by Sir Sidney with the Brevet Commission of Colonel, in order that the Turkish Forces, and the Seamen, who were also landed, might be under his orders.
From the 17th to the 23d of March the boats of the Tygre and Theseus were constantly employed in union with some gun vessels, in harassing the enemy's posts, checking his approaches, and cutting off his coasting supplies, upon which services Lieutenant Burton and the Marines under his command were distinguished for persevering gallantry.
Upon the 20th the French opened their trenches against the front of the salient angle, on the East side of the town, and within 900 yards. Between that and the 1st of April, they kept up a cannonade, when it appearing to the enemy that a breach had been made in the tower, against which their fire had been levelled, and conceiving also that the counterscarp had suffered from a mine they had sprung, the republicans advanced to storm it. In both, however, they were deceived; and though the Turks were at first panic struck yet stimulated by the heroic examples of the Seamen and Marines, they returned to their post, and continued to pour down a shower of stones and grenades upon the assailants, until they retired with a heavy loss.
The squadron having been driven from its anchorage in the Bay, encouraged the French to push on their approaches to the counterscarp, a part of which they destroyed, and also made a lodgment in the North East angle of the wall, whence they began to undermine the tower. To avert its effects a sortie was deemed, advisable on the 7th of April, in which the British Seamen and Marines were to dash into the mine, while the Turks were to attempt the republican trenches to the right and left. Colonel Douglas led this attack, in three columns, at the head of each of which were the Marines, just before the break of day, and it would, most probably, have been a surprize, if the undisciplined clamour of their Mahometan Allies, had not proclaimed their approach to the enemy.
This handful of Seamen and Marines carried the first and second lines of the French trenches, parallel to the mine, although defended by the flower of Buonaparte's Army, and maintained them, until the mine was destroyed by the gallant exertions of Lieutenant White and his Sailor pioneers. That Officer very much distinguished himself, and with many others, who were badly wounded, was indebted for an escape from captivity to the cool intrepidity of Sir John Douglas and the remains of his little detachment, who bore them off into the garrison amidst a tremendous fire from the enemy.
I must here pause to render justice to the memory of one of the mildest and bravest of men, who unfortunately fell upon that day.
I mean Major Thomas Oldfield of the corps of Marines. No eulogy of mine is necessary to adorn his tomb. I go to the records of a brave foe, where his epitaph is written, and who witnessed and recognized his valour. It is the honest testimony of a Soldier of Gen. Berthier, whose own name has often been conspicuous amongst the splendid details of the Armies of France. He speaks in these emphatic terms: "On the 18th Germinal (7th April) the enemy, at break of day, came on with an attack on our left and our centre; each column was headed by British Marines belonging to the ships, and their colours were seen waving with those of Djezzar, and the batteries were all manned by English troops. The enemy made an attempt to surprize our advanced posts; but their design was seen through. We received them with a brisk fire from our parallels, and all that appeared were either killed or wounded. The enemy ultimately retired without gaining an inch towards destroying our works. The central column acted with more obstinacy. Their object was to penetrate to the entrance of our mine; they were commanded by Major Thomas Oldfield. He advanced boldly towards the entrance of the mine, at the head of some of his intrepid countrymen; they attacked like heroes and were received by heroes; death only checked their bold career; the remainder retreated and took refuge in the fortress. The approaches of our parallels remained covered with the dead bodies of English and of Turks. The corpse of Major Thomas Oldfield was carried off by our Grenadiers, they brought him to our Head Quarters, he was on the point of death, but on his arrival, he was no more. His sword, to which he had done so much honour, was also honoured after his fall--it remains in the hands of one of our Grenadiers; he was buried amongst us and has carried with him the esteem of the whole French Army."
This was the effusion of a brave enemy. I will superadd the animated address of Sir Sidney Smith to a meeting of the Anniversary of the Naval Asylum, on the 2d of June 1802, and with it shall close this tributary theme.
After having spoken of the many virtues of the amiable Captain Miller, Sir Sidney thus enlarges upon the merits of his departed friend, Major Oldfield: "The next is Major Oldfield, of the Marines. I will tell the company where the body of this brave man was contended for, and they will judge where and how he died; it was a sortie of the garrison of St. John D'Acre, when attacked by General Buonaparte, that Major Oldfield, who commanded a column, was missing. On our troops advancing he was found his body was found at the mouth of one of the enemy's mines, and at the foot of their works. Our brave men hooked him by the neckcloth as he lay dead, to draw him off; the enemy at the same time pierced him in the side with a halbert, and each party struggled for the body. The neckcloth gave way, and the enemy succeeded in dragging to their works this brave man; and here I must do them justice, which such gallant foes are justly entitled to, they buried him with all the honours of war."
Lieut. Beattie, of Marines, was wounded in this ever-memorable sortie, which reflected a bright lustre upon all that composed it.
The personal attention of Buonaparte to the operations of the siege was soon after diverted to another object, in repelling the bold attacks of the Samaritan Arabs, whom, by a train of able measures, he beat in every part of an extended line, and drove them across the Jordan.
My bounds will not allow me to detail the many incidents of this brilliant siege, where perseverance was constantly opposed to vigorous effort.
On the 1st of May, the French having cannonaded and made a breach, they a fourth time risqued a storm, but they were repulsed with heavy loss. The flanking fire from two ravelins run out on each side of the enemy's nearest approach, and in which the Marines of the Tigre and Theseus, to the admiration and gratitude of the Turkish garrison, worked and fought, though exposed to an incessant discharge upon them, contributed chiefly to the salvation of the place upon that day. The disposition of those ships, and of the inferior craft, was so judicious, that the republican trenches were unceasingly annoyed. These progressive duties afforded many tests of Naval zeal and courage. The early fall of Captain Wilmot, of that Corps, was felt a heavy loss, as he was an excellent Officer and a worthy man. The unfortunate death of Colonel Philippeaux would have been considered as an irretrievable disaster, if it had not been compensated by the active talents of Sir John Douglas, upon whom devolved the additional cares of an Engineer. These were much lessened by the co-operating abilities of Sir Sidney Smith, whose scientific and comprehensive mind promptly embraces a wide scope of knowledge, and its dictates are ever quickly pushed into action by the energies of a resolute soul.
The ravelins upon which the Marines worked, within ten yards of the enemy's approaches, were in a progress of completion between the 2d and 8th of May, and were each night assailed by the French, who were as often repulsed, in nine different attempts to storm, with immense slaughter. The gallantry of my Corps, in all, exceeds praise. Many sorties were made to incommode their covering works, and most unprecedented were the bodily fatigues and mental anxiety of all.
The republicans had some time past opened with heavy guns, which they had received from Jaffa, and from which a serious impression was made upon the works of the garrison. Resorting to fresh expedients, Buonaparte tried to effect a new breach in the eastern curtain, by a sap and mine; but the unremitting activity of the brave defenders of Acre, by making approaches underground, destroyed the frame-work and his hopes. Again, directing his attacks upon the Tower, an effort to establish a lodgement in the glacis was once more unavailing.
Fifty-one days of vindictive and unceasing contest, save those short intervals necessary to recruit exhausted nature, had elapsed, when the garrison beheld their long-expected reinforcements under Hassan Bey.Foiled in every essay to carry the place, Buonaparte saw with grief and disappointment this flotilla, which was to blast all his ambitious schemes, and to relieve his now almost worn-out opponents. With a desperate ardour, impelled by wounded pride, he lost not a moment to prepare and advance to the assault, in the sanguine idea that by one bold effort he might consummate his ardent wishes before Hassan's troops could land. At ten, on the night of the 7th of May, the carnage began. Mr. Scroder, Master's Mate of the Theseus, from an 18 pounder in the Light House Castle; a 24, under Mr. Jones, Midshipman of the Theseus, mounted in the north ravelin, and two 68 pound carronades, under the direction of Mr. Bray, carpenter of the latter ship, which threw shells from two germes in the Mole, added to the Turkish musquetry, committed dreadful havoc amongst the French columns in moving on to the attack. Much might be said were I to diverge upon the many chequered events of the night and the following day. The morning's dawn displayed the enemy's standard flying on the outer angle of the Tower, which their intrepidity had carried, having ascended on its ruins. Here they made a lodgment by two traverses across the ditch, constructed and filled with sand bags, and the bodies of their dead.
Feeble is my panegyric of the unsurpassed heroism, the decisive resources, the conciliating address, and bold expedients of Sir Sidney Smith, during 25 hours of almost constant action. They have been but rarely equalled and will never be outdone. He was well seconded by his able coadjutor Sir John Douglas, who combines a natural perseverance of character with the most manly judgment.
Their virtues transcended to every subordinate rank and animated all.
The British uniform was everywhere, even in the individual, a rallying point, and my Countrymen and my Corps, through this unrivalled defence, lay claim to the pre-eminent glory of having fixed a barrier to the boundless ambition of Buonaparte, and of republican France. Egypt was conquered at Acre, and India preserved. The Turks, aroused by the daring examples of a few British Seamen and Marines, performed feats of enthusiastic valour, and the French were driven, with immense slaughter, from every hold.
The dispirited and reduced state of the Army before Acre, in consequence of these heavy losses, urged Buonaparte to withdraw the division of Kleber, from the fords of the Jordan. Much was anticipated from this Corps, from its recent good conduct near to Nazareth. It was early destined to ascend that breach, in which so many of their countrymen had fallen victims. But the gallant sortie of a Turkish regiment, anxious to wipe away the stigma of indiscipline, cut out sufficient work for them, and carried the third parallel of the enemy. Their forward zeal exposed them to some loss in pushing on to the second trench; but they found sufficient employ for Kleber, who, instead of proceeding against the breach, was obliged to devote all his efforts to regain his works.
The attacks upon the 10th of May, were the last vigorous essays of the French to carry St. Acre. Hitherto, lavish of blood, Buonaparte saw its ineffectual waste, and the Soldiery perceiving themselves offered up as daily sacrifices to his insatiable ambition, lost all their ardour. Unrestrained by the principles of honour, he resorted to the blackest treachery, and the unexampled refuge of a Soldier--that of poisoning his opponent, and demanding a cessation of arms, in order to break it. His vain attempt to subdue a brave garrison during this sacred interval, in one day withered all his laurels, most impressively delineated his genuine character, and will one day be numbered amongst his crimes, by the historian of that country which he now rules with tyrannic despotism.
Precluded from every hope of success, Buonaparte retreated in disorder from before the walls of Acre, during the night of the 20th of May, Sir Sidney and his brave associates did not fail to pursue him, and to annoy his flying columns along the sea beach, while the Arabs, assembled by his counsels, harassed their rear.
Thus, ended this memorable siege, during which, 53 British Seamen and Marines were killed, 13 drowned, 113 wounded, and 32 taken prisoners. It has immortalized every gallant fellow who bore a part in it.
The services of Sir Sidney Smith and Colonel Douglas did not terminate here. Although in many instances they were unfortunate, through Turkish indiscipline, they were still splendid in their nature, and momentous in their consequences.
Sir Sidney, returning to Cyprus, by his zeal and the general esteem in which he was held, raised an army of 13,000 men, which, being united to the Turkish fleet, and some English Seamen and Marines, proceeded to Aboukir, were landed, and headed by Colonel Douglas, who volunteered to lead them against Buonaparte in person. The Turks taking flight, were all either killed or taken, and their Chief, with Colonel Bromley, a French Emigrant Officer, owed their preservation from the sabres of the republican cavalry by riding into the sea, where they were picked up by Sir Sidney, who bravely rowed in shore, and kept their pursuers in awe, with a field-piece in the bow of his boat.
A second army, collected from Rhodes and other islands, attacked the French at Damietta, under Sir Sidney and Colonel Douglas, destroyed their magazines there, and had erected cannon against the French redoubt; but Turkish disobedience and insubordination subjected this mass to a disaster similar to that of Aboukir.
Sensible of Colonel Douglas's professional talents, the Grand Vizier entreated Sir Sidney to permit his repairing to Jaffa, in order to organize his army there; he accordingly went thither.
Colonel Douglas, during four months, shared in the scanty allowances of the Ottoman army, subsisting upon two ounces of rice daily, sent from the Vizier's table, at which no Christian can sit; drinking brackish water, and constantly sleeping in the open air of the desert. Under all these pressures and privations, the energies of that Officer were, however, so great, that he gained possession of the wells of El-Arisch; seized a supply of provisions there, of which the troops were in utter need, carried the place, and by that means kept together the Ottoman army, on the eve of self-dissolution.
Monsieur Cazel, the French Commandant, who delivered up his sword to the Colonel, avowed that its conquest was almost solely achieved by the gallant British detachment which he led.
This important key to the Syrian desert, again restored to its proper owners, facilitated the convention of El-Arisch, by which the whole French army was to evacuate Egypt, and return home. This having been subsequently cancelled, afforded a fresh field for the valour of my Corps upon its shores.
The following letter from the Grand Vizier to Sir Sidney Smith, fully identifies his grateful sense of the merits of Colonel, now Sir John Douglas, of Marines.
"To the Commander of his Britannic Majesty's Fleet, to our much-esteemed and beloved friend Sir Sidney Smith, our best greeting. May your destiny be ever prosperous, and your health flourishing.
"We send you by the present our friendly advice and information concerning his Britannic Majesty's Officer, Colonel Douglas, to make known unto you, that, during his stay at, and co-operation with the army under our command, he has evinced not only the greatest activity and skill, but also the most undaunted courage and bravery. As his glorious and faithful services have afforded us the highest satisfaction, so do we wish the same may prove to him most honourable and advantageous; and as we think it just and expedient for all Powers and Sovereigns nobly to reward eminent merit, so have we written this letter, for the express purpose, to beg you to transmit to our dear, most respected, and great friend and ally, the King of Great Britain, a faithful narrative of Colonel Douglas's gallant behaviour, that accordingly he may be raised to the rank he so well deserves. We hope and trust, that at the receipt of our letter, you will act in conformity with this sincere desire.
"L. S.
"Given at our camp, before El-Arisch,
"Feb. 2nd, 1800."
Sir John Douglas has lately received a solid mark of his country's approbation, in a pension of 400-l. a year, commencing from that day upon which Buonaparte retreated from the walls of St. Acre.
It was the destiny of my Corps to participate in a short, but brilliant campaign, which drove the French out of the Neapolitan kingdom, and restored its Monarch to the throne.
Amongst the followers of the fallen fortunes of his Sicilian Majesty, in his retreat to Palermo, was Cardinal Ruffo, whose enterprising genius planned the loyal design of paving the way for the return of his self-exiled King, to the former seat of his power. Repairing to Calabria, he quickly collected a large army, by rekindling a spirit of royalism, exerting his clerical influence amongst people alike fanatical and ignorant, and by alternately exercising the functions of the Soldier and of the Cardinal.
Captain, now Sir William D'Arley, of Marines, landed singly in the Neapolitan territory, in order to acquire a knowledge of the state, strength, and views of the Royal party; during which period he made many a hair-breadth escape. So judiciously did he discharge this important mission, that the command of a district was assigned him; he was entrusted with a high military post, in which he continued to animate the motley army of Ruffo, by his counsels and his energies. In a variety of actions, they fought, and beat the united French and rebel troops, who had possessed themselves of the kingdom of Naples, and had organized it into a republic; taking also Cotrona and Cantanzaro. Introductory to their principal operations, the British squadron was extremely active. In April, Captain Hallowell, with some Seamen and Marines, obtained Procita and its castle, in the Gulf of Naples; while Captain Knox, of my Corps, was detached to the Isle of Ischia, which, with its strong fortress, was delivered up without resistance.
The robberies, murders, and rapine committed by their French friends in Italy had alienated almost every heart, and wherever an Englishman appeared, he was greeted as the deliverer of a country groaning under the bitterest sufferings.
A partial debarkation of some Marines and Sailors at Salerno, after having effected its capture, was obliged to retreat, before very superior numbers of the enemy. The cool gallantry of Lieutenant Vyvion, of Marines, upon that occasion, gave a strong earnest of future eminence. He was a young man of the most promising talents, but his country and his brethren have now to deplore his subsequent fall.
Cardinal Ruffo, learning the evacuation of Naples, and the defeats of the French armies by the Russian General Suwarrow, put in motion his army towards that Capital; part of which he gained upon the day of St. Anthony's feast. Exceeding his powers, a treaty which he had concluded with the Members of the Republican Government, and the Patriots in the Forts, was cancelled by his Sicilian Majesty, and the transports in which they were embarked for Toulon, were blockaded by the British squadron.
Many of the rebel party, united with their allies the French, retiring to the strong holds of St. Elmo, Ovo, and Nuova, it was judged expedient to land the Marines, who, with other auxiliaries, were destined to reduce them. On the 27th of June they were disembarked, to the number of 800 men, under the following Officers, who had the honour of accomplishing the important services that ensued, with much credit.
Lieut. Colonel Strickland, Commanding Officer.
Captain Creswell (Brevet Major, pro tempore.)
Capt. Weir
Dunsmuire
Minto
Knox
Wolfe
Torkington
Williams.
Lieut. Noble
---- Hare
---- M'Carthey
---- Pearce
---- Burford
---- Short
---- Wills
---- Harvey
---- Scobill
---- Adair
---- Burne
---- Jones
---- Walker
Lieut. Hart
---- Collins
---- Jewell
---- Toomer
---- Perroll
---- Millar
---- Buzon
---- Wright
---- Wheeler
---- Ross
---- Wyemyss} Adjutants
---- Tyldsley}
---- Vyvion, Quarter-master.
Four hundred Portugueze Marines were also landed, which, joined to 500 Swiss, 450 Russians, and 70 Greeks, formed a total of 2170, besides Officers.
Captain Hood took possession of the Castles of Ovo and Nuovo, in which he was placed with a garrison of Seamen, and in his public character preserved the peace of that turbulent Capital, during the whole series of that trying duty.
Captain Trowbridge, of the Royal Navy, conducted with much ability those military operations, which may be said to have reinstated the Neapolitan King upon his throne.
At five on the morning of the 30th of June, he marched from Castle Nuovo, with the British and Portugueze Marines, was joined by the Russians in Naples, and proceeded instantly against St. Elmo, whose Commandant he summoned to surrender. Being answered in the negative, that zealous and spirited Officer lost no time in erecting batteries against the Castle. Between the 3d and 5th of July, nine heavy cannon and eight mortars were opened on its garrison and works, which played incessantly, in the hope of effecting a breach sufficient to storm. On the 6th, four mortars were added, and by the indefatigable labours of the Seamen, six 36-pounders were dragged to the summit of an almost inaccessible precipice, which soon compelled Monsieur Mejan to capitulate. The Marine Grenadiers marched into the Castle on the 12th, and the enemy, upwards of 1500, were allowed the honours of war.
On the 13th, the main body of the army returned to Castle Nuovo, from whence they advanced against Capua, that key to Naples, upon the 19th, where they arrived on the 21st, pitched their tents near to its walls, and in a short time opened batteries, which continued to play against the town until the 27th, when terms were discussed and agreed on.
On the 29th, the French, to the number of 1500, marched out, and were conveyed to Naples, under an escort of 400 Marines, and two squadrons of General Acton's Cavalry.
The conduct of Captain Trowbridge was prompt and animated, and he spoke highly of the unremitting attention and discipline of Colonel Strickland, Major Creswell, the Officers and men. The exertions of those of the allied troops were also highly meritorious.
Returning to Naples, an embarkation took place against Gaieta on the 30th of July, where they landed on the 3d of August, gained possession of its gates on the next day, and upon the 5th, delivered up the town to the loyal subjects of his Majesty the King of Naples.
The retreat of the French armies was felt throughout Italy, and their disasters roused the Tuscans to arms, who drove them from their bosom. Florence was abandoned, and Leghorn was evacuated; but Rome was unsubdued. Its besiegers had been driven from its walls, and every effort to reduce it was ineffectual. It did not, however, resist against the tenders of British honour; for on Captain Trowbridge appearing off the mouth of the Tiber, and a summons being sent to General Garnier, he agreed to surrender Rome, Civita Vechia, and every dependency within the state, to that Commander.
Some Seamen, and the Marines of the Culloden and Minotaur, occupied
Corneto and Tolsa, as well as Civita Vechia, during the 29th and 30th of September, while the enemy, amounting to 5000, were sent off, agreeable to the terms of capitulation.
Captain Trowbridge maintained the acknowledged faith of his Country, in every article, with a dignity becoming the high character in which he stood. Colonel Strickland supported that discipline in his Corps, which must have ensured success against a contending enemy. This train of important services, derives a double merit, from that rapidity with which they were performed.
During the present year Earl St. Vincent resigned the command of the Mediterranean Fleet. The system by which he maintained its good order, is worthy of being adopted by every Officer in the British Navy.
One of the most gallant boarding contests took place upon that station, during the day of the 9th of June, which appears on the face of this war. It was cutting out a Spanish polacre of 10 guns and 113 men, from the port of La Selva, supported by a heavy battery, and a large body of men under arms on the shore, by the boats of the Success, carrying only 42 men.
Lieuts. Facey and Stupart, of the Navy, and Lieut. Davison, of my Corps, headed this daring enterprize. They were all distinguished; but limiting the detail of it to my peculiar province, I am led to notice the cool courage of that promising brother Officer, who, taking a steady aim with a pistol amidst this confused scene, shot a Swiss Soldier in the mouth, who had levelled his musket at Mr.
Pomeroy Peter, a brave young Midshipman, in the act of boarding over a high close netting. Mr. Peter did the rest with a pike. A gallant Marine, Thomas Needham, having his right arm broken by a grape shot, on being asked by Lieutenant Facey, if it was not disabled? answered "Yes, but, thank God, I can pull a trigger with my right, and with my left hand I can still manage a cutlass." In this state he continued to fight until the vessel was carried.
In the West Indies the Dutch Colony of Surinam was taken without opposition. Lieutenant M'Gee, of Marines, and his party from the Trent, behaved most handsomely, in union with their brethren the Seamen, by storming a battery in a bay near Cape Roso, and afterwards bringing from under it a large Spanish ship and schooner.
It was on the morning of the 25th of October that Captain (now Sir Edward) Hamilton, at the head of 100 Seamen and Marines, attacked and carried the Hermione, of 44 guns, after having killed and wounded 216 men, with the single loss of Lieutenant J. Busey, acting Lieutenant of the Surprize. After the greatest feats of valour in all, he brought her out from under the formidable batteries of Porto Cavallo. John Ingram and Joseph Titley, private Marines, were wounded upon this honorable occasion, which sufficiently speaks its own praise.
In the East, La Forte, of 50 guns, was captured by the British Sybille, after a desperate resistance, during which Captain Cooke unfortunately fell.
Every domestic event of this year sinks, in consequence, when compared to the expedition against Holland. Its details, however, do not properly fall within my narrative. After having gained possession of the Helder, the duties allotted to the Marines, were to garrison its forts, while the Army, under Sir Ralph Abercrombie, penetrated into the Country. These my corps performed with their usual alertness and zeal, and much to the satisfaction of their superiors. Unfortunate as was the issue of the attempt, originally undertaken at a late season of the year, and against a dangerous coast, still the very important capture of the remains of the Batavian Navy, amply compensated for its final miscarriage.
An unsurpassed unanimity between the land and naval services prevailed, and English valour was conspicuous throughout.
A garrison of Seamen and Marines having been placed at Limmen Town, in West Friezland, under Captain Boorder, of the Navy, consisting of only 157 men, was attacked at five on the morning of the 11th of October by more than 700 of the enemy, in four quarters. Their advanced party against the North battery was surrounded and taken by the seamen, and after a long contest, the whole gave way. The Marines immediately pursued, killed and wounded more than 40, and would have taken their colours and cannon if they had not, in the rout, broken down a bridge, which checked our progress. Captain Boorder says, "that Lieutenants Wyburn, Howel, Higginson, and Gardner, of Marines, behaved with honour to themselves, and credit to their Country, and that their men distinguished themselves in a most gallant manner." The names of Captains Mortlock, Sir Harry Neale, Winthorp, Bolton, Macnamara, and Cuninghame, with their Officers, Seamen, and Marines, stand meritedly high in the subordinate catalogue of this year's naval deeds. (Taken from Chapter 44 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)
1799. Sunday 3rd - 22nd February. The 32-gun frigate Daedalus, captain Henry L. Ball, on the East India station, fell in with the french 36-gun frigate Prudente, (but mounting only 30 guns). At 10 minutes past noon the Daedalus bore up across the stern of the french frigate within pistol-shot, and after raking her, luffed up to leeward; and thus, close alongside, the two ships engaged with great spirit. In about a quarter of an hour the mizen-mast of the Prudente fell over her quarter; she nevertheless continued the action until 1 h. 21 m. p.m., when being much cut up in masts and sails, the french frigate hailed to say they had surrendered. Out of a crew of 301 men and boys, she lost 27 killed and 22 wounded. The Daedalus suffered but little, and had only 2 killed and 12 wounded, out of a crew of 212. Lieutenant Edward Jolliffe of the marines was serving on board the Daedalus. On the 9th of June the 32-gun frigate Success, captain Peard, chased a Spanish polacre into the harbour of La Seloa, near Cape Creux. Three boats were detached under the command of lieutenant Facey, assisted by lieutenant Stupart and lieutenant John Davison of the marines, to bring out the polacre, which proved to be the Bella Aurora, mounting 10 carriage guns, with a crew of 110 men, surrounded by a boarding netting, and upported by a battery and a body of men at small arms on the shore. Notwithstanding this formidable preparation, she was gallantly boarded and brought out; but this bold enterprise was attended with a serious loss to the British, who had 4 seamen killed, and lieutenant Stupart with 8 men badly wounded. For his services on this occasion lieutenant Facey was promoted to the rank of commander. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1799. Saturday 4th
January. Wolverine engaged Ruse and Furet.
1799. Sunday 3rd - 22nd
February. Bulldog and Perseus bombarded Alexandria.
1799. Wednesday 6th
February. Argo captured Santa Teresa.
1799. Saturday 9th
February. Daedalus captured Prudente.
1799. Friday 22nd
February. Espoir engaged Spanish flotilla and captured Africa.
1799. Friday 22nd February. The 38-gun frigate Sibylle, captain Edward Cooke, in the bay of Bengal, sustained a severe action with the french 40-gun frigate Forte. About 1 a.m. the Sibylle bore up and poured her broadside into the stern of her opponent, then luffed close alongside of her to leeward, and a furious night action was maintained within musket-shot for more than an hour. As the Forte endeavoured to make her escape at 2 h. 30 m., the action was renewed by the Sibylle, which brought down the three masts of the enemy's ship, and she then surrendered, with the loss of her captain and 65 killed, and 80 wounded. The Sibylle (who had only 9 private marines on board) had 5 killed and 17 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1799. Thursday 28th
February. Sybille captured Forte.
1799. February.
Salerno. Marines of Zealous assisted Neapolitans to repulse 3,000 French
troops.
1799. Monday 18th
March. Telegraph captured Hirondelle.
1799. Monday 18th March. Captain Troubridge arriving at Palermo with four ships of the line, was immediately detached by lord Nelson to blockade the port of Naples; and on the 2nd of April the squadron anchored off the island of Procida, of which they took possession, and hoisted the Sicilian colours: on the following day Ischia, Capraia, and all the other of the Ponza islands, followed the example of Procida. The squadron rejoined lord Nelson on the 17th, and between that date and the 13th of June, his lordship had collected a fleet of sixteen sail of the line under his immediate command. On the departure of captain Troubridge, the blockade of the port of Naples devolved upon captain James Foote, in the 38-gun frigate Seahorse, having under his orders the Perseus bomb, with two brigs. In the mean time, the immense austro-russian army under general Suwarrow, which had entered Italy since the middle of April, was now bearing down all opposition in the neapolitan territory. Cardinal Ruffo defeated the French near Naples on the 5th of June, and the fortified rock of Rivigliano capitulated to the Seahorse on the 14th. On the 15th the important fortress of Castel-a-mare surrendered on the following terms: "That the garrison should march out with the honours of war; and that such of them as chose, be allowed to avail themselves of the protection of the british flag." The little squadron proceeded on the 17th to attack Castel del Uovo, which with Castel Nuovo constituted the principal sea defence of the capital. The latter is situated in the heart of the city and has a communication with the palace; whilst the Castel del Uovo runs out into the bay and is joined to the land by a narrow pass with a drawbridge: these two forts, and that of St. Elmo on the western side of the city, were the only strongholds possessed by the French in the immediate neighbourhood of Naples.
Captain Foote, after sending a summons to the commandant in Castel del Uovo, had commenced the attack of that fortress when on the 19th he was requested by cardinal RufFo to cease hostilities while the flag of truce was flying, as negotiations had taken place on the part of the russian minister, count Micheroux. On the 20th the captain received from the cardinal a plan of the capitulation, already signed by him and the chief of the Russians and required the signature of captain Foote that officer complied with the request, but at the same time expressed his opinion that the terms were too favourable to the republicans. On the 22nd the capitulation of the forts of Nuovo and del Uovo was signed in form by the cardinal RufFo, by the russian as well as turkish commanders, and by captain Foote as commanding british officer in the bay of Naples ; whilst colonel Mejan, the french commandant at fort St. Elmo, had previously approved the terms, which stipulated that the two garrisons, consisting of about 1500 individuals, chiefly Neapolitans and revolutionists, should march out with the honours of war; that they should have the choice of embarking in cartels for Toulon, or of remaining at Naples; and that until such cartels were prepared, the garrisons should keep possession of their forts ; whilst four hostages were to be detained at fort St. Elmo, until the arrival of the individuals at Toulon had been ascertained.
It necessarily required some days for assembling the transports to convey the garrisons to their destination, and in the mean time the flags of truce remained hoisted as well at the two forts, as on board the british and neapolitan ships of war in the bay. Whilst matters were in this state, on the 24th lord Nelson, with sixteen sail of the line and a 64-gun ship, arrived in sight, and the Foudroyant made the signal to annul the flag of truce then flying on board the squadron of captain Foote. On the same afternoon a conference was held on board the flag-ship, at which were present sir William and lady Hamilton, and cardinal RufFo the latter insisted that the inviolability of the treaty ought to be held sacred; but lord Nelson considered that as the treaty had been entered into with rebels, it ought not to be carried into execution without the approbation of his Sicilian Majesty. Upon this decision of the british admiral, the cardinal indignantly retired from the conference.
On the 26th the garrisons of the forts of Nuovo and del Uovo, in obedience to the ninth article of the treaty, set at liberty the state prisoners as well as the english prisoners of war; and then the garrison, as stipulated in the third article; marched out with the honours of war, and grounded their arms. The principal part embarked on board fourteen transports to be conveyed to Toulon, conformably with the fifth article; but in reality, to be held as prisoners until the king of the two Sicilies, then at Palermo, determined how they should be disposed of. Thus, the treaty was violated by the order of lord Nelson; for had his fleet by any fortunate chance been prevented entering the bay until the 27th or 28th, those unhappy victims of violated faith would have been on their way to Toulon, and british honour preserved inviolate. On the 8th of July Ferdinand the Fourth and his queen arrived from Palermo, but the monarch was entirely under the influence of lady Hamilton and his ministers, and through their perfidy the unhappy wretches on board the prison-ships (cartels that had been), underwent the greatest sufferings. " It is now," says a letter from one of these miserable victims of misguided policy, " twenty-four days that we are lying in this road, unprovided with everything necessary to existence: we have only bread to eat, and we drink nothing but putrid water, or wine mixed with sea-water, and have nothing but the bare planks to sleep upon. Our houses have been pillaged, and the greater part of our relations have been either imprisoned or massacred."
An apologist for lord Nelson styles him "commander-in- chief," and considers that in such capacity, as representative of the king of England, he might annul treaties. Lord Nelson was only third or admitting that the eail St. Vincent had resigned second in command, but even the sovereign power did not extend to the enemies of his country, without whom as parties, a treaty could not exist. If captain Foote, in signing the treaty, had exceeded his orders, he should have been tried and punished; but even then, the faith of the nation having been once solemnly pledged, it ought not not to have been compromised.
Since the surrender of the castles of Nuovo and del Uovo, the french troops had evacuated the city of Naples, but a detachment amounting to about 800 men, under major-general Mejan, still remaining in the fort of St. Elmo, it was resolved to attack this fortress with the british and portuguese marines, who had been landed from the squadron under the command of captain Troubridge of the Culloden.
The battalion of marines amounted to about 800 men, comprising the following officers: —
Lieutenant-colonel Strickland captain Creswell (temporary rank of major), captains Weir, Dunsmuire, Minto, Knox, Wolfe, Torkington, and Williams; lieutenants Noble, Hare, McCarthy, Pearce, Barford, Short, Witts, Harvey, Scobell, Adair, Bunce, Jones, Walker, Hart, Collins, Jewell, Toomer, Perrott, Miller, Bozon, Wright, Wheeler, Ross, and Wemyss and Tyldesley (adjutants), and Vyvion (quarter- master.) These, with the 400 Portuguese marines, 500 Swiss, 450 Russians, and 70 Greeks, formed a total of 2170 men, exclusive of officers.
The commandant of fort St. Elmo having expressed his determination to defend the place entrusted to his charge to the last extremity, captain Troubridge resolved to storm the fort as soon as two practicable breaches could be made. On the 3rd of July a battery, mounting 3 thirty-six pounders, and 4 mortars, was opened within 700 yards of the walls, and on the 5th another battery of 4 thirty-six pounders. On the same day the Russians opened a battery of 4 thirty-six pounders against the angle opposite to the point attacked by the British, to which 4 more mortars were subsequently added.
On the Uth, the three-gun battery being entirely destroyed, and the guns dismounted by the fire of the besieged, captain Hallowell was directed to construct another battery of 6 thirtypounders within 180 yards of the walls. Some trees intervened between the battery and the fort, which it was necessary to remove before the fire could be opened with effect; and although this was a service of great danger, it was gallantly performed under the cheering example of the british officers. A second battery of 1 eighteen-pounder and 2 howitzers, was getting ready, when an officer appeared on the walls with a flag of truce. A capitulation being agreed upon, the garrison marched out with the honours of war, and, in this instance, were honourably conveyed to Toulon. The loss sustained by the british, russian, and neapolitan forces, amounted to 5 officers and 32 rank and file killed; 5 officers and 79 rank and file wounded.
The fort of Capua, a small town on the river Volturno, and distant about fifteen miles from Naples, became the next object of attack. On the 20th captain Troubridge, with the seamen and marines and portuguese troops, marched from Naples, and encamped before Capua on the morning of the 22nd. On the same day a bridge of pontoons was thrown across the Volturno, to facilitate the communication between the different corps, and batteries of guns and mortars were constructed within 500 yards of the works. On the 25th a battery of 4 twenty-four pounders opened upon the fort, which was replied to by a fire from 11 guns. On the 26th fresh trenches were opened, and new batteries commenced within a few yards of the glacis, when the garrison proposed terms of capitulation, which were rejected; but others, sent back by captain Troubridge, were acceded to by the french commandant. On the morning of the 29th, the french garrison, numbering 2800 officers and men, under brigadier-general Girardon, marched out with the honours of war, and were conveyed to Toulon. The fort was mounted with 108 pieces of ordnance, exclusive of ten that were unserviceable.
The neighbouring fort of Gaeta surrendered on the 31st, and the french garrison, amounting to 1498 officers and men, were allowed to march out with their arms and personal effects, and they were to be sent to a french port. Here again the poor unhappy neapolitan insurgents were handed over, without any effort to protect them, to those who would soon become their executioners. The fort of Gaeta mounted 72 pieces of cannon, including 58 brass twenty-four and eighteen-pounders, with 13 heavy mortars; and the magazines contained an immense quantity of powder and other garrison stores. On the 29th and 30th of September, 200 seamen and marines landed at Civita-Vecchia, and assisted by a detachment of neapolitan troops, took possession of that town, as also of Corneto and Talfa. Since the 17th of July, Leghorn had been evacuated, and the persevering exertions of the British in a great degree assisted in freeing Naples, Rome, and Tuscany from the dominion of the French 80. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1799. March - May.
Tigre Theseus and Alliance at Acre.
1799. Wednesday 20th
March to 21st May 1799. The Defence of Acre (The Otteman Empire, against the
French and Turks). Sir Sidney Smith shelled Bonaparte outside Saint John
d'Acer, forcing him to lift the siege.
1799. Tuesday 26th
March. Plymouth (Uniform). The Light Infantry Companies where directed to wear
the new round Hats Bound in Black Tape, White Band and Looping, and Green
worsted Tuft, to distinguish them from the Battalion Companies whose hats had
Black Looping and red and White Tuffs. The grenadiers wore the same as the
light Infantry, but had White Tuffs. But the Flank Companies did not last much
longer as they were definitely abolished by an Admiralty Order of the 1st
November 1804.
1799. Tuesday 30th
March. Sparrow and Trent at Porto Rico.
1799. Tuesday 30th March. The boats of the 36-gun frigate Trent, commanded by lieutenant Nathaniel Belchier, with lieutenant M'Gee of the marines, attacked a Spanish ship and three schooners, anchored under protection of a battery of 5 guns in a bay about seven leagues to the northward of Cape Roxo, in the island of Porto Rico. Lieutenant M'Gee, with the marines and some seamen under lieutenant Belchier, landed and stormed the battery, which they carried in gallant style, after killing 5, and wounding several of the Spaniards who defended it. The ship and one of the schooners was brought out during the time occupied by the party on shore in spiking the guns. This exploit was effected with no greater loss than 3 men wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1799. Friday 9th April.
San Fiorenzo and Amelia engaged three French frigates.
1799. Tuesday 13th April.
Amaranthe captured Vengeur.
1799. Saturday 4th May.
Fortune and gunboats captured by Salamine.
1799. Tuesday 7th May’ The fifty-first day of the siege, the long-expected reinforcement from Rhodes made its appearance in the offing, consisting of some turkish corvettes, and above twenty transports with troops on board. The approach of this reinforcement induced Buonaparte to order a vigorous attack, in the hope of getting possession of the town before the troops could disembark: the fire from the french batteries suddenly increased considerably, whilst the flanking fire from the British afloat was less effectual, owing to the epaulments and traverses of great thickness, which the enemy had thrown up to protect themselves. The attacking columns of the enemy suffered severely from the fire of a brass eighteen-pounder, under the R direction of Mr. Schroder, master's mate, and a twenty-four pounder in the north ravelin under Mr. Jones, midshipman; these being within grape range, added to the turkish musketry, did great execution. Two djerms lying in the mole, mounting 2 sixty-eight pounders, worked under the able direction of Mr. James Bray, carpenter of the Tigre, threw shells into the centre of the attacking column with evident effect, and checked its advance; nevertheless, the besiegers gained ground, and effected a lodgement in the second story of the north-east tower, the upper part of which was entirely battered down, and its ruins formed the ascent from the ditch by which they mounted. As the day appeared on the 8th, the french standard was seen flying on the outer angle of the tower; and the enemy, having covered themselves by this lodgement, and the approach to it by traverses across the ditch, the fire from the besieged became of less effect, and even the flanking fire from the gunboats did but little execution. Those traverses were constructed by the French under the fire from the fortress during the preceding night and were composed of sand-bags with the bodies of the dead built in with them and were so high that their bayonets only were visible above them. At this crisis the troops of Hassan Bey were in the boats, and half way to the shore: an effort was therefore necessary, to preserve the place until this reinforcement could take their stations on the walls. Sir Sidney now landed with the ships' boats at the mole, and led the seamen, armed with pikes, to the breach, where they found a few Turks hurling stones on the heads of the assailants, who falling down the slope, impeded the progress of the rest. Fresh parties of the French ascended to the assault, the heap of ruins between the two contending forces serving as abreast-work for both; and here the muzzles of their muskets touched, and the spear-heads of the standards locked. Djezzar Pacha was sitting in his palace, rewarding those who brought him the heads of his enemies, and distributing musket cartridges with his own hands; but hearing that sir Sidney and his brave companions were on the breach, the old man hastened thither and pulled them down with violence, saying, that if any harm happened to his english friends, all would be lost. This amicable contest occasioned a rush of Turks to the spot, which fortunate occurrence gained time for the arrival of the first division of Hassan Bey's troops.
Sir Sidney, having overcome the pacha's repugnance to the admission of any troops but his Albanians into the gardens of the seraglio, and as this spot was now an important post, as occupying the terre-pleine of the rampart, the commodore introduced 1000 men of the Chifflic regiment, armed with bayonets and disciplined after the European method. The garrison, animated by the appearance of such a reinforcement, were soon in sufficient numbers to defend the breach. Sir Sidney then proposed to the pacha to allow the Chifflic regiment to make a sally and take the assailants in flank: the Turks rushed out with much bravery, but not being calculated for such a movement, they were driven back with great loss, whilst the town gate was efficaciously protected by the sixty-eight pounders of the Tigre.
The sortie had the effect of obliging the besiegers to show themselves above their parapets, and consequently exposed to the flanking fire of the British, which brought down numbers; while those remaining were killed or dispersed by the grenades thrown among them.
After this repulse, the enemy commenced a new breach, by an incessant fire directed to the southward of the lodgement: every shot knocking down whole sheets of the wall, which was much less solid than that of the tower, and on which they had expended so much time and ammunition. At this moment, the group of french generals, which the shells from the sixtyeight pounders had frequently dispersed, was assembled on Richard Cosur-de-Lion's mount, and Buonaparte was distinguishable in the centre of them; his gesticulations indicated a renewal of the attack, and as an aide-de-camp was despatched to the camp, it showed he only waited a reinforcement. Sir Sidney immediately directed the ships of Hassan Bey to take their stations in the shoal w r ater to the southward, and made the Tigre signal to get under weigh, and join the Theseus to the northward. A little before sunset a dense column appeared advancing slowly to the breach, which they mounted unmolested, and then descended from the ramparts into the pacha's garden. Here, in a few minutes, the most advanced of the Frenchmen lay headless trunks, — the sabre, with the dagger in the other hand, proving more than a match for the bayonet. The rest of the assailants precipitately retreated, and their leader, general Lannes, who was seen daringly encouraging his men to mount the breach, was carried off wounded by a musket-ball, while general Rambeaud was among the killed.
In the dusk of the evening the british uniform was mistaken for the french by the newly arrived Turks, and in consequence of this confusion many a sabre blow was parried by the british officers; and major Douglas, with Messrs. Ives and Jones, nearly lost their lives while forcing their way through a torrent of fuo-itives. At length the pacha's exertions restored confidence; and both parties being worn out with fatigue, an end was put to this contest, which had lasted twenty-five hours.
In this splendid defence the British had 1 seaman killed, 7 wounded, and Mr. Lamb, midshipman, with 3 seamen, drowned. Sir Sidney now addressed a circular to the princes and chiefs of the Christians of Mount Lebanon, and also to the sheiks of the Druses, exhorting them to cut off the supplies from the french camp. Two ambassadors were immediately sent by the Syrians, and active measures were taken to prevent any supplies arriving overland; while Buonaparte's career further northward was effectually stopped by a warlike people, inhabiting a country now become impenetrable by their determined resistance.
General Kleber's division, just arrived from the fords of the Jordan, was intended for the next attempt to mount the breach of Acre. To frustrate that movement, another sortie was resolved upon; and during the night of the 19th the turkish Chifflic regiment, led by its lieutenant-colonel Soliman Aga, rushed out of the gates, and gained the third parallel of the besiegers; and their impetuosity carried them to the second trench, where, although they lost some of their standards, four of the enemy's cannon were spiked before they retreated. By this movement Kleber's division, instead of mounting the breach, had full occupation during three hours' conflict, nor did the French recover their works without sustaining a heavy loss.
Since their last failure, the french grenadiers refused to mount the breach over the dead bodies of their unburied countrymen consequently a flag of truce was sent into the town by an Arab dervise, with a letter to the pacha proposing a cessation of arms for the purpose of burying the dead, the stench of which had become intolerable, and threatened the existence of every person on both sides. While the answer was under consideration, a discharge of shot and shells announced another assault; but, fortunately, the garrison was prepared to receive them, and the assailants only contributed to increase the number of the dead bodies under the walls. Sir Sidney rescued the Arab from the indignation of the Turks, by conveying him on board the Tigre, whence he was sent back to the french general with a message that must have made the army sensible of the well-merited reproof.
The French, having abandoned all hopes of success, raised the siege of Acre on the 20th; and on the 21st of May they made a precipitate retreat, leaving twenty-three pieces of cannon (after burning their carriages) in the hands of the besieged. The army reached Cantoura on the afternoon of the 21st, the ruins of Ctesarea on the 22nd, and Jaffa on the 24th here it rested three days, and reached Gaza on the 30th. On the 1st of June it entered the desert, and halted on the 2nd at El- Arish, where Buonaparte left a garrison: the main body then continued its march, arriving at Cairo on the 14th. Berthier states the loss of the french army, during the last four months, at 700 men who died of disease, 500 killed in the different actions, and about 1800 wounded; it is probable, however, that it greatly exceeded this statement.
The british seamen and marines rejoined their ships, and sir Sidney with his little squadron quitted the bay of Acre on the 12th of June.Lord Nelson having urged the Sicilian government to place the island in the best possible state of defence, a large body of troops assembled; and preparations were made under his lordship's auspices to fit out the gun-boats, and mount the batteries with 65 twenty-four pounders, which had been brought from Naples. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1799. Wednesday 12th
May. Courier engaged a French privateer.
1799. Thursday 30th May. While the 74-gun ship Impetueux, captain sir Edward Pellew, was lying in Bantry Bay in company with several sail of the line under admiral sir Alan Gardner, the seamen refused to assist in obeying the signal to unmoor, insisting upon having a boat to convey a letter to the admiral, complaining of tyranny and hard usage. Finding all endeavours to persuade the men to return to their duty of no avail, sir Edward ordered captain Wm. Henry Boys to get his detachment under arms, and the marines, who had previously withstood every attempt of the conspirators to seduce them from their duty, now displayed that unwavering loyalty and prompt obedience, for which in the most trying circumstances this valuable force has always been distinguished. The sailors finding themselves firmly opposed, ran below, exclaiming, " Put out the lights, and remove the ladders," but sir Edward and the officers, following them closely, seized the ringleaders and dragged them aft to the quarter-deck. This decisive conduct had the desired effect, and the ship's company returned to their duty. Sir Edward Pellew, in his letter to rear-admiral sir Charles Cotton, bart., applying for a court-martial on the mutineers, observes, " I cannot in justice close my letter without informing you, sir, of the alert and manly conduct of the marines, in support of the King's service on this occasion." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1799. Thursday 6th
June. The cutting out of La Selva.
1799. Wednesday 9th
June. Boats of Success cut out Belle Aurore.
1799. Saturday June 26.
Alemene captured Conrageux.
1799. The strength of
the Marines at that time was 22,716 men.
1799. Thursday 11th
July. Naples and the siege of Port St. Elmo. 800 Marines under Colonel
Strickland.
1799. Sunday 18th July.
Alemene and boats captured two Spanish vessels.
1799. Monday 29th July
– 4th August. The taking of Capua and Gaeta.
1799. Monday 9th
August. Speedy and boats captured Spanish armed vessel.
1799. Wednesday 11th -
12th August. Attack on Schiermonikoog.
1799. Friday 13th -
30th August. Operations in the Texel.
1799. Saturday 14th
August. Fox, Dadalus and boats destroyed Kosseir.
1799. Thursday 19th
August. Surinam taken.
1799. Friday 20th
August. Clyde captured Vestale.
1799. Thursday 26th
August. Tamar captured Republicaine.
1799. Monday 13th
September. Arrow and Wolverine captured Draak and Gier.
1799. Monday 20th
September. Camel and Rattlesnake engaged Freueuse.
1799. Wednesday 2nd
October. The battle of Alkmaar was fought between forces of the French Republic
and her ally, the Batavian Republic under the command of general Guillaume
Marie Anne Brune, and an expeditionary force from Great Britain and her ally
Russia, commanded by Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany in the vicinity
of Alkmaar during the Anglo-Russian Invasion of Holland. Although the battle
ended in a tactical draw, the Anglo-Russians were in a position at the end of
the battle that favoured them slightly in a strategic sense. This prompted
Brune to order a strategic withdrawal the next day to a line between
Monnickendam in the East and Castricum in the West. There the final battle of
the campaign would take place on Sunday 6th October.
1799. Sunday 3rd
October. Speedy chased Spanish coasters on shore.
1799. Tuesday 5th
October. Ferret engaged Spanish privateer.
1799. Sunday 10th -
11th October. Jupiter engaged Prencuse.
1799. Friday 11th
October. The defence of Lemmer Town, West Friesland. The garrison consisted of
157 Seamen and Marines. At 5 am a small advance party of French and Batavians
attempted to storm the north Battery. They were entrapped between two fires
surrounded by the seamen armed with pikes and surrendered. The main body of the
enemy 670 strong soon after assaulted the village, but after a sharp fight of
four hours and a half were driven off with a loss of 5 and 11 wounded. The
officers present 1st Lieut. Marmaduke WY bourn and L2nd Lieutenants. J. Howell,
Jas. Higginson and Rd. Gardner.
1799. Tuesday 12th
October. Trincomalee engaged Iphigenie and both sank.
1799. Friday 15th
October. Ethalion captured Thetis.
1799. Sunday 17th
October. Boats of Echo cut out Buonaparte.
1799. Sunday 17th
October. Triton and consorts captured Santa Brigida.
1799. Wednesday 20th
October. Cerberus engaged five Spanish frigates.
1799. Sunday 24th
October. Orpheus captured Zeelast and Zeevraght.
1799. Monday 25th
October. Boats of Surprise cut out Hermione.
1799. Friday 29th -
31st October. Boats of Tigre engaged off Damietta.
1799. Monday 21st October. Captain Edward Hamilton, with the beats of the 32-gun frigate Surprise, containing 100 officers and men, put off from the ship at 8 p.m., to attempt the capture of the Spanish frigate Hermione (formerly british), mounting 44 guns, moored head and stern between two strong batteries situated at the entrance of the harbour of Puerto Cabello. Towards midnight the boats beat off the Spanish guard-boat when about three-quarters of a mile from the Hermione, who opened a fire from her bow guns, on hearing the alarm. The boats immediately dashed on; and about half-past midnight captain Hamilton with eight or ten followers got on board the Hermione and took possession of the forecastle without much resistance. Mr. McCullen in the gig boarded on the larboard bow and joined the captain's party; but the two cutters, under the first-lieutenant and boatswain, were beaten back in their attempt the gangways. The second-lieutenant in the launch was directed to cut the bower, and the carpenter in the jolly-boat the sterncable; and then both boats, after reinforcing the boarding-party with some men, were to go a-head and tow the ship. Captain Hamilton, after leaving the gunner with 12 men on the starboard gangway, proceeded with the surgeon's party to the quarter-deck, which was obstinately defended for a quarter of an hour with great loss on both sides; captain Hamilton, the gunner, and several men being severely wounded. At this moment, the first-lieutenant with M. la Tour du Pin, acting lieutenant of marines, boarded with their respective divisions, and the boats under the second-lieutenant took the ship in tow, whilst the men ordered to go aloft, loosed the top-sails. The quarter-deck being in possession of the British, whose force was increased by the marines and others, no time was lost in attacking the main-deck. Captain Hamilton and the gunner were so severely wounded, as to be incapable of further duty; but M. de la Tour du Pin and the surgeon leading the men down the after-ladder so quickly after the Spaniards, gave them no time to prepare for a regular defence; and after a severe struggle and dreadful slaughter on the part of the Spaniards, who were also fired at from the upper-deck, the survivors of the frigate's crew called for quarter. In passing the batteries the captured ship sustained a heavy fire, but fortunately without any loss; and at 2 a. m. she was out of gun-shot, and in entire possession of the British. In effecting this desperate service, not a man of the attacking party was killed, and only 12 wounded; whilst the Spaniards, out of a crew of 365, had 119 killed and 97 wounded.
A garrison of seamen and marines, amounting to 157 men, having been placed at Lemmertown, in West Friesland, under captain Boorder of the Espiegle sloop of war, were attacked on the 11th of October at 5 a.m. by the advanced party of French and Batavians, consisting of an officer with 30 rank and file, who attempted to storm the north battery. The British soon got them between two fires, and so effectually surrounded them, that they laid down their arms with the loss of 2 killed. The prisoners had scarcely been secured, when the main body, amounting to 670 men, attacked the British, who after a contest of four hours and a-half, routed the enemy in every direction, with the loss of 5 killed and 9 wounded. The marines continuing the pursuit, killed and wounded more than 40; and if the allied forces had not broken down a bridge in their retreat, they would have lost their colours and two field-pieces. Captain Boorder, in his official letter, says, " Lieutenants Wyburn, Howel, Higginson, and Gardner of the marines, behaved with honour to themselves and credit to their country; and their men distinguished themselves in the most gallant manner." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1799. Saturday 6th
November. Speedy engaged twelve Spanish vessels.
1799. Monday 22nd
November. Courier captured Guerriere.
1799. Wednesday 24th
November. Solebay captured Egyptienne and three others.
1799. Friday 3rd
December. Racoon captured Intrepide.
1799. Saturday 11th December. The french 40-gun frigate Preneuse was pursued by the Tremendous 74, and 50-gun ship Adamant, who were cruising off Port Louis, Isle of France; and finding it impossible to escape from the Adamant, she ran ashore on the west side of the river Tombeau, near to some batteries, and about three miles from Port Louis. The frigate cut away all her masts, and at 3 h. 30 m. p.m., in conjunction with the batteries, fired upon the Adamant, who was working up towards her.
At 5h. 30 m. the Adamant commenced engaging, and after 15 minutes the Preneuse signified she had surrendered. At 7 p. m. three boats were sent to destroy the french frigate, under the orders of lieutenant Edward Grey, accompanied by lieutenants Walker and Symes, and by lieutenant John Owen of the marines. At 8 p. m. the french batteries opened their fire of shot and shell at the boats, and at the Adamant as she was working up towards the object of attack. About 9 p. m., just as the boats were getting alongside of the Preneuse, two launches filled with men pulled from her to the shore, whilst lieutenant Grey and his party, under a heavy fire from the batteries, gallantly boarded the frigate; and having removed captain L'Hermite, with 14 officers and the few men that remained on board, she was set on fire and destroyed, and the boats returned without sustaining any loss.
The appearance of a british squadron on the coast of Egypt in the latter part of October, assisted by some russian and turkish frigates, induced Buonaparte to strengthen Damietta, Rosetta, and particularly Alexandria ; and having appointed general Marmont governor of the latter city, the general-in-chief busied himself in forming schemes that had for their object the junction of the Red and Mediterranean seas, by means of a canal through the isthmus of Suez : and in order to ascertain the practicability of such a plan, Buonaparte resolved to proceed thither himself, first sending a detachment of troops to take possession of the town and neighbourhood.
On the 2nd of November, general Bon set out on that expedition; and on the 8th the advanced division, under Eugene Beauharnois, entered the seaport of Suez, which is a small town situated at the northern extremity of the western arm of the Red Sea, distant about 30 leagues from Cairo, and nearly the same from the Mediterranean. Buonaparte was prevented following general Bon by the plague breaking out among his troops, and by the information he had just acquired of the hostile intentions of Turkey.
Buonaparte quitted Cairo on the 25th of December, and on the 27th arrived at Suez, attended by the members of the " Institute of Egypt." Immediately proceeding to reconnoitre the town, harbour, and the neighbouring coast, he afterwards crossed the Red Sea by means of a ford, only practicable at low water, in order to reach a spot, which the Arabs still call the " Fountain of Moses," and where, according to the traditions of the country, lie the rocks which, on being touched, produced water to the followers of the prophet. In their way back to Suez, the general and his escort nearly suffered the fate of Pharoah and his army : the ford, which had been crossed with such ease in the morning, being now covered by the rapid rise of the tide, the travellers were compelled to descend to the bottom of the gulph ; and here, owing to some mistake about the depth of the water, Buonaparte was under the necessiy of being carried on the shoulders of his guide, and it was not without difficulty that they succeeded in effecting" their escape.
After various surveys of the locality of Suez, Buonaparte was unexpectedly called back to Cairo; for the officer, who a month previous to his departure for Suez had been sent to Achmet Djezzar, had returned without obtaining an audience. Indignant at this treatment, the general sent the following letter to Djezzar: — " I do not desire to make war if you are not my enemy, but you must explain yourself. Your continuing to afford refuge to Ibrahim Bey and allowing him to remain on the frontiers of Egypt, will be considered by me as an act of hostility, and I shall in that case march to Acre. If you arc disposed to live in peace with me, you will remove Ibrahim forty leagues from the frontiers of Egypt and let there be a free commerce between Damietta and Syria. On those terms I shall respect your sovereignty and allow a free commerce by land between Egypt and Syria."
This letter met with no better fate than the message sent by colonel Beauvoisins consequently Buonaparte determined on immediate preparations for fulfilling his promise to Djezzar; believing that by such proceeding he would gain favour with the grand Signior, to whom the pacha of Acre had long been a rebellious subject. The arrival of a body of troops in the castle of El-Arish, situated just within the frontiers of Egypt, quickened the movements of Buonaparte, who marched from the neighbourhood of Cairo in the early part of January 1799, with an army of 13,000 men, accompanied by 37 field-pieces, and 11 howitzers, to effect the conquest of Syria; and generals Regnier, Kleber, Bon, Lannes, and Murat had commands under Buonaparte in this expedition. The remainder of the army, about 17,000 men, was scattered over the different provinces of Lower Egypt; and by the 18th of February the whole of the army destined to invade Syria had assembled before El-Arish.
Commodore sir Sidney Smith, who jointly with his brother, Mr. Spencer Smith, had been invested with the rank of minister-plenipotentiary to the Sublime Porte, and had recently been at Constantinople arranging a plan of active co-operation with the Turks in Egypt, arrived off Alexandria on the 3rd of March in the 74-gun ship Tigre, and superseded captain Troubridge; who on the 7th sailed in the Culloden, leaving the Theseus 74, and Alliance frigate (en flute) on the station. On the same evening an express arrived from Djezzar with an account of the invasion of Syria by Buonaparte, and of his having that very day carried Jaffa by storm. In consequence of this intelligence, the commodore on the following day despatched the Theseus to Acre, with colonel Phelipeaux, a french royalist officer of engineers: the Tigre meanwhile remained off Alexandria, to observe the enemy's movements. The removal of most of the vessels in the old port to the eastern or new harbour, gave intimation that some naval expedition was in preparation ; and this supposition being confirmed by a neutral vessel which had sailed from Alexandria on the 9th, it determined the commodore to detach the Marianne gun-vessel on the following day to reconnoitre the coast to the eastward, and to join him in the road of Cai'ffa; a port about eight miles south-east of Acre, whither the Tigre immediately proceeded. Having been joined by the Marianne on the 15th off Caiffa, the Tigre anchored in the bay of Acre, where the Theseus had arrived two days before. On the 16th sir Sidney landed, and commenced putting the town of Acre, with its rotten and ruined walls, in the best possible state to resist the attacks of a European army: and thus encouraged, the pacha and the garrison determined to make a vigorous defence.
The Theseus was detached on the 17th to reconnoitre the coast to the southward, while sir Sydney proceeded with the boats of the Tigre to the anchorage of Cai'ffa, near the promontory of Mount Carmel, in order to intercept the maritime portion of the french expedition ; but as the their advance-guard, mounted on asses and dromedaries, were discovered by the sea side, sir Sydney returned to the Tigre, and sent the launch with a 32 pounder carronade, under lieutenant John Bushby, to the mouth of the river Kerdanneh, to defend the fort.
On the 18th, at day-break, the launch opened a fire on the french troops, which compelled them to retire precipitately to the skirts of Mount Carmel. The main body, finding the route near the sea thus exposed, approached by the Nazareth road, but not without being harassed by the Samaritan Arabs; and being driven by the fire from the british ships, directed at the trenches, from making an attack along the coast to the northward, the French invested the town of Acre to the north-east, where the defences were much stronger.
On the 18th a french flotilla, consisting of a corvette and nine sailing gun-vessels, were seen from the Tigre, who after a chase of three hours captured seven gun-vessels, mounting together 34 guns, laden with battering cannon and every kind of siege equipage, which they had brought from Damietta. The french guns intended for the attack of Acre were now landed for its defence, and the captured gun-boats were manned and sent to co-operate in harassing the enemy and cutting off his supplies. For five successive days and nights the gun-vessels were occupied in annoying the French and rendering assistance to the Turks. On the 21st an unsuccessful attempt was made to cut out of the port of Caiffa four djerms, or lighters, which had put in there on the 18th from Alexandria, having on board supplies for the french army; and at 10 a. m. the boats of the two line of battle ships, covered by some of the gun-vessels, proceeded to the attack. In this gallant though unfortunate attempt, 4 midshipmen and 8 seamen were killed; 1 midshipman and 26 seamen wounded, 8 of whom, with twelve others, were taken prisoners. Among the officers who distinguished themselves on this occasion, we find the name of lieutenant Charles Frederick Burton of the marines.
On the 20th of March, the French before Acre opened their trenches against the front or saliant angle, on the east side of the town, and a constant cannonade was kept upon that point until the 1st of April; when the breach which the enemy had made in the tower appearing to them practicable, and conceiving that the counterscarp had suffered from a mine they had sprung, the french troops resolutely advanced to the assault. On both these points they were deceived; whilst the Turks, stimulated by the heroic example of the british seamen and marines, continued to pour down a shower of stones and grenades upon the assailants, and drove them back with considerable loss.
The violence of the weather, and the unsheltered state of the anchorage, compelled the Theseus and Tigre to put to sea; and on their return, which was on the 6th of April, it was discovered that the French had pushed their approaches to the counterscarp, and even to the ditch of the north-east angle of the town, and were mining the tower, so as to increase the breach which they had made by the fire of their field-pieces.
Although the fire from the guns captured from the enemy, and which had been admirably mounted under the direction of colonel Phelipeaux and captain Wilmot of the Alliance, appeared to slacken the efforts of the enemy, yet much danger was apprehended from the mine. A sortie was therefore determined upon, and the seamen and marines of the squadron were to force their way into the mine, while the turkish troops attacked the enemy's trenches on the right and left.
Just before day-break on the 7th of April, the columns moved forward to the attack, but the impetuosity and noise of the Tuiks rendered abortive the attempt to surprise the besiegers; yet, in other respects, the Mahometans performed their part to admiration. Lieutenant J. W. Wright received two balls in his right arm, whilst leading the seamen pioneers; he nevertheless proceeded to the bottom of the mine, and pulling down the supporters, destroyed as much as could be effected in its present state. Major Douglas and the marines were highly distinguished in this enterprise; and they ably supported the seamen in the desperate service, bringing off the wounded under a tremendous fire from the enemy.
The loss sustained by the British was 1 major of marines, Thomas Oldfield, and 2 privates killed; lieutenant John W. Wright of the navy, lieutenant George Beatty of the marines, 2 midshipmen, 1 serjeant, 6 privates of marines, and 12 seamen wounded. The return of the detachment to the garrison was ably covered by the fire of the Theseus, in the excellent position she had taken for that purpose: the Turks, as proofs of their prowess, brought in 60 frenchmen's heads, and a number of muskets and intrenching tools.
General Berthier, who commanded a division of the enemy, affords the best testimony of the merits of the marines upon this occasion; and we therefore, without comment, give an extract from a letter of that gallant officer, dated from the french camp :-— " On the 18th Germinal (7th of April), the enemy at break of day attacked our left and centre ; each column was headed by british marines belonging to the ships, and their colours were seen waving with those of the Djezzar, and the batteries were all manned by Englishmen. The enemy attempted to surprise our advanced posts, but their design was seen through: we received them with a brisk fire from our parallels, and all that appeared were either killed or wounded. The enemy ultimately retired without gaining an inch towards destroying our works. The central column acted with more obstinacy, and their object was to penetrate to the entrance of our mine; they were commanded by major Thomas Oldfield, who advanced boldly towards the entrance of the mine at the head of some of his intrepid countrymen. They attacked like heroes, and were received by heroes, — death only checked their bold career: the remainder retreated and took refuge in the fortress. The approaches of our parallels remained covered with the dead bodies of English and of Turks.
The body of major Oldfield was carried off by our grenadiers, who brought him to head-quarters; but he had expired before their arrival. His sword, to which he had done so much honour, was also honoured after his fall: it remains in the hands of one of our grenadiers. He was buried amongst us and has carried with him the esteem of the whole french army." This eulogium from an enemy, and a soldier whose proud renown is associated with that of Napoleon, is the noblest epitaph that the brave could aspire to.
Sir Sidney Smith, at a meeting of the anniversary of the Naval Asylum, held on the 2nd of June 1802, offered a tribute to the memory of this gallant soldier. After speaking of the many virtues of captain Miller, sir Sidney thus enlarges upon the merits of his departed friend, major Oldfield, — "The next is major Oldfield of the marines. I will tell the company where the body of this brave man was contended for, and they will judge where, and how, he died. It was in a sortie of the garri- son of St. Jean d'Acre, when attacked by general Buonaparte, that major Oldfield, who commanded a column, was missing. On our troops advancing, he was found — his body was found at the mouth of one of the enemy's mines, and at the foot of their works: our brave men hooked him by the neck- cloth as he lay dead, to draw him off; the enemy at the same time pierced him with a halbert, and each party struggled for his body. The neck-cloth gave way, and the enemy succeeded in dragging to their works this brave man; and here I must do them the justice which such gallant foes are justly entitled to: they buried him with all the honours of war! "
When Buonaparte commenced the siege of Acre, he had no other artillery than field-pieces; but the squadron of admiral Perree, which sailed from Alexandria, consisting of three frigates and two corvettes, having on board a quantity of battering cannon and other munitions of war, reached Jaffa in safety; and in addition to these, by Buonaparte's desire, he landed 4 eigh teen-pounders from the Junon.
The garrison of Acre continued to make occasional sorties, under the protection of field-pieces in the ships' boats, until the evening of the 1st of May; when the French, after several hours' cannonade from 23 pieces of artillery, including 9 battering twenty-four and eighteen-pounders brought by admiral Perree's squadron, and which reached the besieging army on the 27th of April overland from Jaffa, made a fourth desperate attempt to mount the breach, which was now much extended. The Tigre and Theseus were stationed on either side of the town, so as to flank the walls; whilst the gun-boats were moored in the best manner for opening on the enemy's trenches.
Opposed by this destructive fire, the french troops, notwithstanding their determined bravery, were repulsed with a heavy loss. On the part of the British, captain David Wilmot of the Alliance was killed by a musket-shot, as he was mounting a howitzer on the breach; a midshipman and 4 seamen were also slain, and lieutenant William Knight with 8 men wounded: in addition to this loss they had to regret the death of olonel Phelipeaux, from excessive fatigue and anxiety. The French continued to batter in breach with progressive effect, although they had been repulsed with great slaughter in their several attempts to storm: nor were they more successful in their attacks on the two ravelins that had been erected by sir Sidney to flank the nearest approaches of the besiegers, which were only a few yards distant. The frequent sorties from the garrison impeded the enemy in their covering works, and these were only suspended during the intervals which were caused by the excessive fatigue on both sides. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1799. Friday 17th
December. Amiable engaged Sirene and Bergere.
1799. Monday 20th
December. Boats of Queen Charlotte re-captured Lady Nelson.
1799. Friday 24th -
30th December. Tigre took El Arisch.
1799. Sunday 26th December. Viper captured Furet.
1799. Notwithstanding the losses which France had sustained during the past year, there were great preparations in the french arsenals for the equipment and increase of her navy and measures were taken for the immediate construction of sixteen ships of the line, and eighteen heavy frigates. The naval force of Great Britain continued on the same establishment as the preceding year; and the parliamentary vote was for 120,000 seamen, including 20,00d marines. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1799. The Scotch Brigade Marines. It has been said that war is the logical continuation of diplomacy, but it could be argued more reasonably that war is the logical extension of competition in trade. We have been referred to, rather contemptuously, as a nation of shopkeepers, and the bayonet can be seen as a complement of the clerk's quill.
The conduct of many a campaign has been dictated by commercial considerations as much as by purely military ones, and the trader's preoccupation with his profit and loss account once sent a party of the Scotch Brigade, later numbered the 94th Foot, the 2nd Battalion of the Connaught Rangers, to serve as Marines on the waters of the Bay of Bengal.
In 1799 the shipping of the East India Company was being ravaged by a French frigate, La Forte, said to be the fastest and best armed frigate in any navy in the world. To hunt down and destroy this tiger of the seas was the allotted task of HMS SYBILLE, commanded by Captain Edward Cooke. The SYBILLE had spent several months at Calcutta in 1798 and the inevitable disease engendered by a lengthy stay in so unhealthy a position had so reduced the numbers of her crew that barely 250 men were fit for duty. Particularly heavy had been the reduction of numbers among her complement of Royal Marines that only, nine remained, and to remedy this shortage of Marines a company of the Scotch Brigade, then newly arrived in India from Cape Town, was pressed into service. In the Regimental History of the Connaught Rangers, Volume II, it is stated that 5 officers and 96 NCOs and men were embarked in the SYBILLE, but it will be apparent later in this paper that these figures are inaccurate.
On the 19th February 1799, the SYBILLE put to sea and immediately cleared ship for action. In the days before aerial reconnaissance the sea was a very big place, and day followed day without contact being made with the enemy. At length the HAPPY CHANCE, a prize taken by La Forte, was encountered proceeding to Madras under a flag of truce to exchange prisoners. From her came the welcome news that La Forte was in the neighbourhood. On the evening of February 28th flashes were seen on the horizon but no sound was heard. Despite the general opinion that these flashes were caused by lightning, Captain Cooke turned the SYBILLE's head to the South East to investigate. As darkness fell the source of the flashes was discovered to be indeed La Forte. She was found in the process of putting prize crews aboard her latest two captures, the MORNINGTON and the ENDEAVOUR. Under cover of darkness the SYBILLE crept up on her prey and not until 12 30 am on March 1st did a lookout on La Forte notice her. To the French Admiral and Captain it seemed that another prize was sailing into their grasp, and without calling her crew to action stations La Forte approached her "victim" A gun was fired at the SYBILLE and when no notice was taken the awful realisation dawned on the French that they had caught a Tartar and drums hastily called the crew of La Forte to action stations to face a sterner test than had been posed by Company merchantmen.
Every advantage seemed to lie with La Forte. She mounted 58 guns, 28 of them 24-pounders, while the SYBILLE could make reply with 48 guns, 28 being 18-pounders. La Forte suffered from one result of her previous successes, so many of her men had been taken up in supplying prize crews that her complement of some 600 was reduced to 370, almost the same as the SYBILLE's But on the decks of the SYBILLE stood a company of trained soldiers and their discipline and accurate fire was the deciding factor in the action that followed.
La Forte began the battle by firing broadsides at the SYBILLE, without any effect, as apparently no thought was given to the rapidly reducing range and the shot passed harmlessly overhead. As the SYBILLE passed the stern of La Forte the covers were stripped from the battle lanterns and a double-shotted broadside tore the length of the French ship with sickening results, eighty men falling to the deck. Taking up position alongside La Forte the SYBILLE soon mastered the enemy gunners and commenced to hammer the French ship to matchwood at twenty yards range. To the Scotch Brigade it was a wonderful opportunity to display the power of the Brown Bess as close range. Front and rear ranks took turns to fire and load, now aiming at the French gunners, now shooting down any one who showed himself on deck. About 2 o'clock in the morning of March 1st the action faltered, and it was apparent that the French were attempting to set sail and escape. To pick off the sailors from the rigging was child's play to trained soldiers, and when the masts of La Forte crashed to the deck it was all over.
At dawn Lieutenant Nauger (or Manger) RN took a party of the Scotch Brigade to take possession of La Forte. The effects of sustained musketry could be seen from the comparative losses on the two ships engaged, La Forte losing 65 killed and 85 wounded, while the SYBILLE's "butcher's bill" amounted to only 6 killed and 16 wounded. Among the dead on the SYBILLE were her Commander, Captain Cooke, a Captain Davis, an aide-de-camp of Lord Mornington, serving as a volunteer, and two men of the Scotch Brigade, Pts Peter Duckett and James Mollison,
In 1848 the Naval General Service Medal with the clasp SYBILLE was issued to survivors of the action and twelve men made good their claim, Lieutenant Manger, Midshipman Lysaght and ten seamen. Not a single claim was made by a man of the Scotch Brigade Marines, perhaps none surviving or perhaps more likely none being aware that they were entitled to a medal at all. To answer this question it became necessary to trace the names of the men of the Scotch
Brigade who embarked on the SYBILLE. I enlisted the aid of A Y McPeake, a former officer of the Connaught Rangers, and the muster rolls of the Scotch Brigade for the relevant period were traced. Mollison and Duckett were shown as "Dead", but no mention was made of any party detached to serve as Marines. Captain Morgan suggested a search for the Victualling List of HMS SYBILLE. A Y McPeake took up the trail again and after failing at the Public Record Office (records for this India Station not being held there) ran the quarry to earth at the India Office. Omitting the members of the crew of the SYBILLE the Victualling List gave 101 names.
Of the 94 men of the Scotch Brigade who served on the SYBILLE only one man can be represented by his medals today, Lieutenant Bogle. As a Captain in the 94th Foot he received the Gold Medal for Badajoz with a clasp for Nivelle. Later he was appointed a CB. As his name does not appear on the Military General Service Medal Roll he must have died prior to 1848. There are, however, two names on the Victualling List of HMS SYBILLE which may coincide with names on the MGS Roll. This contains a Sgt James Rickie (or Richie) and a Drummer James Miller, who may be the same men as the Sgt Richie and Pte James Miller of the Victualling List. Miller also received the Array of India Medal. To determine whether this is so would entail tracing the discharge papers of the men who served in Spain to discover the date of enlistment. Since the muster roll of the Scotch Brigade does not include NCOs (except those who had died since the previous muster was prepared), this cannot be used to shorten the task.
Although the tangible results of our search are but small the rescuing from oblivion of the names of the men of the Scotch Brigade who served so gallantly on INS SYBILLE can be regarded as reward enough for any student of military history. (Sic)
(Editor's Note: We are most grateful to the Editor of Seaby's Bulletin for permission to publish this article, which appeared in the December 1972 issue.) From O.D. Cresswell.
