An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps, from its Original Institution down to the Present Era, 1803
by Major Alexander Gillespie · English · Gutenberg #49490 · 657,393 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps, from its Original Institution down to the Present Era, 1803
Author: Major Alexander Gillespie
Release date: July 19, 2015 [eBook #49490]
Most recently updated: October 24, 2024
Language: English
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN HISTORICAL REVIEW OF THE ROYAL MARINE CORPS, FROM ITS ORIGINAL INSTITUTION DOWN TO THE PRESENT ERA, 1803 ***
TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE
Italic text is denoted by _underscores_.
Obvious typographical errors and punctuation errors have been
corrected after careful comparison with other occurrences within
the text and consultation of external sources.
All changes noted in the ERRATA (pg xvi) have been applied to the
etext.
Sometimes the currency symbol l (for libra, pounds) was used instead
of £. This has been changed to _l_ for clarity. For example, 50l is
represented as 50_l_.
More detail can be found at the end of the book.
AN
Historical Review
OF THE
_ROYAL MARINE CORPS._
PRICE ONE GUINEA IN BOARDS.
AN
HISTORICAL REVIEW
OF THE
_ROYAL MARINE CORPS_,
FROM ITS
ORIGINAL INSTITUTION DOWN TO THE PRESENT ERA,
1803.
DEDICATED, BY PERMISSION,
TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CLARENCE.
BY ALEXANDER GILLESPIE,
FIRST LIEUTENANT AND UPWARDS OF TWENTY-FOUR YEARS AN OFFICER IN IT.
[Illustration: "PER MARE, TERRAMQUE VINCIMUS."]
BIRMINGHAM:
PRINTED AND SOLD BY M. SWINNEY, No. 75, HIGH-STREET;
SOLD ALSO BY T. EGERTON, MILITARY-LIBRARY, WHITEHALL; MESSRS. RICHARDSON,
ROYAL EXCHANGE; MESSRS. LONGMAN AND REES, PATERNOSTER-ROW;
AND T. OSTELL, AVE-MARIA-LANE, LONDON.
1803.
[Illustration: _St. Jean d'Acre in Syria._
_Memorable for its Gallant Defence by a Body of Seamen, and Marines
under Sr. Sidney Smith, & Colonel, now Sr. John Douglas Knt.
&c. &c. against BUONOPARTE, & the Flower of the French Egyptian
Army._]
[Illustration]
_Most Gracious Prince_,
With mixed sentiments of Loyalty and Gratitude, I now lay the
following Work under your Royal Shelter.
In having deigned to become its Patron your Royal Highness
has placed me under a double tie, as it is a precious mark of
condescension bestowed upon myself, enhanced in value from its
being a sure earnest of predilection for my Corps.
To cherish Patriotism, Subordination and Allegiance, is the bounden
duty of every subject; but more peculiarly so, during times of
public danger, and of general convulsion. This has been my leading
aim, not by the displays of Theory, but of Facts.
Conscious that such were my predominant motives, and anxious to
maintain consistency throughout, I looked around for a Protector
who united within himself all those exalted endowments which I have
laboured to establish. My eyes turned towards your Royal Highness,
and my pen did not solicit in vain.
With talents filled for an honorable discharge of the most
important trusts; early trained in the hardy employs of a
profession which has long been the prop of the British Empire;
and a Prince of the greatest Realm on earth, your Royal Highness
has nobly foregone all those pre-eminent claims, and with a
manly humility, you have associated yourself, in arms, with the
Volunteers of your Country.
Although the field of glory may not be so wide as on that element
for which your Royal Highness was destined from your youth, and
where you are so well qualified to shine, still you have exhibited
the brightest example to Englishmen, and by it alone, you have
already rendered the most signal services.
The deed, august Prince, will be reviewed by Posterity with all the
generous feelings of Britons; and it must convince the collected
hosts of a rapacious enemy, now arrayed for the avowed purpose of
overturning our Religion, our Liberties, and our Laws, of the many
serious dangers which they must encounter, ere they can subdue
those Isles, where but one spirit pervades, and animates every
rank, from the Palace to the Cottage.
Were I allowed to penetrate into futurity, and were your energies
to be ever called forth, I should then behold your Royal Highness
emulating the recognized valour of your illustrious Ancestors, by
deeds of heroic gallantry against the foes of your revered Father,
and of his Throne; but I will forbear to dwell upon the issues of
an after day.
Whether it shall be your lot to wave your banner or your flag in
combat against the enemies of our land, may victory and success
ever follow in your train, and may your Royal Highness enjoy the
honorary recompence of a Brave Nation, annexed to its habitual
respect for your public virtue, and your private worth!
Such, Most Gracious Prince, are the cordial wishes of one, who
has the distinguished privilege of attesting that fidelity and
devotion, with which he remains,
Your Royal Highness's,
Very attached,
And most obedient humble Servant,
ALEX. GILLESPIE,
BIRMINGHAM, 15th NOV. 1803.
INTRODUCTION.
There is no Fame so liable to decay as that which has been acquired
by the subordinate Soldier. The admiration and applause too, which
follow military deeds, however brilliant, are but fickle passions,
as they successively transfer their affections to every new
conqueror, and all are too often buried in the same grave, after
the trumpet of war has ceased to sound.
To drag from the land of forgetfulness, actions, long lain in
oblivion; to place the revolutions and the achievements of a
corps, endeared to its Country by a train of loyalty and valour,
in one connected and analysed point of view, were the leading
motives which urged the Author to essay a history of its origin
and progress. Whilst he laments that the undertaking has not been
allotted to superior talents, at the same time he will venture to
affirm that it could not have been prosecuted with a stronger zeal.
Never was military prowess more loudly called for, than at the
present crisis.--Ardour should be raised in every rank. It is a
plant, which, by fostering attention flourishes and grows; but if
neglected, soon droops and dies. Courage is the natural birth-right
of an Englishman, and it needs only a directing hand, under
Providence, to give it an invincible aim.
It is policy then, as well as justice, to stamp upon record the
feats of the meanest, anxiously to search for worthy examples in
every walk, and to proclaim them to their brethren, and to the
world, as merited tributes, and powerful incentives to achievement.
The Author regrets that his range has been so limited, and that, in
many instances, the adduced anecdotes have not been more specific;
but the foundation stone is laid, upon which a structure may yet
be reared. He trusts, therefore, that the following request may
not be unavailing, which is,--That his brother Officers will have
the goodness to preserve, in written memorial, the names of those
gallant fellows who may hereafter distinguish themselves, as well
as a minute description of the circumstances.
As error is a bye path to knowledge, he anticipates from the
members of his own household, corrections of the many defects which
have unavoidably crept into a work of such miscellaneous detail.
A Soldier from his infancy, he begs that the public, and _those who
controul its opinions_, may be tender with the lash! It would be a
pity to bring a veteran, for his first offence, to the halberts,
and that too for grammatical inaccuracies.--He has taken up the pen
merely to be useful, not in the pursuit of literary fame.
The arrangement of his subject will appear classed under distinct
chapters, which engross the events of each separate year, excepting
such as comprehend the intervals of peace; a season that yields
little interesting matter, and what is uniformly comprized in one
division.
An Appendix is added, which contains the essence of every Act of
Parliament now in force, so far as they affect the interests of the
families, the widows, or representatives of the forlorn orphans of
Seamen and Marines. A reference to it, will enable the Clergyman
or private Gentleman, to become the immediate and solid friend of
these meritorious and destitute objects, as the regular mode of
transaction and correspondence is clearly pointed out, by which, to
realize their little properties.
The Author takes this public method of tendering his warmest
thanks to the many respectable characters in this loyal spot, who
have befriended his labours, and to that wide circle of Royalty,
Nobility, and Gentry, who, although strangers to him, have yet
deigned to countenance the humble individual, from affection to his
Corps.
BIRMINGHAM, 15th Nov. 1803.
CONTENTS.
CHAP. I.
Introductory remarks--The original design of Marine
Soldiers--Established in the year 1684--A detail of the first
established Corps--Disbanded at the peace of Ryswick--Interesting
events to the military--A digression respecting half-pay.--Page 1
to 8.
CHAP. II.--The revival of Marine Corps in the reign of Queen
Anne--Expences incurred by them--Marines no longer considered as
a nursery for the Navy--Rules for their future government and
conduct--Under the controul of the Lord High Admiral--Independent
Companies also raised and embodied.--P. 9 to 15.
CHAP. III.--The high estimation in which the Marines were held as
Soldiers--Their various enterprizes in favour of King Charles III.
in his views upon the Spanish monarchy.--P. 16 to 25.
CHAP. IV.--The reduction of Port Royal, now named Annapolis Royal,
in honour of Queen Anne.--P. 26 to 27.
CHAP. V.--Reflections on the views of King Charles of Spain
respecting the Spanish monarchy--The heroic perseverance exhibited
by the Marines when besieged in the town of Alicant--Expedition
against Cette, in the province of Languedoc--Taken, but afterwards
recovered.--P. 28 to 30.
CHAP. VI.--An unsuccessful attempt on the town of Quebec.--P. 31.
CHAP. VII.--Death of the Emperor of Germany--King Charles called
to fill the Austrian throne--Peace restored by the treaty of
Utrecht--Moderate expences of this long war.--P. 32 to 33.
CHAP. VIII.--A retrospect of arrangements as to the allowances to
Officers of the Army and the Marines--Reforms in the constitution
of Marine regiments--George I. commenced his reign with a signal
mark of royal favour to the Marine Corps--Marines disbanded.
Again embodied. Considerably augmented--Admiral Vernon's encomium
on the subject of Marine Soldiers--War with Spain detailed, by
the taking of Porto Bello, the bombardment of Carthagena, and an
attack on Chagre--A disastrous expedition against Carthagena--Heavy
losses.--P. 34 to 57.
CHAP. IX.--Marine regiments augmented--Indulgencies granted
them--Established regulations for them--Hardships experienced by
the Officers in drawing their arrears of pay.--P. 58 to 60.
CHAP. X.--Renewal of operations against the Spaniards--The
evacuation of Cuba.--P. 61 to 64.
CHAP. XI.--Unsuccessful expedition--Rattan possessed by the
British--Mutiny there suppressed by the energies of the Marine
Soldier--Heavy casualties of the troops in the West Indies.--P. 65
to 68.
CHAP. XII.--A spirited attack on the town of La Guira--An
unsuccessful attempt on the coast of Terra Firma.--P. 69 to 71.
CHAP. XIII.--France declares war against England--Property of
naval prizes granted to the captors--The Marine force considerably
augmented.--P. 72 to 75.
CHAP. XIV.--The attack and fall of Cape Breton--A digression to
a train of important domestic events--Effective strength of the
Marine regiments in 1745.--P. 76 to 84.
CHAP. XV.--An investigation into the grievances of the land forces
and Marines--Expedients suggested to redress the grievances
complained of--Statement of them--Definition of terms--Meditated
expeditions against the French coast--Marines incorporated with
the line--Taking precedence from the 44th regiment--A short detail
of each--A curious occurrence of a recruiting party in London,
authenticated by Major Donkin.--P. 85 to 102.
CHAP. XVI.--Two important naval victories, gained by Admirals
Warren and Hawke--Marines placed under the controul of the Board of
Admiralty.--P. 103 to 105.
CHAP. XVII.--The conquest of Pondicherry meditated--Anecdote
of Hannah Snell, a female Marine Soldier--The expedition to
Pondicherry abandoned--The attack against St. Jago frustrated
and diverted against Port Lewis--A serious mutiny on board the
Chesterfield--A striking anecdote in consequence of it--Peace
proclaimed.--P. 106 to 115.
CHAP. XVIII.--Grants of land, and the cultivation of Nova
Scotia--50 companies of Marines levied--Detail of appointments to
them, and an act passed for their regulation on shore when they
were formed into three divisions--Preparations for war.--P. 116 to
120.
CHAP. XIX.--Marine Corps further augmented--War declared against
France--A Marine detachment shares in the gallant defence of
Minorca--A new ministry formed.--P. 121 to 123.
CHAP. XX.--20 companies added to complete the corps of Marines--A
coalition of parties.--P. 124.
CHAP. XXI.--Further augmentation of the Marine Corps--The Militia
established--A memorable action at sea--The works on the Isle of
Aix destroyed by a party of Marines--The capitulation of Fort
Lewis, Cape Breton, and St. John's--The surrender of Goree, in all
of which the Marine corps bore a part--A bill framed to enable
Seamen to assist their suffering families.--P. 125 to 130.
CHAP. XXII.--A gallant action recorded, in which Captain Troy and
his detachment were distinguished--Various expeditions in the
West Indies--A ludicrous anecdote of some Seamen near Quebec--A
naval victory in the Mediterranean--Havre de Grace bombarded--The
spirited zeal of Captain Harvey on repeated occasions--Defeat
of Conflans by Admiral Hawke--New establishment in the Marine
Corps--Remarks upon it.--P. 131 to 144.
CHAP. XXIII.--The Marine forces augmented--Important services
effected at home and in the East--The death of George II.--His
present Majesty proclaimed King--Magnanimous instances of
liberality shewn to distressed French prisoners in England.--P. 145
to 151.
CHAP. XXIV.--An expedition against Belleisle--Disasters at its
outset--The town and citadel of Palais reduced--Examples of Marine
gallantry--The island of Dominica reduced--Gallant single actions
at sea recorded--The union between the King and Queen--Mr. Pitt's
resignation--Field Officers upon the Marine list at the close of
1761.--P. 152 to 163.
CHAP. XXV.--War declared against Spain--The reduction of Martinico,
St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada--A plan of operations meditated
against the Spanish colonies--Havannah surrenders--An attempt
against Newfoundland frustrated--An expedition against the Spanish
Philippine Islands--Distinguished operations there--Rich captures
at sea--Wretched state of the enemy--Preliminaries of peace
ratified.--P. 164 to 179.
CHAP. XXVI.--A heavy reduction in the Marine forces--A proposal for
increasing the number of Marine Field Officers--Partial grants of
land to his Majesty's servants in the Province of Canada.--P. 180
to 182.
CHAP. XXVII.--The hostile disposition of the American Provinces
towards their mother Country appears early--Considerate reforms in
the Corps adopted by Earl Sandwich.--P. 183 to 184.
CHAP. XXVIII.--The American war commences in New England--Affair at
Lexington--Judicious measures of Lord Percy in effecting a masterly
retreat to Boston--A Marine battalion reaches America--Formed
into two battalions--Detail of the Officers--Battle of Bunker's
Hill--Farther particulars in Canada and Virginia.--P. 185 to 208.
CHAP. XXIX.--Sufferings of the troops in Boston--That town
evacuated, after which the Army proceeds for Halifax--Various
transactions in North America.--P. 209 to 214.
CHAP. XXX.--The Grenadier Marine Companies accompany Sir William
Howe--Detail of military operations throughout the American
continent.--P. 215 to 220.
CHAP. XXXI.--Treaty between France and America--Rapid and gallant
successes of Colonel Maitland--Hostilities with France--Single
encounters at sea--Warlike events in America and the West
Indies.--P. 221 to 225.
CHAP. XXXII.--A retrospective view of the uniform good conduct and
discipline of the Marine battalion at Halifax--Honours rendered to
all in consequence.--P. 226 to 238.
CHAP. XXXIII.--Pondicherry taken--D'Estaing's success in the West
Indies--Drawn battle at sea--His attempt upon Savannah--Is repulsed
with loss--Marine gallantry there--Colonel Maitland dies--Spanish
war--Omoa taken--Anecdote there--Subordinate details at sea.--P.
239 to 247.
CHAP. XXXIV.--Admiral Rodney's successes--Political
digressions--Operations in America--Admiral Rodney's battles in
the West Indies--Undaunted conduct of Commodore Cornwallis--Single
actions between ships.--P. 248 to 255.
CHAP. XXXV.--War with Holland--Dutch losses in the West
Indies--Unequal contest off Martinique--French successes in
that quarter--Reduction of West Florida by the Spaniards--Naval
engagements--Transactions in India, in which the Marines were
peculiarly active--Disasters in America--Single actions during
1801--Admiral Kempenfelt's bold attack on a French convoy.--P. 256
to 271.
CHAP. XXXVI.--Admiral Hood's brave conduct at St. Kitt's--Victory
of the 12th of April--Anecdote of Lieutenant Mounier--Engagement
in the East Indies--Signal repulse of the combined forces from
Gibraltar--Subordinate actions at sea--Peace negociated.--P. 272 to
276.
CHAP. XXXVII.--A general peace--Instances of mutiny--Conduct of
the Marines--A heavy reduction in that establishment--Striking
anecdote respecting the Duke of Clarence--Detachments to New South
Wales.--P. 277 to 280.
CHAP. XXXVIII.--War with France--Inadequate augmentation--Remarks
upon it--Noble patriotism of the town of Manchester--Successful
operations--The surrender of Toulon to Lord Hood--A detail of
events there--Military anecdotes of Lieutenants Nailor and
Burdwood of Marines--Zeal of Sir Sidney Smith--Evacuation of
Toulon--Judicious conduct of Capt. Robinson, of Marines, while
commanding the garrison of Cape Nicola Mole at St. Domingo--Single
actions at sea.--P. 281 to 294.
CHAP. XXXIX.--Additional Companies raised--St. Fiorenzo and Bastia
surrender to Lord Hood--Rapid conquests in the West Indies by the
Fleet and Army under Sir John Jervis and Sir Charles Grey--Lord
Howe's memorable victory--Action at sea--Lieutenant Craigie
killed.--P. 295 to 300.
CHAP. XL.--A treaty between France and Holland--Reduction
of the Cape of Good Hope, and of the Dutch territories in
Hindostan--Defeat of the French fleet by Admiral Hotham--Single
actions--Lieutenant Crebbin distinguished--Admiral Cornwallis's
masterly retreat from a very superior force--Lord Bridport takes
three sail of the line--Lieutenant Jephcote slain--Bravery of
Lieutenant Richardson and Serjeant Dice on board La Blanche.--P.
301 to 307.
CHAP. XLI.--St. Lucia conquered--Various military incidents
in which Lieutenant Carter was mortally wounded, and Captain
Strangeways, after feats of valour, died from a severe
wound--Lieutenants Williams and Hart also noticed for spirit--The
French foiled in their aim to invade Ireland.--P. 308 to 312.
CHAP. XLII.--Hostilities against Spain--Trinidad and ships of
war surrender or are burnt--Brilliant victory of Sir John Jarvis
over a superior Spanish fleet--Digression upon the subject of
achievement--Lieutenant Bulkeley's good conduct--Unsuccessful
attack on Teneriffe--Lieutenants Robinson and Basham slain--A
mutiny on board the Hermione--Reflections--Mutiny in our
fleets--Remarks on it--Lieutenants Wilson, O'Connor, Carruthers,
Campbell, and Stewart, Serjeant Sweet, and Private Cubit,
signalized by courage and fidelity--Admiral Duncan's victory--Royal
procession to St. Paul's.--P. 313 to 324.
CHAP. XLIII.--Political reflections--French expedition to
Egypt--The fall of Malta, Alexandria, and Cairo--Glorious battle
of the Nile--Captain Faddy killed--The gallantry of Lieutenant
Perry stated, and Serjeant Dair's valour and death on board
the Leander--James Harding's intrepidity--Operations in the
Mediterranean--Marine courage displayed on board the Mars, and
in the defence of St. Marcou--Lieutenants Maughan, Ensor, Symes,
Macdonald, Hole, Gerrard, Bell, Derring, and Sinclair distinguished
through the year 1798.--P. 325 to 334.
CHAP. XLIV.--The noble defence of St. Jean d'Acre, by the
Seamen and Marines under Sir Sidney Smith and Colonel
Douglas--Lieutenant Burton noticed--Bold sortie--Major
Oldfield's fall--Eulogiums to his memory--Lieutenant Beattie
wounded--Repulse of Buonaparte--Farther services of Sir Sidney and
Colonel Douglas--Short and brilliant campaign in the Neapolitan
territory--Momentous results and prompt conduct of Captain
Trowbridge, as well as discipline evinced by the Marines under
Colonel Strickland--Lieutenants Vivion, Davison, Private Needham,
Lieutenants M'Gee, Wybourn, Howell, Higginson, and Gardner,
honorably mentioned amongst the mixed transactions of 1799.--P. 335
to 355.
CHAP. XLV.--Malta surrenders--Marine Officers
there--Captures--Lieutenants Campbell, Jewell, Captain M'Leverty,
Mr. Macdonald, Lieutenants Owen, Gerrard, Thompson, Ballingham,
Hutton, M'Cullen, Alexander, Montgomerie, Mitchell, and Jordan
appear most respectably on the records of 1800.--P. 356 to 362.
CHAP. XLVI.--Northern confederacy--Unexampled increase
to the Marine Corps--Victory at Copenhagen--Subsequent
details upon it--Lieutenants Tate, Sinclair, Rose, Gerrard,
distinguished--Bombardment of Boulogne--Mutiny in Bantry
Bay--Honorable testimonies of Marine loyalty--Egyptian
campaign--Encomiums bestowed upon the Corps, for their
gallantry and discipline--Bright achievements of Sir James
Saumarez--Individual Officers named during the military operations
of 1801--Lieutenant Smith's decisive conduct, and a heroic instance
of zeal in a Private Marine in quelling a mutiny on board the
Castor--Testimonials in consequence--Lieutenant Vyvion's fall.--P.
363 to 390.
CHAP. XLVII.--A general peace--Marine Corps honoured with the
title of _Royal_--Terms in which the boon was bestowed--Other
marks of recompence--The distinguished perseverance evinced by a
Marine detachment in quelling a mutiny at Dominique--Particulars
of it--High encomiums rendered to the Marine parties on board the
Gibraltar and Excellent.--P. 391 to 399.
CHAP. XLVIII.--Earl St. Vincent's reforms--War with France--His
Lordship's attention to the Corps of Royal Marines--Subordinate
exploits.----P. 400 to 402.
INDEX TO APPENDIX.
Privileges of the Marine Soldier and the progressive indulgencies
granted to him stated and discussed--Useful instructions for
recovering wages and prize-money due to the heirs of deceased
Marines--Forms of procedure, the prescribed fees attending every
claim, and some hints as to the execution of wills and letters of
attorney, with sundry other particulars, of general benefit to the
relatives of Seamen as well as Marines.
ERRATA.
Page 52, for _duies_ read _duties_.--60, for _sytem_ read
_system_.--74, for a force of 11,556 _were_ read _was_.--82,
for _strived_ to subvert read _striven_.--95, for _The_
afterwards destined against L'Orient read _They_; and same
page, for _exquinox_ read _equinox_.--121, for _compleat_ read
_complete_.--125, for _Selfs_ read _Self_.--129, for _Maines_
read _Marines_.--190, for _dare_ not, read _durst_ not.--210, for
_resolved_ upon dislodging read _He_ resolved, &c.--222, for But
_their_ leader read _its_ leader.--230, for _after_ formed into
one Battalion read _each Company to consist of_, &c.--233, for
top detail of _Light Infantry_ and _Grenadiers_ read downwards
2d, 3d, and 4th Companies.--250, for _friendly_ passion read
_fiendly_.--326, instead of revived under the republic _who_ read
_which_; and for _their_ faithless purposes read _such_.--357,
for He _with_ Mr. Beaufort read He _and_ Mr. Beaufort.--373, for
_the following was the order of battle_ read _and by the order
of battle_ given out, the Marines were attached, &c.--378, for
_tenable_ in the field read _terrible_, &c. &c. &c.
A
HISTORICAL REVIEW
OF THE
_ROYAL MARINE CORPS_,
_&c. &c._
FROM ITS ORIGINAL FORMATION TO 1803.
CHAP. I.
At a period when the commerce of this Country bore no proportion
to its present state, the supplies of Seamen, under a system of
impress, were extremely precarious, and often inadequate to the
public emergencies. Experience had also shewn, that raw landsmen
were most improper substitutes for this want, as the sudden
change of life rendered them subject to immediate disease, and
sea-sickness, at a time when their active services were required.
These united causes originally suggested the expediency of forming
an establishment of Marines, who were raised and embodied with the
sole view of being a nursery to man our fleets. They were always
quartered in the vicinity of our principal sea-ports, where they
were regularly trained to the different methods of ship fighting,
and to these various manœuvres of a vessel, in which numbers were
necessary. Being thus locally placed, their value was early felt
by their exertions in equipping the squadrons fitted out, when
but little confidence could be placed in the sailor, perhaps just
impressed into the service.
The general principles and regulations that were instituted for
the conduct of the Marine regiments, from their formation, to the
close of the reign of King William III. evidently shew that they
were entirely devoted to naval purposes. As each individual became
properly qualified to act on board of ship as a foremast-man, which
was uniformly encouraged, he was discharged from his regiment,
entered upon the books as such, and levy-money was granted to the
officers of his corps, in order to supply the vacancy of him who
was thus transferred.
The first authentic instance of any regiment of this description
appears in the Army List of 1684, and from the return of the
general review on Putney Heath, upon the first day of October in
that year. Neither the exact æra of its establishment, or that of
the other maritime forces, is clearly ascertained; and it would be
absurd to speculate upon dates which can yield no material result.
The return which I have mentioned runs thus, and is annexed at
large: "The Lord High Admiral of England, his Royal Highness the
Duke of York and Albany's _Maritime Regiment of Foot_, commanded
by the Honourable Sir Charles Littleton, called also the Admiral
Regiment.
Sir Charles Littleton, Colonel.
Oliver Niclas, Lieutenant Colonel.
Richard Bagett, Major.
CAPTAINS. LIEUTENANTS. ENSIGNS.
Col's. Co. commanded by
Capt. Lt. Robt. Crawford, Capt. Lt. Philom. Powell
Lt. Colonel's Co.
commanded by Lieut. Edm. Yarborough Arthur Townshend
Major's Co. commanded by Lieut. Theoph. Bleehenden William Pearson
Geo. Littleton, Captain Lieut. Edmund Wilson James Man
Sir Thomas Cutler Robert Lloyd John Hill
Edward Nott Francis Hobblin Alexander Erwin
Francis Ezod Francis Butler Thomas Man
Edward Harris John Thorn William Somers
Samuel Scudamore George Rooke Gilbert Simons
Chichester Wray Henry Hewys Geo. Littleton
Charles Herbert Thomas Whaley Francis Ezord
Edmund Plowden William Oglethorpe Jo. Whaley
State Major, or the Staff Officers of the Admiral Regiment,
Richard Beauvoir, Adjutant.
Tobias Legross, Quarter-Master.
Samuel Tatham, Chirurgeon.
John Tatham, Chirurgeon's Mate.
This regiment consisted of twelve companies, without any
grenadiers, had yellow coats lined with red, and their colours
were a red cross, with rays of the sun issuing from each of its
angles. It stood the third in seniority in the line of that day;
and it may be presumed, from its subsequent reduction, that a step
was obtained in it by the 4th, _then_ the Regiment of Holland,
commanded by John, the second Lord Mulgrave, and now entitled The
Old Buffs.
Betwixt 1687 and 1698, there were several maritime regiments raised
for the purposes, and under the regulations I have stated. They
were Colonels Mordaunt, Colt, Seymour, and Brudenell's; also, Sir
Cloudesley Shovel's, my Lord Torrington's, and the Marquis of
Carmarthen's; all of which were disbanded during the currency of
1697 and 1698.
The expences incurred by the maintenance of the maritime troops
were classed with the estimates of the navy, and money was issued
from time to time, by warrant from the Lord High Treasurer to the
Treasurer of the Navy, who placed it in the hands of a person
especially appointed to receive and pay it. Under this system,
the Admiralty and Navy Boards were subjected to much trouble, in
forming and directing its different arrangements.
From the nature of the marine service, at this period, few or no
achievements occur which can be peculiarly attached to it as a
corps. We find them honourably mentioned in the operations against
St. Christopher's, and the successful attack upon Cork, under the
æra of 1690. The detail of loss upon the former occasion is thus
described, and evinces that their energies also, as soldiers, were
called forth when occasion might require them. "In this action we
had killed and wounded upwards of 130 men, and Captain Keigwin, _a
sea commander_, who was appointed _Colonel of the Marine Regiment_,
(which consisted of about 230 _seamen_) was shot through the thigh,
of which wound he died, before he could be carried on board, and
Captain Brisbane, who _acted as First Captain to the Marines_,
receiving a shot through the body, expired that night on board the
Bristol."
Embodied under similar circumstances, they of course partook in
the various services of debarkation, which the emergency of those
times might have demanded, until the peace of Ryswick, which, for a
while, closed the existence of marine forces.
The expences of King William's war, upwards of eight years'
duration, are so moderate when contrasted with these of later days,
that they merit a place in any retrospect which treats of that
period; and it is to be remarked that 40,000 seamen were maintained
during the last years of it.
Total navy estimates allowed £16,303,713 15 0
Total army do. do. £18,487,671 17 10
-----------------
£34,764,385 12 10
=================
In all, thirty-four millions seven hundred sixty-four thousand
three hundred eighty-five pounds, twelve shillings and ten pence!
I cannot bid adieu to the transactions of this auspicious reign,
which has established the happiness and the liberties of my
country, without commenting upon two events of it, that must be
materially interesting to every military man--I mean the code of
laws for the good order and discipline of our armies, and the grant
of half-pay bestowed upon disbanded officers.
The first was adopted in an hour of urgent expediency, in order
to restrain the uncontrouled outrages of a discontented soldiery,
on account of arrears due to them. This act was passed in great
haste upon the 12th day of April, 1689, and has progressively
experienced these various improvements that arise out of occasions.
It undergoes annually a legislative sanction, under the title of
the Mutiny Bill.
Half-pay was a gift decreed upon the 18th of January, 1697, and has
subsequently involved many a doubt, whether as having been intended
in the light of a retaining fee, or as a reward for past services.
Opposite decisions have authorised different constructions, while
the lapse of more than one hundred years has not yet explicitly
brought the point to an issue.
The manly and independent spirit of our judges, pure as these laws
that controul their opinions, has not been able to adjust the
question.
In the case of General Ross, which was submitted to their enquiry
and determination--they resolved that he could not be amenable, _as
a half-pay officer_, to military jurisdiction; but the discussion
extended no farther.
In 1715 a number of officers, however, who drew this recompence
from the public, most ingloriously joined the Pretender. The issue
being unfortunate for them, they were all taken prisoners, and
afterwards tried and executed by _martial_ law; although they might
have been capitally convicted _as rebels, by the common law of the
land_.
In having adduced these opposite examples, I cannot withhold a
remark, that under no one head of the articles of war is this
description of men noticed; and I can readily anticipate the answer
of an Englishman, were I to ask him if any laws should affect such
an object as I have defined, in which he is not expressly specified?
In this flourishing country, where industry and enterprize are open
to all, it often happens that an officer, when the State no longer
wants his services, turns his attention and the little capital he
may possess, to commercial pursuits. In this new profession he very
probably advances the public interests more essentially than were
he recalled to his former duties, upon every fresh emergency.
_That_ patriotism and loyalty, which I am convinced in those days
influence every soldier, who, in the smallest portion, tastes
of the bread of his King, will enforce through each quarter of
Britain a local activity, and when necessary, a military zeal. As
volunteer companies in the present, and very probably under the
future political circumstances of our country, must form a branch
of our force, who are there more capable of animating them than men
who have been trained to arms, whose allegiance is undisputed, and
whose early sentiments and ideas no change of life can extinguish?
Some legislative assurances of exemption in favour of officers of
this description, and who engage to discharge the obligations of
general association when required, would be politic and gratifying.
Half-pay might also very properly be no longer considered as a
retainder of those who have served any marked number of years; for
I would discriminate between the veteran and the stripling, who are
alike entitled to the same remuneration; though, I should humbly
conceive, to separate indulgencies. Having made this digression,
suited, I trust, to the present topic and the present times, I
return to the train of my narrative.
CHAP. II.
Upon the death of King William III. whose royal memory must long
be dear to Englishmen, Queen Anne ascended the British throne.
Previous to this event, the seeds of a new war had been forming,
which was proclaimed against France and Spain, upon the 4th day of
May, 1702.
The French King having advanced his grandson, the Duke of Anjou to
the vacant Spanish monarchy, her Majesty espoused the interests
and claims of the Archduke of Austria upon that sovereignty, and
resolved upon sending a strong fleet into the Mediterranean, which
was to become the theatre of their hostile efforts.
One of the first acts of her reign was a revival of the corps of
Marines, but they were placed upon a different footing from these
that existed under her royal predecessor. Destined for the mingled
and active services of co-operation with the well-trained forces
of our allies, along with a new establishment, a new constitution
was also requisite. Their meritorious conduct, as soldiers, in
the subsequent duties that were allotted them, reflected honour
upon their discipline and their country, and they shared in the
royal thanks of Him whose cause they maintained, by their frequent
debarkations upon the sea-coasts of France, Spain, and Italy.
Her Majesty's order for levying this body of men was issued upon
the first day of June, 1702, and runs thus:
ANNE R.
"Our pleasure is, that this establishment of six regiments
of Marines, and six other regiments, for _sea service_, do
commence and take place from the respective times of raising.
And our farther pleasure is, That the order given by our
dearest Brother the late King deceased, and such orders as
are or shall be given by us touching the pay or entertainment
of our said forces, or any of them, or any charges thereunto
belonging, shall be duly complied with, and that no new charge
be added to this establishment, without being communicated to
our High Treasurer, or Commissioners of our Treasury for the
time being.
"Given at our Court at St. James's, first day of June in the
first year of our reign.
"By her Majesty's command,
"GODOLPHIN."
I annex, also, the expences incurred by one regiment of this
description, which will be a guide to the total charge for the
whole of them.
One Company, _per day._ _per year._
FIELD and STAFF OFFICERS.
Colonel as Colonel £0 12 0 £219 0 0
Lieut. Col. as Lieut. Col. 0 7 0 127 15 0
Major as Major 0 5 0 91 5 0
Chaplain 0 6 8 121 13 4
Adjutant 0 4 0 73 0 0
Quartermaster 0 4 0 73 0 0
Chirurgeon 0 4 0 73 0 0
One Mate to ditto 0 2 6 45 12 6
-------- ----------
£2 5 2 £824 5 10
======== ==========
One Company, _per day._ _per year._
Captain £0 8 0 £146 0 0
First Lieutenant 0 4 0 73 3 0
Second Lieutenant 0 3 0 54 15 0
2 Serjeants, each 1_s_ 6_d_ 0 3 0 54 15 0
3 Corporals, each 1_s_ 0 3 0 54 15 0
2 Drummers, each 1_s_ 0 2 0 36 10 0
59 Privates, each 8_d_ 1 19 4 717 16 8
-------- ------------
£3 2 4 £1,137 11 8
======== ============
Pay of 10 Comp. more of the }
like number and same rates } 31 3 4 11,375 16 8
--------- -------------
34 5 8 £12,513 8 4
========= =============
One Company of Grenadiers to complete this Regiment, as follows:
1 Captain £0 8 0 £146 0 0
1 First Lieutenant 0 4 0 73 0 0
1 Second Lieutenant 0 4 0 73 0 0
3 Serjeants, each 1_s_ 6_d_ 0 4 6 82 2 6
3 Corporals, each 1_s_ 0 3 0 54 15 0
59 Grenadiers, each 8_d_ 1 19 4 717 16 8
---------- -------------
Total this Regiment 39 15 8 £14,520 18 4
========== =============
Pay 5 Regiments more, at }
the same rates, &c. } 198 18 4 72,604 11 8
---------- -------------
Total for Marines £238 14 0 £87,125 10 0
========== =============
The six regiments of Foot for _sea service_ were exactly the same
numbers and same denominations, excepting as to officers, who
among these corps, were detailed as Ensigns instead of Second
Lieutenants. Classed under one general head, the twelve regiments
cost the public £238 14 0 _per day_, and £174,251 0 0 _per year_.
The idea of this class of men being raised with a view of becoming
a nursery for the Navy, seems to have been now relinquished, and
the following articles for their government and conduct were
framed, and adopted, by her Majesty in council, upon the 1st of
July, 1702.
1st. They were to be employed on board her Majesty's ships as there
should be occasion, and quartered at, or as near as might be to the
dock-yards, when on shore, to guard them from embezzlements, or any
attempts of an enemy.
2d. In all matters relating to their subsistence and clearings,
when on board and on shore, they were to be paid in like manner as
the land forces, and the same deductions to be made from them for
clothing, and one day's pay, once a year, from each officer and
soldier for the hospital.
3d. They were to be allowed an equal proportion of provisions with
the seamen, without any deductions from their pay for the same.
4th. And to have the same allowance for short provisions (when
circumstances render the issue of full allowance imprudent) as the
seamen, to be paid to themselves, or their assigns.
5th. Such regiments, or parts of them as should be on shore, were
to be mustered by a commissary or commissaries in the same manner
as the land forces, excepting in this case, that they, the said
commissaries, were obliged to allow at each muster on his or their
rolls, all such officers and soldiers as should appear to him or
them by authentic vouchers, or certificates, to be put on board
any of her Majesty's ships or vessels, and that such part of the
aforesaid regiments as should be at sea, might be paid while they
were so, it was directed, That the commanding Marine Officer with
them should, every two months, return to the Commissary General
of the Musters a perfect list of all the officers and soldiers on
board each ship, signed by himself, and all the Marine Officers,
expressing the times of entry, death, and discharge of each man,
that so the Commissary might compare the said lists with the
monthly books sent to the Navy Office, and allow such of the
officers and soldiers as should appear to him fit to be so allowed.
6th. To prevent confusion, not less than fifteen Marine Soldiers,
and with them an Officer, were to be put on board a ship, at any
one time, unless in cases of necessity.
7th. And for the ease of the whole a particular Pay-master was
appointed, with power to solicit the arrears of the regiments,
and to receive all sums of money from the Treasurer of the Navy;
and immediately upon the receipt thereof, to issue the same to
the respective Colonels, or their Agents; he was also required,
diligently and carefully to adjust all accounts relating to the
regiments, according to such muster rolls as should be delivered to
him by the Commissary, or Commissaries; and those muster rolls were
to be allowed of, as sufficient vouchers for the charges in the
accounts, and for making out debentures and warrants.
8th. To enable the aforesaid Pay-master to keep an Office, and to
defray the charge thereof, and of Clerks and other contingencies,
he was allowed sixpence in the pound, pursuant to the subscription
of the respective Colonels, which he had power to deduct out of
all monies issued to him, in the same manner as the poundage was
deducted from the land forces.
9th. For rendering such parts of the regiments as should be on
shore the more useful, her Majesty declared it should be left
to herself, or the High Admiral, to dispose of them at such
places nearest to the several dock yards, as might be judged most
convenient: And since there might be occasion for Labourers to
dispatch necessary works, her Majesty empowered her High Admiral,
or the Commissioners for executing that office, to cause to be
employed in the aforesaid dock yards, so many of the Marine
Soldiers as might be judged fitting, and to make them such daily
allowance for the same, besides their ordinary pay, as to him or
them should seem reasonable.
Thus placed under the controul of the Lord High Admiral, he was
pleased to nominate Brigadier General Seymour to superintend the
whole; whose peculiar duties were to observe, that the men were
comfortably quartered, that the officers were attentive in their
respective departments, and that the Marine Soldiers, when embarked
on board of ship, were supplied with proper sea clothes, and other
suitable necessaries.
During this reign also, a number of independent companies of
Marines was raised for the express purpose of defending our
different West India possessions, to which quarter they were sent,
were embodied into three regiments, and where they remained many
years.
CHAP. III.
In order to pave the way for the cordial reception of King Charles
the III. orders were sent to Sir Cloudesley Shovel, then commanding
the British Fleet in the Mediterranean, to effect what he could by
conciliation, or by conquest, amongst the different dependencies
of the French and Spanish monarchies, previous to the arrival
of the Royal Claimant. Throughout the whole of that Admiral's
instructions, much dependence was placed upon the energies of the
Marine Forces under his command, and they subsequently bore a
conspicuous share of the mingled services that ensued, in the cause
of the House of Austria. This circumstance may evince the very high
estimation in which they were held as Soldiers, although nothing
materially occurred either under the command of Sir Cloudesley
Shovel, or during the currency of 1703.
After many delays the Archduke arrived at Lisbon, with Sir George
Rooke, upon the 25th day of February 1704, in order to concert a
plan of future operations with his ally, the King of Portugal. The
Admiral was enjoined to attempt nothing without the suggestion and
assent of Both.
The first enterprize was against Barcelona, whither they were
invited by some deputies from Catalonia, and a few leading men
in the city, who gave assurances that it would declare for
Charles the III. if a shew of attack only was made. Here 1600
Marines were landed, at the request and under the command of the
Prince of Hesse, upon the noon of the 19th of May. This force
being inadequate for the purpose, it was next day re-embarked at
the instance of his Highness. Listening to the wishes of their
Majesties, in conformity with his instructions, the Admiral would
have attempted Cadiz; but, upon deliberation, and that there was no
army to co-operate, this idea was given up.
They accordingly turned their thoughts to Gibraltar, where the
Prince of Hesse was landed in the afternoon of the 21st of July,
with 1800 British and Dutch Marines. Proceeding upon the decision
of a Council of War, his Highness was to cut off all communication
with the main land, to bombard and cannonade the place, and to
reduce it to the obedience of the King of Spain.
Having established his post at some mills then near the town, he
sent a summons for the Governor to surrender; who answered, that
all his garrison had taken an oath of allegiance to their lawful
Sovereign, King Philip the V. and that as loyal and faithful
subjects, they would die in its defence.
The Admiral having directed a strong force to proceed against
the south mole, the enemy were driven from their guns.--A number
of boats manned and armed, were then detached under the gallant
conduct of Capt. Whitaker, of the Navy, who soon obtained
possession of the great platform; but about one hundred, whose
impetuous bravery had carried them within the effects of a mine
connected with the fort, were killed and wounded by its explosion.
The rest, however, advancing most rapidly, gained a redoubt,
half-way between the mole and the town.
This attack being made upon a Sunday, almost the whole of the women
belonging to the garrison, were performing their devotions in a
chapel about four miles distant; so that the besieging forces were
between them and their husbands and families.
This circumstance hastened the fall of the place, for the citizens
within strongly urged the Governor to capitulate; who being thus
almost compelled to it, the Prince of Hesse, at the head of the
Marines, marched in upon the evening of the 24th.--The garrison,
indeed, was only composed of two skeleton regiments; but the
strength of the fortifications, the number of cannon mounted being
upwards of 100 pieces towards the sea, and the two narrow passes
of approach from the land, would have rendered it formidable to an
enemy who possessed not the dash of enterprize. Our loss, in the
attempt, was 61 killed, and 206 wounded.
In October of the same year, the Garrison, composed of Marines
under the Prince of Hesse, sustained a siege by 7000 men. The
purpose of the enemy was to have stormed from the south mole,
united with the desperate attempt of a Spanish forlorn hope
climbing the rock, and a general attack from the main land. Against
very superior forces Gibraltar was maintained, until relieved by
Sir John Leake, who reinforced the place with 2000 men.
This Fortress, seated upon the territories of our natural foe, has
long stood a monument of our naval power, which has oftener than
once been especially devoted to relieve its wants; and has also
afforded to the world, a brilliant instance of military defence
under the late Lord Heathfield.
Nothing worthy of notice occurred until the month of September
1705, when it was deemed essential by the Earl of Peterborough
Commander in Chief, to attempt something worthy of our arms, and
the service of the King.
At the desire of his Lordship, a large body of Seamen and Marines
were landed at Barcelona, who were auxiliary in the reduction of
that important place, at which his Majesty was present.
This city was destined to an attack from the enemy, early in 1706,
whither Sir John Leake, having the Earl of Peterborough on board,
proceeded in April.
His Majesty, King Charles, who was then within its walls, very
strongly urged the immediate debarkation of all our forces; upon
which, 1400 land troops, and the Marines of the fleet, were on the
9th of April, sent to his aid. Their appearance was well timed,
as the French had made a practicable breach, which they would
otherwise have stormed upon the following day.--After repeated
attempts they relaxed in their efforts, and many volunteers from
the city, as well as peasants from the mountains pouring down in
numbers, obliged them to raise the siege precipitately, upon the
11th.--After ten at night the enemy began to retreat; but first
setting fire to their magazines, and placing matches to their
mines. Many of the former, however, were preserved by the natives,
and a number of the latter were extinguished by the soldiery. The
morning's dawn presented their army retreating in disorder, and
grievously harassed by our troops, and the enraged Catalans.
An eclipse of the sun, followed by a total darkness about nine,
suspended for a while every operation, which, when dissipated,
the slaughter was renewed, till prudence recalled them from the
carnage. The enemy's camp, with 100 brass cannon, and stores of
every description, were the fruits of our efforts.
Having thus relieved this important place, the fleet sailed upon
the 18th of May, and landed the forces of every description, upon
the coast of Valencia on the 25th.
This was preparatory to the attack of Alicant, which was deemed
almost impregnable.--Having been apprized that it was reinforced,
and that a regular siege alone could reduce it, the idea was
dropped for a time, and they proceeded against Carthagena, which
immediately submitted; and where a garrison of 600 Marines under
Major Hedges, _who was appointed Governor of it_, was established
for its defence.
An attempt upon Alicant was then resolved upon; but Brigadier
Gorge having upon a close review of the place, and learning the
resolute spirit of its Governor, Major General Mahoni, represented
that not less than 3000 men were necessary to reduce it.--Having
with him not more than 1450 troops, and he being of opinion that
no dependence could be placed in the Spanish Militia, it was
determined to withdraw the garrison of Marines from Carthagena, in
order to assist in these active operations, and to put another in
its stead.
The fleet arrived off Alicant, upon the 26th of June, when a
summons was forwarded to General Mahoni, who, like an Officer,
answered, that he would hold out to the last. His force consisted
of more than 1000 Soldiers, and many inhabitants of the town, who
had volunteered in its defence.
Brigadier Gorge having moved from Elche upon the 21st of July,
where he had remained waiting for reinforcements, to within a
mile of Alicant, all the Marines of the fleet, with 800 Seamen,
were landed upon that day, and the following morning, and the
bombardment commenced in the evening of the 22d. A detachment of
the Naval force under Sir George Byng, rendered very essential
service, by dismounting many of the enemy's guns opposed to the
sea, and driving the men from them.
Upon the 24th of July, the Marines arrived from Carthagena, and
were immediately landed. Four days after, when the troops had
gained possession of the suburbs, all the boats were manned and
armed, in order to attack the town. On the 29th, the ships having
made a practicable breach in the round tower, at the west end of
the place, and another at the middle of the curtain, between
the mole and the easternmost bastion, the Soldiers advanced to
storm them. An Officer with fifteen Grenadiers rashly pushed on
against the breach in the town, but were repulsed before they
could be supported. Upon this occasion there were particularly
distinguished, Captains Evans, Passenger, and Watkins, of the Royal
Navy. Capt. Evans, at the head of a few of the boats crews, was the
first to mount into the breach, and they were rapidly seconded by
the whole forces, who, upon reaching the town, secured every post,
with but little loss; there being only 30 killed, and 80 wounded,
although the Spaniards had prepared for this event, by forcing
temporary loop holes in their houses, from which they kept up a
sharp fire upon our men as they approached.
General Mahoni now retired into the Castle, and was again summoned
by Brigadier Gorge; his answer was such as became him, and what
might have been expected from his character. At this time the
detached squadron had dismounted many of his guns, beat down a part
of the walls, and his Garrison was extremely annoyed by shells from
the bomb vessels. Composed chiefly of Neapolitans, they at last
compelled the brave Mahoni to yield, who, from this cause alone,
surrendered his charge, after a heavy loss, upon the 25th of August.
Having adjusted every thing, the fleet proceeded to the Island
of Ivica, where it arrived upon the 9th day of September. The
Governor instantly saluted, and tendered submission and obedience
to King Charles the III. It was afterwards resolved to attack
Majorca, to the Viceroy of which a summons was sent in, upon the
14th of September. He, with some others in the interest of the
Duke of Anjou, appeared resolute to defend themselves; but when a
few shells were thrown into Palma, the capital, the inhabitants
obliged him to retire to his palace, and there enter into terms. A
Garrison of one Captain, one Lieutenant, and 100 Marines was placed
here, and all the disaffected to our cause, were withdrawn from the
island.
Nothing farther, connected with my subject, appears on the face of
the military transactions of this year. In the month of June, 1707,
an opportunity presented of co-operating with the Duke of Savoy
and Prince Eugene in an intended attack upon Toulon. Towards the
close of it, the fleet proceeded for the coast of Italy, where it
anchored upon the 28th, between Nice and Antibes, about a league
from the Var.--A conference took place on the following day betwixt
the Commanders in Chief, when it was decided, that a joint attack
should be made upon a part of the enemy's army then entrenched upon
that river, before they could be reinforced.
These works being exposed to the fire of the ships, as they
could stand within little more than musket shot, were hastily
evacuated, and in less than an hour they were occupied by 600
Seamen and Marines. The passage was now open for the Duke of Savoy
to prosecute his destination, while frigates were stationed along
the different parts of the sea coast, in order to keep up a mutual
communication.
Having reached Toulon, every aid was afforded by the fleet both as
to men and cannon, but the enemy daily augmenting his forces, and
having made a successful sally, induced the raising of this siege
upon the 10th of August, after a loss of more than a thousand men.
One happy result arose from this attempt however, which was, that
the French, under a sudden dread of consequences, sunk a number of
their largest men of war, which were ever after unfit for service.
King Charles having often urged the reduction of Sardinia, with a
view to open a passage for his troops in Naples to attack Sicily,
as well as on account of its sources of supply of all kinds of
provisions for his armies, of which they were much in want, a
body of Marines was drawn from Tarragona, a strong sea port and
Garrison in Catalonia, to assist in this enterprize. Upon the
1st day of August, 1708, the whole arrived before Cagliari, the
capital. Upon receiving a very equivocal answer to a summons sent
in, the bombardment commenced that evening, and continued without
intermission until next morning, when at the break of day, Major
General Wills, and the whole of the Marines, with one Spanish
regiment were landed. The place, in consequence, almost instantly
surrendered.
The whole having been re-embarked, the fleet again set sail, upon
the 18th of August, for Minorca, and arrived at Port Mahon upon the
25th.
At this period, two of the Marine Regiments were drafted, and
both officers and men were incorporated with the other four, now
employed upon this service. The measure was necessary, in order to
supply the casualties that had occurred, and to render these corps
effective.--For this purpose, all the Marines capable of duty, were
drawn from a number of the fleet about to return home, as well
as to assist in the reduction of an island, which, every officer
conceived, would make a spirited and tedious defence.
The first attack was against Fort Fornelle, which was cannonaded by
two of the ships, and fell after a contest of four hours.
A detachment having been pushed to Cittadello, the capital, it
surrendered without resistance.
The batteries were opened on the works defending the town of Port
Mahon, upon the 17th of September, when, after a short but brisk
fire, and the loss of only six men, a lodgment was effected under
the very walls of St. Philip's Castle; and next day the enemy
capitulated.
Thus was this strong fortress, and important island, gained by
a force of only 2400 men, while the garrison consisted of more
than one thousand Soldiers, with upwards of 100 pieces of cannon
mounted, and having every thing requisite for sustaining a long
siege.
Sir George Byng arrived at Lisbon upon the 14th of October, having
her Majesty the Queen of Portugal on board, but, although many
other objects of service were in contemplation, nothing farther was
attempted during 1708.
CHAP. IV.
Early in 1709, a plan was formed to attack Port Royal in the
province of Nova Scotia, at that time in possession of the
French.--For this purpose a body of 400 Marines was embarked,
and the expedition was entrusted to the joint conduct of Colonel
Nicholson of the land forces, and Captain Martin of the navy.--The
squadron proceeded for Boston, where they were to be reinforced by
some ships, and such provincial auxiliaries, as might be ready, or
were necessary for this intended conquest.
Here a Council of War was held, which arranged the future
operations of a body, now consisting of 2000 men.--They reached
their destination upon the 24th of September, and the proper ground
for landing having been reconnoitred, the debarkation took place on
the following day.--The enemy opened a heavy fire upon the boats
from their guns and mortars, but with little effect. A bomb-vessel
drifting up with the tide of flood within reach of the Fort,
rendered important service during the two first days, which was
spiritedly aided by the military exertions on shore.
Upon the first day of October, the Governor of the Fortress having
expressed an inclination to surrender upon terms, they were taken
into consideration and agreed to. Here a Garrison of Marines was
left. Having thus reduced the place, it was now named Annapolis
Royal, in honor of her Majesty, under whose auspices it was
conquered.
CHAP. V.
The British Nation, ever true to its Allies, often has had cause
to complain of a want of this reciprocal honour. Limited in my
scope, it belongs not to me to develope errors, and far less to
expose such as have arisen from high causes. But, in vindication
of the military fame of my country and my corps, I have to regret,
that the zealous and gallant services of both should have been
unavailingly exerted in the unprosperous views of King Charles upon
the Spanish monarchy.
To the want of co-operation and unanimity must be ascribed the
many chequered events, and reverses, that marked his royal
efforts during this contest. Unsupported by his family, or his
nation, whose immediate interests it must have been to place
him effectively on that throne, he was exposed to many fatal
disappointments when he could not remedy them, and was thus often
obliged to adopt the measures of necessitous expediency, when he
should have been enabled to prosecute the objects of an arranged
system.
Early in 1709, the town of Alicant became hard pressed, having
sustained a long and obstinate siege against a very powerful
force of the combined enemy. The garrison, composed in a great
proportion of Marines, exhibited the most heroic perseverance
in maintaining the place. Unable to reduce it, the besiegers
attempted to undermine the rock upon which the Castle stood, of
which they apprized its defenders; but this had no effect upon
their resolution. A partial shock, which buried above twenty in its
effects, did not intimidate them, and they bravely continued to
defend themselves till the fleet, under Sir George Byng, appeared
(I believe) on the 4th of April.
General Stanhope, with the troops on board, were to have attempted
its relief, under cover of a squadron that was at the same time to
have attacked the enemy's lines along the sea shore; but a heavy
gale coming on, and many of the ships being in shallow water, it
was judged proper to stand farther out into the road.
The weather continuing severe, and being unable to gain any
intelligence as to the state of the garrison, the Commanders in
Chief dreading the worst, and in pity to their sufferings, by a
flag of truce, proposed terms of surrender, which being agreed to,
the brave remnants were embarked on board of the fleet, which now
proceeded to Tarragona, Port Mahon, and afterwards to Barcelona.
During the remainder of this year, nothing farther was attempted
by our squadrons, which, in their attached duties, were employed
to harass the commerce of our foes, and to protect the convoys of
provisions destined wherever necessary.
Upon the 13th of March, 1710, Sir John Norris arrived at Port
Mahon, as Commander in Chief of the Naval Forces. After having
arranged every thing, transporting troops to the different
quarters, where required, and some inferior attacks upon the enemy,
he reached Barcelona upon the 18th of June, in order to concert
future operations with his Majesty.
An expedition was meditated against Cette, in the province of
Languedoc, where the Troops and Marines were landed upon the 13th
of July. The place made but a feeble resistance; and the fort,
upon which eighteen pieces of cannon were mounted, surrendered the
same day. Major General Seissau, then advancing against Adge with
the regiment of Stanhope, and three hundred Marines, that town was
delivered up without resistance.
The Isle of Cette, however, was shortly afterwards recovered by the
French army stationed in the province under the Duke de Roquelaure;
but all our soldiers were previously re-embarked.
Nothing further occurred in 1710, which is in any respect connected
with my subject.
CHAP. VI.
Early in 1711 it was resolved to attempt the town of Quebec, the
capital of the French dominions in Canada, for which service Sir
Hovenden Walker and General Hill were nominated as Commanders in
Chief. A respectable force was appointed, and they were directed
to proceed for Boston, in New England, there to arrange every
thing necessary for this undertaking. They reached Nantasket, near
Boston, upon the 24th of June, and having prepared the Provincial
Corps, and withdrawn the Marines who garrisoned Annapolis
Royal since its surrender, they sailed for the object of their
destination, after many delays, upon the 30th of July.
This attempt was rashly adopted, without examining the difficulties
it involved. The urgent suggestions of the American Provinces first
gave the idea, in order to get rid of a hostile and dangerous
neighbour, but their energies were by no means adequate to the
extent of their designs. A general ignorance of the navigation
of the river St. Laurence very early exposed us to the loss of
more than 800 brave men, who perished from this fatal cause,
and these sad examples put a period to an expedition formed in
misrepresentation, and conducted by incapacity.
The whole squadron and forces returned to England on the 9th of
October, after having left the provincial auxiliaries upon their
own coast.
CHAP. VII.
Sir John Jennings arrived at Barcelona upon the 20th of March,
1711, in order to assume the command of the British Fleet.
To watch the enemies ports, to distress their trade, and to keep
open the communication of intelligence and supplies for the
detached forces of our Allies, were all that he could now attempt
in the tottering cause of King Charles the Third.
About this time died Joseph, Emperor of Germany, whose bequeath
of all his dominions to our Royal Competitor compensated for past
struggles, and averted that blow to his pride which must soon
have ensued from the desperate state of his affairs, by a total
dereliction of his object.
That event called upon him to fill the throne of his country; to
obey which, his Majesty soon after embarked on board the English
fleet, and was escorted to Italy.
His Royal Consort still remained behind, with a view to inspire
a motive for farther efforts, but the suspension of arms between
Great Britain and France put a period to every active co-operation.
The Empress, with her retinue, embarked at Barcelona, early in
1712, and landed at Genoa upon the 26th of March, from whence she
prosecuted her journey towards the destined seat of her power.
After a tedious negociation, the stages, or the detailed terms,
of which it is not my task to retrace, peace was restored by
the Treaty of Utrecht, on the 31st of March, 1713. We retained
possession of Gibraltar, Minorca, and Nova Scotia; each conquered
by our arms during the war, and in effecting all of which the
Marine forces, established during the reign of Queen Anne, very
essentially contributed.
The extraordinary expences of this long war, notwithstanding
its duration, did not much exceed forty-four millions, which,
considering the immense forces kept on foot, and the subsidies
granted to so many of the Continental Powers, appear but a small
sum.
CHAP. VIII.
The allowances made to the respective ranks on the Staff of the
Army, which was employed in Spain and Portugal, and in which
officers of Marines shared, when upon this service, and when acting
in any one of the undermentioned capacities, were arranged by her
Majesty in Council, previous to the expedition.
General of the Horse and Commander in Chief _per day_ £10 0 0
Three Aids de Camp, each 10_s_ 1 10 0
Lieutenant General 4 0 0
Two Aids de Camp, each 10_s_ 1 0 0
Two Major Generals, 2_l_ each 4 0 0
One Aid de Camp to each, 10_s_ 1 0 0
Three Brigadiers, each 1_l_ 10_s_ 4 10 0
Three Majors of Brigade, each 10_s_ 1 10 0
Quarter-master General 0 10 0
Adjutant General 0 10 0
Judge Advocate 0 10 0
Pay-master 0 5 6
Secretary to Commander in Chief 0 10 0
Chaplain to Commander in Chief 0 6 8
Physician to Commander in Chief 0 10 0
Chirurgeon to Commander in Chief 0 10 0
Provost Marshall 5_s_ and 6 men, each 3_s_ 1 3 0
Waggon Master 0 3 0
---------
Daily amount £32 8 2
==========
And for Contingencies upon Account, the
sum of £6000.
"By her Majesty's command,
"GODOLPHIN."
Established 1st June, 1702.
The death of the Lord High Admiral, in a retrospective view, also
produced some trivial reforms in the constitution of the Marine
Regiments, which were accomplished under the auspices of the same
ministry that had framed their original regulations. Some existing
abuses were, I believe, the pretext for this change, as the
Commissaries, after the decease of the Royal Consort, were enjoined
to transmit their accounts, and otherwise correspond with the
Secretary at War, upon the subject of these establishments. Many
omissions seem to have prevailed in making regular returns from the
different detachments, necessarily extended over every quarter of
the globe, which first arising from individual neglect, ultimately
retarded the proceedings of the Commissioners, who were appointed
to investigate the national expenditure, at the close of the war.
The following is their report upon this head:
"Soon after the commencement of our Commission, we required Mr.
Whitfield, late Pay-master of the Marines, to lay the accompts of
these Regiments before us; which after many delays he did, but in a
very imperfect manner.
"We insisted upon a more distinct accompt, whereupon he, (being
very ill) sent his chief Clerk Mr. Sizer to us, who deposed, that
the accompts could not be made more perfect without muster rolls,
which Mr. Lynn the Commissary had not returned.
"In answer to this, Mr. Lynn hath declared, that he could not
make up the muster rolls farther than the 24th of December,
1709, for want of the ships books, and the certificates from the
Agents of the Commissioners of the sick and wounded: which books
and certificates could not be had from the distant parts of the
service, till those employed there came to England.
"These difficulties prevent our stating the accompts of the
Marines, but it is obvious, that the expence of the Navy is
increased by them.
"For the Pay of 8000 Marines, according to the establishment,
amounts to £128,133 5 0 _per annum_.
"The Pay of 8000 _ordinary_ Seamen, is £98,800 0 0 _per annum_.
"The extraordinary charge therefore, is £29,333 5 0--and how far it
may be thought necessary to continue Marines in time of peace, is
humbly left to the judgment and determination of Parliament.--The
next great expence to the public, is that of the Navy, &c."
After the work of peace was accomplished, a great reduction of
the forces took place, and the half-pay list for the year 1714,
exhibits upon it the following Regiments of Marines:--The whole
having been disbanded, and the officers thus remunerated.
Lieutenant General Holl's, &c.
[Here is a detailed list of Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel,
Majors, Captains, 1st Lieutenants, 2d Lieutenants, Chaplain,
Adjutant, Quarter-master, and Surgeon.]
Major General Wills's do.
Brigadier Borr's do.
Lord Viscount Shannon's do.
One Muster-master General, and
Three Deputies.
Tranquillity was scarcely restored to the nation, when it had to
lament the loss of its Sovereign, who closed an amiable and a
virtuous life upon the 1st day of August, 1714.
The eyes and hearts of every Briton, who was capable of
appreciating, and solicitous to maintain the blessings he enjoyed,
naturally turned towards a successor, the recognized virtues of
whose illustrious House, were the surest pledge of a continuance of
their religious and civil liberties.
Accordingly, the Crown was tendered to, and accepted by King
George the First, whose wise and mild reign, amidst subsequent
convulsions, fully realized every hope which the nation had formed.
He had scarcely been seated on his throne, when a rival appeared,
the unfortunate dupe of the hostile and ambitious designs of
France, against his kingdoms.
But the loyalty of his subjects, and the courage of his troops,
defeated an attempt that must have renewed the evils which urged on
a recent and a glorious Revolution.
In the first year of his Majesty's Government, it was judged
proper to grant a signal mark of royal favour, in consideration
of the extensive and gallant services of the Marine Regiments.
Accordingly, all the officers attached to those of Lieutenant
General Holl, Major General Wills, and Brigadier Barr were restored
to their rank and full pay, and were generally incorporated with
the different corps of the line. Four invalid companies were also
granted.
A spirit of public œconomy, as well as of public jealousy against
the very idea of a standing army, that existed during the æra of
which I treat, preclude any retrospective details from me within
the periods of 1715 and 1739--During those days the very name of a
_Marine Soldier_ carried within it hostility to British liberty.
It was a term which the most enlightened could not comprehend, and
afforded a handle of discussion to the leaders of parliamentary
debates, and of popular prejudices.
During the above interval, the nation encountered a short war, and
was also placed in the attitude of preparation for a second--but
the events of neither fall within my limited scope; as no force,
except the nominal and unattached title of General of Marines
existed, with four independent companies of invalids.
It was not until 1739, upon the repetition of Spanish cruelties
and aggression towards the industrious and defenceless subjects of
Britain, that the system of Marine Regiments was renewed. The sword
was again drawn upon the 19th of October of that year, and an Order
of Council of the 12th of December, determined upon the immediate
levy of six of this description. The Colonels who were nominated to
command them were as follow:
1st. Edward Wolfe, esq. from 3d Foot Guards.
2d. William Robinson, esq. Lieutenant Colonel from Handyside's
Regiment of Foot.
3d. Anthony Lowther, esq. from 2d. Foot Guards.
4th. John Wynyard, esq. from Colonel Tyrrel's Regiment of Foot.
5th. Charles Douglas, esq. from Colonel Howard's Regiment of Foot.
6th. Lewis Ducie Morton, esq. from 3d. Foot Guards.
In order to render them immediately effective, and with a view
to discipline them, five men from each company of the Regiments
of Foot Guards, were appointed as Serjeants and Corporals, and
mingled with the whole.--That they might also be rapidly completed,
a bounty of one pound ten shillings was tendered to the first
1800 men of our regular army who should volunteer this transition
of service. It was not long, by the use of such energies, before
the whole were raised, and no part of the royal speech was more
generally applauded than that which proposed this levy. The notion
of their being an appendage to the standing army, seems to have
been, at this time, considerably effaced, though the phantom was
still kept alive by those who studiously search into and proclaim
every apparent grievance. Early in the year 1740, three additional
regiments were raised in America, and the Royal Standard was
erected at New York, as the signal-post to which every volunteer
Marine was to repair.
It was supposed, that from climate, the natives of that Continent
were better calculated for the service to which they were
destined than the Europeans, and they were clothed in a manner
well adapted for the future scene of their duties. The Colonels,
Lieutenant-Colonels, Majors, and Subalterns, were appointed by
the Crown, and the Captains of Companies were nominated by the
American Provinces. Their uniform was camblet coats, brown linen
waist-coats, and canvas trowsers. Colonel Spotiswood, of Virginia
was Colonel Commandant of the whole.
In January, 1740, the six Marine Regiments received an effective
augmentation of 2040 men, and one Lieutenant to each Company.
An addition also of twenty men was granted to each of the four
Companies of Invalids, and another allowed to the retired Marine
establishment.
Previous to the sailing of Admiral Vernon for the West Indies,
he, in an Address to the Duke of Newcastle, and in terms of an
honest zeal for the public service, thus expresses himself upon the
subject of Marine Soldiers:
"I could wish, indeed, we had each of us a company of regular
troops sent on board of us, which would have strengthened us in
numbers, as well as had their expertness in handling their arms, to
have incited our Seamen to the imitation of them. If we should come
to a general war with France as well as Spain, I believe your Grace
will have already perceived, from the difficulty of manning these
ships as they are, the necessity there may be of converting most of
our marching regiments into Marines; and if, as they become Seamen,
they were admitted to be discharged as such, that would make a good
nursery for breeding them, at a time we might probably find such a
necessity for them.
"As I have always looked upon our fleet as what must not only
protect our trade, but secure us the blessings of a Protestant
succession, your Grace will be so good as to excuse the overflowing
of a sincere, though it may be an imprudent zeal; being strongly
convinced in my own judgment, that preserving a superiority at sea
is the best security of his Majesty's government, as well as the
trade and prosperity of this kingdom."
The above ideas seem principally drawn from that system which
existed as to the Marine previous to the reign of Queen Anne, and
what has been already noticed. The arguments also bear a similarity
to those subsequently adopted by General Lloyd, whose Treatise I
shall have a future occasion to quote.
If the subordinate arrangements of a ship could allow of it, much
benefit would ensue to the public service by a greater number of
Marine Soldiers being added to the complement of each, instead of
a set of men denominated _wasters_, who are partly composed of
criminals that have compromised with the injured laws of their
country, who rarely, even upon a stretch of years, become real
seamen, and who, from their former habits of life, are too often
the leaders of discord and insubordination.
On the contrary, if the plan which is suggested were generally
adopted, with such an additional force on board, capable of
striking terror upon either element, not a British squadron would
put to sea that must not be viewed by our enemies with a jealous
eye; but what would keep their extensive coasts for ever on the
alert, and by that rapidity and secrecy which are peculiar to all
naval movements, objects might be effected, and conquests achieved
that never were anticipated by the political surmises of our
countrymen, or the intelligence of our foes. Many other weighty
considerations might also be adduced to enforce this expedient,
which more properly fall within discussion under a future detail of
events.
At no period of time was ever the voice of the nation more
unanimous for war. The evidence of Captain Jenkins, before the
House of Commons, stating his sufferings from Spanish cruelty,
aroused the indignation of every member, and notwithstanding the
pacific temper of the Minister of that day, and his powerful
influence, all were anxious to vindicate the insulted honour of the
nation.
Before the declaration of hostilities, Admiral Vernon sailed for
the West Indies, and arrived at Jamaica in the month of October,
1739. The aspect of public affairs previous to his leaving Europe,
fully sanctioned immediate enterprize against the enemy.
After taking in refreshments at Jamaica, and having embarked 200
Soldiers under Captain Newton, to serve as Marines, he shaped his
course for Porto Bello, the destined object of his attack, and at
that time the great mart for the wealthy commerce of Chili and Peru.
The attempt was fraught with many apparent obstacles, but it was
undertaken and performed with an unexampled spirit and promptitude,
which are the surest means of success in military enterprize; but
more particularly when it is aimed against the distant territories
of an enemy.
Upon the 21st of November, the attack was commenced by the ships
in line of battle, against the Iron Castle, a strong fort of 22
guns, at the north point of the entrance into the harbour. The
Spaniards flying from several parts of it, an instant debarkation
of the Seamen and Marines was resolved on, from the Burford,
Norwich, and Worcester, under cover of these ships. With the loss
of only two killed, they effected a landing, when they compensated
for the want of scaling ladders, by each man mounting upon the
shoulders of another, and thus entering the embrazures.--This Fort
was carried although no breach had been made, which indeed was
almost impossible, against walls of 9 feet in thickness, and such
as afterwards withstood for a while, the explosions of those mines
that were used to raze them.
This gallant beginning struck terror into the Garrison of Gloria
Castle, and Jeronimo Fort, both which defended the town; the former
had two regular bastions, and a curtain between them mounted with
22 guns, besides many more pointing towards the mouth of the
harbour.
Upon the 22d, an attack was intended against the whole, but the
enemy hung out the white flag, a signal of surrender. Upon this
occasion, Captain Downing of the Navy led the attack on the Iron
Castle. After having landed, he very properly wished to form
his men into some order for it. One brave but impetuous Sailor,
disdaining such precautions, pushed on, who, on being ordered to
halt, answered with an ingenuous oath, "Don't let us halt, Captain,
till we are lamed."
In this operation we sustained a loss of only twenty killed
and wounded, while the enemy were lessened in their numbers by
desertions into the country, and by action, nearly three hundred
men.
After destroying the fortifications, which from their strength
required some time, the Admiral with his squadron sailed for
Jamaica upon the 13th of December, and previously received from the
Governor and inhabitants of the place the warmest acknowledgments
for the humanity and generous treatment they had experienced.
The bombardment of Carthagena, in February, 1740, and the attack
upon Chagre (a fort situate upon the mouth of a river of that
name, a little to the north-west of the Gulf of Darien), were all
that could be performed before the arrival of reinforcements and
supplies from Europe, now much wanted. The latter, surrendered,
after a contest with the men of war and bomb-ketches, upon the 24th
of March, when the Castle situated on a rock, and the Custom-house,
under its protection, were demolished and burnt. The fleet
afterwards returned to Porto Bello, and from thence to Jamaica.
At this period considerable exertions were making at home, with a
view to attack more effectually the Spanish possessions in South
America, as well as their own coasts.
A large number of men of war was assembled at Spithead, and
Lord Cathcart, with six regiments of Marines, now considerably
strengthened, with other forces, were encamped in the Isle of
Wight, and continued in readiness for these intended services.
It was not until the 26th of October that the fleet set sail
from St. Helens for Jamaica, where they arrived in the month of
January, 1741. The united forces which were embarked on board were
Wentworth's, Harrison's, and Cavendish's regiments of Foot, with
the six regiments of Marines already detailed.
Unfortunately for his country, and that profession of which he
was so bright an ornament, Lord Cathcart very early fell a victim
to the climate, when the command devolved upon the Honourable
Brigadier General Wentworth.
The whole force sailed from Irish Bay, in Hispaniola, upon the 25th
of February, 1741, consisting in all of one hundred and twenty-four
sail, having been reinforced by two of the Marine regiments raised
within the American provinces, and other levies which had been
previously formed in those colonies.
Upon the 4th of March, in the evening, the whole anchored in the
Grand Playa, to windward of the town of Carthagena, the intended
object of their attack.
After the necessary arrangements, the fleet moved forward in
two divisions, upon the 9th, to silence the different forts,
as preparatory to the landing of the troops. After little more
than one hour's cannonade, those of St. Jago and St. Philip were
deserted by the enemy, when five hundred grenadiers made a descent
under their walls, and took possession of them. Against the 15th,
every soldier, with the tents, tools, artillery, and ordnance
stores were landed, the ground was cleared, and an encampment
formed.
About this time, the Admiral being informed by General Wentworth
that the army was much incommoded by a strong fascine battery on
the opposite side of the harbour, called the Barradera side, he
detached a number of boats, full of men, under the conduct of
Captain Boscawen, having under him Captains Laws and Coats, of the
navy.
Upon no occasion was intrepidity ever more conspicuous, and
that great man at this time gave an earnest of what his country
might expect from him. In their approach they did not observe
from its situation a small battery of five guns, but they soon
remedied their error, by resolutely pushing on shore, and gaining
possession, after a slight resistance.
The enemy rousing a little from their surprise at the other,
consisting of fifteen 24-pounders, opened their fire from two guns;
but following up the same spirited course, the seamen, headed by
their gallant leaders, advanced most rapidly, and carried this
strong battery also.
Here they spiked up all the guns, destroyed the platforms, and
completely effected this important object with but little loss. The
enemy, well knowing the value of this position, soon mounted two
heavy cannon, which were again silenced by a ship ordered for that
purpose. A third opportunity--and the same scene of action afforded
a display of Naval courage, when six other guns were once more
destroyed, with every appendage to them.
These repeated efforts much aided the operations of the Army now
employed in the reduction of the Castle of Bocca Chica. Upon the
25th of March, a practicable breach having been made in it, the
general communicated his determination to storm it. Accordingly
Admiral Vernon assembled all the boats, in order to co-operate,
having landed their men within view of the enemy, where the fascine
battery was fixed. This was a well-judged diversion; for when the
grenadiers advanced to storm, at the hour appointed, they met no
resistance, as the Spaniards fled without firing a shot.
A panic had now seized the enemy, who set fire to one of their
ships. Taking advantage of this state, the boats resolved to
attempt the fort of St. Joseph, which was immediately evacuated.
Being now within the boom thrown across the harbour, and the Dons,
seeming determined to sink their ships, they judged it proper to
row on, and soon boarded the Galicia, carrying the flag of the
Spanish Admiral.--These obstructions being removed, the Admiral
and the squadron, still with much difficulty, moved into the
harbour.
After various services, the Castle of Grande Castillo having
been gained, and the enemy sunk all their men of war, farther
preparations were made for landing the troops nearer the town, in
order to cut off all communication with the main land. Our loss,
up to the beginning of April, was two Colonels of Foot, one of
Marines, with one Captain of the Royal Navy, besides other Officers
slain, and upwards of four hundred of different descriptions killed
and wounded.
That mortality, which is the never-failing result of protracted
operations in this inhospitable clime, now began its ravages.
Matters were pushed on--the bomb-ketches on the 2d of April
began to play upon the town, and the other passages of approach
cleared from the ships sunk by the enemy, as being necessary
for the disembarkation of the forces near the city. After these
difficulties were removed, they were landed at the dawn of the
5th, under the command of General Wentworth, who, after a spirited
contest, established his encampment within a mile of the fort
of St. Lazar.--Things now drawing to extremities, it became
necessary to forego the ceremonies of a regular siege, and, however
hazardous, to rest the issue upon a storm.
Accordingly, before day-break on the 9th, five hundred Grenadiers,
supported by a thousand Marines, and some Jamaican levies, advanced
against the enemy's lines in front of the fort. These were
distantly followed by a body of Americans, with wool-packs, scaling
ladders, and hand grenades.
The Spaniards were entrenched to the shoulders, and their works
over-awed by St. Lazar; but neither intimidated the gallant
progress of our men, who, led by Brigadier General Guise, were
much annoyed, suffering extremely from flanking fires, which they
had not foreseen, and enduring a heavy loss before they could
reach the object of their attack. The persevering and undaunted
bravery of British Soldiers was never more displayed than on this
day. They at last gained their point by intrepidly leaping into
the entrenchments, and driving their enemies into the fort, which
communicated by a draw-bridge with the lines.
It was now those gallant fellows felt the precipitate errors of
their superiors. The unarmed Americans in their rear, many of whom
were killed without possessing the powers of resistance, dispersed,
and threw away the charges committed to them. Three only did their
duty, and with these scanty supplies, a bold effort to scale
the walls of St. Lazar, was made by ten grenadiers, headed by a
serjeant.--They mounted them, but being unsupported, were all cut
to pieces, except him who saved himself by trusting his destinies
to a headlong adventure.
Cooped up within a narrow spot, exposed to the grapeshot and
marksmen of the enemy above them, the situation of these brave
remnants became desperate after the break of day.
A retreat was now the only expedient left, which was accomplished
under the countenance of a strong reinforcement from the camp, but
under the effects of a galling fire from the fort. The Spaniards,
however, did not dare to pursue a body of men, now weakened by
loss, but covered with glory. Nearly seven hundred composed the
list of killed and wounded upon this occasion.
The future operations of the army ceased to be offensive, and their
exertions necessarily became precautionary. Dissentions, with their
arising results, delay and disease, accomplished what the enemy
durst not attempt.
It belongs not to me to enlarge upon either causes or effects in my
limited detail, excepting where in either there may seem a tendency
to involve the military character of those men whose memoirs and
services I have undertaken to record. The Soldier may appear as
often distinguished amidst misfortune, as the Citizen, though his
country will render honours to the victorious alone, like the
world, which, too often, confines its incense to the prosperous.
It is a tribute due to the gallant subordinates of the fleet and
land force to say, that, throughout their arduous duties, they
evinced a courage and perseverance worthy of their country and
their cause. While history is bound to publish truths, it never
ought to extenuate the errors of any branches of its subject.
By the 16th of April some hundreds became sick from exposure to
the weather, the heavy rains that periodically set in about this
time, and the scanty supplies of water; among whom were many of the
principal officers.
Upon the 23d and 24th, Councils of War were held, which decided
upon an immediate re-embarkation. Captain Knowles of the Navy,
who had throughout bore a distinguished part in the duties of an
Engineer, was now entrusted with the demolition of Castillo Grande,
which was with much labour completed on the 25th, and all the guns
rendered unserviceable. The same was effected at Bocca Chica. Upon
the whole, the Spaniards sustained a heavy loss, as appears from
the following detail:
_Guns_
Bocca Chica Castle 80
Fort St. Joseph 20
Fort St. Philip 15
Fort St. Jago 6
Fascine batteries on Barradera side 20
Four men of war at Bocca Chica 332
Two batteries at Passe Cavalla 13
Castillo Grande 63
Port Mazinello 12
Seven galleons 128
Conqesadon and Dragon men of war 134
----
723
====
Such events to the enemy were for some time irretrievable, and long
felt. The charges of repairing the different fortifications must
have been prodigious, when we consider the strength with which they
were constructed.
Our loss upon the whole was undoubtedly great, being in all nearly
two thousand men, and I annex a detail of the Officers of European
Corps who were killed, died of the diseases incident to the
climate, or of the wounds they received:
WENTWORTH'S Regiment of Foot.
_Killed_ _Died_
Lieut. Colonel (Sandford) 1 0
Major 0 1
Captain 0 1
Lieutenants 9 5
Ensigns 0 2
---- ----
10 9
==== ====
General HARRISON'S.
_Killed_ _Died_
Lieut. Colonel (Daniel) 0 1
Captains 1 4
Capt. Lieutenant 0 1
Lieutenant 2 5
Ensigns 0 2
---- ----
3 13
==== ====
CAVENDISH.
_Killed_ _Died_
Lieut. Colonel (Grant) 1 1 (Hely)
Captains 1 2
Lieutenants 1 2
Ensign 1 0
---- ----
4 5
==== ====
WOLFE'S Marines.
_Killed_ _Died_
Major 0 1 (Watson)
Captains 0 5
First Lieutenant 1 0
Second Lieutenant 0 1
---- ----
1 7
==== ====
DOUGLAS'S Marines, (succeeded by Lt. Col. COCHRAN.)
_Killed_ _Died_
Colonel (Douglas) 1 0
Captains 1 1
First Lieutenants 1 2
Second Lieutenants 0 1
---- ----
3 4
==== ====
LOWTHER'S Marines.
_Killed_ _Died_
Captains 1 3
First Lieutenants 0 3
Second Lieutenants 1 1
---- ----
2 7
==== ====
ROBINSON'S Marines.
_Killed_ _Died_
Lieut. Colonel (Thompson) 1 0
Captains 0 2
First Lieutenants 0 2
Second Lieutenants 1 0
---- ----
2 4
==== ====
WYNYARD'S Marines.
_Killed_ _Died_
Major (Hall) 0 1
Captains 1 2
Captain Lieutenant 0 1
First Lieutenants 0 6
Second Lieutenants 1 3
---- ----
2 13
==== ====
MORTON'S Marines.
_Killed_ _Died_
Colonel (Morton) 0 1
Lieut. Colonel (Blagrave) 0 1
Major (Macloed) 0 1
Captains 0 2
First Lieutenants 1 8
Second Lieutenants 0 2
---- ----
1 15
==== ====
Being a total loss of nineteen Officers killed, and seventy-seven
who died from disease or their wounds.
The casualties of the other auxiliaries which were drawn from
America, were not proportionate to the above, as they were better
calculated for the climate; but the regiments of Marines were
newly-raised levies, and by an erroneous policy, they were too
early destined for a country, the air of which alone will always
outdo the works of the sword.
It is remarked, that young formed Corps are the worst adapted
for it, as it is too sudden a transition of life with many who
compose them, and are often strangers to that regulated system of
discipline which, in establishing their comforts, secures their
health. Upon no service, however, were men ever more distinguished
for bravery, but all who ever visited these quarters of the globe
well know, that its diseases will conquer and control the boldest
minds.
Every thing having been arranged, the fleet sailed for Jamaica upon
the 6th of May, where they arrived upon the 19th, and found their
reinforcements and supplies, of which they now stood in much need.
CHAP. IX.
During 1741, the number of Marine Regiments was augmented to ten,
and the sums voted to maintain them were £201,752 13 0. If the same
force had been established before the peace of Utrecht, they would
not have exceeded the estimate of £186,666 1 8, as the following
indulgences were granted, and annual allowances made subsequent to
that period:
For servants allowed to Officers £7,786 13 4
Allowance to the Widows of Officers 2,433 6 8
To Colonels, for clothing lost by deserters 2,129 3 4
To Captains, for recruiting their Companies 1,825 0 0
To Agents of different Regiments 912 10 0
-------------
£15,086 13 4
=============
At this time the whole Half-pay Establishment of Great Britain,
including Horse, Dragoons, Foot, Invalids, and Marines, consisted
of only five hundred and fifty-one Officers, and the annual
expenditure upon the whole was £34,492 10 0, being at the rate of
£94 10 0 per day, and so considerate and œconomical were the public
measures, that the House of Commons addressed his Majesty, praying,
that those upon this list, if fit for service, might be appointed
to the first vacant commissions which occurred in the different
Regiments. But an ill-judged parsimony, as to the _number_ of
Officers attached to Corps, seemed also to exist, and the same
spirit was constantly urging the conversion of the Land Forces into
bodies of Marines.
The regulation for this establishment were nearly similar in their
principles to those framed for the line. The Colonels of Marine
Regiments clothed their respective Corps, and had the liberty of
recommending for commissions--Excepting that the whole battalion
was destined for a particular service, none of the Field Officers
were embarked. The greatest number of men on board the largest
ships did not exceed one hundred under a Captain, three Subalterns,
and the smallest was not less than twenty under an Officer.
The Commanders of Marine detachments were enjoined to forward
_effective_ returns of them every two months to the Commissary
General of Marines, attested by the Captains and Pursers of
each. This was necessary, in order to conduct the musters of the
Regimental Companies, and to guide the recruiting service on shore.
The same deductions were made from them as the Army, for clothing
and Chelsea Hospital, whether embarked or not.
When attached to any ship, their indulgencies were equal to
those of the Seamen, as to the receiving provisions without any
deductions from their pay on that account, they had short allowance
money, and the benefit of Naval Hospitals. When sent thither,
either sick or wounded, they were deemed effective in the musters
ashore, if producing a certificate from the Surgeon of the Ship
to which they belonged, and another from the Commanding Officer at
head-quarters, when in Great Britain.
The Paymaster General of Marines issued the pay, upon receiving it,
to the Colonels of Regiments, or their Agents, and the Paymaster of
each settled all their accounts agreeably to the muster-rolls they
had from the Commissary General.
These muster-rolls, with the receipts of the different Colonels or
their Agents, were esteemed sufficient vouchers for passing the
Paymaster's accounts, and for making out warrants or debentures for
clearings; which terms shall undergo a more particular discussion,
under the head of Examples.
When brigaded abroad, they were paid exactly in the same manner
as the Army; but the arrears of Marine Officers were much longer
withheld, and the Captains of Companies were exposed to very
peculiar hardships, which will be stated more at length in a
subsequent stage of the narrative.--It is enough at present to
remark, that the Officers of these Regiments, when abroad, were
often obliged to assign that branch of their pay, at fifty per
cent. discount, in order to answer their temporary exigencies.
What a contrast does this system present to the reforms, which have
been recently established, in favour of this class of men.
CHAP. X.
In consequence of the heavy losses sustained at Carthagena, and
the mortality which still continued to rage after their arrival at
Jamaica, the transit between the Regiments of Foot and Marines was
rapid and immediate. Upon this service promotions were established
by rotation in the whole line. Within the short period of five
weeks, the Corps, originally Douglas's, numbered amongst its
casualties, three Colonels, two Lieutenant Colonels, and two Majors.
It was not until the beginning of July that the fleet and army were
in a state of readiness to renew their operations, when it was
resolved to proceed against the Island of Cuba, where they anchored
upon the 18th of July, in Walthenham Bay, immediately named Port
Cumberland, in honor of his Royal Highness the Duke, about eighteen
leagues to windward of St. Jago, the first object of their intended
attack, and properly speaking, the Capital, although it was not
then the seat of the Governor. The troops were all landed upon
the 24th, consisting nearly of four thousand men, including one
thousand chosen negroes, levied by the Island of Jamaica, with
a view to sustain the laborious duties of this service. Having
established a position upon the side of the river, nearly three
leagues from the mouth of the harbour, the General on the 25th
pushed some detachments into the country, which every where beat
back the outposts of the enemy, and in a few days returned to the
Camp, with plentiful supplies of provisions.
It was originally the intention of the Commanders in Chief to have
made a joint attack upon St. Jago, but the want of unanimity which
had sometime past, and now existed to a fatal degree, ruined every
purpose.--Contentious debates, and dilatory measures, took place of
cordial co-operation and pushing enterprize, while the Country's
interests and the lives of the Soldiery were daily sacrificed to
the bitterest feuds.
About the middle of August the General stated the impracticability
of advancing into the interior country with his present force, and
expressed a wish to await the arrival of fresh levies from America,
and the expected reinforcements from Europe, which now became
essential to complete the skeleton Corps of his Army. The first
resource was planned at the outset of the West India expedition,
and instructions had been early given to the Commander in Chief to
avail himself of it, when compelled by emergency.
Accordingly, recruiting parties were sent to New England to raise
volunteers, and General Wentworth, by a personal appeal to the
Governor of that province, urged the necessity of their being
seconded with public spirit and public liberality. Similar steps
were adopted in the State of New York, to fill up the American
Regiments of Marines; and the Governors, by an impressive address
to the Legislative Houses of both, strongly recommended their
energies, not only on the ground of patriotism, but of political
expediency. Bounties of forty shillings were offered to volunteers,
and the alluring inducements of conquered territory.--America then
saw her interests in the subjugation of the Spanish dependencies in
that quarter of the globe.
During a long interval nothing was attempted, even towards a
partial reduction of Cuba, at the close of which, sickness, the
never-failing result of total inactivity in these climes, began his
ravages. It was therefore determined to evacuate the island, which
was effected upon the 20th of November, when the regimental returns
were as follow:
_Serj._ _Corp._ _Drum._ _Priv._
General Harrison's Foot 22 23 8 172
Wentworth's ditto 22 17 8 172
Colonel Wolfe's (Marines) 20 23 6 132
Frazer's 22 21 6 109
Lowther's 22 24 8 183
Wynyard's 23 20 11 123
Cochran's 15 11 7 158
Cotterell's 24 26 10 151
First Battalion, Gooch's (American) 16 11 3 129
Second ditto 10 7 3 90
Third ditto 10 7 3 79
Fourth ditto 6 7 1 107
----------------------------
212 197 74 1610
Sick in all 39 47 15 465
251 244 89 2073
============================
The total loss of Officers, at the close of 1741, amounted to one
Commander in Chief, five Colonels, ten Lieutenant Colonels, seven
Majors, fifty-five Captains, one hundred and sixteen Subalterns,
and fourteen Staff Officers.
The heavy casualties in the Marine Regiments may easily be known,
when it is recollected, that upon their leaving Europe each
consisted of more than one thousand men.
The transports, under a proper escort, returned to Jamaica upon the
29th of November, while the squadron continued at sea to meet the
anxiously looked-for reinforcements.
CHAP. XI.
It was not until the 15th of January, 1742, that nearly three
thousand men, including two thousand Marines, arrived at Jamaica.
Another expedition was now meditated, which put to sea early in
March, but adverse winds, the separation of transports having on
board the working negroes, and the expectation of the periodical
rains now nearly setting in, suggested to a Council of War held
at Porto Bello, at the close of that month, the immediate return
of the whole armament, to the port they had left. This afforded
another instance of unfortunate discord. The fleet arrived at
Jamaica upon the 15th of May.
In order to give a specious appearance to things, and to compensate
for the national expenditures and past miscarriages, it was now
judged proper to detach a force to take possession of Rattan, an
island in the Bay of Honduras, and a situation highly proper for
maintaining a commercial intercourse with South America, as well as
the trade in logwood.
An establishment there having been formed early in the year, it was
determined in a Council of War to send a force of fifty Marines and
two hundred Americans, under Major Caulfield, in order to place the
island in a state of military defence.
On the 23d of August, they reached Port Royal, on the south side
of it, where they formed a camp and erected Fort George to defend
the harbour, as well Fort Frederick, on the western part of it.
A great proportion of the American soldiers being papists, they
formed a plot to render the settlement abortive, and to rise upon
the Marines and the well-affected of their countrymen.
His Majesty's ship, Litchfield, then in the harbour, hearing the
alarm guns, instantly landed her party of Marines, who with those
on shore soon checked this daring mutiny, secured the delinquents,
and preserved the settlement to his Majesty.
Nothing farther was done during the inauspicious commands of
Admiral Vernon or General Wentworth, who both soon afterwards
returned to Great Britain, excepting the detaching five hundred
men of different descriptions to the aid of General Oglethorpe, in
South Carolina, and repelling the menaces of the Spaniards against
the infant colony of Georgia.
Orders of recall for both arrived at Jamaica upon the 23d of
September, and the General was directed to provide the fleet with
a number of commissioned Officers, and men, from the Marines,
sufficient to supply its wants; also to fill up the vacancies in
the eight Independent Companies raised for the defence of Jamaica.
For the former purpose, eleven hundred were required, which were
nearly all that were now left and fit for duty. The supernumerary
Officers and sick were sent home, and the American troops were
invited to become volunteers for both.
Government, under the experience of past disasters, now vested
the controul of the Marines in Sir Chaloner Ogle, upon whom the
naval command devolved after the departure of Admiral Vernon.
Notwithstanding the personal animosities that had existed, this
Officer bore his testimony to the zeal and distinguished bravery of
the Soldiery, whose gallant efforts and patient endurance under the
greatest privations, were uniformly conspicuous throughout a series
of misfortunes.
Upwards of seven thousand Marines and nearly four thousand of other
troops were the lamentable victims to pestilence and disunion,
but not to defeat. The objects which were accomplished, although
not adequate to their country's hopes, were still distressing to
the enemy. Their principal harbours were in a manner rendered
defenceless, and the Spanish government experienced much
embarrassment from nearly a total suspension of these pecuniary
supplies, which could alone enable it to maintain the war with
vigour and effect, while the distress pervaded every class of its
subjects.
Our forces were ever after too feeble to undertake any enterprize
of importance against the enemy in that quarter of the
world.--Self-defence was now the system adopted by Sir Chaloner
Ogle, as the Spanish squadron at the Havannah was superior to his
own, since the departure of Admiral Vernon.
The supplies which were voted for the year 1743 provided for a
large levy of Marines to fill up their casualties--eleven thousand
five hundred and fifty being the number decreed, and forty thousand
seamen.
Nothing further, consistent with my subject, appears on the face of
the public transactions of the year 1742.
CHAP. XII.
Early in 1743, an impression upon some part of the continent of
South America being resolved on, the conduct of these operations
was entrusted to Captain Knowles, of the Navy, having on board his
squadron four hundred of the regiment of Dalzell, and about six
hundred Marines. They were first ordered to rendezvous at Antigua,
from which island they sailed upon the 12th of February, with a
view upon La Guira, a town in the district of the Caraccas, in
Terra Firma. The attack against it was commenced on the 18th, but
owing to a very heavy swell, the men of war could not approach
the shore, and in consequence, the troops were not landed.--After
a very heavy cannonade, which was only ended by the night, the
ships withdrew from the combat. The town suffered extremely, many
breaches were made in the fortifications, and the enemy sustained a
loss of more than seven hundred men.
The Spaniards behaved well, as the squadron suffered very
considerable damages, besides having nearly four hundred killed and
wounded.
It proceeded to Curaccoa to refit, where they prepared for another
attempt upon the sea-coast of Terra Firma. Having been reinforced
by some Dutch Volunteers, Commodore Knowles sailed from this island
upon the 20th of March, and shaped a course for Porto Cavallo,
where there was a respectable force, and a town in the best state
of defence.
Owing to strong lee currents, it was not until the 15th of April
that the ships anchored under the keys of Barbarat, to the
eastward of the place. Having reconnoitred the different points
of opposition, which were every where formidable, two ships were
ordered upon the 16th of April against Ponta Brava, to commence
upon it a flanking fire, which its low situation, and the
injudicious construction of the works, evidently permitted.
After they were silenced, it was agreed to land the troops of
every description, in order to take possession, and to turn the
guns against the Castle; their retreat being secured by a man of
war within pistol shot of the shore.--By sunset the ships had
accomplished their object, and by dark a force of twelve hundred
sailors, soldiers, and Dutch Volunteers were disembarked under the
command of Major Lucas.
About eleven at night the Van gained one of the fascine batteries
upon Ponta Brava, when a Spanish centinel discharged his musquet,
and gave a general alarm.
Two guns being fired from the other battery, which was the next for
capture, put into an unaccountable confusion nearly the whole of
this mixed detachment, when under the influence of a panic they
retreated to the ships with precipitation.
Upon the 21st it was resolved to wipe away the disgrace of the late
miscarriage, by an attack of the squadron and forces against the
Castle and fascine batteries.--Four ships were destined to batter
the former upon the 24th, while three others were placed against
the latter. The cannonading began at eleven on the noon of that
day, and was maintained with a mutual obstinacy till nine at night,
when after a short interval the firing was renewed. Some of the
ships having now expended all their ammunition, and others being
damaged, they were ordered to slip, and to anchor without the reach
of the enemy's shot.
This attack being fruitless in its object, which was to land the
troops, and fatal in its consequences, by a loss of more than two
hundred men, it was now deemed impracticable to push any farther
enterprize, and upon the 28th, in a general consultation, it was
resolved to return to Jamaica.
The extended operations of our fleets in other quarters being
marked with no events in which his Majesty's Marine forces were
particularly called forth, no farther details connected with my
narrative appear within the annals of 1743.
CHAP. XIII.
Although Great Britain, as a guarantee of the balance of
continental power, had, during a past period, exerted her resources
in the cause of her Allies, opposed to the interests of France,
although his Majesty King George the Second, in quality of Elector
of Hanover, had been highly distinguished in the field at the head
of these armies, still a specious cordiality continued to exist
between the two nations.
Since the declaration of hostilities against Spain, our restless
and intriguing neighbours enjoyed all the advantages of war,
without experiencing any of its evils.
At the outset of this year, however, their projects were developed
by the equipment of powerful naval armaments in their ports, and
the assembling of armies upon their sea-coasts; the avowed aim of
which was against the Crown and Liberties of the British Empire.
A Prince, delegated by his Father, and drawn from his retreat in
another country, mild in his temper, and amiable in his manners,
was induced to renew their almost forgotten claims upon our
monarchy, and to revive the quickly decaying prejudices within our
land, in favour of his family and himself.
Unable now no longer to restrain her views, France declared war
upon the 20th day of March, which was answered by a similar
proclamation of the 31st, on the part of England.--That Providence
which has often so signally interposed for our country was now
conspicuous.--The elements were employed in the destruction of
many of their transports and troops at Dunkirk, while our floating
bulwarks chased their covering fleet from our coasts.
At this time the whole property of naval prizes was vested in the
captors, his Majesty having generously relinquished that share
which hitherto had pertained to the Crown.
The arrival of Commodore Anson from his expedition, which was
originally intended to co-operate across the isthmus of Darien,
with the fatal one conducted by Admiral Vernon, diffused a joy into
the nation.
The specie which was gained by his enterprize, courage, and
perseverance was immense; and although it was obtained antecedent
to the royal grant, still it was divided amongst his squadron,
unimpaired by claims.
About three hundred and thirty marines shared in the toils, and the
many debarkations which took place in his tedious progress; having
been drafted from the different regiments to fill up the complement
of his ships, and to supply the place of a number of Invalids
under Lieutenant Colonel Cracherode, who dreading their approaching
hardships, deserted from the service.
Fleets were now detached to every quarter of the globe, and a force
of eleven thousand five hundred and fifty-six Marines, was again
the establishment of 1744.
It falls not within my scope to enlarge upon the wide and mingled
events of this year. A partial affair in the month of May, occurred
in the Mediterranean, in which the party of Marines disembarked
from the Essex signalized themselves. That ship being on a cruize,
gained sight of twenty-six Xebeques and Settees, bound to Antibes,
from whence they were to carry troops to Italy. The former were
a convoy to the latter, which were laden with powder, cannon,
ordnance stores, and provisions. Thirteen having taken refuge in
the Creek of Cassi, the Marines were landed in order to co-operate
with the boats, and to repel any enemy that might appear to retard
their progress. They were soon attacked by a body of Spaniards,
whom they beat back, and thus effected the object on which they
were employed. Eleven vessels were burnt and two captured, which
was a material loss in its consequences.
Nothing further, that properly falls within my notice, appears
within the period of this year: our numerous cruizers were
peculiarly successful, and although few traits of achievement
appear on the face of our public transactions during this limited
era, still both the nation and the individual felt the benefit and
the incitement that resulted from the liberal sacrifice recently
made by their Sovereign, which, while it promoted a general
activity and zeal amongst every class of his subjects, struck deep
also into the commercial vitals of our enemies.
The ten Regiments of Marines, by order of the Secretary at War,
were directed to recruit with expedition, and in order to render
them speedily effective, a number of impressed men were allotted to
each. This expedient was also adopted with regard to many Regiments
of Infantry.
In the Bill for the more easily recruiting his Majesty's Land
Forces and Marines, a clause was inserted, that every one who
should enter voluntarily would be entitled to a bounty of four
pounds, and might require his discharge from the service at the
expiration of three years.
The Parliament met upon the 27th of November, and granted a vote of
£206,253 15 0 to support an establishment of eleven thousand five
hundred and fifty Marines during the ensuing twelve months.
CHAP. XIV.
Some inferior attacks having been made, during the last year, by
the Governor of Cape Breton upon Canso and Annapolis, in Nova
Scotia, the former of which places was burnt by the French, the
Northern Colonies of British America became alarmed for their
safety. Roused by the representations and the united patriotism
of Mr. Achmuty, Judge of the Admiralty Court, in New England, and
Mr. Vaughan, an individual of great fortune and public spirit,
they commenced preparations for an expedition against Louisburg.
Accordingly considerable levies were begun, and a co-operating
naval force was requested by Governor Shirley, of Massachusetts
Bay, from his Majesty's Ministers.
At this time Commodore Warren commanded upon the West India
station, who was ordered to repair to Canso with that view. A
meritorious secrecy prevailed throughout, which half secured the
success of an attempt that, considering the strong means of defence
possessed by the enemy, and the inexperienced troops employed
against them, was extremely doubtful. The activity of the Americans
upon this occasion, was fully equal to the important interests they
had at stake.
Upon the 4th of April the levies from New England reached Canso,
and were encamped there, where they were improved in their
discipline until the arrival of the other troops from the different
Provinces, while the ships of war upon the coast, and some stout
privateers, continued off the harbour of Louisburg, in order to
cut off all supplies, as well as intelligence of the projected
enterprize.
Upon the 23d of April, Commodore Warren arrived at Canso, and
against the 29th all the land forces were embarked, when they
proceeded for Gabarus Bay, about four miles from the capital of
Cape Breton.
Upon the 30th two thousand men were landed at noon, who beat back a
respectable force which was detached to prevent their descent. Upon
that and the following day the rest were disembarked along with
nearly three hundred Seamen, and five hundred Marines, under cover
of the privateers and some smaller vessels ranged along the shore.
The whole was under the command of General Pepperel, a native of
Piscataway.
The French, proudly conscious of their strength, were exposed to
surprise from this cause. It is but justice to an enemy, and it
affords an impressive example to the military servants of every
State, to remark an instance of fidelity in the private Soldiery of
the garrison, at this critical moment. Long employed in carrying on
the extensive works of Louisburg, without any recompence, which,
however, was granted by their Government, but alienated from them
by their Officers, they had been in a state of insubordination and
discontent, little short of mutiny, nearly six months, until the
appearance of our forces, when Patriotism cancelled all inferior
grievances, and these brave men now only recognized the duties of
zeal and allegiance to their Sovereign and their Country. In a body
they requested to be led against the invaders, but suspicion and
distrust restrained their superiors from availing themselves of the
tender. The spirit was allowed to subside, and perhaps an occasion
was lost of averting their approaching destinies.
After the disembarkation of our troops, they were pushed on and
formed two separate encampments; one on the southern part of the
harbour to attack the City, and the other upon the northern side
against the Grand Battery.
Upon the night of the 1st of May our outscouts, in the latter
direction, set fire to some storehouses full of combustibles,
which burnt so awfully that the French within this important post
became panic struck, and conceiving that the whole British force
was advancing, retreated precipitately into the City. The works
were possessed in the morning by only thirteen men, who were soon
reinforced, when an unavailing attack was made by the enemy to
recover them.
They had done their utmost to render all the cannon unserviceable,
which required some time before they could be drilled and fit for
use; during which a most tremendous fire was opened upon this spot
from the guns and mortars upon the Island Battery, and the Town,
but with little success. Within a few days they both experienced
the effects of this post being in our hands, in the loss of men,
and the demolition of houses.
The force on the north side of the harbour were not idle, but had
pushed their approaches within two hundred yards of the City, by
the 12th of May, which they continued to cannonade, with great
vigour and success, from some heavy guns planted on an eminence
called the Green Hill, and a fascine battery of twenty eight.
The business of the siege was carried on under the greatest
difficulties, with an unsurpassed alacrity by all. No class could
here claim any pre-eminent merit, for every one was guided by one
uniform impulse.
The walls and embrasures of what the French entitled the Circular
Battery, were soon destroyed, and every thing went on well. Some
important captures, which accelerated the fall of Cape Breton, were
made by our blockading squadron.
It being necessary to push matters as quickly as possible, an
attempt upon the Island Battery was ordered, as it very materially
incommoded our operations on the north side, and prevented the
entrance of our ships into the harbour.
A force of two hundred Marines, and three hundred Americans, was
appointed for this service, and about twelve at night, on the 23d
of May, the whole proceeded on that duty. Soon after a heavy fog
came on that prevented their landing from the whale boats, and
which obliged them to draw off; although they were not unheard by
the enemy's garrison, which then consisted of only fourteen men, to
whom this afforded a timely hint for their reinforcing so material
a post with three hundred and fifty.
Upon the 27th, at two in the morning, this enterprize was
renewed by one hundred and fifty Marines and nearly two hundred
Provincials. The French, discovering their approach, fired
grapeshot from their heavy guns, which destroyed some boats with
the soldiers, when our troops gallantly pushed ashore.
Until sunrise they persevered in the daring but unequal contest;
when at last, reduced numbers, and walls which they in vain
attempted to scale, obliged them to call for quarter.
By indefatigable labour, however, on the night of the 1st of June,
a commanding situation upon the cliff, which swept the platform
of the Island Battery, and the entrance into the harbour, was
completed, and cannon were planted in it. Things now drew to a
crisis; every subordinate event combined to prosper an undertaking
founded in a judicious policy, and conducted with an unanimous
zeal. After forty-nine days of unrelaxed exertion, Louisburg
capitulated, and with it the whole Dependency of Cape Breton.--This
object was accomplished with the loss of little more than one
hundred men, while that of the French exceeded three hundred. The
greater part fell on the Marines in the attempt upon the Island
Battery, who shared in the success and glory of that expedition,
and in the general tribute of applause which was so justly
conferred upon all--by their Country.
The domestic events of the present year were marked by so peculiar
an interest, that I cannot pass them without notice.--The adverse
circumstances which occurred early in 1744 had only suspended, but
did not annihilate the hopes of Prince Charles Edward, the eldest
son of the Pretender, to re-ascend the throne of his ancestors.
Guided by desperate and designing men, urged on by the wily
politics of France, which wished him success, but would not afford
the means of it, and personally sanguine in his disposition, he
readily listened to every representation that flattered his views.
He accordingly embarked his destinies in a stile little adequate
to the extent of his designs, which were to dethrone a beloved
Sovereign, and to overturn the Constitution of a brave and a free
People.
It is not for me to follow him in the range of his efforts, or to
detail the successes which for a while attended his steps.
Britons, little accustomed to hear the sound of war at their own
gates, were at first alarmed at the novelty, but they soon evinced
both loyalty and union in sustaining the fixed rights of their
Monarch, and in defending their own liberties.--Party became dumb,
while addresses, backed by associations were the tenders daily
made to their King.
It was reserved for a branch of that House which he came to
destroy, to vindicate its claims and its honor. His Royal Highness
the Duke of Cumberland, by the Battle of Culloden, not only put a
close to the Rebellion, but for ever ended the aspiring hopes of
the family of the Stuarts; the remains of which have survived to
exist upon the bounty of a Prince whose throne they had striven to
subvert.
The events of a short day transformed Charles from an imaginary
Monarch to a humble beggar, and he would fain have quickly retraced
his steps to that shore, upon which he had landed with such elated
prospects. But many sufferings and hardships were yet in store; an
interval which has immortalized the character of those poor but
virtuous natives amongst whom he flew for refuge.
Although a reward £30,000 was the boon offered for his person, and
he constantly within the power of the meanest, still an Iscariot,
was not to be found. Adversity, that hour in which true friends can
best be recognized, shewed him human nature in its most exalted
form, in a people, though depressed by penury, that would not
sacrifice either him or his cause.--Every loyal man, while he must
deprecate _the aim_, will still applaud _the principle_ of their
actions. The illiterate tenants of the Hebrides have transmitted
an example of fidelity and allegiance worthy of being known and
imitated by the subjects of every realm. The unfortunate Prince
found his way to France, and while time has extinguished his
family, it has also subverted prejudices, and has incorporated all
his adherents with the united strength of the Empire.
Although the incidents to which I have thus recurred have no
connexion with my subject, still the _inferences_ that arise from
them, as well as the critical occasion, I trust, will sanction
their insertion and this digression.
The following was the list and effective strength of the Marine
Regiments in 1745:
_Regiments._ _Number of effective Men._ _Wanting to complete._
Churchill's 878 122
Frazer's 864 136
Lowther's 848 152
Byng's 797 203
Cochran's 945 55
Cotterell's 843 157
Cornwall's 845 155
Duncombe's 784 216
Powlett's 916 84
Jeffrey's 882 11
----- -----
8,602 1,398
===== =====
Besides 1,550 Commissioned and Non-commissioned Officers.
At this time, and indeed since their institution in 1739,
Commissions were purchased and sold in the Regiments of Marines,
although they always bore an inferior value to these in Old Corps.
A perquisite frequently arose to the Colonels from the disposal
of Second Lieutenancies, when his Majesty was pleased to accept
of their recommendation. Such usually produced from £250 to £280,
while Ensigncies in the Line sometimes yielded £400.
Nothing worthy of further notice occurred within the transactions
of this year.
CHAP. XV.
Early in 1746, a Committee was appointed to investigate the state
and grievances of the Land Forces and Marines. A considerable
increase of expence had accrued in the maintenance of both,
which was one of the objects of this inquiry. Such as affected
the Marine Regiments I have already detailed, and assigned the
causes of the additional charges in this establishment since the
peace of Utrecht. The same are applicable to the Army at large,
in the allowance which was made to Commission-Officers in lieu
of servants, in 1713, in a similar indulgence granted to the
Quartermasters in marching Regiments in 1718, and the annuities to
Officers Widows, to Colonels for clothing lost by deserters, to
Captains for recruiting, and to the Agents of Corps, which were all
the newly-adopted establishments of the latter year.
These additional grants, while they meliorated the situation of the
Officer, cost the Nation but little.
It appears, in the course of this inquiry, that the perquisites of
a Colonel, in clothing a Marine Regiment, exceeded those of the
Foot, from the comparative superiority in their numbers, and the
articles being of an inferior quality.
The grievances which had existed, and were _peculiar_ to those
Regiments, appeared conspicuous in the course of this public
research.
"Upon the whole business, witnesses were examined by the Committee
who deposed that the Marines, while on the West India expedition,
were paid according to the returns of effective men made monthly
to the Commander in Chief, and the account of the _off-reckonings_
was kept by the Pay-Office; and that the Officers _clearings_ of
the first raised six Regiments had been paid _only_ to the 25th
of December, 1740, and of the other four to the 24th of June,
1741, _of which_ the Pay-Master cannot _now_ make any demand,
till muster-rolls are delivered into his office, which he must
compute, and then certify a state of the Regiment's account to the
Secretary at War, who lays it before the King; in consequence of
which, _warrants_ for _clearing_ the Regiment are issued to the
Pay-master, who then makes out _debentures_, pursuant to which a
_warrant_ is drawn for the payment of the money, and that by this
was to be understood _clearing_ the Regiment. It further appeared,
that by the usage of the Army, Regiments could not be _cleared_
with till muster-rolls were made out, but that the Marines had
never been regularly mustered, (owing to their being detached and
employed in every quarter of the globe) to which circumstance is
owing their not having been cleared with, which has been a sad
inconvenience to many of the Officers who were obliged to assign
their arrears at a prodigious discount."
One of the Agents, upon his evidence, suggested to the Committee
an expedient, by which to remedy this evil, which was, that
muster-rolls might be made up from the books of the Men of War
already come home, and from the muster-rolls of the men now at
quarters. He additionally submitted it as his opinion, that it was
the _duty_ of the _Commissary_ to make up this account, and _within
his instructions_, to accept of such books as immediate vouchers.
This Gentleman farther certified, that the _off reckonings_ were
regularly paid, but that the _clearings_ were not, and that the
Colonel usually saved near £1,000 out the _off reckonings_, after
clothing a Marine Regiment; and he conceived, that the Officers
_clearings_ might also be paid by a _warrant_ from the King to the
Secretary at War; more particularly as there was no deficiency
of Officers, though there might be of Private men; and the
returns made being strictly upon honor, might supply the want of
muster-rolls.
From another witness it was obvious, that no account had ever
been settled with the Captains of Marines for their Companies,
the Agents always alleging, that it could not be done without
muster-rolls; and that though the Marines, when in the West Indies,
were mustered and paid in the same manner as the marching Regiments
were; and though the latter were cleared when they came home, _yet
the former were not_.
That in the summer of 1745, indeed, a warranty countersigned by the
Secretary at War, was sent to the Pay-Master for _clearing_ the
four last raised Regiments of Marines, notwithstanding the want of
muster-rolls; but not being signed by the Lords of the Treasury, it
was not attended to.
This hardship was _peculiar_ to the Marine Regiments, as it became
evident to the Gentlemen forming the Committee of Inquiry, that the
different Corps of Foot employed upon the same service had been
_cleared_ by such authority countersigned by the Secretary at War
alone, without any objection, though the pay had been issued in the
same manner to them, and the want of muster-rolls equally their
case.
Marine Officers, it appeared, were not allowed to take their
servants, when ordered to embark.
At this period, there was a sum of £101,551 3 4 in the hands of the
Pay-Master of Marines; the amount of the above-mentioned claims,
whose character and motives, however, were clearly exculpated
from any blame; but it was not so with his Deputy or Cashier, who
had appropriated near £90,000, bearing interest upon land-tax
tallies, East India Bonds, and clothing assignments, _without the
knowledge of his Superior_, who had been informed, and till this
investigation took place, always understood that the whole had been
deposited in the Bank of England.
Another Subordinate, the Accountant of the Pay-Master, shared in
the annual profits of these investments, which were derived from
the invaded rights of the injured Officer.--After having divided
the spoils during some years, and having made a restitution of the
principal, they were both deprived of their situations.
Such a scene of grievance appeared through the whole of this
scrutiny, that the Committee emphatically closed their report, by
the ingenuous avowal, that the _facts_ which appeared called for
public notice, and highly deserved the attention of Parliament.
It ought to be related, to the honour of these suffering Corps,
that during the long period of nearly six years they suppressed
their feelings until the present occasion, of which they very
properly availed themselves.
They now submitted their wrongs to a Board, instituted by
legislative sanction, and for the express purpose of redress,
as well as of inquiry; the following are the terms in which the
Memorial of one of the Marine Regiments were couched:
To the Gentlemen of the Committee, and which may be considered
as engrossing the general sentiments of the whole that were
employed in the Expedition to the West Indies.
1st. "That in the month of August, 1740, when _this_ regiment
was one of those embarked for the expedition to the West Indies,
the Captains were obliged by _order_, out of their own pockets,
to provide and lay in a stock of sugar, tobacco, snuff, shirts,
shoes, stockings, jackets, trowzers, and other sea stores, for the
use of their Companies; and were considerable losers in the waste
and weighing, and in the division of the several species to the
men; that farther, if any man died (which was frequently the case,)
who had not lived long enough to pay the charge of their slops, the
Captain was the only sufferer, as he received his mens' subsistence
_according to the effective monthly returns only_, by order of the
General; nay, the ordinary allowance of the two Warrant Men, paid
in Great Britain and Ireland monthly to the Captains, with their
subsistence, was here deducted, notwithstanding they embarked
complete.
2dly. "The exchange of money between England and Jamaica, at that
time was 40 per cent. and money enough to be had at that exchange
for the payment of the Army; nevertheless the Officers and Private
Men on that expedition were obliged to receive their pay at 20 per
cent. for some time: indeed, upon a general murmur made by the army
upon that occasion, there was 5 per cent. more added; so here was
still a deduction of 15 per cent. A noted instance of this severity
at the end.
3dly. "The Agents _now_ deny making up their accounts with the
Captains of Marines, in the same manner that other Captains are
accounted with; and in short deny giving any accounts at all. By
this means a good deal of that martial dependence a Soldier ought
to have on his Officer is withdrawn, as he finds the Agent is his
factotum in affairs of money, and his executor in case he dies.
The Agents, in order to support these their unjust proceedings,
endeavour to screen themselves under some wrested paragraphs in the
Mutiny Act; for (as we apprehend), from the Legislatures designed
intent, and quite contrary to the King's Order in his Articles of
War, _which must always be consequent to the above act_, as by the
said act it is, that his Majesty is empowered to make such orders
or articles.
4thly. "The Officers of Marines are by the same terms of
chicanery kept from receiving their arrears, there being five
years and a half due the 24th of June of the present year
(1746), notwithstanding the other parts of the Army receive them
punctually, though in no part of the service ought the arrears to
be quicker paid than in the Marines, where Officers are put to
certain and immediate necessary expences on every embarkation.
5thly. "It is plainly evident that no Officer in the Marine service
(whilst dealt and accounted with in this manner), enjoys the same
privileges with the other Officers of the Army, which must of
consequence create heart-burnings, to the detriment of the service.
Seeing, therefore, that these Officers have (notwithstanding their
cruel usage) on all occasions and at all times been most ready with
their lives and abilities to devote themselves to the service of
their King and Country, we humbly beg that this their situation may
be inquired into."
The instance which was referred to from the 2d article is as follow:
"A Pay-Master, while the Marines were employed in the Island of
Cuba, by order of his Commanding Officer, did receive between 3 and
£400 of the deceased Officers money, for which he gave bills upon
the Agent of the Regiment in London, and issued out this money to
the Officers, on account of their subsistence at the full exchange,
which they were in great need of.
"When this Pay-Master was in the course of passing his accounts
with the Agent of the Regiment, he was told that the Pay-Master
General would not allow him this money, because all money on
account of the Regiment (a scheme of which the Pay-Master knew
nothing) _was to be drawn from the Contractors_, that is, the
Marines were to receive their subsistence at 15 per cent. less than
the currency of the country; though God knows, and the world are
competent judges of the hardships and severities of campaigning in
such a climate with sea provisions only, and bad water; besides,
it was utterly impossible for men thus curtailed of their small
subsistence, to purchase the least refreshments, when it is
considered that a poor sheep was sold for £4, a turkey at £1 3 9,
and so in proportion for every thing that could be termed fresh
provisions.
"In return for such sufferings, the few who remained alive
to revisit their native country, with the entail of broken
constitutions scarcely worth the enjoying, which they still
dragged on in the solacing hope of all their sorrows being closed,
and all their claims adjusted, in order to restore their health,
and to render them once more fit for the service of their King and
Country, to their great disappointment, are to this very day kept
(we believe) by the juggling tricks of the Pay-Master General, and
the Agents, from their arrears, _and the small benefits allowed to
other parts of the Army_.
"From the beginning of this example it is plain, that no
charitable regard was to be paid to the executors of deceased
Officers receiving their money at par in Great Britain, nor to the
sufferings of Officers in America, who received this small sum on
the same terms there for subsistence. We therefore most humbly pray
your goodness to intercede with his Majesty for the relief of these
our grievances."
Such are the details of privation which this meritorious body had
long continued to endure in silent loyalty. Thus early did they
afford the brightest examples of steady allegiance, which has
transcended to their posterity under every change of constitution
they have undergone, and what, I trust, will ever be the
distinguishing characteristic of a British Marine, under all the
destinies of himself or his country.
One resulting and immediate consequence of this public inquiry was,
that the Pay-Master made good the balance in his hands, which was
lodged in the bank of England for the future benefit of those who
were so justly entitled to it.
Having introduced, in the preceding part of this inquiry, some
terms which may not be understood by all, I shall take a retrospect
of each, and define them in rotation.
The first that occurs is _off-reckonings_--of these there are two
kinds, _gross_ and _nett_ off-reckonings; the former consisted of
all the pay of the Non-commission Officers and Private Men _above_
their subsistence: for instance, during the period to which I
allude, the _full pay_ of a common Soldier was 8_d._ per day, out
of which 2_d._ was stopped for clothes, &c. and 6_d._ remained for
his subsistence. From this too, 6_d._ per week was deducted to
furnish stockings and shoes when the regimental articles were worn
out.
The Captain of each Company always settled with his men for the
balance, if any, every two months. _Nett off-reckonings_ were the
amount of the _gross off-reckonings_, reserved for the purpose
of clothing the men, _after_ the deductions of 1_s._ in the
pound, and one day's pay from each Regiment, for the benefit of
Chelsea Hospital, with 2_d._ in the pound for the agent of each
Corps.--Such stoppages were always made at the Pay-Office.
_Clearings_ were the balance of each Officer's pay _above_ his
subsistence, after the deductions stated were made, which ought to
have been regularly paid by the Pay-Master General to the different
Marine Agents.
_Warrants_ were documents with the sign-manual attached to each
which authorized the receipt, and disbursements of money from the
Treasury. They may be considered as the _sanctions_ of any Board.
_Debentures_ were commonly made up at the Pay-Office, by virtue
of warrants from the War-Office, annexing a general statement of
the charges of each Regiment, upon which proceeded a _final_ or
clearing warrant. Debentures originated in 1649, and they were a
mode in the form of a bond, or bill, by which Government obliged
itself to render payments of such monies as might be due to the
Soldier, or his assigns, upon examining and closing the account of
his arrears.
Nearly twelve thousand Marines was the vote of 1746. Early in
this year, an expedition was meditated against Quebec, and
a considerable force assembled at Spithead for that intent,
amongst which was Colonel Powlet's Regiment of Marines; but from
unaccountable delays, there the whole remained until the season was
too late for such an attempt.
They were afterwards destined against Port L'Orient, with a view
to distress the French East India Company, as well as to create a
diversion in favour of the Austrian operations in Provence. The
Commanders appointed were Admiral Lestock and Lieutenant General
Sinclair.
The long detention of so respectable a force, until the period of
Equinox not only gave time for the enemy to ascertain its object,
but endangered its progress along a hostile coast, at so very
critical a season.
At last, having assembled at Plymouth, the whole set sail upon
the 14th of September, steering directly for the coast of
Britanny.--Five thousand Infantry to be strengthened, if necessary,
by the Marines of sixteen Sail of the Line, and eight Frigates,
were the number employed on this occasion.
They made the coast upon the 18th; but from adverse circumstances,
a debarkation was not effected until the 20th. The interval was
advantageous for the enemy, who by alarm guns during the day, and
lighted fire-beacons upon the tops of corresponding hills during
the night, soon apprised their distant countrymen of an invader's
approach.
It was in vain that opposition was attempted against the descent of
our troops, by a body of undisciplined Militia. After having landed
the cannon, with the ammunition and stores, in Quimparley-Bay, the
whole were left under the charge of a small party of the Royal
Artillery, and a body of one hundred Marines.
On the 21st the army advanced in two columns against Plymeur,
which they reached after some slight skirmishing. The place having
agreed to surrender, but afterwards treacherously firing upon a
detachment, it was given up to plunder. On the following day, the
whole moved on to a rising ground within a mile of Port L'Orient,
the ultimate object of their views. After a fruitless parley, which
the French had established, in order to gain time and to collect
their scattered means of defence, hostilities commenced on the 24th.
Some affairs took place between that and the 26th, when after a
cannonade, which did considerable damage to the town, a retreat was
commenced under cover of the night.
The French were now pouring from all quarters, and the situation
of our forces became critical. The fatigues endured by our men of
every description were excessive. The opportunity of conquest seems
to have been lost in the want of early energies, which allowed a
valuable interval to the enemy for defence.
After a loss of about one hundred and fifty killed, wounded, and
missing, and some Artillery, the re-embarkation was effected,
when the fleet set sail upon the 1st of October, for the Bay of
Borneuff, off Quiberon, and to the South of Quimperlay.
The body of Marines I have mentioned, were intrenched at
Quimperlay, to guard the landing-place, and the rest, under Colonel
Holmes, were united with the Army.
Upon the 4th of October, some troops were landed on the peninsula
of Quiberon, without opposition, from whence the natives had fled
with all their effects. After remaining ashore some days, the whole
returned to England, without having effected any thing during that
time, worthy of remark.
Nothing of moment appears farther on the face of the military
operations of the present year, in which the Marines had a share.
In the gradual increase to the Establishment of the Army during
the present war, the Marines became incorporated with the Line,
and their numerical precedence commenced with the 44th Regiment,
entitled, The First Marines.
The following is the detail of the Field Officers and Agents of
each Corps, all of which were quartered in Great Britain, and
in the vicinity of the principal sea-ports, at the close of the
present year.
44th Regiment, or First Marines.
George Churchill, Colonel.
N. Mitchell, Lieutenant Colonel.
James Macdonald, Major.
J. Winter, Dartmouth-street, Westminster, Agent.
45th Regiment, or Second Marines.
Robert Frazer, Colonel.
J. Leighton, Lieutenant Colonel.
T. Mathews, Major.
T. Paterson, Conduit-street, Agent.
46th Regiment, or Third Marines.
C. H. Holmes, Colonel.
P. Damar, Lieutenant Colonel.
W. Brown, Major.
T. Fisher, Privy-gardens, Whitehall, Agent.
47th Regiment, or Fourth Marines.
C. George Byng, Colonel.
B. Hutchison, Lieutenant Colonel.
J. Read, Major.
T. Paterson, Conduit-street, Agent.
48th Regiment, or Fifth Marines.
C. James Cochran, Colonel.
C. Whiteford, Lieutenant Colonel.
J. Stuart, Major.
Maynard Guering, St. James's-park, Agent.
49th Regiment, or Sixth Marines.
------------, vacant, Colonel.
C. Gordon, Lieutenant Colonel.
C. Leighton, Major.
William Adair, Pall-mall, Agent.
50th Regiment, or Seventh Marines.
H. Cornwall, Colonel.
J. Paterson, Lieutenant Colonel.
R. Bendish, Major.
T. Fisher, Privy-gardens, Whitehall, Agent.
51st Regiment, or Eighth Marines.
J. Duncombe, Colonel.
J. Cunningham, Lieutenant Colonel.
J. Brewse, Major.
Maynard Guering, St. James's-park, Agent.
52d Regiment, or Ninth Marines.
C. Pawlett, Colonel.
G. Walsh, Lieutenant Colonel.
--------, Major, _vacant_.
Mr. Guering, Agent.
53d Regiment, or Tenth Marines.
Sir Andrew Agnew, Colonel.
C. Pawlett, Lieutenant Colonel.
C. Durand, Major.
Mr. Guering, Agent.
These Regiments, when complete, were supposed to consist of one
thousand Rank and File each, and every battalion of ten Companies.
At this period the whole forces upon the British Establishment
amounted to eighty-five thousand six hundred and eleven men.
As institutions of honor, and distinctions of merit, are necessary
incentives for animating the zeal both of Corps and individuals,
as like every other inheritance, peculiar privileges ought to be
transmitted, unimpaired, to the lineal successors of Public Bodies,
if not forfeited by misconduct, or abused by wantonness, I am thus
led to remark an occurrence that took place in London, and which
is authenticated by Major Donkin, in his "Military Collections,"
who was a cotemporary and intimate with the Officer to whom the
circumstance happened. It is thus expressed:
"_The 3d Regiment of Foot, raised in_ 1665, known by the ancient
title of The Old Buffs, have the privilege of marching through
London with drums beating, colours flying! which the city disputes
not only with all other Corps, but even with the King's Guards
going on duty to the Tower! It happened in the year 1746, that as
a detachment of Marines were beating along Cheapside, one of the
Magistrates came up to the Officer, requiring him to cease the
drum, as no Soldiers were allowed to interrupt the civil repose.
The Captain commanding (an intimate friend of mine) immediately
said, Sir, we are Marines.--Oh, Sir! replied the Alderman, I beg
pardon; I did not know it! Pray continue your route as you please."
It has been already noticed in the early part of this retrospect,
that the Corps of Marines was originally engrafted upon _that
Regiment_ to which the Major alludes--that the _Old Buffs_ of
the present day gained one numerical step in the Line, from the
extinction of its predecessor, previous to which circumstance it
had no claim to the privilege in question, and could establish no
subsequent one from merely a sameness in name.
The conclusion which naturally arises must be, that after having
ascertained _our First Parent, as children_, we should enjoy
unalienated the honors of our forefathers.--Whether or not, in
authenticating the fact he has stated, the Major means to advance
a similar inference by a like train of analogy, I know not, but it
appears to carry a feasible construction.
Although the metropolis is but rarely the scene of our service,
except that of recruiting, still no one can anticipate the
reforms which may be judged necessary in the different military
establishments of our Country. In adducing one example of
undisputed right, it must certainly fix it as a recognized
principle under all future contingencies, excepting that the laws
of police shall have utterly abolished the practice.
CHAP. XVI.
Eleven thousand one hundred and fifty Marines constituted the vote
for 1747.
Notwithstanding the disasters of the last year in a projected
expedition under Duke D'Anville, against Cape Breton, still the
ministry of France persevered in their designs upon that important
possession. Another object, more extensive in its nature and
more fatal in its aim, formed also a part of their plan in the
subsequent operations of the war, which was directed against the
British dependencies upon the Coast of Coromandel.
These armaments equipped, under different destinations, set sail
from France in united force, under the fond persuasion that no
hostile interruption could stop their progress.
A happy genius appeared at this time to guide our Naval Councils.
Early intelligence was obtained of the enemy's views, and adequate
measures were soon taken to counteract them. The occasion afforded
a fresh display of the zeal and intrepidity of Vice Admiral Anson,
and Rear Admiral Warren, who with a superior force fell in with and
captured, upon the 3d day of May, five sail of the line of battle,
a large frigate, and four stout armed ships freighted on account of
the French East India Company, with troops and stores.
Above £300,000 in money, which was intended to answer the
contingencies of these expeditions, was found on board the Men of
War, which altered its course to the Bank of England, and whither
it was escorted by a party of Marines, in military procession,
amidst the acclamations of the populace.
For this achievement the Vice Admiral was created a Peer of Great
Britain, and Rear Admiral Warren was invested with the Order of
the Bath.--The whole Fleet received the cordial thanks of their
Sovereign, through its Commander, in these words, and who became
the organ of the Royal wish:
"Sir, you have done me a great service--I thank you, and desire you
to thank, in my name, _all the Officers and Private Men_, for their
bravery and conduct, with which I am well pleased."
Soon after the enemy sustained a heavy commercial loss in
forty-eight sail of homeward bound West Indiamen.
The 14th of October, in this year, memorable for our naval
successes, was another day of triumph.
Rear Admiral Hawke, whom the vigilance of our Ministry detached
early in August to intercept a numerous convoy then collecting
for the West Indies, continued upon his cruizing ground until
that morning, when their wished-for object was espied. After the
most gallant defence, six ships of the line struck their colours,
and were carried into Portsmouth. The Order of the Bath was the
well-earned laurel of this victory to the Commander, and the
legislative thanks of a grateful country were rendered to the
subordinate Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the Squadron.
While victory thus crowned the British Flag, its Commerce also
continued protected by the same guardian care. A few short months
accomplished the conquest of the flower of the French Navy, the
consequences of which were soon felt in the security of our trade
and the increase of public credit. Those of the enemy were both
fast on the decline, and a general despondency prevailed throughout
their country, from which all their boasted victories upon the
Continent could not revive the nation.
Towards the close of this year, Rear Admiral Boscawen sailed
for the East Indies with a powerful squadron, having nearly two
thousand troops on board, in order to reinforce our ships then
inferior to the enemy upon that station, and to retrieve our
affairs in that quarter of the globe. All our exertions during this
era were employed on our proper element, in which the Marines bore
a share, and they leave not to me a single detached incident for
record.
In the early part of this year, his Majesty directed that the
several Regiments of Marines which were then existing, or might
afterwards be raised, should for the future obey such orders as
they, from time to time, might receive from the Lords Commissioners
of the Admiralty, from which period our present Constitution may,
in some degree, be dated.
CHAP. XVII.
The distresses of France had now reached their height in the
destruction of her navy, and the annihilation of her commerce.
Spain also, cut off from her resources by the vigilance of our
fleets, was equally poor, and her subjects still more wretched;
while Britain, now directed by unanimity and wisdom, seemed as if
invigorated by the struggle.
Great must have been the sufferings of his people, when Louis XV.
condescended to express his ardent wish for the return of peace to
an individual who was then his prisoner. That Sovereign ingenuously
avowed to Sir John Ligonier the pressures which had induced him
to urge the topic; and it was a hint too interesting for humanity
to pass unnoticed. Accordingly, a Congress was soon after held at
Aix-la-Chapelle, in order to arrange the terms of negociation.
The prospect however, did not relax our efforts, which were still
greater than ever.
Eleven thousand five hundred and fifty Marines were the
establishment of 1748.
Admiral Boscawen, who had sailed from England in November of the
last year, got sight of the Mauritius upon the 23d day of June.
His orders were to make an attack upon it, but this object was
subordinate to the conquest of Pondicherry, which was the chief
view of the expedition. The enemy had long been aware of his
destination, and were well prepared to receive him. After having
reconnoitred the coast, and sounded where a probability appeared
of effecting a disembarkation, it was at last ascertained, that
the powerful means of defence which presented every where,
and the dangers of approaching the land in many places, must
necessarily involve a great sacrifice of men, and render success
even ultimately doubtful. The coming on of the autumnal monsoons
had also an influence in the decision of a Council, which was to
relinquish this attempt, and to proceed without delay for the Coast
of Coromandel, the enjoined scene of operations.
Upon the 27th of June, the Admiral bid adieu to the island, and
arrived at Fort St. David on the 29th of July. Here the troops
were landed and encamped, with all the necessary stores. At no
period could the Nation ever boast of a more zealous or faithful
servant than Admiral Boscawen. It was now but a short interval ere
he proceeded to carry his instructions into effect, under his own
auspices; having entrusted the Fleet to Captain Lisle, the next in
command, who had orders to co-operate to the utmost.
Previous to the departure of Vice Admiral Griffin, with four
ships intended for Europe, the Marines were drafted from them,
and added to the battalion, which upon this service consisted of
eight hundred and eighty rank and file. The whole amounting to
four thousand one hundred and twenty British and Country troops to
be afterwards reinforced by two thousand native auxiliaries, and
one thousand one hundred sailors, trained to small arms, were to
form the besieging army. The battering cannon, mortars, and every
implement were conveyed by the squadron within two miles of the
town, while the land forces began their march towards Pondicherry,
on the 8th of August, about thirty miles distant. They were
uninterrupted till the 11th, when a shew of opposition was made by
an intrenched force of the enemy on the banks of a river. These
gave way, however, upon the advance of a detachment to attack
them. On the other side stood the fort of Arian-Coupan, which it
was essential to carry previous to opening the siege. A force of
seven hundred men, composed of grenadiers, and the piquets of the
Army were deemed adequate to this attempt by the Engineers who
reconnoitred the works. In this service they had been unhappily
deceived, from the peculiarity of the ground in front of the fort,
the real strength of which was hid from their view.
Unprepared for the assault, our brave men, when too late, found
its formidable state, but with a persevering though an unfortunate
spirit, they continued an attack which afforded no hope of success.
The enemy now galling them extremely by flanking fires from two
batteries on the opposite side of the river, a retreat was made
after the loss of 150 men killed and wounded, and amongst them some
of our best officers. The fall of Major Goodere of the Artillery,
upon this occasion, was peculiarly lamented, and from his high
professional talents, was considered as an event inauspicious to
the future operations of the army.
The detachment being repulsed, retired towards the sea, in order to
preserve a communication with the ships, and thus to disembark the
cannon and stores. Here they slept all night upon their arms, and
on the following day, the 13th of August, were joined by the army.
In the afternoon the 1100 Seamen were landed under Captain Lloyd.
It was now determined to carry on approaches in regular form.
Upon the 17th a battery of four guns was opened, but being
injudiciously placed it produced no effect. The Artillery Officers
having volunteered to construct another, it began on the following
morning with such success, that a desperate attempt was made by
the enemy to destroy it. This at first succeeded, but our men soon
rallying from a temporary panic, the French were beat back and
their Commanding Officer taken prisoner. Major Lawrence, however,
and some officers scorning to participate in the early terror which
seized the troops, became captives.
Upon the 20th some gunpowder taking fire within the Fort, the
principal Battery blew up, by which explosion upwards of 100 of
the enemy perished. They then, by putting matches to the different
mines, demolished all the fortifications, and the remains retreated
to Pondicherry.
The ruins were soon occupied by our troops, who were employed,
until the 25th in rendering this post tenable. They afterwards
crossed the river of Arian-Coupan, and got possession of a strong
situation within a mile of the place, without a shew of contest.
This being to the north west of the town, a communication was from
thence maintained with the ships to the northward of it, and all
the implements necessary for the siege were now landed.
Early in the morning of the 1st of September the Advanced Guard of
100 men, consisting principally of Marines, was attacked by very
superior forces, which were headed by Mons. Portalis, the principal
Engineer of the enemy; who was mortally wounded, besides four other
Officers, and the whole were repulsed with a loss of upwards of 120
soldiers.
Upon this occasion a woman fought in the Marine Ranks of the name
of Hannah Snell, a native of Worcester, who, after many chequered
destinies, inlisted at Portsmouth in Colonel Frazer's regiment,
from whence she was embarked with a detachment on board the Swallow
sloop, one of Admiral Boscawen's squadron. In this affair she
behaved with distinguished courage, having fired 37 rounds, and
received a ball in the groin, which, two days afterwards, she
herself extracted, and likewise dressed the wound. Eleven others in
both legs, but of inferior consequence also, rendered her removal
to the Hospital, at Cuddalore, absolutely necessary, where she
continued three months.
When recovered she was ordered on board the Eltham frigate, in
which she continued till that ship returned home and was paid
off. After receiving her discharge from the Marine Service, in
company with many of her companions, she set out for London. The
time arrived when they were to bid each other a long adieu; this
moment she chose to discover her sex, in order to attest the truth
of her adventures. One of her friends tendered his hand, which
was declined. She afterwards wore the Marine Dress, and having
presented a petition to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland,
he, with a princely spirit, attended to her prayer, and placed
her on the King's list for a pension of thirty pounds a year for
life. This she enjoyed until a few years ago, when, after a long
residence at Walsall, in Staffordshire, her days were closed.
It was not until the 25th of September that the batteries were
completed, when they began to play. Owing to a general ignorance
of the plan of Pondicherry, our first attack was directed against
its strongest quarter, and after different approaches, it was
discovered that a deep and intervening morass prevented their
being carried within a distance near enough to produce effect.
Notwithstanding a combined cannonade on the part of the squadron,
against the town, it was found that the enemy's fire rather gained
an ascendency. Sickness becoming prevalent, from the fatigues
endured by the troops, often up to the middle in water; the rainy
season being daily expected, which would inundate the country
and cut off their retreat to Fort St. David's, and the army
rapidly diminishing in its numbers, afforded strong grounds for
immediately abandoning the siege. A Council of War, held on the
30th of September, determined upon this measure, after which period
the only objects to be accomplished were reimbarking the men and
stores, and setting fire to the batteries, all which were effected
upon the 5th of October, and the whole were in motion upon the
morning of the 6th.
They had happily chosen the critical moment for retreat, as the
rains which fell upon the same evening, had nearly rendered the
rivers impassible; however they reached Fort St. David's upon
the evening of the 7th, after having demolished the Fort of
Arian-Coupan on their way.
The want of Engineers was bitterly felt throughout the whole, and
though it was in many instances amply compensated by the handsome
and voluntary tenders of service, from the Officers of the Corps of
Royal Artillery, still these were of too subordinate a nature to
remedy the errors committed in the leading plan of operations.
We had also to combat a garrison nearly equal to our own army,
which was but little aided by the Native Auxiliaries, whose chief
use lay in guarding the skirts of our Camp from surprize, or
harassing parties; for they would never defend any post without
being supported by European troops.
This disaster involved a loss of 1065 Whites of every description,
while that of the enemy did not exceed 500.
In the West Indies an attack was again intended against St. Jago,
in Cuba, by some land forces embarked at Jamaica and the Marines of
the squadron, with which design the whole put to sea, but after a
long perseverance against strong northerly winds, which prevented
their approaching that coast, it was given up, and diverted to an
enterprize against Port Louis on the south side of Hispaniola. This
service was performed by the ships in line of battle, which, after
three hours heavy cannonade, compelled its Governor to surrender
upon terms, when Major Scott, with a detachment of Governor
Trelawney's regiment, and the Marines, were landed, and took
possession of the Fort in the name of his Majesty.
After having shipped or destroyed upwards of 80 heavy cannon, and
blown up the works, the whole were re-embarked.
Towards the close of the present year a very serious mutiny
occurred on board his Majesty's ship Chesterfield, upon the coast
of Africa, but like all attempts of so diabolical a nature, it was
suppressed by the spirited efforts of a few well disposed of her
crew. This leads me to the reflection, that, however brave and
intrepid the character of a British Seaman is, still his valour
becomes palsied the moment it is exerted in a wrong cause. Such
indeed must ever be the consequence of such ill aimed combinations.
The wretch who is capable of subverting his country's interests
cares but little for those of his friends. In principle a villain,
he never fails being the first to desert and betray the unfortunate
men, who are the dupes of his counsels, particularly when his own
life appears in danger.
In order to exhibit how dangerous it is even to _conceal_ the
existence of a mutiny, I will state an instance which arose out of
the above occasion:--After the Chesterfield was recovered from
those daring insurgents, she was carried into Barbadoes, when all
the culprits were put on board the Richmond, excepting two. Some of
them were indulged with their liberty and to mess with that ship's
company; so liberal are our laws even to the criminal, before trial
and condemnation.
Having, by their protestations of innocence, interested some of the
people in their favour, T. Ferriman, the ship's Steward, I believe
from pure motives, and wishing to discover those who had united
in planning their escape, drew out a paper for the signature of
all who wished well to the scheme. Within two hours he was himself
informed against, by one who had subscribed to it, and being found
in his pocket, it was too powerful an evidence to resist that
article of War which holds him equally guilty with the perpetrator,
who _knowingly conceals_ any gathering mutiny even for a moment.
Every detail of active operation closes with the peace of
Aix-la-Chapelle, now a second time rendered memorable by the growth
of the Olive.
After more than nine years hostility, all the powers agreed to
a general restitution of conquests. France and Spain were left
to lament a ruined Navy, and an impoverished people, while Great
Britain felt an accession of more than four millions of circulating
specie, which concealed from the public view a large addition to
her national debt.
At this time the respective rank between the sea and land Officers
was decreed by his Majesty, and an order issued for an exact
uniformity of dress throughout the naval service.
Amongst the many reductions which now progressively took place,
during 1748, and the early part of the ensuing year, may be
remarked the total extinction of the Marine establishment, the
Officers of which, at these successive periods, were placed on half
pay.
CHAP. XVIII.
Peace having been proclaimed upon the 2d of February, 1749, the
liberal policy of Government was soon after conspicuous towards its
disbanded servants.
The settlement of Nova Scotia, hitherto a neglected spot, presented
itself to the enlightened mind of the Earl of Halifax as a proper
field for improvement, and it readily occurred to him, as a fit
occasion, for rendering useful to the State a body of men, that
might have otherwise been let loose upon society.
Accordingly grants of land in that Province, were tendered to
every rank of his Majesty's land and sea forces, and as a spur to
immediate population, an extension of privilege and property was
allowed to him, who should embark his family, in proportion to its
numbers.
Some of the liberal professions, and mechanicks of different
descriptions were also invited to become adventurers, under similar
inducements, and the plan of a happy Civil Government emanating
from a British fountain, was early framed for the permanent
happiness of these military colonists.
Under such assurances above 4000 bid adieu to their native shore,
and upon the 21st of June the whole anchored in the bay of
Chebucto, upon the southern coast of the Province, where a town
was quickly raised, fortified, and divided into lots, which was
named Halifax; a monument of the liberal and humane views of its
noble patron. The occasion merits many a reflection which I am not
allowed to indulge.
While it is the wisdom, it is also the interest of every Country
to frame employ for those who have served it faithfully in war. A
distinction between the industrious and the profligate would soon
be marked by Society, and the worthless wanderer roaming about
unpitied, would be compelled to contribute to his own support, and
thus promote the general good.
Every circumstance after the peace tended to shew that it was only
a temporary expedient on the part of France.
Alternately they continued to inflame and negociate during nearly
the whole interval of public repose, and by their extensive Naval
preparations, which were not confined to their own Country, they
obviously evinced the intention of renewing hostilities when they
felt themselves in sufficient power.
Upwards of six years provocation and remonstrance had elapsed,
when repeated insults aroused the Nation. Early in 1755 our
armaments began, at which time a levy of 50 Companies of Marines,
was ordered, and the following appointments of Officers to them
appeared in the Gazette of the 5th of April:
Lieutenant Colonels.
James Patterson,
Thomas Drury,
Charles Gordon,
Majors.
Richard Bendyshe,
Charles Leighton,
James Burleigh.
Captains.
Hector Boisrond,
Gabriel Sediere,
John M'Kenzie,
Charles Repington,
Alexander Cumming,
Sir Robert Abercrombie,
Alexander Douglass,
Edward Rycaut,
John Wright,
Thomas Dawes,
John Tufton Mason,
Thomas Sheldon,
Thomas Moore,
John Gordon,
Richard Baker,
James Dundas,
George Maxwell,
James Robertson.
First Lieutenants.
Daniel Campbell,
Dudley Crofts,
George Langley,
James Hill,
Alexander Cathcart,
Francis Hay,
Donald M'Donald,
John Shuttie,
Edward Howarth,
Robert Duglass,
John Phillips,
John Brown,
Colin Campbell,
Robert Ewer,
Archibald Campbell,
George Ord,
Laucelor Willan,
William Fraizer,
Captains.
John Campbell,
Claud Hamilton,
John Bell,
John Dennis,
Thomas Dalton,
Thomas Whitwick,
James Hamilton,
Robert Barker,
John Groeme,
John Beaghan,
Samuel Prosser,
Patrick M'Donal,
Alexander Irons,
Charles Webb,
William Stacy,
Richard Brough,
Henry Smith,
John Johnston,
Leathes Johnston,
Christopher Gauntlett,
Tooker Collins,
Walter Canuthers,
John Vere,
William Picton,
Richard Shuckburgh,
Richard Hawkins,
First Lieutenants.
James Short,
George Bossuque,
James Mercer,
John Frazer,
W. Ayton Douglas,
Dennis Bond,
Thomas Backhouse,
Gerard Dennet,
Thomas Troy,
Edward Shyffin,
George Gulston,
Richard Dennison,
William Thompson,
John Elliot,
John Pitcairne,
James Perkins,
William Dennis,
Ralph Teasdale,
Pierce Deut,
Robert Shirley,
Daniel Campbell,
John Blinkhan,
William Lutman,
Thomas Wright,
William Rowley,
Thomas Stamper,
Captains.
George Maddison,
Charles Grey,
Robert Burdet,
John Yeo,
Robert Packhurst,
Alexander Leslie,
First Lieutenants.
Thomas Airy,
Thomas Smith,
---- Waller,
Charles Fletcher,
Benjamin Edwards,
Enoch Markham.
These, formed into three divisions, were placed at Chatham,
Portsmouth, and Plymouth, under the controul of the Board of
Admiralty, and an Act was passed for their regulation while on
shore.
Some of the names detailed, still live, while others, like them,
survived to hold distinguished rank, and to prove ornaments to
their profession, and the British Army.
From this era the Marine Corps has ever constituted a branch of
the peace establishment, the sale of Commissions was abolished,
although a transit between the Army and it, was still kept up,
which, from the casual introduction of men of influence, animated
promotion. But this system was soon changed, by which reform all
Officers rose in regular rotation, and what is the regulation of
the present day. Every appointment in the Marine Corps was notified
from the Admiralty, and appeared in the London Gazette; a practice
for reasons I know not, has been since discontinued.
Although no declaration of war had taken place, still hostilities
of a serious nature had been committed in America, and captures to
an immense amount were made by our cruizers during 1755. Even since
the signature of peace, indeed, the French maintained a spirit
of inveteracy in the East, which aimed at universal dominion.
Preparations were at last commenced, and the country at large began
to feel their wrongs.
CHAP. XIX.
An unaccountable dread pervaded the nation, which the public
measures certainly tended to heighten. In the early part of 1756
the enemy had collected immense forces upon their coasts with the
avowed object of invading England. Foreign auxiliaries were called
in, measures of precaution and defence were adopted, while the real
objects of attack from all their mighty threats, were entirely
forgotten and neglected. Amongst the additional forces voted during
the present year, 9138 Marines were decreed by Parliament; in
order to complete which 30 additional companies were ordered to be
raised. The expedient of a land impress was resorted to, in the
form of an "Act for the more speedy and effectual recruiting his
Majesty's Land Forces and Marines," but which was suspended by a
Royal Order upon the 1st of May, in consequence of the zealous and
patriotic co-operations of the nobility and gentry, who, by their
purses and their energies, rendered it unnecessary.
The real designs of the French having been developed in an
expedition against Minorca, while they continued to amuse the
nation by the terrors of an invasion, produced a declaration of
war upon the 18th of May, against that power. Admiral Byng had
been detached for its relief, and had previously been ordered to
disembark all the Marines from his ships, in order to take on board
a number of land forces destined for the relief of that garrison.
Commodore Edgcumbe, who commanded the British squadron in the
Mediterranean, foreseeing an attack upon the island, had landed
1 Captain, 2 Subalterns, 4 Serjeants, 4 Corporals, 3 Drummers,
and 104 Rank and File, being nearly the whole of his Marines, to
strengthen its defence, who shared in the fatigues and the glory of
that distinguished siege under Lieutenant General Blakeney. Much
spirit and determined bravery was evinced in the course of it.
After more than two months tedious approaches, the enemy stormed,
upon the 25th of June, in different points, but with partial
success. The firing had continued from ten at night until four
upon the following morning, when Marshall Richelieu beat a parley
in order to bury his dead. But he shamefully invaded the interval
of suspension, by reinforcing the lodgments he had gained, which
communicating by subterraneous passages, afforded easy access into
the body of the place itself.
This led to its immediate fall, by capitulation, after seventy days
contest, and is an instance of what little confidence should be
placed in the French character, under every similar occasion.
The Nation, always too apt to despond from slight causes, most
bitterly lamented this event, which was preceded by the very
unwelcome tidings of a drawn battle between the hostile fleets.
Sir Edward Hawke succeeded the unfortunate Admiral, who became a
victim to the strict letter of the law, and the general prejudices
of his Country. From a vast superiority our commerce in those seas
was well protected, while that of the enemy suffered extremely. The
constant threats of descent appeared to paralyse every exertion
but that of domestic security; while the enemy were carrying on
their schemes of distant conquest under the panic which these had
produced.
Towards the close of the year a new Ministry was formed, to which
the Nation looked with confidence and hope.
In this administration that great and manly character, Mr. Pitt,
was one.--No farther details occur under the era of 1756.--The
Marines, in common with their brethren in the British Fleet, shared
in the credit which was gained by some partial actions during the
year.
CHAP. XX.
An addition of twenty companies was ordered early in the year 1757,
to complete the parliamentary vote of eleven thousand four hundred
and nineteen marines.
The happy change which had taken place in the councils of the
nation seemed to extend its effects through every department.--That
vigor and unanimity was, however, again suspended by intrigue and
faction, of which the enemy availed themselves, by detaching with
impunity, reinforcements to their distant dominions.
A coalition of parties having been accomplished, re-animated the
country, but nothing peculiarly interesting or falling within my
scope, can be remarked within the current incidents of this year.
Some partial naval actions, which did honor to the leaders, and
which reflected credit upon all the subordinates who had a share,
were fought within this period. They evinced that our spirit was
not extinguished, but that it only awaited the auspices of some
guiding hand, and a higher occasion, to render it of substantial
benefit to the public.
CHAP. XXI.
The fears of an invasion began now to subside, and these warlike
preparations which had hitherto been made with a view to self
defence, were, under the bold and enterprizing genius of Mr. Pitt,
soon to be turned against the enemy's coasts. This was necessary
to animate the people, as well as politic in forcing the French
to withdraw a part of their immense forces upon the Continent.
A farther augmentation of thirty Companies was granted to the
Corps of Marines, to keep pace with the general energies, which
completed their establishment to fourteen thousand eight hundred
and forty-five, being the vote for the service of 1758. At this
period too, that highly useful body of men, the National Militia,
was ordered to be raised and organized for domestic security, while
our regular armies were employed in retaliating the terrors of
invasion, and in carrying the war into the foreign possessions of
our enemies.
Early in this year was fought the memorable action between the
Monmouth and Foudroyant, which must ever be considered as one of
the most distinguished events upon our Naval Annals. Monsieur
De Quesne, with a nobleness that did him the highest honour, in
delivering his sword to Lieutenant Carkett, the representative of
the gallant Captain Gardiner who fell, was not ashamed to avow
that he had surrendered only to the force of the Monmouth. The
great inequality in this contest confers a lasting credit upon the
meanest individual who bore a part in it.
Sir Edward Hawke, commanding a squadron of seven sail of the line,
observing a number of the enemy's ships, with forty transports
full of troops, at anchor off the Isle of Aix, he pushed on with a
view to attack them; but they slipped their cables, and were run
ashore upon the mud, after having thrown their guns and stores over
board, by which means they escaped. The enemy had been employed
in repairing the works upon the island that were destroyed in our
expedition of last year. The Admiral disembarked Captain Ewer,
with a party of one hundred and forty Marines, upon the 5th of
April, with orders to demolish them. This service was effected with
discipline and humanity, as it was accomplished most completely,
and without the smallest molestation to the inhabitants.
An expedition having been meditated to the Coast of Africa,
consisting of two hundred Marines, under Major Mason, and a
detachment of Artillery, it sailed from Plymouth on the 9th of
March. Upon the 24th of April, this squadron, under the command
of Captain Marsh, arrived off the river Senegal, and against the
29th, the small craft got over the shallow bar, being opposed by
some vessels of force, which were, however, obliged to retire,
when a landing was made. Early on the following day, being about
to advance against Fort Lewis, situated upon a small island about
twelve miles farther up the river, a deputation from the Superior
Council of Senegal arrived, with articles of capitulation, which
were accepted. In consequence, Major Mason, with his Marines, took
possession of the Fort upon the 2d of May, in which was a garrison
of two hundred and forty soldiers and ninety pieces of cannon,
with treasure and merchandize to a great amount. During this short
service, the sufferings of the men were great, as many of the boats
having the tents, cannon, and ammunition, were overset upon the
bar, which circumstance exposed them to the nightly dews and the
scorching sun upon that inclement coast, without a shelter. Being a
key to their grand Establishment at Goree, this acquisition was of
much importance.
It falls a second time to my lot to mention the active services
of my Corps in the conquest of Cape Breton, and its Capital, now
rendered more formidable by experience. A violent surf prevented
the landing of our forces, under the conduct of Sir Jeffrey
Amherst, seconded by the Brigadier Generals Whitmore, Laurence,
and Wolfe, from the 2d until the 8th of June, during which the
ships were exposed to a cannonade from cannon and mortars. Upon
that day, the debarkation took place in different points, amidst
the greatest difficulties, during which Gen. Wolfe was very highly
distinguished. Some lives, and about one hundred boats were lost
in the attempt. After different preparations and approaches,
which would be too wide a field for my detail, the Marines of the
Fleet were landed, on the 26th of June, when being formed into a
battalion, they took post at Kennington-cove, and afforded a vast
relief to the Army then occupied in very extensive duties. Upon
the 30th, they were engaged at this post, and repulsed the enemy.
Their ships in the harbour continuing to incommode our troops, an
enterprize was formed against them during the night of the 25th
of July, which occasion very much signalized Captains Laforey and
Macbride of the Royal Navy, who took and destroyed the Beinfaisant
and Prudent. Upon the 26th, the French proposed terms, by which
five thousand six hundred and thirty-seven soldiers and sailors
became prisoners of war, and in the capitulation was included
the surrender of the islands of Cape Breton and St. John's. Gen.
Amherst, in public orders, desired the Commanders of every Corps
to acquaint the Officers and Men with the high satisfaction which
he felt from the bravery and good conduct of the troops--a conduct
that had, and always must insure success, and what he would take
the liberty of reporting to his Sovereign. A severe blow to
the navy of France, was one of the happy circumstances of this
achievement.
Considering the many detached enterprizes with which the year 1758
was marked, the most sanguine could not hope that all would succeed
without loss, where the chief objects were to land upon, to harass,
and keep in alarm the widely extended coasts of France.
Although the affair at St. Cas, in the month of September, was
unfortunate in its issue, still no incident occurred that tarnished
the honour of our arms. More impetuous courage was never shewn,
than by the handful of men which formed the rear guard of the
British Army upon that service, who had to combat very superior
numbers. Previous to this, an opportunity offered to signalize the
parties of Marines belonging to three ships of Commodore Howe's
Squadron, in an attack upon the Castle of Latte, situated on a
peninsula in the entrance to St. Maloes' harbour. A joint attempt
had been concerted between a Naval force and a detachment from
the Army upon the heights above Arborough Bay, upon the 4th of
September, but the ships could not stand near enough to produce
effect without an imminent risk; when after a short contest, it
was relinquished, by the co-operating troops. These parties of
Marines having been landed upon the night of the 9th, attacked
and carried it without loss. In consequence of the success which
had attended the expedition against the coast of Africa, another
was formed against Goree, which sailed from Cork upon the 11th
of November, under the joint conduct of Commodore Keppel and
Lieutenant Colonel Worge, the newly-appointed Governor of Senegal.
A body of land forces, and the Marines of the squadron were the
forces intended to carry this service into effect. After a very
dangerous passage, the whole gained sight of Goree, upon the
28th of December, excepting the Lichfield of fifty guns, and
a transport, that were wrecked upon the inhospitable shore of
Barbary. About two o'clock the squadron reached abreast of the
island, then four miles distant, while the transports were ordered
to a bay between Point Goree and Point Barabbas, to be in readiness
to land the troops on a signal being made. Every disposition being
arranged for an immediate attack, early in the morning of the 29th,
the troops were embarked in the flat-bottomed boats, in order
to push ashore upon the island when adviseable, while a general
cannonade was opened by the ships against the different points of
defence. After a most tremendous firing of some hours continuance,
the enemy struck their colours, in order to establish a parley,
that ended in an almost immediate renewal of hostilities, which
soon obliged Monsieur de St. Jean to surrender at discretion.
Commodore Keppel instantly landed all the Marines, who took
possession and occupied the fort until every arrangement was made.
The loss upon this service was extremely trifling.
Many were the occasions that distinguished the Naval and Military
Forces of his Majesty during the present active year, which, from
their number, cannot fall within my detail. Both Corps seemed
animated with a spirit of unsurpassed zeal and enterprize, which
the Marine of France, her Commerce, and her coasts most bitterly
felt. This era exhibited many early specimens of the courage and
talents of some individuals, whose merits and great abilities very
justly placed them in high commands during the subsequent stages
of their lives, and whose names can never be mentioned but with
encomium.
The amphibious duties of the Marine Soldier necessarily placed him
in many of these active scenes, and from that close connection in
which he now stood towards the Naval Establishment of his country,
he may be said to have always been a sharer in the honours that
arose from the brilliant single actions at sea, with which the year
abounded.
A bill framed in wisdom, policy, and humanity, originated and
passed in 1758, under the able and enlightened auspices of the
Honourable Mr. George Grenville. This was for the encouragement
of Seamen in the Royal Navy, by which these well-meaning, but
unthinking men, were enabled to cast an eye of compassion and
relief towards their suffering families. By this institution they
might allot such a part of their pay as they did not choose to
receive, to their wives, parents, or others, to which amount they
had tickets from the Commissioners, which on being remitted to any
part of the country, were payable on demand by the Collectors of
Customs and Excise within Great Britain. Its liberal tendency is
too obvious for remark; and it is only singular, that from its
acknowledged influence, such was not earlier extended to the Marine
Soldier, who constantly participated in the dangers, the glory, and
the duties of our Fleets.--The man who has resolution and virtue
to forfeit his own comforts, and to alienate a great part of them
towards the subsistence of his distant relatives, affords the
strongest test of his genuine character. He who is true to domestic
ties, will never, by insubordination, dissolve those that unite him
to his country.
CHAP. XXII.
Fourteen thousand eight hundred and forty-five Marines formed the
Establishment of 1759.
The manly, daring, and enlightened mind of him who guided the
public measures, was never more conspicuous than in the extensive
plans which directed the operations of the present year. Superior
to the menaces of invasion, though still not despising them, he
did not limit the national energies to a system of self-defence,
but resolved upon carrying war and conquest against the distant
territories of our enemy. The spirit of Englishmen, thus roused,
kept pace with the bold views of Mr. Pitt, and while it has
convinced the world how invincible we are when knit together in the
bonds of union, let us imitate the examples of this happy period,
upon every return of public danger!
One of the most gallant single actions with which this contest was
marked, occurred in the West Indies, towards the close of 1758. It
is narrated by Captain Tyrrell, of the Buckingham, who fought it,
in all the honest simplicity of a British Seaman, and bears high
testimony to the gallant conduct of those under his command. This
gratifying tribute, when merited, should never be withheld from
the meanest, and it must ever honourably characterize the man who
bestows it. Falling in with the Florissant, of 74 guns, and two
heavy frigates, in his Majesty's Ship Buckingham, of 70, he bravely
engaged them and obliged the first to strike; but night coming on,
she availed herself of its darkness, made sail, and escaped from
her disabled antagonist. Speaking of my Corps, Capt. Tyrrell's
words are, "Capt. Troy, at the head of his Marines, performed
the service of a brave and gallant Officer, cleared the poop and
quarter-deck of the enemy, and drove her men like sheep down the
main deck."
The defenceless state of the French Carribee Islands, induced an
expedition against them, which sailed from Europe towards the end
of November, 1758, under General Hopson and Commodore Hughes,
and arrived at Barbadoes upon the 3d of January following. This
Squadron, consisting of seven sail of the line, one of fifty guns,
besides frigates, had on board nearly eight hundred Marines, headed
by Brevet Col. Rycaut, of the Portsmouth Division, which were
intended to form a battalion, to co-operate with the army; but
Commodore Moore assuming the command of our Naval Forces in these
seas, after this junction, cancelled that plan, and adopted the
idea of landing each party in detachment, when necessary. By this
measure the public character of Colonel Rycaut was suspended, and
that regular system of discipline, which must ever result from the
union of many under one form, was sacrificed. This leads me to
notice, that the Marine Soldier is peculiarly exposed to a great
disadvantage upon every service of combined operation. Constantly
employed in small detachments, it is frequently his lot, at a short
notice, to enter the field against the well-trained legions of his
enemies, and to unite his energies with the Regular and Brigaded
Forces of his country. He, in this new scene, perhaps, knows not
his file leader, and is probably a stranger to his officer.
As the predominant duties of this class of men are on board our
navy, where military evolutions can only be performed upon a narrow
scale; considering that a sudden and unforeseen emergency may place
them in the situation I have described, it might be a means of
rousing an emulous zeal between each, and of fixing that intimacy
which is requisite to promote a mutual confidence, to form the
detachments in every Fleet, or Squadron, into one battalion, or
more; which being constantly maintained in a state of arrangement,
would be better prepare
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