CHAP. XXV.

CHAP. XXV.

On the 4th day of January, 1762, War was declared against Spain, which was reciprocal on the part of that Power on the 18th, and realized the acute forebodings of Mr. Pitt.

A treaty framed for consolidating the interests and ambitious views of the House of Bourbon, and evidently levelled against the existence of our Empire, accelerated this event. So accustomed had the Nation been to victory, however, that it beheld this mighty Family Compact without dismay.

The public energies kept pace with the imperious occasion, and 70,000 Seamen, including 19,061 Marines, comprized in 135 companies, formed the naval establishment of the year.

A plan for the reduction of Martinico, digested by the late Minister, was now carried into effect by the forces from North America, who had finished a successful career upon that Continent, by four battalions drawn from Belleisle, with strong detachments of Seamen and Marines from the Fleet.

Sixteen sail of the line, and many ships of an inferior rate, composed the escort which set sail from Barbadoes on the 5th of January, and anchored in St. Anne's Bay on the 8th. The batteries here were soon silenced by the ships, when Rear-Admiral Rodney detached a squadron, with two brigades, to the Bay of Petite Ance, having orders to debark and take post there, under the direction of Generals Haviland and Grant; they were afterwards reinforced by Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, with a Corps of Light Infantry.

Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, proceeded against the Grande Ance, landed a few Seamen and all his Marines, who, by a combined attack, carried the battery, and occupied it, till relieved by a body of 800 men, under Lieutenant-Colonel Melville.

After destroying the works in St. Anne's Bay, the Admiral and General Monckton, seeing the difficulties of extending their operations from that quarter, followed to leeward, and reconnoitring the coast, resolved upon landing the whole forces between Point Negro and the Cas de Pilote. A squadron having cannonaded the line of batteries, secured this object, when the Army was disembarked upon the evening and morning of the 16th and 17th of January.

Nine hundred Marines, formed into two battalions, were united with the troops attached to the Brigade of General Rufane, and had an active share in the subsequent duties allotted to all.

The whole encamped on the heights above the Case de Navires, from which the General employed detachments to throw up such works as were necessary for covering the passage of the troops over some intervening gullies, between them and the enemy on Morne Tartenson.

The disposition of attack being made, Brigadier Grant began it with the French advanced posts, at dawn on the morning of the 24th, while Brigadier Rufane advanced against their redoubts along the sea coast upon the right, seconded by 1000 Seamen in flat-bottomed boats, keeping pace with it.

Lord Rollo's Brigade supported the Grenadiers, and General Walsh with his, the Corps of Light Infantry, under Colonel Scott, who was ordered to make a circuit, with a view to flank or get behind the enemy. This essentially contributed to the success of the day, as that body gained their left, and continued to incommode it, while the Grenadiers were carrying every thing before them.

Brigadier Rufane performed his part with rapid and impetuous success, being aided most spiritedly by the Seamen.

The final result of the day was gaining Morne Tartenson, other subordinate works having many cannon, and driving the fugitive enemy across a deep ravine, into the town of Fort Royal and Morne Garnier.

General Haviland, with his Brigade, and two Battalions of Highlanders, with a few Light Infantry, under Major Leland, were directed to effect a passage over this gully, considerably to the left, and cut off a detached force of the French from their main body. Insurmountable difficulties, however, prevented this well-designed combination; but they did not check their reaching in time to support the Light Infantry, under Colonel Scott, in a very important post which they had gained opposite to Morne Garnier; while an upper plantation of consequence was occupied by Walsh's brigade, and the Grenadiers. The space between these two was filled by the Marines.

Batteries were opened on the 25th against the Citadel of Fort Royal, which being much annoyed by the guns from Morne Garnier, it was judged expedient to attack it on the left, where the Light Infantry and Haviland's brigade were. Here cannon were opened against it, in order to harass the enemy, and to ensure the future passage of the ravine.

An attempt of the French on the evening of the 27th, signalized this British outpost, which drove them back, not only across the gully, but followed them and gained possession of their batteries, where they established themselves; having been gallantly seconded by the brigades of Walsh and Grant. Before nine at night the enemy had abandoned this strong ground, and so precipitate was their retreat, that they left behind them some serviceable ordnance and ammunition, which were felt by the Citadel early next morning.

General Monckton, finding his batteries on Morne Tartenson at too great a distance to produce material effect, resolved to push on to Morne Capuchin, little more than 400 yards from the Citadel. Observing this meditated essay, the enemy beat the chamade on the evening of the 3d of February, and terms were signed on the 4th.

The testimonies of the Commanders in Chief to the respective Corps were strong and animated. As usual, the services of the Seamen were arduous in transporting cannon, and fearless amidst dangers.

Monsieur De La Touche, the Governor General, who had fallen back upon St. Pierre, with an intent of holding out, soon after surrendered, and the extensive dependencies of that valuable island, very early availed themselves of the benign and faithful tenders of British protection.

The final consent of La Touche was much hastened by the detaching Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, to the harbour of La Trinité, where he landed some Seamen and his Marines, who maintained their ground, and convinced the enemy how unavailing would be their farther obstinacy.

This conquest, which added so much to the lustre of our arms, was obtained at the expence of 7 Officers, 3 Serjeants, and 86 rank and file killed, and 32 Officers, 20 Serjeants, and 337 rank and file wounded.

The enemy experienced a loss of nearly 1000 men.

St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada, fell soon after, under our dominion, and added to the commercial wealth of the Nation.

Solid were the results that accrued from the repeated triumphs of our Fleets and Armies, during this active year. The Revenue was improved, while the individual became enriched by the conquered territory, and the spoils of our enemies.

The rupture with Spain suggested immediate enterprize against her distant and wealthy Colonies. In this plan, no little or inferior views controuled our Councils, which boldly directed our force at once, against the vitals, and the strong hold of her South American Empire.

Lord Anson having submitted his ideas upon the accomplishment of this great object, they were readily embraced upon the present occasion, and adopted throughout.

The Fleet and Army which were destined to execute these designs, were committed to Admiral Pococke, and the Earl of Albemarle, who sailed from Portsmouth on the 5th day of March. They took only a small force from England, as they were to be joined by those troops who had achieved the conquest of the French Caribbee Islands, to be reinforced by auxiliaries from Jamaica and North America; which, with the Marines of the Fleet that were subsequently landed, constituted an Army little short of 15,000 men.

Admiral Pococke reached Martinique on the 26th of April, where every thing was arranged, fascines made, the troops brigaded, and 500 Negroes collected to perform the rough parts of these laborious duties that were before them.

On the 6th of May the whole put to sea, and, on their passage to leeward, were successively joined by the squadrons under Captain Harvey and Sir James Douglas.

It was now that the superior talents and solicitous zeal of Admiral Pococke appeared conspicuous. From the very advanced season of the year no time could be sacrificed in fulfilling his instructions, as dilatory measures might have proved ruinous, from the setting in of the rains. Two alternatives were before him—a tedious and circuitous navigation round the Island of Cuba, or a dangerous passage through the Old Straits of Bahama, hitherto avoided by single ships, and at no period of the world explored by so large a Fleet. The latter he chose, and it was crowned with success.

On the 6th of June the Admiral brought to about five leagues to the Eastward of the Havannah, to issue instructions; when having confided the superintendance of disembarking the troops to Commodore Keppel, he bore away for the mouth of the harbour.

The Marines were ordered into the boats early on the morning of the 7th, as a feint, while the whole Army, under the Earl of Albemarle, landed without opposition between the rivers Boca Nao and Coximar, the latter of which was also passed, after Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, had silenced a castle, that commanded it.

Having a large garrison, headed by the most gallant Officers, the enemy, though but recently apprized of this expedition, prepared for the most vigorous defence.

Lord Albemarle, after some skirmishing in his progress, having intimated, on the 10th, to the Admiral, his purpose of attacking the Cavannos, situated on the east side of the harbour, and commanding part of the Moro Fort, as well as the whole of the north east of the City, with the strong works in that vicinity, Captain Knight, in the Belleisle, was ordered against the Castle of Chorera, to facilitate the enterprize, while the Marines were embarked in boats to attract the enemy's attention towards the Havannah quarter.

This service was ably performed by Colonel Carleton, on the noon of the 11th, at the head of the Grenadiers and Light Infantry.

The Spaniards were not only driven into the Moro, but they also abandoned the Castle of Chorera; which allowed our immediately breaking ground on the advantageous site of the Cavannos. Never were greater obstacles encountered and overcome, than through the whole series of this siege. The Seamen were highly active in landing the cannon, manning the batteries, and supplying the Army with water, on a spot that yielded not a drop. Much harmony prevailed throughout these fatigues between the services.

On the 13th, 800 Marines were landed, formed into two Battalions, under Majors Campbell and Collins, and attached to the command of Colonel and Adjutant General William Howe, upon the Chorera side.

Owing to the thinness of soil upon the Cavannos it was not until the 29th of June that our batteries could open against the Moro.

In order to obtain a superiority of fire on shore, Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, having under him two other ships, volunteered to place them against that Castle, which he did, in the most gallant stile, upon the morning of the 1st of July. By this diversion the object was gained, but with the loss of Captain Coostrey of the Cambridge, and 161 killed and wounded.

The labour of many days was destroyed by a fire that broke out from the dryness of the fascines, and the cannonade kept up, upon the 2d, which was not extinguished until the night of the 5th.

Such an unfortunate casualty depressed, but did not conquer the spirits of our men, who were additionally exposed to the most extreme fatigue, a scanty supply of water, and unwholesome provisions.—They had also to encounter an enemy in Don Velasco, worthy of his important trust.

Fortunately Sir James Douglas arrived from Jamaica with some reinforcements, which were soon followed by others from North America.

It falls not within my scope to enter minutely into the protracted events of this siege, which was carried on and sustained by both sides, with unexampled perseverance, and steady valour.

About one o'clock in the afternoon of the 30th of July, by the explosion of one of our advanced mines, a practicable breach for one file in front was effected, which was soon noticed, and assaulted by our troops, at the head of which was Lieutenant Forbes, of the Royal Scotch. Many of the Spanish Soldiers were within the casemates, and little anticipated so bold an attempt, but they were soon under arms, and encouraged to their duty by their brave Chiefs Don Velasco, and the Marquis Gonzales. Both these Gentlemen fell on the occasion; the former surviving only for a short time, the effects of a mortal wound. The Moro was soon carried, which led to the final conquest of the Havannah, and its dependencies upon the 13th of August. Twelve sail of the line, and a large treasure, were its immediate fruits.

Although nothing peculiarly brilliant fell to the lot of the corps of Marines co-operating in the fatigues of this arduous campaign, still their zeal and discipline kept pace with the other classes of his Majesty's servants, and justly entitled them to a share of that gratitude, bestowed in general terms to all, by their Leaders and their Country.

A predatory attempt against Newfoundland, by a squadron that stole out of Brest, under Mons. Ternay, having on board two regiments, was the only offensive operation on the part of the French during the year 1762.

This Officer might have tried his fortune in a manner far more suitable to the interests and dignity of his Country by aiming a blow at our East, West India, and North American convoys, protected by a very inferior force to his, instead of prosecuting a relentless fury against the insignificant garrison of St. John, and the tackle and stages of our poor, but industrious fishermen. Captain (afterwards Vice Admiral) Joshua Rowley, in the Superbe of 74 guns, the Gosport of 44, Captain Jervis, (now Earl St. Vincent), and the Danae of 38, Captain Henry Martin, having charge of these valuable fleets, were chaced by Mons. Ternay, on the 11th of May, having under him two line of battleships, two heavy frigates, and a bomb-ketch. The steady countenance of Commodore Rowley, who formed into order of battle, convinced the Frenchman that he must wade through a bloody and perhaps a successless conflict, before he could reach his object. The precarious issue induced Mons. Ternay to be off, and to pursue his course for less dangerous game.

As might have been expected, the garrison of St. John, with a number of contiguous posts in no state to make resistance—fell without a contest on the 25th of June. Captain (afterwards Lord), Greaves who was then at Placentia, on the South East part of the island, landed his Marines from the Antelope and prepared for defence; at the same time he apprized our Commanders at Halifax and New York of his situation, and solicited immediate support.

Lord Colville soon joined him, when, after disembarking a number of Marines as a farther reinforcement, with his very inferior squadron, he went out to meet the enemy on the 22d of August, and proceeded off St. John's to give him battle.

The French having adopted a system of plunder and destruction along the coast, wherever they could with impunity, his Lordship detached an Officer and 30 Marines to the Island of Boys, which spot, that party had the honor to defend for his Majesty. During this period the works at St. John's had been much strengthened.

In consequence of the invasion and intelligence of it reaching North America, a force was detached under Lieutenant Colonel Amherst, which reached the coast of Newfoundland upon the 11th of September.

After a train of sharp and active services, on the part of the Army, in which the Navy co-operated, St. John's was recovered upon the 18th, and the whole island was freed from those freebooters, who, in turn, became prisoners.

A friendly fog which had covered Mons. Ternay's departure from France, was also auspicious in his escape from that harbour. His conduct through the whole of this expedition was marked alike by cautious timidity, in the sight of his enemies, as by oppressive inhumanity over those he had conquered.

The acute observations, and active talents of Sir William Draper, not only laid the foundation, but were highly conducive towards the success of one of the boldest designs, that was ever patronized by a British Ministry. That Officer, after the most approved good conduct, during the siege of Madrass, had leave to retire to Canton in China, on account of extreme bad health. It was here that his enquiries commenced about the state of the Spanish Philippine Islands, and he had complete intelligence both as to their commercial importance, and military defence. This he treasured up for his Country, against the day of emergency, by whom he was amply recompenced for such early zeal, by his suggestions being eagerly embraced, and he employed to execute them.

A disclosure of such a nature, however, would not have been received, but spurned at, by our Cabinet during a period of tranquillity with Spain. The whole continued dormant within the breast of Sir William Draper, till hostilities were inevitable, when he was dispatched in the Argo, for the East Indies, with the most liberal powers to carry this object into effect.

Arriving towards the close of June, he lost not a moment in arranging every thing for the expedition against Manilla. The whole set sail on the 1st of August, consisting of a mixed force of nearly 1330 men. As so small a number could only look for success in the unprepared state of the enemy, hitherto confident in their security, and in the promptest measures, a ship of war was detached into the entrance of the Chinese Sea, in order to stop all communication of our project.

The Fleet reached Malacca on the 27th of August, where they watered, finished a number of gabions for the future operations of the Army, and finally anchored in Manilla Bay on the 23d of Sept.

Admiral Cornish had appointed 550 Seamen, and 300 Marines, to co-operate with the Land Forces, which were formed into separate battalions.

After an ineffectual summons sent to the town, and the coast reconnoitred, no time was to be lost in keeping up that surprize which had apparently struck the enemy.

A proper spot, two miles to the southward of Manilla, having been selected for the debarkation, the 79th Regiment, all the Marines, and the Artillery, with some field pieces, and one howitzer, were formed into three divisions, under the sterns of three frigates, which were ordered to cover the landing.

Captains Parker, Kempenfelt, and Brereton, of the Royal Navy, were entrusted with the conduct of each of them, who discharged the duty with much ability.

Numbers of the Spanish Indians having assembled to dispute our descent, the ships of war opened their fire, which compelled them to retire. A violent surf dashed many of the boats to pieces, and injured the musquets, but the troops established themselves at a village named Malata, little more than a mile from the enemy's works, during the night of the 24th.

On the 25th a detachment was advanced to occupy a fort which was abandoned, called Polverista, and Major Monson was pushed forward to take possession of Hermita Church, a small distance from the City, of much local consequence, both as to natural strength, and as a shelter from the heavy rains that had already set in. The 79th Regiment was farther ordered to reinforce this post.

Much praise was due to the Seamen for their unparalleled exertions in landing the remaining troops, cannon, and stores, amidst a most dreadful surf, and the heaviest rains.

The Marines were left at the first posts, the Malata and the Polverista, with a view to secure the retreat of the advanced forces, if necessary; to preserve a mutual communication with the ships, and to guard the stores and heavy artillery. "They," says Sir William Draper, "from the good conduct and example of their Officers, behaved very well, and were of great use upon all occasions."

Considering the strength of Manilla, and the numbers employed against it, no regular siege could be undertaken, or could an observance of the systematic rules of approach be followed. The Spaniards were extremely languid in every effort of defence, while our united forces evinced the most undaunted spirit and unshaken perseverance, during a series of attacks from the native Indians, and of laborious toils amidst winds and rain.

After having made a practicable breach, it was resolved to storm the place upon the 6th of October, and it was executed with that bold ardour which is the native birth-right of Englishmen.

Were my limits to allow, with pleasure would I particularize such exertions, and the gallant actors in them. I can only say, that through the whole the Soldier and Sailor felt no jealousy but that of being foremost in danger and in discipline.

Humanity mingled with policy, influenced the Commanders in Chief to avert from the City the calamity of promiscuous plunder, by a pecuniary compromise for its protection. The laws of war sanctioned this vengeance, from its having fallen by storm. The conquerors here, became ennobled by compassion, and they stipulated to save the property of unoffending individuals, while they at the same time consulted their Country's honor and her interests.

To the eternal disgrace of the Spanish Nation, this generous compact continues unfulfilled.

The Port of Cavite, with the other dependencies of Manilla, were included in the capitulation, and Captain Champion, with 100 Marines, and some Seapoys, were detached as a garrison to the former.

Our total loss upon this brilliant service was 4 Officers, 1 Serjeant, and 29 Privates killed; 1 Lieutenant drowned; and 6 Officers, 3 Serjeants, and 102 rank and file wounded. Among the first were 5 Marines, and the latter, Lieutenant Spearing, besides 6 Privates.

The East India Company, in consequence of the aids they had afforded, was entitled to one third of the settled ransom, which was four millions of dollars; and the acquired conquest was given up to its servants in trust for his Majesty.

Such united harmony existed between the naval and land services, that they agreed to share their fortunes mutually, afloat and ashore.

From the intelligence gained at Manilla, the Admiral detached a force to intercept the annual galleon. The Panther and Argo overtook the ship which had sailed from that place, on the 1st of August, much to their surprize, instead of the one that had been expected there. Nearly three millions of dollars were on board the Sanctissima Trinidad, which were defended with much obstinacy, but she was at last compelled to strike.

Both Commanders, upon the Manilla expedition, very meritedly received the public thanks of their Country, and the honorable marks of a Sovereign's gratitude.

Immense captures were made at sea, and repeated were the occasions which displayed the British naval character during this year, so fertile in momentous events.

Amongst these may be reckoned the Hermione, worth one million sterling, the treasure of which enriched the crews of two sloops of war, and was carried in proud triumph through the streets of London, the very hour in which the Heir Apparent to the British Throne was ushered into the world. A Marine shared upwards of 500l. from this capture.

The enemy, discomfited in every quarter, were not ashamed to own their weakness, and they were the first to sue for peace.

A few short months had alienated or destroyed a great portion of the Spanish Navy, had given a deep wound to their Commerce, which would have been most sensibly felt under a continuance of hostilities, and had convinced Europe and the World, that the resources of Britain could only be estimated amidst accumulating dangers, and that her native spirit could only be known amidst increasing difficulties.

During the whole of this memorable war, the Marine Soldier not only shared in the everlasting glory of our Fleets, but carried with him, through all the mingled destinies of his profession, a steady discipline, combined with a well-regulated valour. Excepting the drawn battle off Minorca, not a naval action was fought in which he did not bear a part, and there were but few of our widely-extended conquests that do not, in their detail, recognize his name.

The preliminaries of a peace, which are not my business to discuss, upon the 3d of November, and ratified in February of the following year, closed the military services of the Marine Corps for a long period, until they were again drawn forth into action by an enlightened patron, who had marked their conduct, and who resolved to avail himself of their animated zeal and spirit, upon the earliest emergency that his Country required them.