CHAP. XXXV.

CHAP. XXXV.

Twenty thousand three hundred and seventeen Marines were voted for the service of 1781.

The widely extended commerce of Holland now lay open to general enterprize, which was soon successfully exerted. As avarice was the predominant cause of hostilities, so it was the object of chastisement.

Gibraltar attracted the early attention of our Ministry, by an effort to relieve it, which was accomplished by Admiral Darby, with the Grand Fleet, under circumstances of apparent difficulty, but of eventual good fortune. If the Combined Forces had been united, which was their annual policy and within their power, such an attempt must have been abortive, or performed at an unwarrantable risk.

That fortress persevered in a system of defence, peculiarly destructive to the enemy, and of a kind the most honorable to General Elliot and his garrison. Captain Hervey in the Panther, with his small squadron, also gave proofs of wonderful courage, in frustrating the aim of some fire vessels that were employed to burn it.

France always intent upon her own interests, embraced this occasion of reinforcing her West India fleets by a powerful detachment under the Compte De Grasse. This became necessary, from the return of De Guichen to Europe, who, after having joined Don Solano's fleet, went down to Hispaniola, with an evident purpose of attacking Jamaica, but from whom he separated without a stroke. Although the battles of Admiral Rodney afforded no signal marks of victory in captures, still their effects had a strong influence in the conduct of De Guichen for proceeding homewards with those shattered ships, from amongst his fleet, that could be refitted only in Europe.

Holland soon felt the consequences of its baseness, by the loss of all its West India possessions, and some valuable convoys. The free port of St. Eustatius, hitherto the depot of America, and of every adventurer who had money, fell early in February without firing a gun. Demerara, Issequibo, and the Dutch Settlements on the Spanish main were successively taken, together with the Mars of 60 guns, Admiral Krowl, with 28 sail of merchantmen under his protection, who was killed by a musquet ball, in a short action with the Monarch, Captain Reynolds.

Sir Samuel, now Lord Hood, having been soon after sent to windward to cruize for De Grasse, was limited to a station, which gave little hope of ultimate success.

Three sail of the line were unfortunately retained at St. Eustatius, which would have been a valuable addition to his force, thus inferior to the expected arrivals from France.

The British Admiral continued off Fort Royal, Martinique, until the 28th of April, when a signal was made for the enemy's approach. Every effort was used to close with the land, and of course with them, who, in line of battle, on the morning of the 29th, afforded protection to a numerous convoy that soon reached a safe anchorage. De Grasse was immediately strengthened by 4 ships of the line, from the Bay, which authorized him to have followed up the most decisive views. Sir Samuel Hood formed his fleet into close order, and was joined by the Prince William of 64 guns, Captain Stair Douglas, who then watered at St. Lucia, but had weighed with an unexampled dispatch to share in the conflict, and who continued to cheer along the British Line, until he fell into his station.

De Grasse opened his fire, but at a distance little calculated to balance the scale of victory. He had the option of it though he never availed himself of his fortune. Three hours cannonade was kept up, during which it appeared that the French powder was much stronger than ours, when the British Admiral seeing the unavailing expenditure ceased to waste it.

This period could not boast of that liberal attention to the seaman's wants, which has characterized our Country, during the late war, towards her naval servants. Scurvy, at that time, was the prevalent disease in our fleet, and this had reached an alarming height in many of the ships attached to Sir Samuel Hood.

The world too generally ground their opinions upon external circumstances, without examining minutely into inferior details, which, when known, will be considered, by the judicious, as often constituting the solid merits of human action. To a great superiority of fresh ships and healthy crews, as yet unbraced by the climate, Admiral Hood was opposed with 7 sail less in number, reduced in effective strength by scurvy, and against an enemy, whose naval confidence had never arrived at a greater summit. That steady countenance which he evinced in their presence, was yet surpassed by a noble effort, on the following day, which shewed the invincible spirit of his mind, and these resources so usually annexed to magnanimity and talents.

Observing the scattered order of the French, and catching a change of wind in his favor, not common in that Country, he directed a general chace, and levelled all his force against their most vulnerable point.

But the elements were fickle, and disappointed his manly views, after which he bore up for Antigua to refit, and land his wounded. The interval was seized by De Bouillé and De Grasse to carry St. Lucia, who were happily resisted by the united energies of Captain Campbell of the 87th Regiment, and Lieutenant, afterwards the unfortunate but amiable Captain Miller of the Theseus. Improving the same occasion, another, but more prosperous expedition, was undertaken against Tobago, which was finally seconded by the whole French fleet and army.

Sir George Rodney, having assumed the command, reached Barbadoes on the 23d of May, where he learned the attack upon that island. Lieutenant Johnstone of Marines was sent in an Advice Boat in order to gain intelligence, and other information of a secret nature. His ability and zeal fully qualified him for the task, but nothing could avert its surrender, after two fruitless attempts to relieve it. This may be said to have ended the campaign of 1781, in the West Indies.

In this summer the total reduction of West Florida was effected by the Spaniards, who persevered in recovering the possessions, formerly wrested from them. The combined fleets, after covering a debarkation at Minorca, towards the close of August, proceeded in triumph to the mouth of the British Channel, while Admiral Darby retired to Torbay. Discord and sickness were again the agents of heaven to counteract their menaces, and a kind Providence wafted home our commerce in safety, soon after those powerful enemies had each returned to his own ports.

The 5th of August exhibited a display of obstinate bravery not unworthy of former times, when the Empire of the Seas was so strenuously disputed by Great Britain and Holland. Two squadrons headed by Officers, who were animated by the same stern spirit, met on the Dogger Bank, each with a convoy under his protection. Having secured their safety, Admiral Parker bore down against his rival, Zoutman, who coolly awaited his approach until he reached the good old measure for deciding their Country's differences and prowess. After a close conflict of three hours and a half, the Dutch resigned the palm by bearing up for the Texel. Captain Campbell of Marines, in the Berwick, and Lieut. Stewart of the same ship, besides Lieut. Cuthbert of the Dolphin, were the Officers that fall under my review of casualties in wounded on that occasion. The sinking of one of their 74's after the action, the safe return of a valuable and important fleet into our ports, while that of the enemy flew for shelter into their own, were the consequent fruits, and must be undisputed evidences of victory.

During this unfortunate war, the similarity of language and of manners, had introduced into the bosom of our Country many an American Incendiary, who, without suspicion, were either the immediate Emissaries or maintained a correspondence with those of France. Inviolable secrecy must ever be the life of foreign expeditions, but it unhappily did not exist at this era, and more particularly in that which was set on foot against the Dutch Settlement at the Cape of Good Hope.

This was undertaken under the joint auspices of Commodore Johnstone and General Meadowes, who departed from England on the 13th of March, and reached Port Praya Bay, in St. Jago, one of the Cape de Verd islands, on the 10th of April.

During war there ought never be too confident a security. Vigilance and alertness are the essence of discipline, and they never should be relinquished even within the bosom of a friendly country. A surprize can find no palliation.

Anchored in a scattered form, which a little time could not entirely remedy, our squadron was unexpectedly assailed by Admiral Suffrein, one of the few of his countrymen who met Englishmen on their favourite plan of close fighting, and whom the early intelligence of his court had detached with a force sufficient to counteract the schemes of our Cabinet. After a most spirited attack which strongly attested his enterprize and courage, he was repulsed by British valour, and his ships so much shattered as to hold out to the Commodore the prospect of an ultimate triumph.

The enemy were afterwards chaced, but more imperious and future views put an end to the pursuit. That good and gallant Officer Capt. now Sir Thomas Pasley, of the Jupiter, Capt. Alms, of the Monmouth, and Captain Hawker, of the Hero, were particularly noticed by their Chief, for their conduct through the day. Great and animated were the exertions of some of the East Indiamen, and the steady countenance of Capt. Jenkinson and his detachment of the 98th Regiment, in repelling the enemy's boarders from the Fortitude, attracted much deserved praise. Suffrein having anticipated Commodore Johnstone, in reaching the Cape, threw into the garrison every necessary supply, which precluded all hopes of succeeding against it, and changed the future plan of the expedition. Having received notice of five Dutch East Indiamen being in Saldahna Bay, forty miles north from the Cape, the squadron shaped its course thither, and made prizes of four, the other having been set on fire. This was a deep cut upon our avaricious foe. The French Admiral went on to India, and General Meadows proceeded under a proper escort to the same quarter, while the Commodore returned to England.

Notwithstanding the diminished territories of France in the East, still the zeal and ability of her Agents, well versed in intrigue, had the address, not only to reconcile the existing contentions between Hyder Ally and the Mahrattas, but to direct their united power against our wide possessions in that part of the world. These were to be supported by promised aids from Bourbon and the Mauritius, as well as auxiliaries from many of the petty Princes of Hindostan, who eagerly acceded to the coalition.

The apathy of the Presidency at Madras, at this momentous crisis, was highly criminal. No steps were taken to concentrate their troops, although they were long apprized of Hyder's views, who, like a torrent, came down from the mountains and entered the Carnatic with an army of 100,000 men. Sir Hector Monro, at last, took the field against this host, and having raised the siege of Arcot, fixed his post at Conjeverane, where he awaited his expected reinforcements from the Tanjore Country in the South, and those from the Guntaz Circar in the North.

This being merely introductory matter to future discussion, in which my corps was called forth, my detail of these movements must be concise.

The world well knows the sad disaster of Colonel Baillie's detachment from the latter Country, in which was also involved that of Colonel Fletcher from the Main Army, after having exhibited the most extraordinary feats of European valour. From unaccountable causes, no effort, worthy of the occasion, was made to alienate the doom of those brave, but unfortunate men. The immediate consequences were the retreat of General Monro to the Mount, and the Carnatic being overrun by Hyder and his savage legions. Rapid were his successes, and Madras itself anticipated the horrors of a siege from this relentless invader.

The energies of the Council of Bengal were patriotically great under these perilous events. Casting an eye towards that distinguished Veteran, Sir Eyre Coote, he was with one general voice called forth to retrieve these calamities. He accordingly embarked from Calcutta, with a force, while some seapoy battalions marched from Bengal to the Carnatic. General Goddard was directed to transport a detachment from his army acting against the Mahrattas, and Sir Edward Hughes, with his fleet, was solicited to block up the ports of Hyder, on the coast of Malabar. The Government of Bombay was likewise ordered to alarm his dominions.

Sir Eyre Coote quickly restored its wonted lustre to the British arms by a series of brilliant efforts, during 1781, that enabled him, after the destruction of Hyder's naval force at Calicut and Mangalore, by Sir Edward Hughes, to send an adequate detachment for the reduction of Negapatam, which was committed to Sir Hector Monro, who assumed the command of the troops in the Tanjore Country, and who was enjoined to co-operate in the attempt with Admiral Hughes and his squadron. Hyder Ally had placed a strong garrison in the Fort, and occupied many strong holds within that Province and on its borders.

Preparatory for this object a number of the Company's troops reached Nagore on the 21st of October, which were soon headed by General Monro, who landed from the Superbe. Sir Edward Hughes disembarked his Marines, consisting of 443, on the same day, and a battalion of 827 seamen upon the 22d. The looked for shift of the Monsoon, and lateness of the season prompted the most active measures. Owing to a heavy surf the cannon and all necessary implements were conveyed by rafts to the shore, in which the zeal of our Sailors, under the superintendance of Captain Ball, was most praiseworthy.

The enemy having thrown up strong lines flanked by redoubts, to defend the approaches to Negapatam, they were stormed and carried on the night of the 29th; much of the success and glory of which very justly attached to the Seamen and Marines, whose intrepidity was never more conspicuous. They also evinced an unrelaxed zeal in prosecuting the necessary works of labour. During the siege two sorties were attempted by the garrison, which originally consisted of 8000 men, but in each they were quickly repulsed. After a severe and well aimed fire, from the 3d to the 12th of November, the Dutch proposed terms which were accepted.

During the whole course of this fatiguing service, 17 Seamen fell, and 27 were wounded, and the detail of Marines was 13 killed, and 29 casualties, most of whom died; besides a number of both who became victims to sudden cramps, the effects of hard duty amidst the rains.

The happy results of this conquest were the immediate evacuation of every post in the Tanjore by Hyder's troops, and the return to allegiance of all those petty Princes who had been seduced, by him, from their obedience to the Nabob of the Carnatic.

On the 25th of October the Seamen and Marines were re-embarked; when, following up his farther plans, the Admiral set sail for Trincomale upon the 2d of December, where he arrived the 4th. Early in the succeeding morning the Marines, to whom two field pieces were attached, were again put on shore, and they were soon joined by a body of Seamen, who, with some Seapoy pioneers, instantly formed and marched towards the fort of Trincomale. While its Governor was employed in framing terms of capitulation, Lieut. Samuel Orr, at the head of the Marine Grenadier Company, intrepidly rushed through the gateway, and saved him the trouble of such a discussion—taking prisoners three Officers and 40 men. This bold exploit led to the most important consequences, as the fort commanded, with 10 pieces of cannon, the only place where the requisite stores could be landed for the Army. The enemy's defences now became limited to Fort Ostenburgh, situated on the top of a hill which swept the harbour, and on the summit of another above it, where there was posted an Officer's guard. From this they were driven by a detachment of Seamen and Marines, who in every essay were entrusted to execute those hazardous and honorable duties. A summons was then tendered to the Governor, whose reply was firm. Finding that he was not to be intimidated by threats, a general storm was planned and executed on the 11th by 450 Seamen and Marines, who, in column, and their flanks covered by pioneers, followed by 20 Sailors with scaling ladders, and supported by a reserve of six companies of both descriptions, advanced against the fort early on the morning of that day. These were farther strengthened by some native troops in the rear.

A Serjeant's party of Marines, in front of the whole, most promptly got into the embrasures, unperceived by the enemy, who, being seconded with much alacrity, the Dutch were finally driven from their works, the fort gained, and with it all the ships in the harbour. Much do I regret in not being able to give the name of this gallant Serjeant, who seemed to have combined talents with spirit. To commemorate the worthy deeds of the meanest Soldier, is a tribute justly due to him. The extensive observance of it would tend to rouse emulation, and the jealous pride of character. He who knows that he stands on the page of record, will be loth to forfeit so honorable a distinction. It is a conscious dignity which will accompany him into society, when his Country no longer wants his services; would diffuse its loyal influence amongst the private walks of life, and reanimate the possessor to become a ready Volunteer under every public emergency. If disabled by years, he may, perhaps, have an offspring, whom he cheerfully sends forth to battle, not the obdurate and callous victims to injured laws, not the mercenary and wretched auxiliaries of necessitous expedient, but the manly and independent assertors of Britain's rights and freedom. In resigned confidence, most willingly would he entrust their destinies to a corps, where courage and conduct never remain unnoticed, and are neither forgotten or pass away without recompence.

Fort Ostenburgh was not gained, however, without a contest and loss; Lieutenant Long, who commanded a company of Seamen, was slain, besides 20 non-commissioned and private Sailors and Marines; Lieutenant Wolseley, of the Royal Navy, and Lieutenant Orr, of the Marine Grenadier Company, who officiated as Brigade Major with much credit to himself throughout this service, were wounded, as well as 40 of both descriptions.—Humanity, the brightest gem in the cap of a Soldier, became the property of each assaulter; who, when resistance ceased, spared, in every instance, his suppliant foe. Thus were our unnatural enemies expelled from the coast of Coromandel. Unanimity, the sure presage of success, was early apparent, and uniformly prevailed.

I cannot yield a higher testimony, as to the merits of my Corps, than that which was bestowed by Sir Edward Hughes, in these words: "The whole of the Officers, who have been landed from the squadron for the attack of Negapatam, and this place, (Trincomale), have, on all occasions, manifested much honor, courage, and good conduct, and the private Seamen and Marines have acted with great steadiness and bravery." Major Geils, of the East India Company's Engineers, evinced great professional knowledge in his department.

After a most active campaign to the southward, during the progress of which Earl Cornwallis appeared in his wonted attitudes of a great and zealous Officer, the affairs of America were much on the decline, and it was not from their own energies alone they could now hope for that independence which had been their sanguine avowal, and the summit of all their aims. Every military resource began to fail in the summer of 1781, and it was only by one bold effort, or an instantaneous appeal for foreign aid, that their desponding troops could be longer kept together, or their expiring prospects be rekindled.

At this awful period the genius of Washington was exerted as a Politician as well as a General. Mons. Barras had arrived at Rhode Island to assume the command of the French squadron there, whither the Rebel Chief hastened to impart the secrets of his anxious heart. In a conference with General Rochambeau a joint attack upon New York was designed; for which future purpose, Washington in a formal demand urged the immediate completion of every battalion in his Army, as well as a strong levy from New England. The bearer of these dispatches, with all his papers, fell into the hands of the British, under Sir H. Clinton, who considered it his duty to prepare against the meditated blow. Orders were accordingly transmitted to Earl Cornwallis to detach from his Army in Virginia, when mutual discussions betwixt those distinguished Commanders ensued, upon which I feel no authority to enlarge, that finally limited his Lordship to the defence of York Town and Gloucester, in the River Chesapeak, upon the 22d of August.

The French and American Armies united at the close of June, but they could attempt nothing against the formidable position occupied by General Clinton, at Kingsbridge, or could they strike at any other quarter without the support of a superior fleet. After a tedious suspence, news reached them of the approach of Admiral De Grasse, who intimated his intention of entering the Chesapeak. After having indicated views upon New York, the combined force suddenly struck across the Jerseys, in order to co-operate and level all their power against the defenceless posts of York Town and Gloucester.

Sir Samuel Hood reached Sandy Hook on the 28th of August, when the command devolving upon Rear Admiral Greaves, he put to sea on the 31st with 19 sail of the line, the day after De Grasse had anchored in the Chesapeak with 28. The French Admiral immediately commenced the blockade of York River, having detached four of these to carry on different services in James River, and with the rest bringing up in Lynn-haven-bay.

The British fleet got sight of the Capes of Virginia on the morning of the 5th of September, and in a few hours observed the French working out in a very confused manner, forming their line as they best could, after clearing Cape Henry. Sir Samuel Hood then led the van with his division, whose acute eye, noticing the moment of striking a decisive blow, he resolved to seize the occasion by soliciting his second, Captain Reynolds (the present Lord Ducie) in the Monarch, to lead him down within point blank shot of the scattered enemy. To this order Capt. Reynolds's reply was, "That I will, Sir Samuel, with a most sincere pleasure." In an instant his ship obeyed the summons, and was advancing with hasty strides to victory, but her signal was made to haul the wind, and to resume her station in the line.—An action afterwards commenced, in no respect worthy of notice, but that of rendering the gallantry of Captains Robinson and Molloy, of the Shrewsbury and Intrepid, very highly conspicuous.

This was followed by the return of each fleet to the anchorage it had left. De Grasse preferred the emancipation of America, to a precarious combat on the sea.

Sir Henry Clinton attempted a diversion in Connecticut, but nothing could attract General Washington from his main object. United to Rochambeau they pushed on to the head of Elk River, where their troops were received on board of French transports, and soon joined those at Williamsburgh under Generals La Fayette and St. Simon.

Moving forward to York Town, Earl Cornwallis withdrew within its works on the 29th of September, with the resolve of preserving it, until relieved by promised succours from the northward. Some parties of Marines, from frigates in the river, were incorporated with his garrison, of whom his Lordship was pleased to make honourable mention in the public details of his persevering defence. Speaking of a redoubt which was advanced over a creek upon the right of the British Lines, he says, that it was maintained against the fire of several batteries, with uncommon gallantry, by about 120 men of the 23d Regiment and Marines. This body, under the command of Captain Apthorpe, and subsequently strengthened by detachments under Lieutenant Colonel Johnstone, received his Lordship's most grateful encomiums at the unfortunate close of all their operations. The post at Gloucester fell with that of York Town, whose garrison met with those soothing attentions and sympathy, which a brave enemy ever extends to a worthy opponent.

Admiral Kempenfelt, in December, achieved the capture of some transports and store ships, protected by a very superior force, which demonstrated that his great nautical abilities were not confined to theory alone. His exploit, in sight of De Guichen, with nearly double his own strength, was much enhanced, when we remember that it occurred in days too barren of such examples.

Some brilliant single actions, at sea, occurred during the year, amongst the foremost of which was that fought between the Nonsuch, of 64, Sir James Wallace, and a French 80 gun ship. After a loss of 90 Seamen and Marines killed and wounded, Sir James could not follow his flying foe. Lieutenant Fowke, of Marines, a most promising Officer, was killed in the Pearl, Captain Montague, in an action which terminated in the capture of L'Esperance Letter of Marque, on the coast of America.