Part 10

The victory of the 20th of November must ever stand as one of the most brilliant upon our naval annals, not so much from the extent of its success in captured ships, as the dangerous circumstances under which it was achieved, and the happy consequences that were its immediate results. Our loss upon this signal occasion was only fifty killed, and two hundred and forty-eight Seaman and Marines wounded.

Thus foiled in every quarter, their commerce cut off by the conquest of their most valuable colonies, expensive preparations sacrificed, without the attainment of a single object, a partial bankruptcy took place in the national funds of France. At this trying period, however, the sufferings of its monarch, and of the public, were alleviated by the substantial tenders of loyalty and patriotism. Numerous were the individuals who manfully stepped forth to heal the wounded pride of their Sovereign, and to revive the drooping cause of their country. It is grateful to record such instances of public virtue from whatever source they flow.

In the greater part of these events, so productive of glory and good, the Corps of Marines bore a share, as well as in the many inferior but distinguished Naval contests that took place in 1759. During its progress, the Fleet of our enemy acknowledges a diminution of thirty-five Ships of the Line and an equal number of Frigates. There are many names which still survive, and others that have not long since closed useful and honourable lives, who were at this period familiar to the public ear, by their gallant deeds. To particularize all, would carry me beyond my limits, and I would not be partial to survivors alone.

His Majesty, in consideration of the very signal services rendered by Admirals Boscawen and Sir Charles Saunders, towards the close of this year, instituted a new Establishment of Marine Officers, intituled, "General and Lieutenant-General of Marines," to which soon after there were added three Colonels, nominated from Post-Captains in the Royal Navy, who had been conspicuous by their good conduct.

The Gentlemen who first occupied these appointments were,

Admiral Boscawen, General of Marines, £2,000 Sir Charles Saunders, K. B. Lieutenant-General £1,200 Sir Piercy Brett, Bart. Col. of Portsmouth Division £ 800 Hon. Augustus Keppel, Col. of Plymouth Division £ 800 Lord Viscount Howe Col. of Chatham Division £ 800

This establishment has subsequently been enlarged by the attachment of a Major-General, and in this form it now exists.

Disclaiming every prejudice, I am led to ask how far either policy or justice can sanction the transmission of such an institution to posterity? They were originally the benevolent grants of a grateful Monarch, to distinguished individuals. As such, indeed, they have continued to be; but experience has shewn, that Field Officers are the very life of discipline, and that if so respectable an addition were unalienated from the _active members_ of the Corps, this principle would be still more animated.--_A man_ who suppresses his feelings upon any occasion that demands them, is unworthy of the name.--How degrading is the thought, that the Marine Veteran, who ascends by the rules of slow gradation, can never reach the summit of his profession! God forbid that any reform should affect the living. Those who now enjoy this mark of favor are highly worthy of it. But confining such appointments _to the corps_ would be gratifying to all, for I am sure that the Naval and Marine Officer are so united in their interests and their duties, that an accession of consequence, or benefit to either, would be warmly felt by both.

CHAP. XXIII.

A large augmentation to the Marine corps was voted for the year 1760, which amounted to 130 companies, comprizing in all 18,355; being more than one fourth of our naval forces.

Their merits and usefulness became conspicuous by the most zealous and spirited services, on either element, to which their mingled duties called them.

It was the happy destiny of Captain Elliot to deliver his country from the remaining terrors of invasion, kept alive by the adventurous and enterprizing squadron of Thurot.

After having accomplished every thing within the power of a mortal, for the good of his Nation, this Commander outlived not his defeat, but fell gloriously; leaving behind him a name equally revered for humanity as valour.

The enfeebled state of France, unable to extend support to the distant members of her Empire, exposed them as easy and alternate conquests to our successful arms. Although but few naval achievements occur through this year, still the spirit of our seamen continued the same, in every instance that presented for their efforts.

This era first brought into public and deserved notice, the great military talents of Colonel, afterwards General Sir Eyre Coote. To him may be chiefly attributed the recovery of our drooping interests in the East, at one time nearly annihilated by the bold and vindictive genius of Monsieur Lally.

Soon after the decisive battle obtained by Colonel Coote over that General at Wandewash, Admiral Cornish reached Madras with a reinforcement of six ships of the line. The French squadron not appearing on the coast, enabled our joint forces to prosecute future schemes of conquest. The first step was the advance of Colonel Coote against Waldour, and the united blockade of Pondicherry by sea and land. Major Monson, the second in command, was destined to attack Carical, and accordingly embarked on board the squadron with that view. The forces which he was to head consisted of 300 Marines, to be afterwards joined by a small body of Artillery, some Europeans, and a considerable number of Seapoys from Trichinopoly.

Admiral Cornish having arrived in the road of Carical upon the 28th of March, Major Monson was landed with the Marines and some native pioneers, at five in the evening, where they halted during the night, and advanced against the town early on the following morning, which they gained with a trifling loss. Being annoyed by Fort Dauphin, the enemy were also driven from it into Fort Louis, by a few shells.

Upon the 3d of April all the expected reinforcements arrived, by which the latter was immediately invested.

Learning on the 5th that the garrison had a prospect of relief, and having already done considerable damage to the enemy's works, the Commandant was summoned to surrender, to which he agreed; the whole being considered as prisoners of war. The Seamen were meritoriously active in landing the necessary stores during the night-time.

By the successive operations of this force, the French were deprived of many important possessions, and Monsieur Lally, with an army, which a little while ago were the dread of that quarter, became shut up in Pondicherry, at the commencement of May.

These material services having been effected, the Marines were reimbarked on board their respective ships, and honoured by the thanks of him who had led them. In the mean time, Colonel Coote had carried his object, and had advanced within four miles of Pondicherry, towards which he threw up redoubts.

Rear-Admiral Stevens having assumed the command of the British Fleet, proceeded off that place, and at the instance of the Governor and Council of Madras, as well as of Colonel Coote, landed the Marines at Cuddalore, upon the 29th of August, in order to accelerate matters before the setting in of the rains. They immediately joined the Army, and were materially assisting in the many active and tedious services that ensued.

Major Monson having received a superior commission to that of Colonel Coote, this respectable Officer, for a while, relinquished these bustling scenes; but the former being wounded most severely in a successful enterprize, which he conducted with great gallantry against the enemy's batteries, was in turn compelled to resign the command of the Army. Recent experience had convinced the public of the value of him who had been superseded, and the highest testimony that could have been yielded to an Officer, was recalling him to fill the important situation he had held.

The high-spirited Lally, jealous only of his own honor, but unfeeling towards the unsurpassed sufferings of those beneath him, persevered in defending Pondicherry, while a glimpse of hope remained. A dreadful disaster to our Fleet had nearly realized his deliverance; but the steady seamanship of our Officers, amidst one of the greatest hurricanes that ever blew, preserved a valuable remains for the service of their Country, which soon resumed the blockade of that important Capital.

It was not until the middle of January of the ensuing year that it fell, and with its conquest became involved the ruin of the French East India Company, with all their dependencies on the coast of Coromandel.

Such were the happy commercial results, as well as territorial acquisitions, that were obtained by our successful arms; in accomplishing which the Corps of Marines was in some degree instrumental.

On a retrospective view, a great share of credit is justly due to Vice-Admiral Pocock, who, with very inferior numbers, was in three battles opposed to Monsieur D'Ache; in every one of which he supported the honor of the British Flag, while he afforded both a countenance and co-operation to the enterprizes of our Army.

The plan of completely conquering the province of Canada was this year carried into effect; it was well arranged, was executed with spirit, and exhibited high military talents in Sir Jeffery Amherst, who commanded in Chief.

Some of our Naval Officers contributed much to the general success, from their intimate knowledge of the local navigation, and their active zeal in conducting the necessary and numberless duties of landing and re-embarking the troops.

The reduced state of the French Marine did not allow of many opportunities to signalize our Fleet during this year; but whenever they occurred, our superiority was uniformly conspicuous. From the protection which it gave to an important branch of our commerce, the gallant action between the Flamborough and Biddeford, both 20 gun ships, with two heavy French frigates, deserves notice.--These had been detached on purpose to intercept our outward-bound for Oporto and Lisbon, which they learnt was under convoy of a small sloop of war. Fortunately for this valuable Fleet, our ships got sight of La Malicieuse and L'Opale, of 36 guns each, upon the morning of the 4th of April, and gave them chace. It was not until seven in the evening, when observing our vast inferiority, the enemy seemed willing for the combat. At this hour they closed, and continued engaging till nine, when a short respite enabled both to renew the battle, which continued till midnight.

That intrepid perseverance which so strongly marks the British character, and in a comparative sense so peculiarly distinguishes the British Seaman, at last prevailed, and compelled this very superior enemy to seek safety in flight; while the disabled state of our little ships, from the heavy metal to which they had been exposed, precluded the idea of pursuit.

Captain Skinner and the Hon. Lieutenant Knollis, of the Biddeford, fell upon this occasion; but their loss was nobly compensated by the unremitting good example of Mr. Stacey, the Master, who succeeded to the command.

Lieutenant Price, of the Marines, was also killed on board the Flamborough.

The events of this action were of much greater moment than such as frequently arise from the vindictive conflicts of greater numbers, as it preserved a large convoy from falling into the hands of the enemy, which would have otherwise been its fate, upon the very day it was fought.

Admiral Rodney was very active with his flying squadron, while our Grand Fleet, by its vigilance and occasional descents, entirely cut up the enemy's commerce, and kept their sea-coasts in a state of constant alarm, under the successive commands of Admirals Boscawen and Hawke.

The nation had to deplore the loss of its Sovereign on the morning of the 25th of October, who died alike beloved and regretted by every class of his subjects.

Upon the noon of the following day, his present Majesty was proclaimed King of these Realms, and very early afforded the most impressive earnests of predilection for his native Land, its glory, and its happiness.

The magnanimous benevolence of Englishmen was at this period highly conspicuous to their distressed fellow-countrymen, who were prisoners in France, and whose sufferings from penury and nakedness were of a kind the most extreme.

Sympathizing with their distresses, subscriptions were set on foot, and it was not long ere they were relieved by the most liberal supplies. The public generosity was not confined within the pale of its own kindred, but was stretched forth even towards our captive foes, whose wants were most imperious, but from which their nation was unable to deliver them.

When we reflect upon such noble acts of fellow-feeling, the man who is insensible to the reciprocal duties of fidelity and gratitude, deserves not the virtuous title of a Briton. The world also must cease to wonder at the many signal instances of Divine interposition in favor of this little island, when it considers that Providence is thus vindicating his own ways, in behalf of a people, who are uniformly guided by the sacred precepts, and godlike impulse, "of forgiving, and doing good to their enemies."

CHAP. XXIV.

Eighteen thousand three hundred and fifty-five Marines were again voted as the establishment for 1761.

A secret expedition was prepared early in this year, which was committed to the joint conduct of Major-General Hodgson and Commodore Keppel, and was subsequently directed against the island of Belleisle.

Eleven battalions of Foot, four troops of the 16th Light Dragoons, under Lieutenant-Colonel Burgoyne, a detachment of the Royal Artillery, and a corps of 1000 Marines formed into two battalions, commanded by Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel John Mackenzie, amounting nearly to 10,000 men, composed the strength of the Army upon this service. The whole were escorted and spiritedly seconded by ten ships of the line, eight frigates, three bomb ketches, and two fire ships; which set sail upon the 29th of March from St. Helens, but did not gain sight of their wished for object until the 6th of April. This force was afterwards augmented by troops and men of war.

In addition to the natural strength of this island, no means of defence had been neglected by the enemy, who, aware of the attack, had constructed works, and placed guns on every spot, that afforded a possibility of descent.

Upon the 7th the Fleet stood along the South end of Belleisle, with a view to reconnoitre its strength, and to ascertain a proper quarter for debarkation. Coming to anchor in the road of Palais on the noon of that day, the principal Officers of both services, accompanied by some of the Engineers, proceeded to the Northward, in order to finish their observations upon the general state of the coast. The final result convinced all, that great obstacles were to be surmounted every where, and that the sacrifice of many lives was unavoidable in attaining the first object of their views.

After mature deliberation, it was resolved to effect a landing early in the morning of the 8th of April, for which purpose the flat-bottomed boats were hoisted out, and the troops placed in them ready to advance towards Port Andro, on a signal being made. They were preceded by his Majesty's ships Dragon and Achilles, commanded by the Hon. Captains Harvey and Barrington, whose orders were to silence the battery, which protected the entrance into this Bay. These gallant Officers soon accomplished the duty, and intimated that no opposition to the landing of our forces was to be dreaded from that point of defence.

The boats having proceeded under the immediate superintendance of Commodore Keppel, who had shifted his pennant from the Valiant into the Prince of Orange, were then ordered to row towards the shore, arranged in three divisions, under the direction of Captain Barton, of the Royal Navy. Notwithstanding a prodigious fire of musquetry, our brave Soldiers made good their landing, and evinced a series of valour that must have conquered any thing within the power of man.

The French were intrenched to the chin on a steep hill, the base of which they had cut into a perpendicular form, which prevented our gallant fellows from ascending their works without scaling-ladders, of which there were unfortunately none. After a heavy loss, and a contest which did them honor, a retreat became the only alternative.

On this trying occasion, the distinguished courage and coolness of Generals Crawford and Carleton, were very highly conspicuous; the latter was wounded.

One boat landed sixty of Erskine's Grenadiers, under Captain Osborne, who were unobserved by the rest of our force, and not being supported, fell victims, excepting twenty, to very superior numbers, after the most noble resistance. Their brave leader was classed among the unfortunate. The fire from the ships was opened to cover the return of our troops, who sustained a loss of nearly 500 men.

A diversion was carrying on in another quarter during these operations, in order to aid them, by attracting the enemy's force from the real object of attack, towards Saucon. This was composed of the 96th and 97th Regiments, and the Marines; but nothing could avert the disaster.

A dreadful gale coming on after the return of the boats, occasioned the loss of many of them, which was felt extremely; and the transports were also very considerably damaged. After it ceased, the attention of the whole Fleet was turned to repair these accidents.

Having obtained some reinforcements, and after a second very minute review of the island, it was determined to make another descent at Fort D'Arsic, to be supported by two separate attacks, in order to distract the enemy, near St. Foy, and at Saucon.

The last, which was intended merely as a feint, was composed of the four troops of Light Dragoons under Lieutenant-Colonel Burgoyne; which being distributed amongst a number of transports, and escorted by a large Naval Force, appeared the most formidable of the whole. Ships of war were allotted to co-operate with the other two, headed by Major-General Crawford and Brigadier Lambert, in covering their debarkation and silencing the different batteries.

Early on the morning of the 22d of April, the men of war having accomplished this latter object, the troops were ordered by signal to advance, in two divisions, in close order, till abreast of their respective points of attack.

The enemy, suspecting that the principal impression would be directed against Fort D'Arsic, overlooked the defence of these stupendous rocks, which offered natural obstacles, sufficient to deter the most daring invader.

Brigadier Lambert's division to which the Marines under Colonel Mackenzie were attached, approached under this high coast, when it appeared to this gallant Officer, that a fit opportunity for enterprize presented itself. He accordingly moved onwards unperceived, and with a rapid resolution, Captain Paterson, at the head of the Grenadiers of the 19th Regiment, quickly supported by Captain Murray, with a company of Marines, landed and climbed the rocks. Soon afterwards other troops followed their intrepid example, when having reached the summit, the whole formed upon it. The French were amazed at the attempt, but pushed on a veteran Corps of 300 men to atone for their want of precaution.

Contiguous to the ground occupied by our troops, there was a wall, which suggested itself as an eligible post of defence. This enabled our inadequate numbers to oppose the enemy, until they were farther reinforced by Brigadier Lambert, at the head of the Grenadiers of the 30th, and the rest of the Marines under Colonel Mackenzie. The tables were now turned, when the Regiment of Bigorre was beat back to the rising ground from which it had advanced.

Captain Sir Thomas Stanhope, whose duty it was to co-operate with this brigade, had watched these spirited efforts with an anxious zeal. He instantly manned and armed all the boats of his squadron, which rowed ashore as a farther support, while the force that had proceeded against Fort D'Arsic, observing this unexpected success, also pushed on to unite with Brigadier Lambert. Thus strengthened, that active Officer allowed no interval, but moved against the enemy upon the hill, whom he drove to their main body, taking their field-pieces, and some prisoners.

Captain Paterson, of Beauclerck's regiment, Colonel Mackenzie and Captain Murray of the Marines, were wounded; all of whom were much distinguished during the whole course of this short, but sharp service, which did not exceed the space of two hours. About five in the evening the debarkation was completed, the Army was pushed upwards of three miles into the country, and took post upon an eminence through the night.

The enemy, during the day, had withdrawn all their detachments from their extensive batteries on the coast, blown up their magazines, and united all their forces under the command of General de St. Croix.

On the morning of the 23d, the British Army was in motion against the town and citadel of Palais, while that of the French occasionally seeming determined to dispute our progress, at last retired without a conflict, into that strong fortress, and its dependant works.

Some days of boisterous weather prevented the landing of our battering cannon and other necessary stores, that were essential for commencing operations against Palais, of which General St. Croix availed himself, by constructing six different redoubts; all of which were to be carried before breaking ground in front of the town and citadel.

The English Commander also profited himself of this interval, by dispersing assurances of protection to the laws, religion, and property of the natives, who should submit themselves; which were not without their effect. A short time, however, enabled General Hodgson to employ more convincing arguments, by opening his batteries upon the 2d of May. The brave St. Croix answer to a summons was, that he would defend his charge to the last extremity.

The enemy attempted a sortie on the night of the 3d against our most advanced works, which they carried, killing a number of our troops, and making General Crawford and both his Aids-de-Camp prisoners. Following up this success, they advanced against the trenches, when a sharp action commenced that remained doubtful, until a party of Marines, under Captain Hepburn, arrived, who charged the enemy, and forced them to retire with considerable loss.