Part 14

To these a valuable addition was given of all the Marines belonging to the ships of war, and upwards of 400 Seamen, who had claims to a great share of merit for their steadiness and spirit through the whole train of this defensive service.

The works had scarcely been repaired, in the best manner that was possible, when General Montgomery, united to Arnold, having subdued, with little difficulty, the other fortresses of Canada, appeared in the sanguine and immediate hope of consummating his glory by also carrying its Capital.

His personal zeal, and the endurance of his troops during the bitter frosts of winter, were only equalled by a similar vigour in their comparative opponents.

Temporizing measures being but ill adapted for the season, or the occasion, and little suited to the intrepid genius of Montgomery, he followed its dictates, which were to rest the issue upon a general assault.

It was the last day of the year 1775, and the last of his life, that this brave man, ambitious of fame, and true to the interests he had espoused, advanced against Quebec, in four divisions, to execute his daring purpose; reserving to himself the chief post of honour and of danger, which was directed against the Lower Town at Aunce de Mere, while another, almost equally bold, was allotted to Arnold and his hardy followers, which was aimed at another part named "the Saut au Matelot." The two others were devoted to puzzle the garrison by false attempts upon their very extensive lines, and to succour where necessary.

Under cover of a snow storm, the whole moved towards the towns. The British were alarmed, and at their stations. Montgomery had to encounter many natural difficulties, but success for a while attended him. Having gained the first barrier, he pushed on to the second, from which issued forth a tremendous fire of grape shot and musquetry, which closed his days, and the hopes of his detachment; who, strange to say, under the conduct of _A Campbell_, retreated without making one effort to avenge his fall.

Soldiers who have been conspicuous for discipline, will most assuredly be ever distinguished by courage when it is called forth. Those faithful fellows who had accompanied Arnold through the desert, without a murmur, followed him to battle and through all its reverses with an unsurpassed bravery.

They, too, were early deprived of their leader, by a shot which shattered his leg; when he was carried from the field.

But this did not appal them. The garrison, now freed from their distracted duties, levelled their united force against this impetuous detachment, who had advanced too far to retreat with safety, and which became endangered by accumulating difficulties on every side. Their dilemma did not escape the keen eye of the Governor, who pushed a considerable force in their rear. Upwards of three hours did they withstand the unequal combat, when they were at last compelled to surrender prisoners of war.

That tribute which justice stretches forth to an enemy must reflect its rays upon those who have had the honor to contend with them. I cannot superadd a higher testimony to the British General and his Garrison, than by thus appreciating the foe whom they had to encounter. It yields me a proud retrospect that the corps of Marines had their proportion of desert in defending Quebec, and by it, maintaining this remnant of America to our Empire.

United by the feelings of sympathy, I would remark the spirit of Mr. Vivion, then Purser, I believe, of a small sloop, and now of his Majesty's ship Robust, who most patriotically stepped into the ranks, and served as a private during the whole siege. He too produced a son who yielded not to his father in honourable deeds, whose subsequent fall in the cause of his country and in bravely advancing the glory of his corps, was sensibly deplored by my brethren, and by me.

General Carleton sealed and ennobled his gallant defence, by acts of humanity and mercy to the vanquished. A cool prudence in not hazarding his acquired success to the contingencies of fortune, enabled him to preserve the fruits of it for the solid interests of his King.

The besiegers retired, but he did not follow them; after which, all their attention was devoted to the interception of supplies for Quebec.

Arnold, who now succeeded to the command of the rebels, evinced that resolute mind and ready expediency by which his conduct had been hitherto marked.

During the course of this year may be noticed the active duties of some small parties of Marines, in supporting the legal authority of Lord Dunmore in the Province of Virginia, which had not yet disavowed its allegiance. The spirit of rebellion beginning to shew itself, the Governor, after having sent off his family, entrusted his personal safety to the detachment from his Majesty's sloop Fowey, who fortified his house at Williamsburgh, planted artillery, and from which he issued all his proclamations, and, as long as was prudent, continued to exercise in it, his official functions. It was at last judged proper, under this escort of Marines, to proceed on board the Fowey, from whence his Lordship still corresponded with the Province.

The political discussions that ensued, are foreign to my review. His Lordship's military exertions to reclaim or to conquer the disaffected, were fatal in their issue, from being impotent in the means. By the combined attack, however, of a few ships of war, and two parties of Sailors and Marines which were disembarked, the town of Norfolk, first in rank for commercial wealth, was set on fire and reduced to ashes, upon the New Year's Day of 1776.

Many other hostile measures against the sea coasts of America, and her different interior Provinces, spread widely the calamities of war and the mutual desire of retaliation.

Amongst the augmentation to his Majesty's forces, 6665 Marines were voted for the year 1776; being an additional number of 2378.

FOOTNOTE:

[1] Charlestown is separated from Boston by Charles River; a distance little more than that which divides London and the Borough, between which there is also a similar connexion. Bunker's Hill is situated just within the neck of land that joins the Peninsula of Charlestown to the Continent.

CHAP. XXIX.

The sufferings of the troops in cantonments at Boston were uncommonly great, from the want of fuel and other supplies, while these of the regiments and Marines upon Bunker's Hill, exposed in tents to all the storms of winter, and necessarily for ever on the alert, in the vicinity of a superior enemy, were proportionally still more severe. Military enterprize, however, fell asleep on both sides, and it did not awaken but with the return of spring. A dread of famine floating in the minds of many, superadded to their temporary evils.

During these existing hardships, a detachment of Marines, under the escort of an armed ship, was sent to Savannah, in Georgia, with a view to procure provisions, either by purchase or by force.

The Militia assembled to oppose their landing, and after some unpleasant discussions, erected batteries along the shores of the river so named. Proceeding to extremities, a short contest ensued, which terminated in burning seven vessels deeply laden, and the loss of a few lives; after which the party returned to Boston.

A few arrivals from Europe tended to alleviate the wants of the garrison, who often beheld the humiliating sight of the triumphs of little rebel privateers, in capturing their most important aids, without our ships of war having in their power either to retaliate or to prevent them.

Some Parliamentary decrees, which left but little hope of the renewal of friendship, having reached America, its Congress strongly urged General Washington to push the siege of Boston with vigour, in order that their forces might be enabled to oppose those dangers, which they anticipated in other quarters of the Continent. Accordingly a cannonade and bombardment began from Phipp's Farm on the evening of the 2d of March, that continued during some successive nights, and, on the morning of the 5th, another battery from the heights of Dorchester Point, on the other side of the town, which had been constructed with unexampled secrecy and dispatch, also opened. These fired some houses, and occasioned other losses.

General Howe felt indignant in being thus cooped up.

His communication with the other part of his Army, at Boston Neck, becoming endangered, and foreseeing that the rebels would still extend their works to those heights which command the town and harbour, he resolved upon dislodging them from such as they held.

Hazardous was the attempt, and it was only prevented by an intervening storm on the night of the 5th of March, when the troops destined for the attack were on the eve of embarkation. All who know how to appreciate the military character of that gallant officer, will readily sympathize with him in his feelings upon so degrading an occasion, when his high talents could avail nothing, and the energies of as fine a body as ever entered the field were stayed by the hand of prudence. Thus situated, he lamented in common with the meanest Soldier, a total suspension of their services.

An instant alternative of engaging a very superior Army strongly entrenched, or evacuating the place, became hourly more and more imperiously urgent. The former expedient held out but little hope of surmounting their difficulties, in balance with many disastrous consequences in the event of defeat; while the latter let loose an inactive corps against a more vulnerable, or in co-operation with a more loyal Province of America.

This the Commander in Chief adopted, but it teemed with many obstacles and dangers, calculated to try the strongest soul.

He had not the safety of his Army alone to consider, in this retreat, but the lives and property of numerous followers, whose allegiance to their King no misfortunes could subdue.

The duty was sacred, and it was discharged with that humane care which characterizes our nation, and him who performed it.

Upon the 17th of March the rear-guard of the British troops embarked without molestation, when General Washington marched in proud triumph into the town of Boston.

The Army reached Halifax, after some delays, early in April, but it was now diminished, by hardships, to about 9000 effective men. The battalions of Marines were landed, and did duty under the command of Major Tupper[2], in garrison there, with much credit to themselves and their corps. These testimonials, which were the honorable results of their uniform good conduct, more usefully fall under a future detail.

In the early part of 1776, General Arnold continued the blockade of Quebec, under the greatest pressures, while its garrison, cut off from every supply, and exposed to many bitter privations, was equally conspicuous for a resolute firmness.

Some attempts to burn the British ships of war in the harbour, in order to favour an escalade of the town during the existing confusion, worthy of the inventive resources of Arnold, were made, but they were counteracted by the vigilance and spirit of General Carleton. Small Pox, dreaded, by the Americans, as the most fatal plague, began to make its appearance, and dispirited their troops. Discipline and good order were soon supplanted by imaginary fears, and the precautionary cares of all to ward off that contaminating evil. Murmurs succeeded, which, as must ever be the case, paralyzed every noble effort.

By the indefatigible zeal and activity of that highly respected name, Sir Charles Douglas, his Majesty's ship Isis, with two frigates, having penetrated the ice, hove in sight, and reached Quebec on the 5th of May. The situation of the enemy's investing force was now critical. Having landed the few troops brought from Europe, these ships also disembarked their Marines, with which, in addition to those of the garrison, the General instantly advanced against the American camp.

A very precipitate flight ensued, which ended in a trifling carnage, taking some prisoners, and all the rebel artillery and stores. Many of their sick and wounded took refuge in the woods, or concealed themselves in the hamlets, towards whom General Carleton extended, not only the generous tender of oblivion, but of protection. This benevolent act which proceeded from the instantaneous impulse of his own breast, casts a bright lustre upon the military virtues of that great man, and is alone sufficient to immortalize his character.

Having been afterwards reinforced, a train of successful operation, extraneous from my subject, soon took place, which expelled the rebels from the Province.

Thus, a second time, were the partial efforts of the Marine corps exerted most usefully upon Canadian ground.

A naval and military expedition, against the Southern Colonies, having sailed from England, they did not reach the first object of their instructions until the beginning of June. The squadron under Sir Peter Parker, after passing the bar, moved against a newly raised Fort on the South West point of Sullivan's island, which was deemed the key to Charlestown, while the Army, under Sir Henry Clinton, advancing against it by land, and crossing a supposed shallow creek on the North Eastern extremity, was to make a combined attack.

Upon the noon of the 28th of June the ships took their stations, and commenced a furious cannonade, which was returned with equal spirit and much effect from the fort.

Erroneous intelligence, as to the depth of water, it appears, prevented General Clinton from approaching, as well as the very formidable state of the provincial redoubts at the end of Sullivan's island.

After one of the hottest conflicts that almost ever occurred, in which the cool valour of British Seamen was eminently conspicuous, the squadron withdrew with the loss of a frigate, and upwards of 200 Seamen and Marines killed and wounded.

Captains Morris and Scott, of the Bristol and Experiment, were both considered as mortally wounded, after extraordinary displays of personal courage. Commodore Sir Peter Parker approved himself a brave man upon this trying service.

During the summer of 1776, the Congress of America, unwilling to attach to itself the responsibility of an arbitrary declaration of independance, published a circular address to every Colony, in order to ascertain their general sentiments, upon so eventful a topic.

The 4th of July must long stand as a memorable day on our political epochs, as having been marked by their formal renunciation of allegiance to the British Crown.

General Howe continued at Halifax upwards of two months waiting farther reinforcements, which was but ill suited to his disposition, or his military opinions. Wearied out, he at last put to sea, under the escort of Lord Shuldham's fleet, and arrived at Sandy-hook at the close of June. After gaining information of the strength of New York and Long Islands, he judged it most advisable to occupy Staten Island, where he landed without opposition, and was soon joined by a number of loyalists.

It was a considerable time before the different reinforcements from England reached Halifax, which immediately proceeded to join the main Army, and enabled General Howe to undertake duties more extensive in their aim, and more congenial to his wishes.

Upon that range of continental services which followed, I am precluded from remark, as the battalions of my corps were restrained from much active participation in them, by their having been allotted for the defence of Nova Scotia.

A Parliamentary Vote of 10,129 Marines passed in November, which involved an augmentation of many companies to the Establishment for the service of 1777.

FOOTNOTE:

[2] An error occurred under the details of 1775, which mentions, that in consequence of the casualties of Bunker's Hill, and _the return of Major Tupper to Europe_, the command of the Marines devolved on Major Souter, instead _of suppressing entirely the departure of Major Tupper_, which did not happen till some time after their arrival at Halifax. The command at Boston was in Major Tupper after Major Pitcairne's fall.

CHAP. XXX.

Lord Howe, who had arrived in America during the last year as Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Naval Forces, was united with his brother in a civil, as well as a military commission. Exerting the conciliatory influence of the former, they proclaimed to the deluded, these tenders of forgiveness which emanated from their power. The term "guilty," however, was not understood by the Americans, who, from the era of general independance, qualified every individual action as proceeding under the sanction of a Free Government. Of course these well meant offers produced but little effect.

After many battles and skirmishes between the contending parties, in which British valour was ever conspicuous, and the resources of General Washington uniformly great, Long Island, New York, and Rhode Island, were subjected to the Royal dominion, and the Jerseys over run by our forces. They in turn, however, met with reverses, which must always be expected in war. To follow all those movements is not within my range.

General Howe having used every means of the most consummate Officer to bring the enemy to a decisive battle, was as often eluded by caution.

He accordingly aimed a blow at another quarter, and with this view embarked a very powerful force, headed by himself. This eventually proved against Philadelphia, which fell, after several conflicts of the most brilliant kind, but particularly that of Brandy-wine.

Soon after, having gained that place, the rebels moved the Delaware frigate of 32 guns, a number of gallies, gondolas, and other armed vessels, to incommode the construction of the different batteries that were carrying on for the protection of the town. That ship anchored within 500 yards, but the tide falling she grounded, when the British troops brought their field pieces against her, which compelled her to strike. Captain, now General Averne, a gallant Officer, and one of the worthiest of men, at the head of his company, immediately took possession of her. The Grenadiers of both the Marine Battalions had been incorporated with those of the Army, previous to leaving Halifax, had hitherto been united in their duties, and formed a part of that force, which, under Lord Cornwallis, entered Philadelphia.

Lord Howe, upon learning these successes, judged it proper to move his fleet and the transports, to concur in any future operations, and to give the supplies of which the Army stood in need, by means of the river Delaware. The progress of such a number of shipping through so dangerous a navigation, was highly difficult, but it was carried on under his Lordship's immediate auspices, and with superior ability as well as skill. Owing to the numerous batteries constructed by the rebels, the passage to Philadelphia could not be attempted, which obliged the whole fleet to anchor from Reedy Island to Newcastle, along the Pennsylvania shore. Independent of the most formidable works, they had sunk within the reach of their guns, machines of the strongest kind, similar to _chevaux de frize_, as pointing in every direction, and those headed with iron. No attempt, however, could be made to remove them, until their batteries were gained on both shores of the river.

At the urgency of Captain, now Sir Andrew Snape Hammond, who had reached the Delaware before Lord Howe, the Provincials were driven from Billing's Fort, where they were raising works, and preparing obstacles against the passage of the squadron. Captain Hammond was peculiarly active in removing every hindrance, though opposed by the enemy's Marine force.

As the supplies of the Army depended upon an intercourse with the fleet, it became incumbent to carry Mud Fort Island, properly so called, from its having been an accumulated mass of mud and sand, a flat marshy spot, near to the junction of the river Schuylkill.

It was necessary also to attack Red Bank, on the opposite shore of New Jersey, where the enemy had constructed a very strong redoubt, filled with heavy artillery.

In co-operation with a powerful fire against Mud Fort, from some guns planted on the Western, or Pennsylvania side, an attack upon it and the rebel craft was resolved on. For this service, the Augusta, of 64 guns, and Merlin sloop were allotted.

Owing to the navigation of the Channel being altered by the sunken obstacles which every where presented in deep water, both ran aground, as the bed of the river was also affected by them. This did not restrain Captain Reynolds, now Lord Ducie, from maintaining a heavy cannonade against the American works and vessels, or from successfully combating the effects of some fire-ships that approached for his destruction.

The Augusta, either from a red hot shot, or her own wadding, was, after a warm contest, in flames, which suspended every hostile effort, and turned the attention of most to their own preservation.

Amidst the awful conflagration, and an incessant discharge from the rebels, Captain Reynolds retained his intrinsic coolness. After each had consulted his own safety, and no hope remained of stifling the flames, he continued alone, alternately took off his coat, waistcoat, and stock, placed them on the gangway, and committed himself to the deep. Heaven interposed at this perilous moment, and preserved a life, which was subsequently marked by the most gallant deeds, and is still prolonged to justify the goodness of Providence, by the display of every virtue that can adorn human nature. Captain, at present Major General Barclay, of Marines, was a companion in this trying scene, and was much distinguished for his steady conduct. The Merlin was also destroyed.

This fatal attempt by sea, was alike disastrous on the part of the Army. A well-concerted and bold attack upon Red Bank, by a large Corps of Hessians, terminated in repulse and a heavy loss. Unfortunate as was the issue of both, still each department well merited a sprig of the laurel.

From the importance of the object, the views of our Commanders were renewed against these strong posts. The exertions of the Officers and Seamen of the Fleet were great, and toilsome in transporting cannon and stores to a small morassy spot, named Province Island, which would effectually disturb the enemy. Having opened fire from it, and a fair breeze springing up, a well-digested plan of naval attack was carried into effect.

Proceeding by different channels, the ships were brought against various points of Mud Fort, and other branches of defence, upon the 15th of November, when, after a long destructive cannonade, the rebels deserted it in the night. Captain Cornwallis, in the Isis, shewed much judgment and spirit upon this occasion.

A detachment from the Army having been also directed against Red Bank, the Americans hastily withdrew, after partly destroying the works, but leaving their artillery and stores. They also set fire to many of their vessels on the river.

Thus was a way, in some degree, opened for supplies to the troops in Philadelphia.

General Washington, who had followed the Royal Army, remained in its vicinity, but constantly resisted every effort in bringing him to a general action.

The unhappy issue of the expedition under Lieutenant General Burgoyne, previous to this era, threw a general damp, and accelerated the decision of France in entering the list against us. By apparent and occasional concessions, that insidious Power observed a temporizing system, until she had attained the means of following up her hostile views. So suspicious were her designs, however, that considerable armaments continued to be carried on in our ports.