Part 15
During this period of national despondency, the towns of Liverpool and Manchester nobly stepped forth in aid of their Country. Each tendered 1000 men, which was accepted, and their patriotic example was diffused throughout the land.
Involved in a civil contest, the natural energies of Britain were paralyzed by the floating hopes of reconciliation, and an enfeebling compassion towards her American fellow-subjects.
An unhappy faction continued also to oppose our ill-guided councils, at this awful crisis, from which the rebels derived a fatal, but animating spirit. No true Englishman can throw an eye upon the transactions of that momentous era, without the most poignant reflections for his suffering country.
Long may the sad precedent, and its baneful results, be stamped on every heart! May the imperious obligations of fidelity to our King, and general union amidst public danger, be coeval with the age at which every Briton is taught his duties to his God!
CHAP. XXXI.
Eleven thousand Marines constituted the establishment of 1778.
Until the close of the last year France stood in awe, and continued to cherish the flames of rebellion by assurances only of support. Remarking the humbled spirit of our nation, at all times too prone to over-rate its calamities, that Power became less cautious, and in a little time avowed her inimical purposes. This was accelerated by a meditated plan of reconciliation, which had undergone the sanction of Parliament, and was about being submitted to the American revolters.
To circumvent its effects, our natural enemy closed with these States a treaty of commerce and defensive alliance upon the 6th of February, which inspired them with a well-timed hope of rising superior to all their pressures. Never did Mercy appear in such odious colours, as when she went forth to the Colonists. Her good offices were every where rejected with contempt and disdain, of which the American Congress gave a conspicuous example. The British Army too, could not recognize Her, and doubted much whether She was of true English origin.
Winter had suspended every active essay on the part of both armies, excepting in the case of some detachments that were from necessity pushed into the country for supplying our numerous forces in Philadelphia; to afford a protection to the suffering Loyalists, and to annihilate the ships and vessels of the rebels, which still remained higher up the Delaware river.
One of these was entrusted to the Hon. Major Maitland, who had long served with distinguished credit in the Corps of Marines, whose high military talents had recently paved the way for his transit into the line, and which placed him, at this time, at the head of a Battalion of Light Infantry.
In conjunction with Captain Henry, of the Royal Navy, who commanded a force of three gallies and other armed small craft, the Major embarked in some flat-bottomed boats, with the 2d Battalion of Light troops, upon the 7th of May. Agreeably to his instructions, he proceeded to destroy the rebel Marine between Philadelphia and Trenton.
At ten on the noon of the 8th, he landed at White-hill, where a superior force of the enemy, chiefly Cavalry, seemed determined to oppose his progress. After having got ashore some field-pieces, Major Maitland pushed on towards Bordentown with great alacrity, driving before him the rebels, and surmounting, with much spirit, many local obstacles. Here he took five guns that commanded the river, and burnt a large quantity of provisions, tobacco, military stores, and camp equipage.
The enemy began to collect in great numbers at Trenton, where they looked for this flying detachment; but its leader, after indulging them in this idea, suddenly struck off towards the river, re-embarked, and took post on the Pennsylvania shore.
Early on the morning of the 9th, he advanced to Biles-island Creek, burnt some valuable vessels, moved on to Bristol, thirteen miles distant, in the afternoon destroyed every ship there, and returned, with his active followers, on board the boats at sun-set. Never was the distinguishing motto of "_hilariter et celeriter_," more truly exemplified than throughout these rapid duties. The manner in which this service was performed, was highly characteristic of the genius of that man who so completely achieved it.
The rebel loss amounted to 2 frigates, 9 large ships, 6 privateers, 23 brigs, and many schooners; besides an immensity of goods and stores.
The Navy very justly were entitled to their share in these honourable transactions.
General Howe soon after resigned his command to Sir Henry Clinton, whose first measure was the evacuation of Philadelphia, upon the morning of the 18th of June. In this retreat they were materially aided by the ships of war, as the whole Army, by the admirable dispositions of Lord Howe, were conveyed and encamped on the Jersey shore before ten at noon. Their retrograde progress to New York, with its attending incidents, are events unconnected with my purpose.
The preparations of France had preceded her hostile avowals.
Count D'Estaing, putting to sea from Toulon in April, made the Virginia coast early in the month of July. His hopes were to have found the British Fleet and Army, in the Delaware, and at Philadelphia, and by an united attack with General Washington on both, to have struck a blow at once decisive of the fate of America. Disappointed in these, he proceeded off New York, and after a few menaces he again disappeared, at first shaping his course to the Southward. But this was merely to cover his design against Rhode Island, in concert with a rebel force under General Sullivan. The French Admiral entered that harbour upon the 8th of August, anchoring his fleet between Newport and Conanicut.
Advice having been sent to Lord Howe, at New York, of the enemy's motions, his Lordship hastened to relieve the Garrison, and arrived in sight of it on the morning of the 9th.
D'Estaing, seizing a favourable wind, pushed out again, and formed in line, with the evident resolution of hazarding a battle. After two days of able manœuvring on the part of Lord Howe to gain the wind, which was thwarted by adverse circumstances, he quietly awaited the enemy's attack. Just on the eve of conflict, Neptune interposed, and scattered the hostile fleets.
This produced some single actions, in which English valour uniformly triumphed against powerful superiority, but was rendered unavailing in every instance, by the contingencies of fortune. The gallantry of Dawson, Hotham, and Raynor will appear indelible upon our Naval annals, as well as the bravery of those Seamen and Marines who so nobly seconded them.
The French Fleet, after recovering from the storm, again peeped into Rhode Island, from whence the rebels had retreated in confusion. It gladly took refuge in Boston, whither Lord Howe followed it, but durst not attempt so strong a position.
Thus D'Estaing gained but little from his system of surprize. He was a fit agent to have executed the insidious schemes of his Court, when we recollect his breach of parole in the East, which would have made him the sanctioned victim to a halter, if he had fallen within our power.
The appearance of a new and natural foe seemed to revive in every breast the flame of patriotism. At no period of our national existence did the English character appear more great. The Commercial Sailor vied with his Majesty's servants in the Fleet and Army in this noble and emulous zeal.
Admiral Byron having sailed from England in the beginning of June, reached the American coast with his fleet, but in a detached and shattered state. An evil planet seemed to rule over all his destinies, and his good fortune fell much short of his merit. Lord Howe having resigned the Naval command to that Officer, he proceeded off Boston, after having repaired all damages, from which he was driven to Rhode Island by a heavy gale that proved fatal to some of his ships. Of this D'Estaing took occasion to slip out, and with a powerful force aimed his future efforts against our West India islands.
Thither Commodore Hotham was detached with ten regiments, under General Grant, who joined Admiral Barrington at Barbadoes on the 10th of December, and on the 12th proceeded against St. Lucia. Here the army landed, while the squadron anchored in the Cul de Sac, where some Seamen and Marines were disembarked to man the batteries on each side of the harbour.
D'Estaing, who had reached Martinique, sailed also to realize his plans of conquest; but hearing of the descent upon St. Lucia, he resolved upon relieving it. The attempt was fruitless, but it yielded the display of much obstinate valour on both sides. The French were completely beaten, and the island fell.
It would carry me beyond my purposed bounds to dwell upon the many events of this year. The Marine Soldier was almost entirely limited to Naval duties, which were, in a detached sense, both numerous and brilliant upon the coasts of America.
In the indecisive battle of the 27th of July, between the grand Fleets of Britain and France, Lieutenant John M'Donald, of Marines, on board the Prince George, was wounded.
CHAP. XXXII.
It is a tribute meritedly due to the Battalions of Marines who acted so gallantly in the field, to take a retrospective view of their general good conduct at Halifax, and the series of events connected with them.
As it has already been stated, they accompanied General Howe from Boston to that place. The active exertions of the subordinate ranks on board of the transports, not half manned, and encumbered besides with the persons and property of the faithful Loyalists while on the passage, were such, that a pecuniary recompence was given to many of them, on their reaching Nova Scotia.
Soon after their arrival, both Corps were reviewed by that distinguished Officer, Lord Percy, whose testimony, in consequence, was couched in the following terms:--
"Lord Percy being well pleased with the appearance and performance of the Marine Battalions yesterday (April 30, 1776), desires his thanks to the Officers (in particular) and the men, for their steadiness and attention in their several movements."
Lieutenant Colonel (afterward General) Collins had assumed the command of them soon after their reaching Halifax, and retained it until his health obliged him to return to Europe, when it devolved upon Major Souter, by orders from the Board of Admiralty. Both Battalions were extremely solicitous to have united with the Army under Sir William Howe, when on the eve of leaving Halifax for more active services; but the defence of Nova Scotia being at that period a very important object, it was partly entrusted to them, and the Grenadier Companies alone were permitted the honour. On the 1st of June the notice of an additional indulgence to the Captains of Marine Companies was published to both Corps.
"The Lords of the Admiralty are pleased to allow the Captains of Marines the pay of an additional man per Company, which will increase their present allowance to 1s. 6d. per day, for paying their Companies, providing necessaries, repairing arms, and burying their dead, in like manner as is practised in the Army, and still on shore in North America. The Deputy Paymaster will issue the same. The additional man per day to commence from the time the Army in America was allowed the same."
In order to inspire emulation, and to foster in the memories of all the glorious 17th of June, Colonel Collins issued the following Battalion-orders upon that day:--
"In consequence of this day being the anniversary of the 17th of June, when the _Marines_ behaved in a brave gallant manner at the attack of the rebel redoubt on the heights of Charlestown, Colonel Collins extends pardon to all offenders to this day."
If the enemy had attempted Halifax, the line of battle directed by Major General Massey was, "That Lieutenant Colonel Collins, with the 1st Battalion of Marines, should draw up his right at the house this side of Pedley's Hill. The Royal Highland Emigrants, Royal Americans, Loyal Nova Scotia Volunteers, and 2d Battalion of Marines, under Major Tupper, on the left; the whole to form on the road. Lieutenant Gillespie, with the field-pieces, in the centre; Captain Ramsay, with his detachment of the 14th Regiment, to form on the grand parade, and wait for orders from the Governor or General. The faithful well-tried old Soldiers left here for garrison-duty, under command of Lieutenant Needham, and the other Overseers of the works to form on the Citadel Hill. Lieutenant Lindsay, with his troops, to form at the Dutch Church, where General Massey will have two mortars, with two howitzers fixed for his Corps; and he makes not the least doubt of their readiness to assist in crushing rebellion."
Lieutenant Colonel Collins having obtained leave to return to England for his health, bid farewell to his Corps in these words, upon the 16th of September:--
"The Commanding Officer begs leave to assure the two Battalions of Marines, that it is necessity, not inclination, which forces him from hence. His highest ambition would have been to have conducted them to England, when this distempered state of America was settled. He begs leave to return the Officers thanks for their constant attention, and flatters himself the service will be carried on in the same uniform line it has hitherto been, and if the change of climate permits the re-establishment of his health, he will join them as soon after as possible."
As a just compliment to the discipline established by Lieutenant Colonel Collins, Major Souter, who succeeded him, gave out these orders, to both battalions of Marines, on the 18th of September.
"Major Souter desiring that the orders Lieut. Colonel Collins has issued for the regulation and management of both battalions be uniformly and invariably pursued; particularly those of an Officer of a Company seeing that the men are properly dressed and appointed, when ordered on duty, _before_ they are brought to the parade, and that no drunken men are allowed to fall into the ranks at roll-calling. The Captains are likewise to keep up the necessaries and appointments that have been ordered."
The gallant conduct of the Light Infantry Companies of Marines on a preceding occasion, drew forth the encomium of Major General Massey, upon the 19th of December, in these handsome words:
"His Honor the Lieutenant Governor having made application to Major General Massey, that the two Light Infantry Companies of Marines should continue at Fort Cumberland, the General has consented to it, and takes this opportunity to inform their Brother Soldiers that Major Bald, (who commanded there in a late skirmish with the banditti rebels), in his report to Major General Massey, tells him "that the two Light Companies run at the rebels like lions, and behaved most bravely," which General Massey communicates to the garrison with vast pleasure."
That gallant and good Officer, now Lord Clarina, ever ready to attend to suppliant merit, and the Soldiers wants, in general orders of the 24th of February, 1777, thus answers the Petition of the 1st Battalion of Marines:--
"Major General Massey often receiving a petition from the 1st Battalion of Marines (signed Launcelot Poverty), is happy to comply with their request, as their _uniform_ good behaviour, during the winter, well merits that indulgence. It is therefore his orders, that Major Souter permits the men to work as he shall judge proper, but that no substitutes must be allowed in their public duty."
In the month of March, the Commander in Chief expecting some actual service, was pleased to nominate Lieutenant (now Colonel) Trollope, with a party of Marines, to be trained under Lieutenant Gillespie, of the Royal Artillery, to practice quick firing and traversing the great guns.
Early in April the two Battalions were consolidated into one, by orders of the Board of Admiralty, addressed to Major Souter, to the following effect:--
"By the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, &c.
"Whereas the Earl of Sandwich has signified to us his Majesty's pleasure, that the two Battalions of Marines, serving under your command, shall be formed into one Battalion, each Company to consist of one Captain, four Subalterns, five Serjeants, five Corporals, four drummers, and 100 private men each, conformable _to the present establishment_ of the Corps, together with the following Field and Staff Officers, viz. two Majors, one Adjutant, one Chaplain, one Quarter Master, one Surgeon, and one Surgeon's Mate; you are hereby required and directed to form the said two Battalions into one Battalion accordingly, with the Field and Staff Officers as before mentioned, and having so done, you are to cause the non-commissioned Officers and private men which may remain after this Battalion is formed, to be embarked in such of his Majesty's ships serving in North America under the command of Vice Admiral Viscount Howe, as may be in want of them, agreeable to the requisition which will be made to you by his Lordship for that purpose; but with respect to the commissioned Officers, over and above the number necessary for completing the said Battalion, you are to send them to England by the first opportunity that offers, in order to join their respective Divisions, unless Lord Howe shall apply to you, for any of them to serve in the ships of his squadron, in which case you are to supply them accordingly.
"Given under our hands, 1st January, 1777.
"SANDWICH, J. BULLER, "H. PALLISER."
"To Major Souter or Commanding Officer Marines, Halifax."
"By command of their Lordships,
"PHIL. STEPHENS."
"In consequence of the above arrangement, such Officers as choose to return to England are desired to give in their names to the Commanding Officer."
Pursuant to this order from the Board, the following Officers, non-commissioned Officers, and drummers, were appointed to compose the new Battalion--
FIELD OFFICERS--Majors Souter, Hon. John Maitland.
OFFICERS, GRENADIERS. SERJEANTS. CORPORALS. DRUMMERS.
Capt. Averne Markhole Daffey Sweeton Lieut. Ragg Sargent Martin Saul ---- Vevers Pollock Blake Pichen ---- Stewart West Pike Sidway ---- Cunningham Saul--Wallace Bryald
LIGHT INFANTRY.
Capt. Pitcairne Davis Ross Edwards Lieut. Dyer Hill Turtle Maclean ---- Short Collier Sutherland Cook ---- Howe Pritchard Wilkinson Leeson ---- Simms Jarvis Baker
Capt. Elliot Edwards Davis Wm. Cumine Lieut. Ewing Gallaghar Flinn Grant ---- Moore Pugh Allen Isgrove ---- J. Lewis Bible Gurney Wood ---- Bowman Pulford--Watkins Smith
Capt. D. Johnson Pitches Wheeler J. Cumine Lieut. Kempe Fitzimons Jones Foliard ---- M'Donald Hillman Cooper Flanagan ---- Tantum Newman Almint Lane ---- Trollope Franklin--Perry Coxan--Tooze
Capt. Macdonald Bowden Crea Breffeld Lieut. F. Lewis Higgins Williamson Morris ---- Jacobs Southway Long Birmingham ---- Shea Bottey Pithrick Higgins ---- Gilbert Hardy--Carey Styles
Capt. Griffiths Hayward Silby Parker Lieut. Eustace Woodhouse Handford Robinson ---- Carey Poole Norraway Shuter ---- Meredith Traffles Brookes Roper ---- Creswell Campbell--Rowe Hill Miles
STAFF.
Doctor Boyles Chaplain. John Waller Adjutant. Thomas Smith Quarter Master. Charles Hill Surgeon. James Silven Surgeon's Mate.
An order, upon the 29th of April, to the Marine Battalion, extended the allowances of six contingent men to Captains of Companies, until the pleasure of the Admiralty Board was known.
In consequence of a review of the Battalion by the Commander in Chief at Halifax, the following after-orders were given out on the 9th of June:--
"Major General Massey approves so very highly of the steadiness as well as the appearance of the Corps of Marines which he had the honour to review this day, that he returns Major Souter, the Officers, and Soldiers, his most grateful thanks for their performance in the field."
Lieutenant Trollope, of Marines, was appointed to the duty of attending the Commander in Chief; and Lieut. Waller as Brigade Major to the Provincial forces, during 1777.
In December of that year, Lieutenant John Oldfield, who had lately received a Marine commission, after having served with much credit as a Volunteer, was directed by General Massey to accompany Colonel Goreham to Fort Cumberland, in these handsome terms:--
"Lieutenant Oldfield, of the Battalion of Marines, is to return with Lieut. Colonel Goreham to join the Light Infantry of that Corps, Lieut. Oldfield having acquired so thorough a knowledge of that country, which the General hopes will recommend him to farther notice and future promotion."
His Majesty's ship Milford having run on shore, was nearly lost in the beginning of December. Such were the exertions of the Marines upon the occasion, that Sir William Burnaby, her Commander, felt it his incumbent duty to tender them his thanks in these words--"Sir William Burnaby desires his thanks may be given to the Officers and men of the Battalion, who so actively assisted in getting off his Majesty's ship Milford." This was read to the Companies at evening roll-calling.
Lieutenant Trollope having been appointed Secretary to Major General Massey, Lieut. Tantum, a respectable young Officer (who was afterwards unfortunately drowned in the Ville de Paris), was attached as an assistant Artillery Officer in his stead; a party of Marines was trained to the great guns, and the command of the Half-moon Battery, as well as of the Citadel, was allotted him under the event of an alarm.
Although neither the circumstances of the action, or name of the achiever, are alluded to in the following detail, still it carries in it that zealous anxiety to promote discipline, by recompencing merit, that I cannot omit its insertion.
"General Orders, Halifax, February 27, 1778.
"That good Marine Soldier who was yesterday with General Massey, and who now forgets his name and Company, the General wishes to see to-morrow morning at nine o'clock, as he wants to reward him for his loyalty. General Massey will be much obliged to Major Souter to order this to be read by an Officer, at roll-calling, to the different Companies."
In April, Lieutenant Jacobs who was an ornament to his Corps, (subsequently drowned at St. Lucia) was appointed to act as Overseer to the King's Works, which were carrying on.
No occasion seemed to have been lost by General Massey in calling forth talents wherever they were to be found, and applying them to the public good. Such precedents, if generally adopted upon service, would stimulate the Marine Officer to the early study of every branch of military education. It is but rarely that we are inclined to devote our attention to sciences which may never be called into action, and what our professional views seem almost to render unnecessary. This knowledge may adorn the man, but it is too often restrained from being useful to our Country.