Part 2

At a period when the commerce of this Country bore no proportion to its present state, the supplies of Seamen, under a system of impress, were extremely precarious, and often inadequate to the public emergencies. Experience had also shewn, that raw landsmen were most improper substitutes for this want, as the sudden change of life rendered them subject to immediate disease, and sea-sickness, at a time when their active services were required.

These united causes originally suggested the expediency of forming an establishment of Marines, who were raised and embodied with the sole view of being a nursery to man our fleets. They were always quartered in the vicinity of our principal sea-ports, where they were regularly trained to the different methods of ship fighting, and to these various manœuvres of a vessel, in which numbers were necessary. Being thus locally placed, their value was early felt by their exertions in equipping the squadrons fitted out, when but little confidence could be placed in the sailor, perhaps just impressed into the service.

The general principles and regulations that were instituted for the conduct of the Marine regiments, from their formation, to the close of the reign of King William III. evidently shew that they were entirely devoted to naval purposes. As each individual became properly qualified to act on board of ship as a foremast-man, which was uniformly encouraged, he was discharged from his regiment, entered upon the books as such, and levy-money was granted to the officers of his corps, in order to supply the vacancy of him who was thus transferred.

The first authentic instance of any regiment of this description appears in the Army List of 1684, and from the return of the general review on Putney Heath, upon the first day of October in that year. Neither the exact æra of its establishment, or that of the other maritime forces, is clearly ascertained; and it would be absurd to speculate upon dates which can yield no material result.

The return which I have mentioned runs thus, and is annexed at large: "The Lord High Admiral of England, his Royal Highness the Duke of York and Albany's _Maritime Regiment of Foot_, commanded by the Honourable Sir Charles Littleton, called also the Admiral Regiment.

Sir Charles Littleton, Colonel. Oliver Niclas, Lieutenant Colonel. Richard Bagett, Major.

CAPTAINS. LIEUTENANTS. ENSIGNS.

Col's. Co. commanded by Capt. Lt. Robt. Crawford, Capt. Lt. Philom. Powell Lt. Colonel's Co. commanded by Lieut. Edm. Yarborough Arthur Townshend Major's Co. commanded by Lieut. Theoph. Bleehenden William Pearson Geo. Littleton, Captain Lieut. Edmund Wilson James Man Sir Thomas Cutler Robert Lloyd John Hill Edward Nott Francis Hobblin Alexander Erwin Francis Ezod Francis Butler Thomas Man Edward Harris John Thorn William Somers Samuel Scudamore George Rooke Gilbert Simons Chichester Wray Henry Hewys Geo. Littleton Charles Herbert Thomas Whaley Francis Ezord Edmund Plowden William Oglethorpe Jo. Whaley

State Major, or the Staff Officers of the Admiral Regiment,

Richard Beauvoir, Adjutant. Tobias Legross, Quarter-Master. Samuel Tatham, Chirurgeon. John Tatham, Chirurgeon's Mate.

This regiment consisted of twelve companies, without any grenadiers, had yellow coats lined with red, and their colours were a red cross, with rays of the sun issuing from each of its angles. It stood the third in seniority in the line of that day; and it may be presumed, from its subsequent reduction, that a step was obtained in it by the 4th, _then_ the Regiment of Holland, commanded by John, the second Lord Mulgrave, and now entitled The Old Buffs.

Betwixt 1687 and 1698, there were several maritime regiments raised for the purposes, and under the regulations I have stated. They were Colonels Mordaunt, Colt, Seymour, and Brudenell's; also, Sir Cloudesley Shovel's, my Lord Torrington's, and the Marquis of Carmarthen's; all of which were disbanded during the currency of 1697 and 1698.

The expences incurred by the maintenance of the maritime troops were classed with the estimates of the navy, and money was issued from time to time, by warrant from the Lord High Treasurer to the Treasurer of the Navy, who placed it in the hands of a person especially appointed to receive and pay it. Under this system, the Admiralty and Navy Boards were subjected to much trouble, in forming and directing its different arrangements.

From the nature of the marine service, at this period, few or no achievements occur which can be peculiarly attached to it as a corps. We find them honourably mentioned in the operations against St. Christopher's, and the successful attack upon Cork, under the æra of 1690. The detail of loss upon the former occasion is thus described, and evinces that their energies also, as soldiers, were called forth when occasion might require them. "In this action we had killed and wounded upwards of 130 men, and Captain Keigwin, _a sea commander_, who was appointed _Colonel of the Marine Regiment_, (which consisted of about 230 _seamen_) was shot through the thigh, of which wound he died, before he could be carried on board, and Captain Brisbane, who _acted as First Captain to the Marines_, receiving a shot through the body, expired that night on board the Bristol."

Embodied under similar circumstances, they of course partook in the various services of debarkation, which the emergency of those times might have demanded, until the peace of Ryswick, which, for a while, closed the existence of marine forces.

The expences of King William's war, upwards of eight years' duration, are so moderate when contrasted with these of later days, that they merit a place in any retrospect which treats of that period; and it is to be remarked that 40,000 seamen were maintained during the last years of it.

Total navy estimates allowed £16,303,713 15 0 Total army do. do. £18,487,671 17 10 ----------------- £34,764,385 12 10 =================

In all, thirty-four millions seven hundred sixty-four thousand three hundred eighty-five pounds, twelve shillings and ten pence!

I cannot bid adieu to the transactions of this auspicious reign, which has established the happiness and the liberties of my country, without commenting upon two events of it, that must be materially interesting to every military man--I mean the code of laws for the good order and discipline of our armies, and the grant of half-pay bestowed upon disbanded officers.

The first was adopted in an hour of urgent expediency, in order to restrain the uncontrouled outrages of a discontented soldiery, on account of arrears due to them. This act was passed in great haste upon the 12th day of April, 1689, and has progressively experienced these various improvements that arise out of occasions. It undergoes annually a legislative sanction, under the title of the Mutiny Bill.

Half-pay was a gift decreed upon the 18th of January, 1697, and has subsequently involved many a doubt, whether as having been intended in the light of a retaining fee, or as a reward for past services. Opposite decisions have authorised different constructions, while the lapse of more than one hundred years has not yet explicitly brought the point to an issue.

The manly and independent spirit of our judges, pure as these laws that controul their opinions, has not been able to adjust the question.

In the case of General Ross, which was submitted to their enquiry and determination--they resolved that he could not be amenable, _as a half-pay officer_, to military jurisdiction; but the discussion extended no farther.

In 1715 a number of officers, however, who drew this recompence from the public, most ingloriously joined the Pretender. The issue being unfortunate for them, they were all taken prisoners, and afterwards tried and executed by _martial_ law; although they might have been capitally convicted _as rebels, by the common law of the land_.

In having adduced these opposite examples, I cannot withhold a remark, that under no one head of the articles of war is this description of men noticed; and I can readily anticipate the answer of an Englishman, were I to ask him if any laws should affect such an object as I have defined, in which he is not expressly specified?

In this flourishing country, where industry and enterprize are open to all, it often happens that an officer, when the State no longer wants his services, turns his attention and the little capital he may possess, to commercial pursuits. In this new profession he very probably advances the public interests more essentially than were he recalled to his former duties, upon every fresh emergency.

_That_ patriotism and loyalty, which I am convinced in those days influence every soldier, who, in the smallest portion, tastes of the bread of his King, will enforce through each quarter of Britain a local activity, and when necessary, a military zeal. As volunteer companies in the present, and very probably under the future political circumstances of our country, must form a branch of our force, who are there more capable of animating them than men who have been trained to arms, whose allegiance is undisputed, and whose early sentiments and ideas no change of life can extinguish? Some legislative assurances of exemption in favour of officers of this description, and who engage to discharge the obligations of general association when required, would be politic and gratifying. Half-pay might also very properly be no longer considered as a retainder of those who have served any marked number of years; for I would discriminate between the veteran and the stripling, who are alike entitled to the same remuneration; though, I should humbly conceive, to separate indulgencies. Having made this digression, suited, I trust, to the present topic and the present times, I return to the train of my narrative.

CHAP. II.

Upon the death of King William III. whose royal memory must long be dear to Englishmen, Queen Anne ascended the British throne. Previous to this event, the seeds of a new war had been forming, which was proclaimed against France and Spain, upon the 4th day of May, 1702.

The French King having advanced his grandson, the Duke of Anjou to the vacant Spanish monarchy, her Majesty espoused the interests and claims of the Archduke of Austria upon that sovereignty, and resolved upon sending a strong fleet into the Mediterranean, which was to become the theatre of their hostile efforts.

One of the first acts of her reign was a revival of the corps of Marines, but they were placed upon a different footing from these that existed under her royal predecessor. Destined for the mingled and active services of co-operation with the well-trained forces of our allies, along with a new establishment, a new constitution was also requisite. Their meritorious conduct, as soldiers, in the subsequent duties that were allotted them, reflected honour upon their discipline and their country, and they shared in the royal thanks of Him whose cause they maintained, by their frequent debarkations upon the sea-coasts of France, Spain, and Italy.

Her Majesty's order for levying this body of men was issued upon the first day of June, 1702, and runs thus:

ANNE R.

"Our pleasure is, that this establishment of six regiments of Marines, and six other regiments, for _sea service_, do commence and take place from the respective times of raising. And our farther pleasure is, That the order given by our dearest Brother the late King deceased, and such orders as are or shall be given by us touching the pay or entertainment of our said forces, or any of them, or any charges thereunto belonging, shall be duly complied with, and that no new charge be added to this establishment, without being communicated to our High Treasurer, or Commissioners of our Treasury for the time being.

"Given at our Court at St. James's, first day of June in the first year of our reign.

"By her Majesty's command,

"GODOLPHIN."

I annex, also, the expences incurred by one regiment of this description, which will be a guide to the total charge for the whole of them.

One Company, _per day._ _per year._ FIELD and STAFF OFFICERS. Colonel as Colonel £0 12 0 £219 0 0 Lieut. Col. as Lieut. Col. 0 7 0 127 15 0 Major as Major 0 5 0 91 5 0 Chaplain 0 6 8 121 13 4 Adjutant 0 4 0 73 0 0 Quartermaster 0 4 0 73 0 0 Chirurgeon 0 4 0 73 0 0 One Mate to ditto 0 2 6 45 12 6 -------- ---------- £2 5 2 £824 5 10 ======== ==========

One Company, _per day._ _per year._ Captain £0 8 0 £146 0 0 First Lieutenant 0 4 0 73 3 0 Second Lieutenant 0 3 0 54 15 0 2 Serjeants, each 1_s_ 6_d_ 0 3 0 54 15 0 3 Corporals, each 1_s_ 0 3 0 54 15 0 2 Drummers, each 1_s_ 0 2 0 36 10 0 59 Privates, each 8_d_ 1 19 4 717 16 8 -------- ------------ £3 2 4 £1,137 11 8 ======== ============ Pay of 10 Comp. more of the } like number and same rates } 31 3 4 11,375 16 8 --------- ------------- 34 5 8 £12,513 8 4 ========= =============

One Company of Grenadiers to complete this Regiment, as follows:

1 Captain £0 8 0 £146 0 0 1 First Lieutenant 0 4 0 73 0 0 1 Second Lieutenant 0 4 0 73 0 0 3 Serjeants, each 1_s_ 6_d_ 0 4 6 82 2 6 3 Corporals, each 1_s_ 0 3 0 54 15 0 59 Grenadiers, each 8_d_ 1 19 4 717 16 8 ---------- ------------- Total this Regiment 39 15 8 £14,520 18 4 ========== ============= Pay 5 Regiments more, at } the same rates, &c. } 198 18 4 72,604 11 8 ---------- ------------- Total for Marines £238 14 0 £87,125 10 0 ========== =============

The six regiments of Foot for _sea service_ were exactly the same numbers and same denominations, excepting as to officers, who among these corps, were detailed as Ensigns instead of Second Lieutenants. Classed under one general head, the twelve regiments cost the public £238 14 0 _per day_, and £174,251 0 0 _per year_.

The idea of this class of men being raised with a view of becoming a nursery for the Navy, seems to have been now relinquished, and the following articles for their government and conduct were framed, and adopted, by her Majesty in council, upon the 1st of July, 1702.

1st. They were to be employed on board her Majesty's ships as there should be occasion, and quartered at, or as near as might be to the dock-yards, when on shore, to guard them from embezzlements, or any attempts of an enemy.

2d. In all matters relating to their subsistence and clearings, when on board and on shore, they were to be paid in like manner as the land forces, and the same deductions to be made from them for clothing, and one day's pay, once a year, from each officer and soldier for the hospital.

3d. They were to be allowed an equal proportion of provisions with the seamen, without any deductions from their pay for the same.

4th. And to have the same allowance for short provisions (when circumstances render the issue of full allowance imprudent) as the seamen, to be paid to themselves, or their assigns.

5th. Such regiments, or parts of them as should be on shore, were to be mustered by a commissary or commissaries in the same manner as the land forces, excepting in this case, that they, the said commissaries, were obliged to allow at each muster on his or their rolls, all such officers and soldiers as should appear to him or them by authentic vouchers, or certificates, to be put on board any of her Majesty's ships or vessels, and that such part of the aforesaid regiments as should be at sea, might be paid while they were so, it was directed, That the commanding Marine Officer with them should, every two months, return to the Commissary General of the Musters a perfect list of all the officers and soldiers on board each ship, signed by himself, and all the Marine Officers, expressing the times of entry, death, and discharge of each man, that so the Commissary might compare the said lists with the monthly books sent to the Navy Office, and allow such of the officers and soldiers as should appear to him fit to be so allowed.

6th. To prevent confusion, not less than fifteen Marine Soldiers, and with them an Officer, were to be put on board a ship, at any one time, unless in cases of necessity.

7th. And for the ease of the whole a particular Pay-master was appointed, with power to solicit the arrears of the regiments, and to receive all sums of money from the Treasurer of the Navy; and immediately upon the receipt thereof, to issue the same to the respective Colonels, or their Agents; he was also required, diligently and carefully to adjust all accounts relating to the regiments, according to such muster rolls as should be delivered to him by the Commissary, or Commissaries; and those muster rolls were to be allowed of, as sufficient vouchers for the charges in the accounts, and for making out debentures and warrants.

8th. To enable the aforesaid Pay-master to keep an Office, and to defray the charge thereof, and of Clerks and other contingencies, he was allowed sixpence in the pound, pursuant to the subscription of the respective Colonels, which he had power to deduct out of all monies issued to him, in the same manner as the poundage was deducted from the land forces.

9th. For rendering such parts of the regiments as should be on shore the more useful, her Majesty declared it should be left to herself, or the High Admiral, to dispose of them at such places nearest to the several dock yards, as might be judged most convenient: And since there might be occasion for Labourers to dispatch necessary works, her Majesty empowered her High Admiral, or the Commissioners for executing that office, to cause to be employed in the aforesaid dock yards, so many of the Marine Soldiers as might be judged fitting, and to make them such daily allowance for the same, besides their ordinary pay, as to him or them should seem reasonable.

Thus placed under the controul of the Lord High Admiral, he was pleased to nominate Brigadier General Seymour to superintend the whole; whose peculiar duties were to observe, that the men were comfortably quartered, that the officers were attentive in their respective departments, and that the Marine Soldiers, when embarked on board of ship, were supplied with proper sea clothes, and other suitable necessaries.

During this reign also, a number of independent companies of Marines was raised for the express purpose of defending our different West India possessions, to which quarter they were sent, were embodied into three regiments, and where they remained many years.

CHAP. III.

In order to pave the way for the cordial reception of King Charles the III. orders were sent to Sir Cloudesley Shovel, then commanding the British Fleet in the Mediterranean, to effect what he could by conciliation, or by conquest, amongst the different dependencies of the French and Spanish monarchies, previous to the arrival of the Royal Claimant. Throughout the whole of that Admiral's instructions, much dependence was placed upon the energies of the Marine Forces under his command, and they subsequently bore a conspicuous share of the mingled services that ensued, in the cause of the House of Austria. This circumstance may evince the very high estimation in which they were held as Soldiers, although nothing materially occurred either under the command of Sir Cloudesley Shovel, or during the currency of 1703.

After many delays the Archduke arrived at Lisbon, with Sir George Rooke, upon the 25th day of February 1704, in order to concert a plan of future operations with his ally, the King of Portugal. The Admiral was enjoined to attempt nothing without the suggestion and assent of Both.

The first enterprize was against Barcelona, whither they were invited by some deputies from Catalonia, and a few leading men in the city, who gave assurances that it would declare for Charles the III. if a shew of attack only was made. Here 1600 Marines were landed, at the request and under the command of the Prince of Hesse, upon the noon of the 19th of May. This force being inadequate for the purpose, it was next day re-embarked at the instance of his Highness. Listening to the wishes of their Majesties, in conformity with his instructions, the Admiral would have attempted Cadiz; but, upon deliberation, and that there was no army to co-operate, this idea was given up.

They accordingly turned their thoughts to Gibraltar, where the Prince of Hesse was landed in the afternoon of the 21st of July, with 1800 British and Dutch Marines. Proceeding upon the decision of a Council of War, his Highness was to cut off all communication with the main land, to bombard and cannonade the place, and to reduce it to the obedience of the King of Spain.

Having established his post at some mills then near the town, he sent a summons for the Governor to surrender; who answered, that all his garrison had taken an oath of allegiance to their lawful Sovereign, King Philip the V. and that as loyal and faithful subjects, they would die in its defence.

The Admiral having directed a strong force to proceed against the south mole, the enemy were driven from their guns.--A number of boats manned and armed, were then detached under the gallant conduct of Capt. Whitaker, of the Navy, who soon obtained possession of the great platform; but about one hundred, whose impetuous bravery had carried them within the effects of a mine connected with the fort, were killed and wounded by its explosion. The rest, however, advancing most rapidly, gained a redoubt, half-way between the mole and the town.

This attack being made upon a Sunday, almost the whole of the women belonging to the garrison, were performing their devotions in a chapel about four miles distant; so that the besieging forces were between them and their husbands and families.