Part 22

An army, long inured to plunder and to victory, became a natural object of jealousy within the bosom of their Country. One enemy, manly in politics, unexhausted in wealth, and unbended in attitude, continued to oppose this insinuating monster, too long arrayed in the borrowed garb of freedom. The riches of our island, and the virtues of its natives, had each their effects in stimulating this mass of men to farther dangers, and in attracting the hatred of a Government, which, consciously, derived all its temporary energies from that infidelity to God, and annihilation of every moral principle which, by pervading France, had reconciled Frenchmen to the commission of any act.

The title of "Invading Army of England" was bestowed upon these extended corps, who were diverted from employing their speculative ideas as subjects, by pointing out to them future duties as soldiers. We may judge of this mighty force when we reflect that its right wing alone, posted on the coasts of the Mediterranean exceeded 40,000. At the head of it was Buonaparte, denominated the Conqueror of Italy, and deservedly standing high as a General; but his exploits had rendered him an object of suspicion to the rulers of France, who were well aware of his popularity amongst the soldiery, and his thirst for power.

An expedition to Egypt, with a view to overthrow the British power in the East, had long been a favourite scheme of the Monarchy, and it was revived under the Republic, which was anxious to get rid of its legionary troops. It was well suited to the ambition of Buonaparte, and he was an admirable agent to execute such faithless purposes.

My limits will not allow me to indulge in farther theories, nor can I accompany him in his unprincipled progress. Malta, that key to all his hopes, soon fell under his intrigues; after which he proceeded, with an unexampled secrecy, to the friendly and unsuspecting sea-coasts of the Turkish Empire. Alexandria and Cairo became easy and alternate conquests to his delusive promises. The covering fleet, under De Bruix, in the mean time anchored, and formed into order of battle, in the Bay of Aboukir, protected by flanking batteries, and seemingly impregnable by any force.

Rear Admiral Nelson, long distinguished for the most gallant and active zeal, was destined to oppose this formidable combination, and to achieve one of the most brilliant Naval victories that stands upon the annals of the world. I will forbear to dwell on an event which is so generally appreciated, and what must be immortal as time itself.

Captain Faddy, of Marines, fell on the memorable 1st of August, whose widow and family recognized a protector and a friend in Lord Nelson.

Captains J. Cresswell, John Hopkins, and Lieut. John Jewell, were wounded; 46 Marine Soldiers were killed, and 78 were wounded.

As usual, the honorary and pecuniary gratitude of the Nation was stretched forth to every rank amongst the conquerors, and its Legislative Bodies conveyed their sense of such splendid deeds, in adequate and animated terms, to all.

Upon the following day a general thanksgiving was offered up to heaven, which made not a greater impression upon ourselves, than on the captive Frenchmen, who could not but express their admiration of so solemn an assemblage, at a time of seeming confusion, and when every heart felt all the elations of success.

The Admiral also tendered his acknowledgments to all the Officers, Seamen, and Marines, for their gallant behaviour, and for a victory that had been gained by their discipline and good order.

No battle on the sea ever produced more signal consequences.--It stimulated Austria to resume her arms, and aroused the effeminate States of Italy to a sense of their glory and their danger.

Although eclipsed in comparison, still the subordinate Naval transactions in the Mediterranean were guided by a similar spirit. Lieut. Perry, of Marines, distinguished himself upon a voluntary dash at the corvette Mendovi, which was carried by the boats of the Flora, under a heavy fire from the batteries of Corigo, that brig, and the vessels in the harbour. John Perks, private Marine, was the only brave fellow killed in this daring attempt, and Lieut. Perry was slightly wounded.

Captain Digby, and the crew of the Aurora, were likewise noticed for a train of enterprize; and Captain Foote, with all his coadjutors, in the Seahorse, by the capture of La Sensible French frigate.

The action of Captain Manley Dixon, in the Lion, of 64, with four heavy Spanish frigates, one of which he took, was a most brilliant affair, in which all under his command were alike deserving.

The combat between Le Genereaux, of 74, full of men, and the Leander, of 50, upon the 18th of August, though unfortunate in its issue, was yet highly honourable to our arms, when the circumstance of her diminished crew is considered. Captain Thompson, whose conduct in the battle of the Nile had been most conspicuous, says, that "his antagonist run the Leander on board the larboard bow, with a view to carry her, and continued along-side for some time; a most spirited and well-directed fire, however, from our small party of Marines (commanded by a Serjeant) on the poop, and from the quarter-deck, prevented the enemy from taking advantage of his good fortune, and he was repulsed, in all his efforts to make an impression on us."

The Leander, afterwards reduced to a wreck, surrendered to her superior foe; but not without killing or wounding one-third of their number. The brave Serjeant Dair and seven Marines were slain, and nine wounded; being nearly a half of their little party.

The capture of La Legere gun-boat, by the Alemene, Captain Hope, afforded a striking instance of intrepidity in James Harding, Marine Drummer, and John Taylor, Seaman, on board the British frigate. Although going through the water more than five miles an hour, yet, observing a packet of dispatches to have been thrown overboard from the republican vessel, they dashed into the sea and recovered them, at the imminent risk of their lives; those fine fellows were, however, picked up by a boat, and each of them was rewarded by a pension of 20_l_. a year, from the Corporation of London. The contents were of much importance, as being from the National Convention to their General Buonaparte, in Egypt. Harding afterwards shared upwards of 200_l_. from the galleons taken on the 16th of October, by the Alemene and others.

So sensible was the Common Council of London of their merits, and so anxious to recompence them, that they made special enquiry, through their clerk, to the Board of Admiralty, in order to ascertain the circumstances and families of those brave men, and the above annuity was consequent upon that investigation.

On the 28th of October the fortified island of Goza, about five miles to the North-west of Malta, belonging to the Knights of that Order, surrendered to Captain Ball, of the Alexander; when Captain, now Major Cresswell, with a party of Marines, took possession of it.

The detachments from the Leviathan and Centaur had the honour of being attached to the Army, under General Stuart, to whom, and the squadron under Commodore Duckworth, the important island of Minorca capitulated, on the 15th of November, after a trifling resistance, and without the loss of one British Soldier.

His Sicilian Majesty took refuge on board of Lord Nelson's ship, and retired to Sicily on the 21st of December, as the French had possessed themselves of Naples. It fell to the lot of a branch of my Corps, under Lieut. Colonel Strickland, to be highly instrumental in restoring that Prince to the Neapolitan throne, in a short but brilliant campaign, during the summer of the ensuing year.

Few periods of our Naval history have presented so many instances of achievement on the home station, as that under discussion.

On the 21st of March a desperate action was fought between the Mars and La Hercule, of nearly equal force, both ships touching during the space of one hour and a half. English valour at last prevailed, but with a heavy loss. Captain Alexander Hood, who blended in himself all the talents and virtues of his ancestors, fell in the moment of victory; and Captain Joseph White, of Marines, shared his fate, while discharging the duty of a gallant Officer.

Much do I lament in not being able to commemorate the _names_ of five brave privates of my Corps, who, with an habitual intrepidity, attempted to board the enemy, but dropping into the sea, were crushed between the sides of the contending ships.

The defence of the little islands of St. Marcou, against an immense flotilla of the enemy, manned with nearly 8000 Soldiers, is inferior to none of the many exploits of our arms. Garrisoned chiefly by Marines, I am well assured that their cool courage on the 7th of May was never surpassed, and it was indeed evidenced by a scene of carnage amongst their enemies, while their own casualties were limited to Thomas Hall, private, killed; Richard Dunn and Thomas Williamson, privates, and Thomas Banks, Seaman, wounded. The attack having been levelled against the westernmost island, although both were in the line of shot, prevented any efforts on the part of Lieut. Bourne, who commanded on the eastern battery. Much might have been otherwise expected from the abilities of that Officer, and the system of discipline he invariably maintained. He would have also been well seconded by Lieut. Lawrence, of my Corps, whose gallantry upon an ulterior occasion fully justifies my assertion.

Nothing could exceed the steadiness of Lieuts. Maughan and Ensor, of Marines. It was worthy of the Country and the service, whose honour was in their hands.

Lieutenant (now Captain) Charles P. Price also mentioned the conduct of Serjeant Henderson, of the Royal Artillery, in handsome terms. Indeed that body is outdone by none in the world, wherever it is called forth.

The capture of La Seine, French frigate, on the 29th of June, drew forth the encomiums of Captains Stirling and Milne, of the Jason and Pique, upon the spirit of Lieutenants Symes and Macdonald. The former of these amiable young men has now paid the debt of nature, but he will long be remembered by his friends. Lieutenant Ross was much distinguished in a very daring affair in the port of Corigiou, upon the morning of the 4th of August. After having carried the corvette Adventurier, a contrary wind sprung up, which exposed her, nearly two hours, to the fire of all the batteries, working out in a narrow passage which was at last effected. That Officer is also now no more.

Notwithstanding all the boasts of invasion, still the French dared not any thing upon a scale of consequence. A few frigates landed General Humbert, who, with his followers, were made prisoners in Ireland; but not without making a respectable opposition.

It was reserved for our naval bulwarks to render abortive another attempt, and to give some creditable earnests of their Officers' talents and courage. On the 12th of October, Le Hoche of 80, the frigates Bellone, Coquille, and Ambuscade were taken by Sir John Warren's squadron. The decisive spirit of that gallant and rising character Captain Graham Moore, was fully shewn in the prompt attack of La Resolue of 40 guns, and taking her before she could be supported by her consort. They were both superior in force to the Melampus. The conduct of Lieutenant Hole, and his party of Marines was mentioned in gratifying terms.

On the 20th of October another action, alike brilliant, was fought between the Fishguard, Captain Martin, and L'Immortalité, which, after a spirited contest of more than two hours, ended in the Frenchman's surrender.

Lieutenant Gerrard, of Marines, was wounded upon that occasion. So uniformly respectable, was the course of that Officer's life, and so creditable his services, that it may not be amiss to state here, a very honorable testimony subsequently bestowed upon him, from the Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the Fishguard. The gift of a sabre and belt was accompanied to him, with the following very flattering eulogium: "This sabre and belt are presented to 1st Lieut. Gerrard, of Marines, by those who served with him on board his Majesty's ship Fishguard, in memory of the action with L'Immortalité, the 20th October, 1798, the boarding expeditions at the Saintes, Penmarks, Quimper, Noirmoutier, St. Matthew, St. Andero, and Corrunna; on which he served as a volunteer, and bore so distinguished a part." He has recently been appointed to an Adjutancy at Plymouth vacated by the promotion of Captain Perceval.

La Loire frigate was engaged by the Mermaid, of 32, Captain Newman, who, after the most persevering courage, was obliged to relinquish the unequal combat, which afforded an additional test of the zealous intrepidity of Captain Durham, in the Anson, who, although much disabled by the prevailing gales, attacked and carried her after an hour and one quarter's dispute. First Lieut. W. A. Bell, of Marines, was wounded, and Captain Durham acknowledges the services he derived from him, as well as Lieutenant Derring, who superintended the carronades of the Anson, during the fight. The privates James Cummings and Robert Dillon were also wounded. Captain Countess, in the Ethalion, likewise took his bird.

By such successive exploits, was the invasion of Ireland averted, and so important were they deemed by the Nation, that its public thanks were expressed to Sir J. Warren, his Officers, Seamen, and Marines.

An unfortunate meeting between the Ambuscade and La Bayonnaire, of equal force, closed the transactions of 1798. So habituated are Englishmen to conquer on the sea, that they never reckon upon many accidents to which contests, on that element, are subject. The courage of Captain Jenkins could not compensate for his want of fortune. He and Lieutenant Sinclair, of Marines, were badly wounded, before the colours were struck, and the enemy, for once, successfully availed themselves of a panic, occasioned by the bursting of a gun, to gain her by boarding.

CHAP. XLIV.

Twenty thousand Marines formed the establishment of 1799.

An event truly brilliant in itself, and most important in its results, claim a merited precedence in my narrative of the transactions of this year. I mean, the noble defence of St. Jean d'Acre, in the land of Palestine. Yielding to the habitual sentiments of my mind, I am always led to exult in any occasion, upon which the energies of the Soldier, but more especially of my corps, have been conducive to the protection, or the aggrandisement of commerce. It constitutes the very vitals of our Country, and demands the fostering care of every member of it. The world is well apprized of the ambitious views which directed the expedition of Bonaparte to Egypt. Although his army had been cut off from all intercourse with France ever since the decisive battle of Aboukir, still the inventive resources of his genius had established within a few months, a little independent Empire guided by social institutes, and a regulated police. Versatile and accommodating in his principles, they always veered with his interests, and he knew human nature too well not to make them subservient to the religious prejudices of these superstitious natives, over whom he had usurped a government. Wherever hostility appeared, it was successively overcome, and his dominion over Lower Egypt might be said to have been complete at the opening of 1799.

This solid position, on the high road to our valuable possessions in the East, soon awakened all the active jealousy of the British Nation. Although secrecy had marked the steps of this unprincipled and hypocritical crusader, still they were guessed at, and traced by an enlightened Cabinet.

Sir Sidney Smith was selected to arrange and animate a plan for chacing this encroacher from his strong holds, who sailed from England for Constantinople, vested both with diplomatic as well as military powers, in the Autumn of 1798.

Having reached the Ottoman Capital, he, in union with his brother, discussed and signed a treaty of triple alliance between Great Britain, Russia, and the Turk. The outlines of future operations were also framed, which suggested an attack by the Pacha Djezzar from the deserts of Syria, upon the frontiers of Lower Egypt, who was to be seconded by an Army, penetrating across Asia Minor, while a maritime diversion took place at the different mouths of the Nile, and the remnants of Mourad Bey's forces, already twice defeated, should adopt a harassing system from the Upper Province.

Bonaparte having learned the active views of Djezzar, and the arrival of Sir Sidney, which foreboded instantaneous hostility, resolved to anticipate their schemes, and to march into Syria. After having adjusted all his measures in Lower Egypt, he put his Army in motion early in February, consisting nearly of 12000 men.--To detail his progress across the deserts would exceed my limits.

Upon the 10th of that month Bonaparte, in person, left Cairo to head his troops, whom he joined at El Arisch on the 17th; which village and its castle, were completely gained on the 25th. Ghazah likewise surrendered, and Jaffa, that theatre of his indelible crimes, was carried by storm upon the 7th of March. After the most incredible hardships, and many a harassing contest with the numerous Mamelukes, the French Army ascended the heights which command St. Jean d'Acre, upon the morning of the 18th of March, and commenced its investment.

Sir Sidney had employed this momentous interval, in a train of judicious measures. Leaving Constantinople on the 19th of February, he arrived off Alexandria upon the 3d of March, where he relieved Commodore Trowbridge, and assumed the command of the Naval Forces. That city had been long closely blockaded by Capt. Hood, and Sir Sidney, anxious to divert the French from their purposes against Syria, commenced its bombardment, but perceiving it fruitless, he proceeded for that coast in order to rally its affrightened Pacha, and to intercept the battering cannon destined for the siege of St. Acre, which he well knew must be transported by sea.

His conceptions were most prophetic, and all his plans were executed in a masterly stile. Reaching Caiffe upon the 11th of March, he afterwards steered for St. Jean d'Acre, where he arrived on the 15th, and concerted a system of defence with Djezzar.

On the 18th he chaced and captured the looked for flotilla off Cape Carmel, afterwards landed the ammunition it contained, and mounted the heavy cannon upon the ramparts of the Syrian bulwark and capital. Its works were much strengthened under the able eye of Colonel Philippeaux, and never were a few critical hours better applied than those which preceded the investment of St. Acre. The greater part of the Marines of the Tygre, Theseus, and Alliance were disembarked, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel (now Sir John) Douglas, who was vested by Sir Sidney with the Brevet Commission of Colonel, in order that the Turkish Forces, and the Seamen, who were also landed, might be under his orders.

From the 17th to the 23d of March the boats of the Tygre and Theseus were constantly employed in union with some gun vessels, in harassing the enemy's posts, checking his approaches, and cutting off his coasting supplies, upon which services Lieutenant Burton and the Marines under his command were distinguished for persevering gallantry.

Upon the 20th the French opened their trenches against the front of the salient angle, on the East side of the town, and within 900 yards. Between that and the 1st of April, they kept up a cannonade, when it appearing to the enemy that a breach had been made in the tower, against which their fire had been levelled, and conceiving also that the counterscarp had suffered from a mine they had sprung, the republicans advanced to storm it. In both, however, they were deceived; and though the Turks were at first panic struck, yet stimulated by the heroic examples of the Seamen and Marines, they returned to their post, and continued to pour down a shower of stones and grenades upon the assailants, until they retired with a heavy loss.

The squadron having been driven from its anchorage in the Bay, encouraged the French to push on their approaches to the counterscarp, a part of which they destroyed, and also made a lodgment in the North East angle of the wall, whence they began to undermine the tower. To avert its effects a sortie was deemed, advisable on the 7th of April, in which the British Seamen and Marines were to dash into the mine, while the Turks were to attempt the republican trenches to the right and left. Colonel Douglas led this attack, in three columns, at the head of each of which were the Marines, just before the break of day, and it would, most probably, have been a surprize, if the undisciplined clamour of their Mahometan Allies, had not proclaimed their approach to the enemy.

This handful of Seamen and Marines carried the first and second lines of the French trenches, parallel to the mine, although defended by the flower of Buonaparte's Army, and maintained them, until the mine was destroyed by the gallant exertions of Lieutenant White and his Sailor pioneers. That Officer very much distinguished himself, and with many others, who were badly wounded, was indebted for an escape from captivity to the cool intrepidity of Sir John Douglas and the remains of his little detachment, who bore them off into the garrison amidst a tremendous fire from the enemy.

I must here pause to render justice to the memory of one of the mildest and bravest of men, who unfortunately fell upon that day. I mean Major Thomas Oldfield of the corps of Marines. No eulogy of mine is necessary to adorn his tomb. I go to the records of a brave foe, where his epitaph is written, and who witnessed and recognized his valour. It is the honest testimony of a Soldier--of Gen. Berthier, whose own name has often been conspicuous amongst the splendid details of the Armies of France. He speaks in these emphatic terms: "On the 18th Germinal (7th April) the enemy, at break of day, came on with an attack on our left and our centre; each column was headed by British Marines belonging to the ships, and their colours were seen waving with those of Djezzar, and the batteries were all manned by English troops. The enemy made an attempt to surprize our advanced posts; but their design was seen through. We received them with a brisk fire from our parallels, and all that appeared were either killed or wounded. The enemy ultimately retired without gaining an inch towards destroying our works. The central column acted with more obstinacy. Their object was to penetrate to the entrance of our mine; they were commanded by Major Thomas Oldfield. He advanced boldly towards the entrance of the mine, at the head of some of his intrepid countrymen; they attacked like heroes, and were received by heroes; death only checked their bold career; the remainder retreated, and took refuge in the fortress. The approaches of our parallels remained covered with the dead bodies of English and of Turks. The corpse of Major Thomas Oldfield was carried off by our Grenadiers, they brought him to our Head Quarters, he was on the point of death, but on his arrival he was no more. His sword, to which he had done so much honour, was also honoured after his fall--it remains in the hands of one of our Grenadiers; he was buried amongst us, and has carried with him the esteem of the whole French Army."

This was the effusion of a brave enemy. I will superadd the animated address of Sir Sidney Smith to a meeting of the Anniversary of the Naval Asylum, on the 2d of June, 1802, and with it shall close this tributary theme.