Part 26

It having been resolved to destroy the enemy's works, a debarkation of upwards of 1000 men took place early on the morning of the 14th of September, while a sortie from the garrison was attempted against the battery which overawed the harbour. Captain Long, with his division of Seamen, Marines, and Swiss, proceeded to demolish the batteries on the right side of the bay, which he performed in a gallant stile. That Officer was shot through the shoulder very early in the action, but persevered in the attack, until his little advanced party, consisting of 26 Seamen and Marines, reached a spot where the enemy had a field piece, and were in considerable force. It was within 18 yards of their position that this brave young man received a mortal wound, when he was carried from the field. He lingered and died, and so strongly impressed was the foe with admiration of his valor, that a suspension of arms was maintained, while his remains were borne, with military honors, to the grave. Lieutenant Campbell, of Marines, after this mishap, instantly charged, drove the republicans to a narrow pass, where, being reinforced, he was held in check; but having accomplished the chief object which was intended, he effected a retreat to the garrison.

Captains Johnstone and Richardson, who headed the division against the enemy's works on the left side of the harbour, did every thing that could have been expected from brave and experienced Officers. After having ruined the batteries of Punta Pina, the grottoes, and giovanni, a vast quantity of ammunition, and having carried off 150 barrels of powder, the British and Allied troops were attacked by very superior numbers in different quarters. Under existing circumstances a retreat was the only expedient, which, after a spirited contest, was made to the boats and within the walls of the fortress. Lieut. Clarke, of Marines, was wounded and made prisoner. The general loss was by no means equal to the nature of this service. Colonel Airey expressed himself highly indebted for the support and assistance given by the Seamen and Marines. Although the inadequacy of numbers prevented the completion of every object, still this diversion afforded a temporary aid to the brave defenders of Porto Ferrajo.

Major Weir signalized himself in a subsequent sortie on the night of the 10th of October, and the garrison never relaxed in the most animated perseverance, until peace threw open its gates to a new sovereign. Captain Halsted, previous to the appearance of Sir John Warren, had captured or destroyed the whole of the French blockading squadron.

Those Northern Powers, against whom Britain had reluctantly drawn the sword, experienced a severe and early chastisement in the loss of all their West India Colonies, which successively yielded to the prompt and vigorous measures of Admiral Duckworth and Sir Thomas Trigge. St. Bartholomew's, St. Martin's, which alone offered any resistance, St. Thomas, and Santa Cruz submitted to the Army and Fleet during the month of March, and the islands of St. Eustatius and Saba were occupied by our forces in April. These conquests afforded no field for achievement, but they gave opportunities for the display of much united zeal.

Captains Manby and Butcher, their Officers, Seamen, and Marines were noticed for gallant single actions, and Lieutenant Mackenzie, with those under him, for much intrepidity in cutting out a schooner from under the batteries at Guadaloupe.

It is with a heartfelt pain that I am constrained to blend with these honorable details, another instance of baneful insubordination which occurred on board the Castor frigate, upon Sunday the 13th of December. The trying hour produced another example of steady fidelity in Lieutenant J. S. Smith and his loyal party of Marines. Captain Fanshawe upon observing the first symptoms of revolt, ordered the detachment under arms, which was obeyed with an unsurpassed alacrity. The young but spirited Officer, who headed them, needed no prompter to a decisive conduct. He, with an unlooked for rapidity, charged bayonets, drove the guilty criminals to the larboard side of the lower deck, where, cooped up, they were forced to surrender their ringleaders.

The heroic feelings of a private Marine, who was confined to his hammock at the outset of this commotion, would have done honor to any age of the world. Though depressed with fever, still he arose, put on his accoutrements, took his musquet and his post in the ranks. On being questioned why he was there, he nobly replied to his Officer, "Oh, Sir, this is not a time to be sick." This action obtained for him a subsequent promotion, and on retrospect, it still merits a pecuniary tribute. It is under the impulse of cordial esteem, as well as of public justice, that I annex the very flattering testimony of the Court Martial, which sat upon those deluded mutineers, respecting the firm conduct of Lieutenant Smith and his party. Captain Western, the President, addressed him in these words: "I have it in command from this Court to express to you the high sense they entertain of your very Officer like conduct on the evening of the 13th of December, and the good and steady conduct of the party of Marines embarked under your orders. Your prompt and spirited execution of Captain Fanshawe's orders appears to the Court to have stopped a very dangerous mutiny, and the token of their approbation of your conduct will be transmitted to the Commander in Chief, and inserted in the minutes of the Court Martial." This became much enhanced by the following very judicious and handsome order from Admiral Duckworth:

"Southampton, Fort Royal Bay, 26th December, 1801.

"Memorandum--Whereas the members of the Court Martial on the mutineers of his Majesty's ship Castor, have felt called upon, in justice to the exemplary and meritorious conduct of Lieutenant J. S. Smith, of the Marines, and the party under his command, to express their high sense of such spirited behaviour.

"It is my directions that these sentiments of the Court are read on board his Majesty's ship under my orders, to testify how fully I accord with the Court in the commendation so deservedly bestowed.

"(Signed) J. S. DUCKWORTH."

Early in 1801 Lieut. Vyvian, of my corps, fell in a gallant attempt to bring out two vessels, at anchor, within the bar of Senegal, protected by heavy batteries on the shore. Nothing could exceed the obstinate courage of all under Lieutenant Dick, who commanded in the attack. After twenty minutes contest they carried his Majesty's late sloop the Senegal, which they were obliged to destroy, and with much difficulty the boats effected a retreat across a tremendous surf, and exposed to a dreadful discharge of grape shot. This success was dearly purchased with the lives of Lieutenant Palmer, 1 Midshipman, and 8 Seamen and Marines. Lieutenant Vyvian left not behind him his superior for promising talents, or correct manners.

Two very gallant actions were fought in the East, which did honor to Captains Adam, of La Sybille, and G. R. Collier, of the Victor. La Chiffone and La Fleche yielded to the discipline and valour of British Seamen and Marines, which were exemplified in a striking degree, by each ship having been opposed to batteries on the shore, intricate shoals during the battle, and to an equal force in those antagonists which they combated.

Nothing occurred upon the station of Jamaica. Society had to deplore the loss of one of its most valuable members, and the Royal Navy one of its brightest ornaments, in Lord Hugh Seymour, the Commander in Chief.

FOOTNOTES:

[5] Windsor Castle, Princess Royal, Malta, Glory.

[6] Caramania is a Province of Turkey, in Asia, in the South part of Natolia.--Satalia is its Capital.

[7] The letter of Earl Elgin corrected the mistake which had delayed the delivery of the medals, and transmitted to Sir Richard a list of those Officers who were entitled to them, agreeably to a detail given by Lord Keith.

CHAP. XLVII.

The wide and important interests to be discussed, necessarily protracted the desirable event of a Definitive Peace, during which anxious interval both nations rested on their arms.

The powerful detachments of our republican neighbours, to the western world, could not be viewed by a vigilant Ministry, but with a jealous eye, whom it behoved to push a force adequate to counteract their schemes, if directed against our Colonies. Such mighty armaments taking their departure for a distant quarter, during pending negociations, had doubtless an influence in spinning them out, and it was not until the 27th of March, 1802, that this salutary work was consummated; a day which diffused a general joy through each rival land.

Public gratitude did not cool after the return of tranquillity, but with an enlightened policy, as well as a liberal justice, it embraced and anticipated the wants and feelings of those brave men who had vindicated their Country's honor, her glory, and independence.

Many revolving years had witnessed the distinguished gallantry, the unimpaired loyalty of the corps of Marines; the records of a British Legislature had long teemed with grateful memorials of their merits upon the shores, and the ocean of every clime, but with scarcely one solid mark of recompence for all their brilliant services.

It was reserved for the year 1802, and the ministerial auspices of Earl St. Vincent, to draw this body of faithful Soldiers into a close alliance with a family and a throne, for which they had so often bled, and round whom they will rally to the latest period of their existence. The title of _Royal_ was not the acquirement of influence. No! it was the gain of more than one hundred years of undiminished zeal; a Monarch's tributary sacrifice at the altar of honor! It is a sacred appellation which, I trust, we will not sully, and what we never will surrender into any hands, without a glorious struggle, but into those of a branch of that Illustrious House, from which we received it. A Sovereign's favor cheers the Soldier, soothes all his past sufferings, and cares, and turns his eyes to future glory alone.

The boon was accepted by the Marine Corps with all the manliness of conscious desert, and with a thankful exultation.

It was conveyed, in the following terms, from Sir Evan Nepean, to Lieutenant General Souter Johnstone, Commandant in Chief:

"Admiralty Office, April 29, 1802.

"SIR,

"The Earl St. Vincent having signified, to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that his Majesty, in order to mark his Royal approbation of the very meritorious conduct of the corps of Marines, during the late war, has been graciously pleased to direct that, in future, the corps shall be styled "The Royal Marines."

"I have great satisfaction in obeying their Lordships commands to communicate this intelligence to you; and in offering their Lordships congratulations on this testimony of the opinion his Majesty entertains of the very distinguished services of that part of his forces to which you belong.

"I am, Sir, &c. &c.

(Signed) "EVAN NEPEAN."

"Lieut.-Gen. Souter Johnstone, Commandant of the Marines."

A respectable and effective force of 100 companies, was the peace establishment, and subsequent events have realized the wisdom of that measure.

The retired list was also considerably augmented, which yielded a retreat, not only to the worn out veteran, but likewise to those who could identify an incapacity for future service. Every necessary reference as to the former and present details of the corps, may be had to that list which is annually issued from the Board of Admiralty, upon the 1st of January, and is in the hands of almost every Officer.

Although hostility had ceased in every quarter, still the Marine Soldier was oftener than once conspicuous upon the annals of the year, by a steady fidelity and valour.

A very dangerous insurrection of the 8th West India regiment in the island of Dominica, marked by circumstances of the most shocking barbarity, was checked in its immediate effects, in part, by his firm countenance. It fortunately occurred, when those murderous revolters first shewed their spirit, that his Majesty's ship Magnificent was at anchor in Prince Rupert's Bay. Some shot, from the Lower Cabareta, which went over her, was the first symptom of mutiny on the shore, and it was soon confirmed by intelligence that the Blacks had risen in arms, and had assassinated a number of their Officers. Captain Gifford tendered his services to the President of the island, who, conceiving it only the prelude to a general commotion, gladly accepted the offer. Lieutenant O. Neale volunteered the duty of disembarkation, and he felt it a difficult task to restrain the ardor of the whole party of Marines, to follow him. But his number was confined to 2 Serjeants, 2 Corporals, and 36 Privates, with which he put off from the ship just at dawn on the morning of the 10th of April. Observing the rebels advancing rapidly to the beach, he anticipated their object, quickly effected a landing, and took post on a hill, after the exchange of some scattering shots. Opposed to nearly 500 Blacks, whom he kept at bay during the day, reinforcements became necessary, and he was farther strengthened by two successive detachments of Marines under Lieutenants Lambert and Hawkins. Upon this rising ground, those brave fellows, not exceeding 66, gave refuge to many Officers who flew from the ferocious hands of the mutineers. They were afterwards joined by some Colonial Militia, who were little calculated, from the mixed nature of their arms, to oppose a resolute enemy. The dispositions of Lieutenant Lambert through the night, aided by the counsels of Mr. O. Neale, were like a good Officer. The native troops gave way to slumber. His outposts were, therefore, confided to his faithful companions, and all his energies were derived from his own brethren. Incessant rains had nearly rendered useless all their ammunition.

On the following day the Marines were ordered to Grand Ance, in order to protect the inhabitants, and through that night were posted in the swamps to prevent the escape of the Blacks from Fort Shirley. Many of our men had been 56 hours on shore amidst the greatest privations; having had nothing to eat but raw salt beef and biscuit. The stagnated smell from their position, pointed out the necessity of obtaining some other refreshment to recruit nature, and to avert disease. A Marine of the party, overhearing the discussion amongst his Officers, nobly said, "I will go to the village and bring them--I know I must go and repass the enemy's fire, but my life is not mine, it is at the constant command of his Majesty's service." He accordingly performed his duty, and escaped unhurt.

Bread was distributed, and brandy administered, in scanty portions, through the night, by the Officers, who exhorted the men to keep up their spirits. The feelings of the brave are ever reciprocal in acts of kindness. One and all they exclaimed "We wish to add another laurel to our corps, we will follow you where ever you go." The mud collected by the rains, had, in the course of marching, deprived many of their shoes, which could not be remedied but from the ship. Frequent flags of truce had passed between General Johnstone and the fort. Mr. Roberts, an Officer of Engineers, requested to storm it, if the mutineers would not surrender the barrier, providing the Marines accompanied him, who, to a man, volunteered, saying, "We don't mind shoes, we can fight without them." The Governor applauded their gallant zeal, and assured them of a preference, if their services should be wanted.

The Marines united with detachments from the Royal Scotch, and 68th Regiments, marched into the fort upon the 12th, and drew up in front of the Black Corps, which presented arms to the troops; having three of their own Officers, as prisoners, placed between their colours. General Johnstone was obeyed by them in his orders to shoulder, order, and ground their arms; but on being commanded to step three paces in front, the cry was "No," they instantly resumed them and fired a volley: this was returned, and was followed up with a charge of bayonets, which broke their ranks, and dispersed the mutineers in every direction. The greater part fled up the Outer Cabaret, keeping up a fire until they reached the rocks, down which many precipitated themselves, and those who could afterwards crawl from the bottom were exposed to a discharge of grape and cannister from the Magnificent.

John Budd, private Marine, distinguished himself most signally during the pursuit. He was attacked singly by four black grenadiers, one of whom he killed with his first fire, wounded another, when coolly awaiting a return from the other two, reloaded his musquet, with which he shot a third, and bayoneted the fourth. Afterwards turning to him who was wounded, he closed his destinies, and throwing the remains of the whole over the rocks finished his exploit by saying "This is the way I shall serve all traitors." The conduct of John Lamswood, and Alexander Livingstone is also worthy of notice; both were severely wounded, but they persevered in their duty until the loss of blood, brought them to the ground. The former received a ball in his mouth, which lodging in his throat, was afterwards extracted by an able operation of Mr. Veitch, Surgeon of the Saturn. I am authorized likewise to detail the name of John Batt, private, whose alacrity, during these arduous services, cheered his associates. As my scope is limited, I would not detract from the merits of these corps, with which mine was united. Theirs were such as to maintain their long established reputation. Upon their return to Martinique, the whole detachment met a mark of public recompence in those necessaries which they had expended, and the Officers received the thanks of General Johnstone, and of the Presidency of Dominique, which they had probably saved from general revolt.

I wish I could close the year with a more gratifying topic than that of insubordination, which first shewed its lurking spirit in the Mediterranean, by the most daring acts. It broke out on board the Gibraltar, whose crew chose to decide the propriety of fulfilling or disobeying the orders for their future destination. Attempts of violence were opposed by the noblest firmness in Captain Johnstone and his gallant party on board, by whose spirited and prompt exertions, with those of the Officers, good order was restored, the flame stifled from spreading farther, and the services of a brave squadron preserved to their Country at a momentous crisis.

Two of the ringleaders suffered death; upon whose trials the distinguished merits of the Marine detachment were apparent to the Court, who gave testimony of their gratitude by inserting them upon their records. The following communication bespoke, in suitable terms, the very high sense which the Commander in Chief entertained of their meritorious conduct, which was read throughout his fleet.

"Kent, Oristagni Bay, 4th November, 1802.

"Memorandum--Whereas it appears in the minutes of the late Court Martial, on the mutineers of the Gibraltar, that the detachment of Marines, serving on board that ship, bore no part in the disgraceful proceedings of the 6th of October last, but much to the credit of the Officers and themselves, maintained the character of the loyal and respectable corps to which they belong, by a steady adherance to their duty. The Rear Admiral takes this public method of expressing his approbation of their good and soldier like conduct, and requests Captain Johnstone to accept his thanks.

(Signed) "RICHARD BICKERTON."

"To the respective Captains, &c."

A similar instance of indiscipline occurred on board the Excellent upon Christmas Day, which was subdued by the firmness of her Officers, aided by the undaunted allegiance of her party of Marines. Nothing from me can superadd to their honor. I annex the result which proceeded from Commodore Hood, and is such as carries a powerful evidence of their fidelity.

"Blenheim, Carlisle Bay, Barbadoes, 30th Dec. 1802.

"Memorandum--The Commander in Chief had flattered himself in the hope, that all those ill disposed acts of mutinous conduct were at an end in the Royal Navy, and that Seamen would endeavour to heighten their characters in the eyes of the rest of his Majesty's subjects; but he trusts the punishment he has been obliged to order to be carried into execution on those unfortunate men may be sufficient example to deter a few evil minded persons from disturbing the repose and good order amongst the Seamen in future.

"The Commander in Chief (as well as the members of the Court Martial) is highly sensible of the active exertions of the Officers of his Majesty's ship Excellent, in quelling the late mutiny on board her, and also the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Private Marines belonging to the said ship, who, by their firmness in resisting the attempt to seduce them from their duty, and in opposing men in actual mutiny, have increased, if possible, the high character the corps has so justly acquired; and begs to assure _the whole of them_, they have his best thanks, and he shall not fail to represent their meritorious conduct to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.

(Signed) "SAMUEL HOOD."

"To Captain Maxwell, Blenheim."

CHAP. XLVIII.

Besides the many useful reforms adopted by Earl St. Vincent, for the internal œconomy of the British Navy, his Lordship also turned his attention to the corps of Royal Marines. Upon the 18th of March, 1803, a new code of instructions was published for their regulation when on shore, which vests in the four Senior Captains of each division, the management and superintendance of many concerns that had formerly been placed under separate departments. It would exceed my bounds to attempt the discussion of arrangements which are obviously well designed to promote the interests of the public and the individual, as well as to establish a facility in subordinate transactions. Experience, doubtless, will attest their wisdom, and posterity recognize with gratitude their enlightened author.

The joyous work of peace had scarcely been fulfilled, when disappointed ambition began to wreak its rancour, through the low channels of a venal press. Hitherto the organs of knowledge, and sometimes of liberal opinion, the papers of republican France, under the controul of its First Consul, became the contemptible interpreters of degrading scurrility and the most inflammatory philippics against the English Government. Like the noise of the rattlesnake, they proclaimed a latent danger, while all the public institutes of Buonaparte were levelled at the foundations of our commercial greatness. A banditti of unauthorized agents also set themselves down in our seaports, who, under the specious pretexts of trade, were commissioned to explore our coasts and to contaminate our principles. By such subtle means had the courage and the energies of almost every State which had fallen under the French yoke, been previously undermined, and they well merited the instant and retaliating vengeance of a great kingdom. But war is a serious evil, and every expedient to avert it should be tried by a commercial Country, ere it has recourse to arms. There can be no compromise, however, where national security and honor are at stake. Ours were involved, and we again took up arms in defence of our dearest birthrights.

My corps very soon met an increase of 43 companies to complete the legislative vote for 1803. This has introduced to actual service, all who were upon the half pay list, and produced many vacancies upon the establishment, which, to the perpetual honor of Earl St. Vincent, have been filled by the offspring or kindred of the veteran Marine Officer, who have uniformly met a preference from his Lordship, to the adopted sons of power.