Part 4

After the work of peace was accomplished, a great reduction of the forces took place, and the half-pay list for the year 1714, exhibits upon it the following Regiments of Marines:--The whole having been disbanded, and the officers thus remunerated.

Lieutenant General Holl's, &c.

[Here is a detailed list of Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Majors, Captains, 1st Lieutenants, 2d Lieutenants, Chaplain, Adjutant, Quarter-master, and Surgeon.]

Major General Wills's do. Brigadier Borr's do. Lord Viscount Shannon's do. One Muster-master General, and Three Deputies.

Tranquillity was scarcely restored to the nation, when it had to lament the loss of its Sovereign, who closed an amiable and a virtuous life upon the 1st day of August, 1714.

The eyes and hearts of every Briton, who was capable of appreciating, and solicitous to maintain the blessings he enjoyed, naturally turned towards a successor, the recognized virtues of whose illustrious House, were the surest pledge of a continuance of their religious and civil liberties.

Accordingly, the Crown was tendered to, and accepted by King George the First, whose wise and mild reign, amidst subsequent convulsions, fully realized every hope which the nation had formed.

He had scarcely been seated on his throne, when a rival appeared, the unfortunate dupe of the hostile and ambitious designs of France, against his kingdoms.

But the loyalty of his subjects, and the courage of his troops, defeated an attempt that must have renewed the evils which urged on a recent and a glorious Revolution.

In the first year of his Majesty's Government, it was judged proper to grant a signal mark of royal favour, in consideration of the extensive and gallant services of the Marine Regiments. Accordingly, all the officers attached to those of Lieutenant General Holl, Major General Wills, and Brigadier Barr were restored to their rank and full pay, and were generally incorporated with the different corps of the line. Four invalid companies were also granted.

A spirit of public œconomy, as well as of public jealousy against the very idea of a standing army, that existed during the æra of which I treat, preclude any retrospective details from me within the periods of 1715 and 1739--During those days the very name of a _Marine Soldier_ carried within it hostility to British liberty. It was a term which the most enlightened could not comprehend, and afforded a handle of discussion to the leaders of parliamentary debates, and of popular prejudices.

During the above interval, the nation encountered a short war, and was also placed in the attitude of preparation for a second--but the events of neither fall within my limited scope; as no force, except the nominal and unattached title of General of Marines existed, with four independent companies of invalids.

It was not until 1739, upon the repetition of Spanish cruelties and aggression towards the industrious and defenceless subjects of Britain, that the system of Marine Regiments was renewed. The sword was again drawn upon the 19th of October of that year, and an Order of Council of the 12th of December, determined upon the immediate levy of six of this description. The Colonels who were nominated to command them were as follow:

1st. Edward Wolfe, esq. from 3d Foot Guards.

2d. William Robinson, esq. Lieutenant Colonel from Handyside's Regiment of Foot.

3d. Anthony Lowther, esq. from 2d. Foot Guards.

4th. John Wynyard, esq. from Colonel Tyrrel's Regiment of Foot.

5th. Charles Douglas, esq. from Colonel Howard's Regiment of Foot.

6th. Lewis Ducie Morton, esq. from 3d. Foot Guards.

In order to render them immediately effective, and with a view to discipline them, five men from each company of the Regiments of Foot Guards, were appointed as Serjeants and Corporals, and mingled with the whole.--That they might also be rapidly completed, a bounty of one pound ten shillings was tendered to the first 1800 men of our regular army who should volunteer this transition of service. It was not long, by the use of such energies, before the whole were raised, and no part of the royal speech was more generally applauded than that which proposed this levy. The notion of their being an appendage to the standing army, seems to have been, at this time, considerably effaced, though the phantom was still kept alive by those who studiously search into and proclaim every apparent grievance. Early in the year 1740, three additional regiments were raised in America, and the Royal Standard was erected at New York, as the signal-post to which every volunteer Marine was to repair.

It was supposed, that from climate, the natives of that Continent were better calculated for the service to which they were destined than the Europeans, and they were clothed in a manner well adapted for the future scene of their duties. The Colonels, Lieutenant-Colonels, Majors, and Subalterns, were appointed by the Crown, and the Captains of Companies were nominated by the American Provinces. Their uniform was camblet coats, brown linen waist-coats, and canvas trowsers. Colonel Spotiswood, of Virginia was Colonel Commandant of the whole.

In January, 1740, the six Marine Regiments received an effective augmentation of 2040 men, and one Lieutenant to each Company. An addition also of twenty men was granted to each of the four Companies of Invalids, and another allowed to the retired Marine establishment.

Previous to the sailing of Admiral Vernon for the West Indies, he, in an Address to the Duke of Newcastle, and in terms of an honest zeal for the public service, thus expresses himself upon the subject of Marine Soldiers:

"I could wish, indeed, we had each of us a company of regular troops sent on board of us, which would have strengthened us in numbers, as well as had their expertness in handling their arms, to have incited our Seamen to the imitation of them. If we should come to a general war with France as well as Spain, I believe your Grace will have already perceived, from the difficulty of manning these ships as they are, the necessity there may be of converting most of our marching regiments into Marines; and if, as they become Seamen, they were admitted to be discharged as such, that would make a good nursery for breeding them, at a time we might probably find such a necessity for them.

"As I have always looked upon our fleet as what must not only protect our trade, but secure us the blessings of a Protestant succession, your Grace will be so good as to excuse the overflowing of a sincere, though it may be an imprudent zeal; being strongly convinced in my own judgment, that preserving a superiority at sea is the best security of his Majesty's government, as well as the trade and prosperity of this kingdom."

The above ideas seem principally drawn from that system which existed as to the Marine previous to the reign of Queen Anne, and what has been already noticed. The arguments also bear a similarity to those subsequently adopted by General Lloyd, whose Treatise I shall have a future occasion to quote.

If the subordinate arrangements of a ship could allow of it, much benefit would ensue to the public service by a greater number of Marine Soldiers being added to the complement of each, instead of a set of men denominated _wasters_, who are partly composed of criminals that have compromised with the injured laws of their country, who rarely, even upon a stretch of years, become real seamen, and who, from their former habits of life, are too often the leaders of discord and insubordination.

On the contrary, if the plan which is suggested were generally adopted, with such an additional force on board, capable of striking terror upon either element, not a British squadron would put to sea that must not be viewed by our enemies with a jealous eye; but what would keep their extensive coasts for ever on the alert, and by that rapidity and secrecy which are peculiar to all naval movements, objects might be effected, and conquests achieved that never were anticipated by the political surmises of our countrymen, or the intelligence of our foes. Many other weighty considerations might also be adduced to enforce this expedient, which more properly fall within discussion under a future detail of events.

At no period of time was ever the voice of the nation more unanimous for war. The evidence of Captain Jenkins, before the House of Commons, stating his sufferings from Spanish cruelty, aroused the indignation of every member, and notwithstanding the pacific temper of the Minister of that day, and his powerful influence, all were anxious to vindicate the insulted honour of the nation.

Before the declaration of hostilities, Admiral Vernon sailed for the West Indies, and arrived at Jamaica in the month of October, 1739. The aspect of public affairs previous to his leaving Europe, fully sanctioned immediate enterprize against the enemy.

After taking in refreshments at Jamaica, and having embarked 200 Soldiers under Captain Newton, to serve as Marines, he shaped his course for Porto Bello, the destined object of his attack, and at that time the great mart for the wealthy commerce of Chili and Peru.

The attempt was fraught with many apparent obstacles, but it was undertaken and performed with an unexampled spirit and promptitude, which are the surest means of success in military enterprize; but more particularly when it is aimed against the distant territories of an enemy.

Upon the 21st of November, the attack was commenced by the ships in line of battle, against the Iron Castle, a strong fort of 22 guns, at the north point of the entrance into the harbour. The Spaniards flying from several parts of it, an instant debarkation of the Seamen and Marines was resolved on, from the Burford, Norwich, and Worcester, under cover of these ships. With the loss of only two killed, they effected a landing, when they compensated for the want of scaling ladders, by each man mounting upon the shoulders of another, and thus entering the embrazures.--This Fort was carried although no breach had been made, which indeed was almost impossible, against walls of 9 feet in thickness, and such as afterwards withstood for a while, the explosions of those mines that were used to raze them.

This gallant beginning struck terror into the Garrison of Gloria Castle, and Jeronimo Fort, both which defended the town; the former had two regular bastions, and a curtain between them mounted with 22 guns, besides many more pointing towards the mouth of the harbour.

Upon the 22d, an attack was intended against the whole, but the enemy hung out the white flag, a signal of surrender. Upon this occasion, Captain Downing of the Navy led the attack on the Iron Castle. After having landed, he very properly wished to form his men into some order for it. One brave but impetuous Sailor, disdaining such precautions, pushed on, who, on being ordered to halt, answered with an ingenuous oath, "Don't let us halt, Captain, till we are lamed."

In this operation we sustained a loss of only twenty killed and wounded, while the enemy were lessened in their numbers by desertions into the country, and by action, nearly three hundred men.

After destroying the fortifications, which from their strength required some time, the Admiral with his squadron sailed for Jamaica upon the 13th of December, and previously received from the Governor and inhabitants of the place the warmest acknowledgments for the humanity and generous treatment they had experienced.

The bombardment of Carthagena, in February, 1740, and the attack upon Chagre (a fort situate upon the mouth of a river of that name, a little to the north-west of the Gulf of Darien), were all that could be performed before the arrival of reinforcements and supplies from Europe, now much wanted. The latter, surrendered, after a contest with the men of war and bomb-ketches, upon the 24th of March, when the Castle situated on a rock, and the Custom-house, under its protection, were demolished and burnt. The fleet afterwards returned to Porto Bello, and from thence to Jamaica.

At this period considerable exertions were making at home, with a view to attack more effectually the Spanish possessions in South America, as well as their own coasts.

A large number of men of war was assembled at Spithead, and Lord Cathcart, with six regiments of Marines, now considerably strengthened, with other forces, were encamped in the Isle of Wight, and continued in readiness for these intended services.

It was not until the 26th of October that the fleet set sail from St. Helens for Jamaica, where they arrived in the month of January, 1741. The united forces which were embarked on board were Wentworth's, Harrison's, and Cavendish's regiments of Foot, with the six regiments of Marines already detailed.

Unfortunately for his country, and that profession of which he was so bright an ornament, Lord Cathcart very early fell a victim to the climate, when the command devolved upon the Honourable Brigadier General Wentworth.

The whole force sailed from Irish Bay, in Hispaniola, upon the 25th of February, 1741, consisting in all of one hundred and twenty-four sail, having been reinforced by two of the Marine regiments raised within the American provinces, and other levies which had been previously formed in those colonies.

Upon the 4th of March, in the evening, the whole anchored in the Grand Playa, to windward of the town of Carthagena, the intended object of their attack.

After the necessary arrangements, the fleet moved forward in two divisions, upon the 9th, to silence the different forts, as preparatory to the landing of the troops. After little more than one hour's cannonade, those of St. Jago and St. Philip were deserted by the enemy, when five hundred grenadiers made a descent under their walls, and took possession of them. Against the 15th, every soldier, with the tents, tools, artillery, and ordnance stores were landed, the ground was cleared, and an encampment formed.

About this time, the Admiral being informed by General Wentworth that the army was much incommoded by a strong fascine battery on the opposite side of the harbour, called the Barradera side, he detached a number of boats, full of men, under the conduct of Captain Boscawen, having under him Captains Laws and Coats, of the navy.

Upon no occasion was intrepidity ever more conspicuous, and that great man at this time gave an earnest of what his country might expect from him. In their approach they did not observe from its situation a small battery of five guns, but they soon remedied their error, by resolutely pushing on shore, and gaining possession, after a slight resistance.

The enemy rousing a little from their surprise at the other, consisting of fifteen 24-pounders, opened their fire from two guns; but following up the same spirited course, the seamen, headed by their gallant leaders, advanced most rapidly, and carried this strong battery also.

Here they spiked up all the guns, destroyed the platforms, and completely effected this important object with but little loss. The enemy, well knowing the value of this position, soon mounted two heavy cannon, which were again silenced by a ship ordered for that purpose. A third opportunity--and the same scene of action afforded a display of Naval courage, when six other guns were once more destroyed, with every appendage to them.

These repeated efforts much aided the operations of the Army now employed in the reduction of the Castle of Bocca Chica. Upon the 25th of March, a practicable breach having been made in it, the general communicated his determination to storm it. Accordingly Admiral Vernon assembled all the boats, in order to co-operate, having landed their men within view of the enemy, where the fascine battery was fixed. This was a well-judged diversion; for when the grenadiers advanced to storm, at the hour appointed, they met no resistance, as the Spaniards fled without firing a shot.

A panic had now seized the enemy, who set fire to one of their ships. Taking advantage of this state, the boats resolved to attempt the fort of St. Joseph, which was immediately evacuated.

Being now within the boom thrown across the harbour, and the Dons, seeming determined to sink their ships, they judged it proper to row on, and soon boarded the Galicia, carrying the flag of the Spanish Admiral.--These obstructions being removed, the Admiral and the squadron, still with much difficulty, moved into the harbour.

After various services, the Castle of Grande Castillo having been gained, and the enemy sunk all their men of war, farther preparations were made for landing the troops nearer the town, in order to cut off all communication with the main land. Our loss, up to the beginning of April, was two Colonels of Foot, one of Marines, with one Captain of the Royal Navy, besides other Officers slain, and upwards of four hundred of different descriptions killed and wounded.

That mortality, which is the never-failing result of protracted operations in this inhospitable clime, now began its ravages. Matters were pushed on--the bomb-ketches on the 2d of April began to play upon the town, and the other passages of approach cleared from the ships sunk by the enemy, as being necessary for the disembarkation of the forces near the city. After these difficulties were removed, they were landed at the dawn of the 5th, under the command of General Wentworth, who, after a spirited contest, established his encampment within a mile of the fort of St. Lazar.--Things now drawing to extremities, it became necessary to forego the ceremonies of a regular siege, and, however hazardous, to rest the issue upon a storm.

Accordingly, before day-break on the 9th, five hundred Grenadiers, supported by a thousand Marines, and some Jamaican levies, advanced against the enemy's lines in front of the fort. These were distantly followed by a body of Americans, with wool-packs, scaling ladders, and hand grenades.

The Spaniards were entrenched to the shoulders, and their works over-awed by St. Lazar; but neither intimidated the gallant progress of our men, who, led by Brigadier General Guise, were much annoyed, suffering extremely from flanking fires, which they had not foreseen, and enduring a heavy loss before they could reach the object of their attack. The persevering and undaunted bravery of British Soldiers was never more displayed than on this day. They at last gained their point by intrepidly leaping into the entrenchments, and driving their enemies into the fort, which communicated by a draw-bridge with the lines.

It was now those gallant fellows felt the precipitate errors of their superiors. The unarmed Americans in their rear, many of whom were killed without possessing the powers of resistance, dispersed, and threw away the charges committed to them. Three only did their duty, and with these scanty supplies, a bold effort to scale the walls of St. Lazar, was made by ten grenadiers, headed by a serjeant.--They mounted them, but being unsupported, were all cut to pieces, except him who saved himself by trusting his destinies to a headlong adventure.

Cooped up within a narrow spot, exposed to the grapeshot and marksmen of the enemy above them, the situation of these brave remnants became desperate after the break of day.

A retreat was now the only expedient left, which was accomplished under the countenance of a strong reinforcement from the camp, but under the effects of a galling fire from the fort. The Spaniards, however, did not dare to pursue a body of men, now weakened by loss, but covered with glory. Nearly seven hundred composed the list of killed and wounded upon this occasion.

The future operations of the army ceased to be offensive, and their exertions necessarily became precautionary. Dissentions, with their arising results, delay and disease, accomplished what the enemy durst not attempt.

It belongs not to me to enlarge upon either causes or effects in my limited detail, excepting where in either there may seem a tendency to involve the military character of those men whose memoirs and services I have undertaken to record. The Soldier may appear as often distinguished amidst misfortune, as the Citizen, though his country will render honours to the victorious alone, like the world, which, too often, confines its incense to the prosperous.

It is a tribute due to the gallant subordinates of the fleet and land force to say, that, throughout their arduous duties, they evinced a courage and perseverance worthy of their country and their cause. While history is bound to publish truths, it never ought to extenuate the errors of any branches of its subject.

By the 16th of April some hundreds became sick from exposure to the weather, the heavy rains that periodically set in about this time, and the scanty supplies of water; among whom were many of the principal officers.

Upon the 23d and 24th, Councils of War were held, which decided upon an immediate re-embarkation. Captain Knowles of the Navy, who had throughout bore a distinguished part in the duties of an Engineer, was now entrusted with the demolition of Castillo Grande, which was with much labour completed on the 25th, and all the guns rendered unserviceable. The same was effected at Bocca Chica. Upon the whole, the Spaniards sustained a heavy loss, as appears from the following detail:

_Guns_ Bocca Chica Castle 80 Fort St. Joseph 20 Fort St. Philip 15 Fort St. Jago 6 Fascine batteries on Barradera side 20 Four men of war at Bocca Chica 332 Two batteries at Passe Cavalla 13 Castillo Grande 63 Port Mazinello 12 Seven galleons 128 Conqesadon and Dragon men of war 134 ---- 723 ====

Such events to the enemy were for some time irretrievable, and long felt. The charges of repairing the different fortifications must have been prodigious, when we consider the strength with which they were constructed.

Our loss upon the whole was undoubtedly great, being in all nearly two thousand men, and I annex a detail of the Officers of European Corps who were killed, died of the diseases incident to the climate, or of the wounds they received:

WENTWORTH'S Regiment of Foot.

_Killed_ _Died_ Lieut. Colonel (Sandford) 1 0 Major 0 1 Captain 0 1 Lieutenants 9 5 Ensigns 0 2 ---- ---- 10 9 ==== ====

General HARRISON'S.

_Killed_ _Died_ Lieut. Colonel (Daniel) 0 1 Captains 1 4 Capt. Lieutenant 0 1 Lieutenant 2 5 Ensigns 0 2 ---- ---- 3 13 ==== ====

CAVENDISH.

_Killed_ _Died_ Lieut. Colonel (Grant) 1 1 (Hely) Captains 1 2 Lieutenants 1 2 Ensign 1 0 ---- ---- 4 5 ==== ====

WOLFE'S Marines.