Part 8

Upon this occasion a woman fought in the Marine Ranks of the name of Hannah Snell, a native of Worcester, who, after many chequered destinies, inlisted at Portsmouth in Colonel Frazer's regiment, from whence she was embarked with a detachment on board the Swallow sloop, one of Admiral Boscawen's squadron. In this affair she behaved with distinguished courage, having fired 37 rounds, and received a ball in the groin, which, two days afterwards, she herself extracted, and likewise dressed the wound. Eleven others in both legs, but of inferior consequence also, rendered her removal to the Hospital, at Cuddalore, absolutely necessary, where she continued three months.

When recovered she was ordered on board the Eltham frigate, in which she continued till that ship returned home and was paid off. After receiving her discharge from the Marine Service, in company with many of her companions, she set out for London. The time arrived when they were to bid each other a long adieu; this moment she chose to discover her sex, in order to attest the truth of her adventures. One of her friends tendered his hand, which was declined. She afterwards wore the Marine Dress, and having presented a petition to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, he, with a princely spirit, attended to her prayer, and placed her on the King's list for a pension of thirty pounds a year for life. This she enjoyed until a few years ago, when, after a long residence at Walsall, in Staffordshire, her days were closed.

It was not until the 25th of September that the batteries were completed, when they began to play. Owing to a general ignorance of the plan of Pondicherry, our first attack was directed against its strongest quarter, and after different approaches, it was discovered that a deep and intervening morass prevented their being carried within a distance near enough to produce effect. Notwithstanding a combined cannonade on the part of the squadron, against the town, it was found that the enemy's fire rather gained an ascendency. Sickness becoming prevalent, from the fatigues endured by the troops, often up to the middle in water; the rainy season being daily expected, which would inundate the country and cut off their retreat to Fort St. David's, and the army rapidly diminishing in its numbers, afforded strong grounds for immediately abandoning the siege. A Council of War, held on the 30th of September, determined upon this measure, after which period the only objects to be accomplished were reimbarking the men and stores, and setting fire to the batteries, all which were effected upon the 5th of October, and the whole were in motion upon the morning of the 6th.

They had happily chosen the critical moment for retreat, as the rains which fell upon the same evening, had nearly rendered the rivers impassible; however they reached Fort St. David's upon the evening of the 7th, after having demolished the Fort of Arian-Coupan on their way.

The want of Engineers was bitterly felt throughout the whole, and though it was in many instances amply compensated by the handsome and voluntary tenders of service, from the Officers of the Corps of Royal Artillery, still these were of too subordinate a nature to remedy the errors committed in the leading plan of operations.

We had also to combat a garrison nearly equal to our own army, which was but little aided by the Native Auxiliaries, whose chief use lay in guarding the skirts of our Camp from surprize, or harassing parties; for they would never defend any post without being supported by European troops.

This disaster involved a loss of 1065 Whites of every description, while that of the enemy did not exceed 500.

In the West Indies an attack was again intended against St. Jago, in Cuba, by some land forces embarked at Jamaica and the Marines of the squadron, with which design the whole put to sea, but after a long perseverance against strong northerly winds, which prevented their approaching that coast, it was given up, and diverted to an enterprize against Port Louis on the south side of Hispaniola. This service was performed by the ships in line of battle, which, after three hours heavy cannonade, compelled its Governor to surrender upon terms, when Major Scott, with a detachment of Governor Trelawney's regiment, and the Marines, were landed, and took possession of the Fort in the name of his Majesty.

After having shipped or destroyed upwards of 80 heavy cannon, and blown up the works, the whole were re-embarked.

Towards the close of the present year a very serious mutiny occurred on board his Majesty's ship Chesterfield, upon the coast of Africa, but like all attempts of so diabolical a nature, it was suppressed by the spirited efforts of a few well disposed of her crew. This leads me to the reflection, that, however brave and intrepid the character of a British Seaman is, still his valour becomes palsied the moment it is exerted in a wrong cause. Such indeed must ever be the consequence of such ill aimed combinations. The wretch who is capable of subverting his country's interests cares but little for those of his friends. In principle a villain, he never fails being the first to desert and betray the unfortunate men, who are the dupes of his counsels, particularly when his own life appears in danger.

In order to exhibit how dangerous it is even to _conceal_ the existence of a mutiny, I will state an instance which arose out of the above occasion:--After the Chesterfield was recovered from those daring insurgents, she was carried into Barbadoes, when all the culprits were put on board the Richmond, excepting two. Some of them were indulged with their liberty and to mess with that ship's company; so liberal are our laws even to the criminal, before trial and condemnation.

Having, by their protestations of innocence, interested some of the people in their favour, T. Ferriman, the ship's Steward, I believe from pure motives, and wishing to discover those who had united in planning their escape, drew out a paper for the signature of all who wished well to the scheme. Within two hours he was himself informed against, by one who had subscribed to it, and being found in his pocket, it was too powerful an evidence to resist that article of War which holds him equally guilty with the perpetrator, who _knowingly conceals_ any gathering mutiny even for a moment.

Every detail of active operation closes with the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, now a second time rendered memorable by the growth of the Olive.

After more than nine years hostility, all the powers agreed to a general restitution of conquests. France and Spain were left to lament a ruined Navy, and an impoverished people, while Great Britain felt an accession of more than four millions of circulating specie, which concealed from the public view a large addition to her national debt.

At this time the respective rank between the sea and land Officers was decreed by his Majesty, and an order issued for an exact uniformity of dress throughout the naval service.

Amongst the many reductions which now progressively took place, during 1748, and the early part of the ensuing year, may be remarked the total extinction of the Marine establishment, the Officers of which, at these successive periods, were placed on half pay.

CHAP. XVIII.

Peace having been proclaimed upon the 2d of February, 1749, the liberal policy of Government was soon after conspicuous towards its disbanded servants.

The settlement of Nova Scotia, hitherto a neglected spot, presented itself to the enlightened mind of the Earl of Halifax as a proper field for improvement, and it readily occurred to him, as a fit occasion, for rendering useful to the State a body of men, that might have otherwise been let loose upon society.

Accordingly grants of land in that Province, were tendered to every rank of his Majesty's land and sea forces, and as a spur to immediate population, an extension of privilege and property was allowed to him, who should embark his family, in proportion to its numbers.

Some of the liberal professions, and mechanicks of different descriptions were also invited to become adventurers, under similar inducements, and the plan of a happy Civil Government emanating from a British fountain, was early framed for the permanent happiness of these military colonists.

Under such assurances above 4000 bid adieu to their native shore, and upon the 21st of June the whole anchored in the bay of Chebucto, upon the southern coast of the Province, where a town was quickly raised, fortified, and divided into lots, which was named Halifax; a monument of the liberal and humane views of its noble patron. The occasion merits many a reflection which I am not allowed to indulge.

While it is the wisdom, it is also the interest of every Country to frame employ for those who have served it faithfully in war. A distinction between the industrious and the profligate would soon be marked by Society, and the worthless wanderer roaming about unpitied, would be compelled to contribute to his own support, and thus promote the general good.

Every circumstance after the peace tended to shew that it was only a temporary expedient on the part of France.

Alternately they continued to inflame and negociate during nearly the whole interval of public repose, and by their extensive Naval preparations, which were not confined to their own Country, they obviously evinced the intention of renewing hostilities when they felt themselves in sufficient power.

Upwards of six years provocation and remonstrance had elapsed, when repeated insults aroused the Nation. Early in 1755 our armaments began, at which time a levy of 50 Companies of Marines, was ordered, and the following appointments of Officers to them appeared in the Gazette of the 5th of April:

Lieutenant Colonels.

James Patterson, Thomas Drury, Charles Gordon,

Majors.

Richard Bendyshe, Charles Leighton, James Burleigh.

Captains.

Hector Boisrond, Gabriel Sediere, John M'Kenzie, Charles Repington, Alexander Cumming, Sir Robert Abercrombie, Alexander Douglass, Edward Rycaut, John Wright, Thomas Dawes, John Tufton Mason, Thomas Sheldon, Thomas Moore, John Gordon, Richard Baker, James Dundas, George Maxwell, James Robertson.

First Lieutenants.

Daniel Campbell, Dudley Crofts, George Langley, James Hill, Alexander Cathcart, Francis Hay, Donald M'Donald, John Shuttie, Edward Howarth, Robert Duglass, John Phillips, John Brown, Colin Campbell, Robert Ewer, Archibald Campbell, George Ord, Laucelor Willan, William Fraizer,

Captains.

John Campbell, Claud Hamilton, John Bell, John Dennis, Thomas Dalton, Thomas Whitwick, James Hamilton, Robert Barker, John Groeme, John Beaghan, Samuel Prosser, Patrick M'Donal, Alexander Irons, Charles Webb, William Stacy, Richard Brough, Henry Smith, John Johnston, Leathes Johnston, Christopher Gauntlett, Tooker Collins, Walter Canuthers, John Vere, William Picton, Richard Shuckburgh, Richard Hawkins,

First Lieutenants.

James Short, George Bossuque, James Mercer, John Frazer, W. Ayton Douglas, Dennis Bond, Thomas Backhouse, Gerard Dennet, Thomas Troy, Edward Shyffin, George Gulston, Richard Dennison, William Thompson, John Elliot, John Pitcairne, James Perkins, William Dennis, Ralph Teasdale, Pierce Deut, Robert Shirley, Daniel Campbell, John Blinkhan, William Lutman, Thomas Wright, William Rowley, Thomas Stamper,

Captains.

George Maddison, Charles Grey, Robert Burdet, John Yeo, Robert Packhurst, Alexander Leslie,

First Lieutenants.

Thomas Airy, Thomas Smith, ---- Waller, Charles Fletcher, Benjamin Edwards, Enoch Markham.

These, formed into three divisions, were placed at Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth, under the controul of the Board of Admiralty, and an Act was passed for their regulation while on shore.

Some of the names detailed, still live, while others, like them, survived to hold distinguished rank, and to prove ornaments to their profession, and the British Army.

From this era the Marine Corps has ever constituted a branch of the peace establishment, the sale of Commissions was abolished, although a transit between the Army and it, was still kept up, which, from the casual introduction of men of influence, animated promotion. But this system was soon changed, by which reform all Officers rose in regular rotation, and what is the regulation of the present day. Every appointment in the Marine Corps was notified from the Admiralty, and appeared in the London Gazette; a practice for reasons I know not, has been since discontinued.

Although no declaration of war had taken place, still hostilities of a serious nature had been committed in America, and captures to an immense amount were made by our cruizers during 1755. Even since the signature of peace, indeed, the French maintained a spirit of inveteracy in the East, which aimed at universal dominion. Preparations were at last commenced, and the country at large began to feel their wrongs.

CHAP. XIX.

An unaccountable dread pervaded the nation, which the public measures certainly tended to heighten. In the early part of 1756 the enemy had collected immense forces upon their coasts with the avowed object of invading England. Foreign auxiliaries were called in, measures of precaution and defence were adopted, while the real objects of attack from all their mighty threats, were entirely forgotten and neglected. Amongst the additional forces voted during the present year, 9138 Marines were decreed by Parliament; in order to complete which 30 additional companies were ordered to be raised. The expedient of a land impress was resorted to, in the form of an "Act for the more speedy and effectual recruiting his Majesty's Land Forces and Marines," but which was suspended by a Royal Order upon the 1st of May, in consequence of the zealous and patriotic co-operations of the nobility and gentry, who, by their purses and their energies, rendered it unnecessary.

The real designs of the French having been developed in an expedition against Minorca, while they continued to amuse the nation by the terrors of an invasion, produced a declaration of war upon the 18th of May, against that power. Admiral Byng had been detached for its relief, and had previously been ordered to disembark all the Marines from his ships, in order to take on board a number of land forces destined for the relief of that garrison.

Commodore Edgcumbe, who commanded the British squadron in the Mediterranean, foreseeing an attack upon the island, had landed 1 Captain, 2 Subalterns, 4 Serjeants, 4 Corporals, 3 Drummers, and 104 Rank and File, being nearly the whole of his Marines, to strengthen its defence, who shared in the fatigues and the glory of that distinguished siege under Lieutenant General Blakeney. Much spirit and determined bravery was evinced in the course of it.

After more than two months tedious approaches, the enemy stormed, upon the 25th of June, in different points, but with partial success. The firing had continued from ten at night until four upon the following morning, when Marshall Richelieu beat a parley in order to bury his dead. But he shamefully invaded the interval of suspension, by reinforcing the lodgments he had gained, which communicating by subterraneous passages, afforded easy access into the body of the place itself.

This led to its immediate fall, by capitulation, after seventy days contest, and is an instance of what little confidence should be placed in the French character, under every similar occasion.

The Nation, always too apt to despond from slight causes, most bitterly lamented this event, which was preceded by the very unwelcome tidings of a drawn battle between the hostile fleets. Sir Edward Hawke succeeded the unfortunate Admiral, who became a victim to the strict letter of the law, and the general prejudices of his Country. From a vast superiority our commerce in those seas was well protected, while that of the enemy suffered extremely. The constant threats of descent appeared to paralyse every exertion but that of domestic security; while the enemy were carrying on their schemes of distant conquest under the panic which these had produced.

Towards the close of the year a new Ministry was formed, to which the Nation looked with confidence and hope.

In this administration that great and manly character, Mr. Pitt, was one.--No farther details occur under the era of 1756.--The Marines, in common with their brethren in the British Fleet, shared in the credit which was gained by some partial actions during the year.

CHAP. XX.

An addition of twenty companies was ordered early in the year 1757, to complete the parliamentary vote of eleven thousand four hundred and nineteen marines.

The happy change which had taken place in the councils of the nation seemed to extend its effects through every department.--That vigor and unanimity was, however, again suspended by intrigue and faction, of which the enemy availed themselves, by detaching with impunity, reinforcements to their distant dominions.

A coalition of parties having been accomplished, re-animated the country, but nothing peculiarly interesting or falling within my scope, can be remarked within the current incidents of this year. Some partial naval actions, which did honor to the leaders, and which reflected credit upon all the subordinates who had a share, were fought within this period. They evinced that our spirit was not extinguished, but that it only awaited the auspices of some guiding hand, and a higher occasion, to render it of substantial benefit to the public.

CHAP. XXI.

The fears of an invasion began now to subside, and these warlike preparations which had hitherto been made with a view to self defence, were, under the bold and enterprizing genius of Mr. Pitt, soon to be turned against the enemy's coasts. This was necessary to animate the people, as well as politic in forcing the French to withdraw a part of their immense forces upon the Continent. A farther augmentation of thirty Companies was granted to the Corps of Marines, to keep pace with the general energies, which completed their establishment to fourteen thousand eight hundred and forty-five, being the vote for the service of 1758. At this period too, that highly useful body of men, the National Militia, was ordered to be raised and organized for domestic security, while our regular armies were employed in retaliating the terrors of invasion, and in carrying the war into the foreign possessions of our enemies.

Early in this year was fought the memorable action between the Monmouth and Foudroyant, which must ever be considered as one of the most distinguished events upon our Naval Annals. Monsieur De Quesne, with a nobleness that did him the highest honour, in delivering his sword to Lieutenant Carkett, the representative of the gallant Captain Gardiner who fell, was not ashamed to avow that he had surrendered only to the force of the Monmouth. The great inequality in this contest confers a lasting credit upon the meanest individual who bore a part in it.

Sir Edward Hawke, commanding a squadron of seven sail of the line, observing a number of the enemy's ships, with forty transports full of troops, at anchor off the Isle of Aix, he pushed on with a view to attack them; but they slipped their cables, and were run ashore upon the mud, after having thrown their guns and stores over board, by which means they escaped. The enemy had been employed in repairing the works upon the island that were destroyed in our expedition of last year. The Admiral disembarked Captain Ewer, with a party of one hundred and forty Marines, upon the 5th of April, with orders to demolish them. This service was effected with discipline and humanity, as it was accomplished most completely, and without the smallest molestation to the inhabitants.

An expedition having been meditated to the Coast of Africa, consisting of two hundred Marines, under Major Mason, and a detachment of Artillery, it sailed from Plymouth on the 9th of March. Upon the 24th of April, this squadron, under the command of Captain Marsh, arrived off the river Senegal, and against the 29th, the small craft got over the shallow bar, being opposed by some vessels of force, which were, however, obliged to retire, when a landing was made. Early on the following day, being about to advance against Fort Lewis, situated upon a small island about twelve miles farther up the river, a deputation from the Superior Council of Senegal arrived, with articles of capitulation, which were accepted. In consequence, Major Mason, with his Marines, took possession of the Fort upon the 2d of May, in which was a garrison of two hundred and forty soldiers and ninety pieces of cannon, with treasure and merchandize to a great amount. During this short service, the sufferings of the men were great, as many of the boats having the tents, cannon, and ammunition, were overset upon the bar, which circumstance exposed them to the nightly dews and the scorching sun upon that inclement coast, without a shelter. Being a key to their grand Establishment at Goree, this acquisition was of much importance.

It falls a second time to my lot to mention the active services of my Corps in the conquest of Cape Breton, and its Capital, now rendered more formidable by experience. A violent surf prevented the landing of our forces, under the conduct of Sir Jeffrey Amherst, seconded by the Brigadier Generals Whitmore, Laurence, and Wolfe, from the 2d until the 8th of June, during which the ships were exposed to a cannonade from cannon and mortars. Upon that day, the debarkation took place in different points, amidst the greatest difficulties, during which Gen. Wolfe was very highly distinguished. Some lives, and about one hundred boats were lost in the attempt. After different preparations and approaches, which would be too wide a field for my detail, the Marines of the Fleet were landed, on the 26th of June, when being formed into a battalion, they took post at Kennington-cove, and afforded a vast relief to the Army then occupied in very extensive duties. Upon the 30th, they were engaged at this post, and repulsed the enemy. Their ships in the harbour continuing to incommode our troops, an enterprize was formed against them during the night of the 25th of July, which occasion very much signalized Captains Laforey and Macbride of the Royal Navy, who took and destroyed the Beinfaisant and Prudent. Upon the 26th, the French proposed terms, by which five thousand six hundred and thirty-seven soldiers and sailors became prisoners of war, and in the capitulation was included the surrender of the islands of Cape Breton and St. John's. Gen. Amherst, in public orders, desired the Commanders of every Corps to acquaint the Officers and Men with the high satisfaction which he felt from the bravery and good conduct of the troops--a conduct that had, and always must insure success, and what he would take the liberty of reporting to his Sovereign. A severe blow to the navy of France, was one of the happy circumstances of this achievement.

Considering the many detached enterprizes with which the year 1758 was marked, the most sanguine could not hope that all would succeed without loss, where the chief objects were to land upon, to harass, and keep in alarm the widely extended coasts of France.