_The following Sheets contain an Answer to a Pamphlet, which appeared on
the Close of the last Session of Parliament, and is entitled,_ An
Account of the Expedition to _Carthagena._
_To set that whole Transaction in the most clear Light, the Author has
laid before the Publick an exact and faithful _Journal_ of the most
material Occurrences, not only during the Troops being on Shore in the
Neighbourhood of _Carthagena_, but from the Time of the Fleet's sailing
from _Jamaica_; the Period from which the Author of the Pamphlet begins
his Relation._
_The Notes are (as far as it was practicable) placed in the same Order
with those in the Pamphlet; to which References are made, that the
Reader may (if he pleases to take that Trouble) compare each Note with
the Answer to it._
_Several Facts will be here found to be placed in a very different Light
from the same Facts, as they are described in the Pamphlet, and others
to be rejected, as absolutely false and groundless; but the Author
flatters himself, that he has advanced nothing which is not founded upon
Truth, and such as can be supported by living Evidences, or by
authentick Records, whenever his Antagonist shall be pleased to lay
aside his Mask; otherwise, no Notice will be taken of any Reply, which
may hereafter be published._
January _the 10th, 1740_.
It was resolved in the principal Council of War[1] held at _Spanish
Town_ in _Jamaica_, that the whole Fleet should proceed to Windward, to
observe the Motions of the Squadron under the Command of the Marquis
_d'Antin_; and that Capt. _Dandridge_ should be sent before in the
_Wolf_ Sloop to get Intelligence.
No Time having been lost in preparing to put to Sea; _January_ the 22d,
Sir _Chaloner Ogle_ sailed with his Division out of _Port-Royal_
Harbour; Commodore _Lestock_ the 26th, and Vice-Admiral _Vernon_ the
28th: The three Squadrons, having join'd _January_ the 31st, made Cape
_Tiberon_, on the Coast of _Hispaniola_, _February_ the 7th; the same
Day Captain _Dandridge_ came into the Fleet. _February_ the 8th, the
Admiral made a Signal for General and Flag Officers, and communicated to
them the Report he had received from Captain _Dandridge_,[2] _viz._
"_That he had_, January _the 30th, look'd into_ Port-Lewis, _where he
had seen nineteen Ships of War; that one of them carried a Flag at the
Main-top-mast Head, and another a broad Pendant_;" which Report being
taken into Consideration, it was resolved to steer directly to the Isle
of _Vache_; where the Fleet arrived _February_ the 12th, and cast Anchor
at about two Leagues to the Westward of _Port-Lewis_.
The same Day Captain _Laws_ was sent in the _Spence_ Sloop a-fresh to
reconnoitre the Harbour of _Port-Lewis_, who return'd in a few Hours
with a Report, "_That he had there counted sixteen Ships of War, and
that one of them carried a broad Pendant_."
_February_ the 13th, the Admiral, accompany'd by the General, went in
his Barge into the Bay between the Isle of _Vache_ and _Hispaniola_,
where there was found sufficient Depth of Water for the large Ships, and
good Anchorage for the Transports. _February_ the 14th, a _French_
Officer came off with a Message; but the Admiral declining to see him
'till late in the Evening, he return'd without having deliver'd it.
The Admiral went further up the Bay to a small _Kay_ (Island) with an
Intention to reconnoitre the _French_ Fleet, and was there join'd by the
General, who perceiving it to be impossible thence to look into the
Harbour, desired, that he might in Person go in with the _Spence_ Sloop,
and that Captain _Knowles_, being a good Draughts-Man, might accompany
him; to which the Admiral consented.
As soon as the Sloop open'd the Harbour, Capt. _Laws_ declared, that the
Ships there lying at Anchor were _French_ Men of War, and pointed to
one, as having a white Flag at the Main-top-mast-Head; but the General,
not being fully satisfied, order'd the Sloop to stand within Gun-shot,
when it appeared, that the Ships in View were Merchant-men, most of them
unrig'd; excepting one Frigate of forty Guns, whose Main-top-mast-Head
lying in a Line with the white Gable-End of an House, occasioned the
Mistake about the Flag.
_February_ the 15th, Captain _Boscawen_ and Captain _Knowles_ were sent
with a Message to the _French_ Governor; the Purport of which was, that
the Admiral not being on board his Ship, when an Officer came off to
speak to him, he had not seen him, but now sends to know what he had to
offer; that the Fleet was forced by strong Breezes into the Bay; that he
desires Leave to Wood and Water: They return'd with a very polite
Answer, and brought an Account of the Marquiss _d'Antin_'s being sail'd
for _Europe_.
Capt. _Renton_ came into the Fleet, and confirm'd the Report, "_That the
Marquis_ d'Antin _sail'd with his Squadron for_ Europe, _January_ the
26th."
_February_ the 16th, the principal Council of War being assembled, it
was resolved, that the Fleet, after having taken in Wood and Water at
_Iros_, _Tiberon_ and _Donna-Maria_ Bays, should thence proceed directly
to _Carthagena_.
_February_ the 17th, the Fleet sailed from the Isle of _Vache_, and the
Day following came to an Anchor in _Iros_, _Tiberon_ and _Donna-Maria_
Bays.
Seven Days having been employ'd in taking in Wood and Water; Detachments
from the _American_ Regiment, and from the Negroes, were daily sent on
Shore to cut Fascines and Pickets.
_February_ the 25th, the _Weymouth_, the _Experiment_, and the _Spence_
Sloop, were order'd a-head, under the Command of Capt. _Knowles_, to
sound _Punto-Canoa_ Bay, which lies about two Leagues to the Windward of
_Carthagena_.
_February_ the 26th, the whole Fleet got under Sail, and came to an
Anchor in _Punto-Canoa_ Bay, _March_ the 4th.
_March_ the 5th, a general Council of War composed of the four principal
Officers of the Army, and of the four principal Officers of the Navy,
was held for settling the Shares of Plunder; but no Scheme could be then
formed for attacking the Town, "from the Want of proper
Intelligence."[3]
_March_ the 6th, the General, accompany'd by some of the principal Land
Officers, went on Board the _Lyon_ Man of War to reconnoitre the Town,
the Coast adjoining, the Forts on _Tierra Bomba_, &c. but did not return
to the Fleet before the 8th in the Morning: The _Lyon_ having lost her
Main-Mast by the great Swell of the Sea. The _Weymouth_, the _Dunkirk_,
the _Experiment_, and the _Spence_ Sloop, were order'd to the Mouth of
the Harbour, for taking the Soundings, and for getting Information how
near the large Ships could approach for battering the Forts on _Tierra
Bomba_.
_March_ the 8th, a general Council of War being assembled, and having
received, and carefully weighed, the Reports of the General Officers,
and of the Captains of the _Dunkirk_ and _Weymouth_, it was unanimously
resolved, that Sir _Chaloner Ogle_ should the next Morning fall down
with his Division to the Mouth of the Harbour, and batter the Forts, St.
_Philip_, St. _Jago_, &c.
The General afterwards assembled a Council of War, composed of Land
Officers; when a Disposition was made for landing the Troops.
_March_ the 9th, in the Morning, Sir _Chaloner Ogle_, accompany'd by the
General, proceeded, with his Division, to the Attack of the Forts: Three
eighty Gun Ships; the _Norfolk_, Capt. _Graves_; the _Shrewsbury_, Capt.
_Townshend_; and the _Russel_, Capt. _Norris_, were order'd to batter
those of St. _Philip_ and St. _Jago_: Which Service they perform'd very
gallantly, having, before the Evening, drove the Enemy from their Guns,
and forced there, to retire out of the Forts.
About Two, the General and Sir _Chaloner Ogle_ went on board the
_Norfolk_, and afterwards the _Russel_, for the better reconnoitring the
Enemy, and viewing the Ground where the Troops were proposed to be
landed.
The Loss on board the _Norfolk_ and the _Russel_ was not very
considerable, but the _Shrewsbury_ suffered much more; for having
received a Shot in her Cable, she drove so far, as to open the whole
Fire of the Castle of _Boca-Chica_, &c. to which she lay exposed till
the Night gave her an Opportunity of removing to a safer Birth. As there
were no Guns either in _Fort Chambra_, or on what was called the Fascine
Battery, the _Princess-Amelia_, and the _Litchfield_ met with no
Opposition.
About Five, Sir _Chaloner Ogle_ made a Signal for landing the Troops,
which was repeated by the Admiral, who lay then with his Squadron at
about a League's Distance.
As soon as the Grenadiers appeared, the General joined them, with an
Intention to have landed immediately; but the three principal Officers,
and two of the Companies, being still wanting, he order'd the Boats to
lie under the Cover of the _Russel_ and the _Norfolk_, there to wait
their Arrival: They were in a short Time joined by the Lieutenant
Colonel and Major, and one Company; but Col. _Wynyard_, "who was
detain'd with his Company of Grenadiers, on board the _Strumbulo
Fire-Ship_, _from the want of Boats_," being still absent, the Landing
was further post-pon'd to about Seven, when they were, without
Opposition, put on Shore on the Strand, to the Left of Fort St.
_Philip_, under the Command of Lieutenant Col. _Cochrane_: After having
seen them in Possession of the Forts, the General returned and went on
board a Vessel, which lay near the Shore, and there passed the rest of
the Night.
In the Disposition for Landing, the Grenadiers were to have been
sustained by a Brigade, commanded by Brig. _Guise_, and Col. _Wolfe_,
who themselves join'd the General; but the Brigade did not come down
till the Day following, being prevented by the strong Breezes.[4]
The same Evening the Bomb Ketches began to fire upon the Castle.
_March_ the 10th, as soon as the Day appeared, the General went on
Shore, and gave Orders for forming the Grenadiers upon the Beach, for
covering the landing of the rest of the Troops; which not being
compleated till late in the Evening, the whole lay that Night upon their
Arms.
_March_ the 11th, the Negroes, Tools, and Tents being put on Shore; the
Ground was clear'd, the Tents pitch'd, and the Troops under cover the
same Evening.[5]
Two Coupures or Lines were begun into the Woods; one for cutting off the
Communication of the Castle of _Boca-Chica_ with the City, the other for
opening a way to the Skirts of the Wood, for the erecting a Battery;
which last was this Day advanced 500 Yards.
Mr. _Moor_, the principal Engineer, landed in the Night; the Ordnance
Ship, on which he was embarked, having been drove to _Leeward_.
_March_ the 12th, a Mortar Battery was begun, between the Forts St.
_Phillip_ and St. _Jago_; and the Coupure leading to the Castle, was
carried on to the Skirts of the Wood, but that for cutting off the
Communication, was discontinued by the Advice of the principal
Engineer.[6]
All the Negroes, and as many Soldiers as could be spared, from their
other Duty, were employed in cutting Fascines and Pickets. A Traverse
was raised in the Coupure leading to _Boca-Chica_, and an Epaulement was
thrown up for the covering the Workmen, which were to be employed in
raising the great Gun-Battery.
_March_ the 13th, A Defence was made of Casks filled with Sand, to cover
the Mortar Battery from the Enemy's Fire; this Evening, (not the 17th,
as the Author is pleased to alledge, Page the 10th,) it was finished,
and began to play upon the Castle.[7]
The Bomb-Ketches likewise continued to throw their Shells, and it was
observed that _several_ of them did not take place in the Castle. The
Ground was traced out for the great Gun-Battery.[8]
The Coupure leading to the Castle of _Boca-Chica_, was enlarged. A
Lieutenant Colonel's Guard was mounted to cover the Workmen to be
employed on the great Gun-Battery.
The Enemy fired very smartly, both Yesterday and this Day, and killed
several Men in the Camp.[9]
_March_ the 14th, the Works were carried on with all the Expedition our
Circumstances would admit of; but were much retarded, not only from the
Heat of the Climate, which renders _Europeans_ almost unable to support
the least Fatigue, but from the Negroes throwing down their Loads, and
working Tools, whenever a Shot came near them. These Difficulties having
been represented to a Council of War by the principal Engineer,
signifying at the same time, that an Addition of 1600 Men to the Forces
then on Shore was wanting, to enable him to push on his Works with
Vigour, a Demand was made of that Number of Soldiers to be landed from
the Fleet, which the Admiral was pleased to refuse, alledging, that we
could have no Occasion for them.
_March_ the 15th, the General, accompany'd by Mr. _Moor_ and Capt.
_Knowles_ view'd the Works at the great Gun Battery, and passed the
Skirts of the Wood to reconnoitre the Castle, which had then received
little or no visible Damage from the Shells.
_March_ the 16th, all possible Diligence was used in cutting Fascines,
sharpening Pickets, preparing Planks and timbers _&c._ for the Battery.
The Artillery, and the greatest Part of the Stores, were by this Time
landed,[10] of which Part was carried to the great Gun Battery.
_March_ the 17th, the Parapet of the great Gun Battery was very near
raised to the Embrasures.
A Representation was made to the Admiral from a Council of War of Land
Officers, of the Necessity of driving the Enemy from their Fascine
Battery, which, as it was seated on the other Side the Entry into the
Harbour, could not be done without the Assistance of the Fleet,
otherwise the Attack upon it would have been made by a Detachment from
the Land Forces on Shore.
The same Day, it was resolved in a Council of War, composed of Sea
Officers, to make an Attempt on the Fascine Battery with three hundred
Sailors, and _two hundred Soldiers_, detach'd from those remaining on
board the Fleet.
_March_ the 18th, several of the Cannon were drawn up to the Battery,
and mounted upon their Carriages.
The Enemy, having discovered our Workmen, began to fire briskly upon
them from the Castle, with Stones, _&c._ A Party of the Enemy fired upon
the Negroes, who were employed in the Woods in cutting Fascines; but did
no other Damage than the interrupting their Work.
During the Night, the Fascine Battery was attack'd by 300 Sailors, and
200 Soldiers, who possessed themselves of it, with very little
Opposition.[11]
_March_ the 19th, an Epaulement was raised to the left of the great Gun
Battery, to cover it from the Fire of the Enemy's Ships of War; twelve
of the Platforms were finished. The Enemy were perceived to be at Work
in repairing the _Barradera_ Battery.[12]
_March_ the 20th, the Wood began to be clear'd away before the great Gun
Battery, and seven Pieces of Cannon were brought upon the Platforms.
_March_ the 21st, nineteen Embrasures were finish'd, all the Cannon
placed upon the Platforms, and the Wood was cut away, which cover'd the
Battery from the View of the Castle.
_March_ the 22d,[13] the Battery being finished, began early in the
Morning to play upon the Castle, not only with the great Guns, but with
forty small Mortars and Cohorns, which fired alternatively; the Enemy
return'd the Fire very briskly from the Castle, the Fascine Battery, and
the Shipping; but with no great Effect, excepting, that the Balls which
miss'd the Battery, did some Damage in the Camp.
_March_ the 23d, A Squadron of Men of War,[14] under the Command of
Commodore _Lestock_, were order'd to cannonade the Castle of
_Boca-Chica_, and the Enemy's Ships, which guarded the Mouth of the
Harbour; but were obliged to drop their Anchors at so great a Distance,
that their Shot had little or no Effect. After having suffer'd
considerably from the Enemy's Fire, the Admiral sent them Orders to
retire; tho' it was upon this Occasion enter'd in the Journals, and by
Order, that the Breach was enlarg'd by the Fire from our Men of War;
yet, in Fact, the Breach was not touch'd by one single Ball; such of the
Shot as reach'd the Curtain, and the Face of the western Bastion, made
little more than a slight Impression, and fell into the Ditch.
A continual Fire, and with good Effect, was kept from the great Gun
Battery, which the Enemy return'd very briskly, and but with too much
Success: Mr. _Moor_, the principal Engineer, having been mortally
wounded, as he was attentively considering the Effect of the Shot from
his Battery.
_March_ the 24th, a Detachment from the Fleet, composed of Sailors and
Soldiers, commanded by Capt. _Watson_, made a second Attempt on the
Fascine Battery, and enter'd it without the least Opposition; destroy'd
the Carriages, Platforms, _&c._ Early in the Morning the General visited
all the advanced Guards and Batteries, and towards the Evening
reconnoitred the Breach, which he not thinking to be yet practicable,
signify'd the same by Letter to the Admiral, who had vehemently pressed
the Attack. The great Gun Battery fired during the whole Night
alternatively with round and Grape Shot.[15]
_March_ the 25th, the Breach being enlarged, and reported practicable by
an Engineer, who had been sent to reconnoitre: It was resolved in a
Council of War to make the Attack the same Evening.
A Disposition having been prepared for that Purpose, and approved by the
Council of War; at about half an Hour after five the Troops advanced
towards the Fort. The Forlorn-Hope consisted of a Serjeant, and twelve
Grenadiers, who were immediately followed by thirty Voluntiers; next
march'd 260 Grenadiers (the whole then remaining) under the Command of
Lieutenant-Colonel _Macloud_, and afterwards Colonel _Daniel_ at the
Head of a Detachment of 500 Men, who had under his Direction some small
Parties, carrying Scaling Ladders, broad Axes, Pick-axes and Spades, to
be in Readiness in case of need: The whole was sustained by 500 Men,
under the Command of Lieutenant Colonel _Cochrane_; and Brigadier
_Blakeney_, the Brigadier of the Day, had the Direction of the Attack.
Upon a Signal, which was, the Firing of three Bombs from the Mortar
Battery, a Volley of round Shot was pour'd in upon the Breach, from the
great Gun Battery, and was immediately followed by a second of Grape
Shot, which obliging the Centinels upon the Walls to put themselves
under Cover, probably occasioned their not having perceived the Troops,
when they first began to move to the Attack; but some time before they
reach'd the Foot of the Walls, the Drums in the Fort beat to Arms, the
Top of the Breach was man'd, the Ships began to fire with Grape Shot,
and several Shots were made from Fort St. _Joseph_, tho' without doing
any other Execution, than the killing of one Man. The Commandant of the
Fort being at that time on board one of the Ships, the Garrison fell
into Confusion, and fled with Precipitation out of the Gate, as soon as
the Grenadiers began to mount the Breach.[16]
Soon after our Troops were in Possession of the Castle, the _Africa_ and
St. _Carlos_ were sunk; and the St. _Philip_ being set on Fire (whether
by the Enemy, or the red-hot Balls from the great Gun Battery, is
uncertain) blew up very near to the Walls of the Castle; but without
doing any Damage. When the Troops were moving towards the Breach, some
arm'd Boats from the Fleet, commanded by Capt. _Knowles_, were perceived
rowing towards the Mangroves; on what Design[17] was altogether a
Secret to the General, he having not received the least Intimation of
it. They had on board a Party of Soldiers and Sailors, who being landed
on the _Barradera_ Side, marched (the former leading the Way) to the
Shore, the nearest to Fort St. _Joseph_; when it was resolved to pass
thro' the Water, and to make an Attempt upon it; but the Men, who were
sent in to sound, not finding it practicable, and being discovered, the
Enemy began to fire upon the Party with Grape Shot, which obliged them
to retire under the Cover of the Bushes. The Commandant then proposed,
that the Centinel should be civilly desired to admit them into the Fort;
but the rest of the Officers not much depending on his Complaisance,
advised the making a general Attack upon it with all the Boats; in
Answer to which, it was alledged, that as three of the Enemy's Ships of
War were already destroyed, and as Fort St. _Joseph_ lay under the Fire
of the Castle, of which our Troops were then in Possession, such an
Attempt would be quite unnecessary, as that Fort must on Course fall
into our Hands: It was therefore resolved to go on board the nearest
Ships, and there to wait for fresh Orders from the Admiral, which being
come, the Commandant, in a short time, row'd towards the Fort, which he
found abandoned, and enter'd it without the least Opposition.
As soon as we had possessed ourselves of the Gate of the Castle, and
that the Guards were posted, the General ordered out a Party of
_Harrison_'s Grenadiers, with the proper Tools, under the Command of Mr.
_Blane_ the Engineer, and of Mr. _Bennett_ (who first enter'd the
Breach) to cut the End of the Boom adjoining to the Castle, which they
did effectually about nine; and it was the Want of a Boat only that
prevented the Landmen's seizing the _Galicia_, on board of which Capt.
_Knowles_ rowed about twelve, and afterwards order'd a Party of Sailors
to cut the other End of the Boom.
_March_ the 26th, the General issued out the proper Orders, for
reimbarking the Troops, Artillery, _&c._ in which Commodore _Lestock_,
who remained with his Squadron at the Entrance into the _Lagoon_, was
directed to be assisting.
_March_ the 27th, the great Surf of the Sea prevented the Boats from
coming into Shore, and retarded the Imbarkation of the Troops, _&c._ A
Road was made from the grand Battery to _Boca-Chica_, for the more
commodious Conveyance of the large Cannon. The Admiral's Ship, and some
other Ships of War, having warped thro' the Channel, began to move up
the Harbour.
_March_ the 28th, _Harrison_'s and _Wentworth_'s Regiments, being
order'd to strike their Tents, and to go on board their Transports, were
prevented by the Surge of the Sea, and obliged to pitch them again near
the Walls of the Castle. The _Weymouth_, and the _Cruizer_ Sloop, were
sent to demolish two little Batteries on the _Passa-Cavallos_,[18]
which they performed without Opposition, and likewise seized or
destroyed such small Craft, as they found upon the _Lagoon_.
_March_ the 29th, the two old Regiments, and some of the Stores, were
put on board. All the Artillery and the Materials, which had been
employed for erecting the great Battery, were placed upon the Shore in
Readiness for Embarkation.
_March_ the 30th, Colonels _Wolfe_ and _Robinson_'s Regiments embark'd,
and all possible Diligence was used in getting on board the Stores and
Artillery.
A general Council of War was held on board the Admiral's Ship, wherein
it was resolved to land the troops as soon as should be practicable,
"_for the cutting off the Communication of the Town with the Country on
the Land Side; and that the Artillery should be embark'd with all
possible Expedition to proceed after them_." It was also resolved,
"_that such Numbers of Soldiers, as the General should judge would be
wanting for that Service, should be landed from the Fleet_."
The Council of War, on this Occasion, might probably think it
unnecessary to make any mention of what Share the King's Ships were to
take in the Attack of the City, as it is believed, that not one of the
Members could have the least Room to doubt of the Admiral's ordering in
some large Men of War to batter the Town, as soon as the Channel should
be laid open for their Admittance into the _Surgidero_; a Circumstance
so much taken for granted, before we were in Possession of _Boca-Chica_
Castle, that it was confidently affirmed (and by no inconsiderable
Persons in the Navy) "that, after a Way should be laid open for the
Ships into the Harbour, the Assistance of the Land Forces would be no
longer wanted." The _Russel_, which had on board Sir _Chaloner Ogle_;
the _Weymouth_, &c. turn'd up the Harbour, and cast Anchor not far from
_Castillo Grande_.
_March_ the 31st, Colonels _Lowther_ and _Wynyard_'s Regiments embark'd.
The Cannon and Stores continued to be put on board.
The Enemy seem'd to prepare for a vigorous Defence, by their having sunk
the seven Galleons in the Channel leading to the _Surgidero_, and moor'd
two large Men of War at the Entrance of it, which last having been
likewise sunk during the Night, and _Castillo Grande_ in all Appearance
abandoned; Sir _Chaloner Ogle_ order'd Captain _Knowles_, in the
_Weymouth_, to stand in within Gun-shot, and to fire upon it; which
being done for some time, without any Return, Boats were sent ashore,
and the Castle was enter'd without Opposition; of which the Admiral
having Notice, he order'd one hundred of the Soldiers, who were on board
the King's Ships to remain there in Garrison.[19]
Capt. _Laws_ was dispatched to _England_ in the _Spence_ Sloop, with an
Account of the taking of _Boca-Chica_ Castle; notwithstanding the
Instances used by both the General, and Sir _Chaloner Ogle_, to postpone
sending, till it should be known, what would be the Success against the
City; which, considering the Strength of the Enemy, that our Troops
began to sicken, and that the rainy Season was then begun; could by no
thinking Man be look'd upon to be otherwise, than doubtful.
_April_ the 1st, Colonels _Moreton_, and _Grant_'s Regiments embarked.
Captains _Griffin_ and _Renton_ being sent to reconnoitre the Channel;
and observing that the Stern of the _Conquestador_ was afloat, they
found Means to heave her round, and thereby opened a Passage for the
Bomb-Vessels, and two twenty Gun-Ships. The Transports got through the
Channel, and began to move up the _Lagoon_, but the Ordnance Ships still
remained at the Entrance into the Harbour, the Artillery and the Stores
being not yet all put on board.
_April_ the 2nd, The General, with the greatest Part of the Transports,
came to an Anchor near _Castillo Grande_. The Bomb Ketches began early
in the Morning to play upon the Town, but were placed at too great a
Distance, for the Shells to do much Damage.
The Enemy set Fire to a _French_ Ship, which lay at Anchor near the
Walls.[20]
_April_ the 3d, all the Cannon and Mortars were got on board; but the
Carriages, _&c._ still remained upon the Shore. The _Weymouth_ Man of
War having passed the Channel, the Enemy fired upon her some random
Shot; but she lay at too great a Distance to receive any Damage. Such
_Americans_, as had served on Shore, as likewise the Negroes, imbarked
this Day on their Transports.
_April_ the 4th, a Council of War of Land Officers was held on board the
_Dorsetshire_ Transport, wherein it was resolved, that the Troops should
be landed the 5th at Break of Day; for which a Disposition having been
prepared by the General, and then laid before the Members, was by them
unanimously approved of. The _Weymouth_, the _Cruizer_ Sloop, and two or
three Fireships, kept firing, during the Night, with Grapeshot into the
Woods adjoining to where the Troops were to land.
_April_ the 5th, the Troops, which were appointed first to land,
amounting to about 1400 Men, under the Command of Brigadier _Blakeney_,
rendezvous'd along Side of the _Weymouth_: At about five in the Morning,
the General ordered Colonel _Grant_ to move towards the Shore with the
Grenadiers, who having landed[21] without Opposition, and being
immediately followed by the rest of the Troops, the whole was formed in
the Order for marching against the Enemy. After having waited a short
time, in Expectation of the 200 _American_ Soldiers, who were by the
Disposition to have joined us with the working Tools; as likewise of the
Negroes, and a Party of Matrosses, designed to attend eight Pattereroes;
the General ordered the Grenadiers to enter the Wood, and Brigadier
_Blakeney_ to sustain them at the Head of the old Regiments. Having
reach'd the End of the Defillee, with the Loss of only one Man, by the
Fire of a straggling Party, they halted, and signify'd to the General,
that the Enemy appeared; who immediately advanced to the Head of the
Grenadiers, and passed the Defillee: Where having carefully reconnoitred
the Disposition of the Enemy, he ordered The Grenadiers to march, and to
dislodge them. The Enemy, (as it was afterwards reported by Deserters)
consisted of about 700 Men, and were drawn up on the Strand, in such a
manner, as to cover the Road leading to the City, where they seem'd
determined to expect us; the Ground over which the Troops were to march,
did not admit of much more than one large Plattoon in front; the
_Lagoon_ lying upon the left, and a thick Copse upon our right, into
which the General ordered a Party of _American_ Soldiers, to fall upon
the Rear of any small Parties, which might be lodged there, to flank us
upon our March. The Grenadiers moved forward with great Alacrity, and
having, with very little Loss, received two Fires from the Enemy, the
front Plattoon gave their Fire at about the distance of half musquet
Shot, and immediately wheel'd to the Right and Left to make room for the
next to advance, whence the Enemy judging that the whole Body gave way,
expressed their Joy by a loud Huzza; but being soon convinced of their
Mistake, by the Fire of the following Plattoons, they fell into
Confusion and fled towards the City.
As soon as the proper Guards were posted, and the Troops put under Cover
in the best manner which was practicable, in some Houses and Sheds
adjoining to _La Quinta_; a Party was sent up the Hill to reconnoitre
the Convent on _La Popa_, which they entered without Opposition, and
made some Prisoners; an Officer's Guard was immediately ordered to take
Possession of it.
_April_ the 6th, the General accompany'd by Brigadier _Guise_, and the
principal Engineer reconnoitred the City from the Convent of _La Popa_;
and having at his Return assembled a Council of War, it was debated,
whether the Fort should not be attacked the following Night, before the
Enemy should have finished some Works upon the Hill, "which they were
then carrying on with the utmost Diligence;" but as no Stores were yet
landed from the Ordnance Ships, it was found necessary to postpone the
Attack. Two twelve Pounders, Three three Pounders with fifty rounds of
Powder and Ball, and five rounds of Grape-Shot, were put on Shore in the
Evening[22]. Some _American_ Soldiers being landed from the Fleet, as
likewise the Negroes and some working Tools, the Ground was begun to be
cleared for the Encampment; but the excessive Heat not only retarded the
Work, but proved fatal to most of the _Europeans_ who were there
employed.
_April_ the 7th, The Council of War being reassembled, and having
received the Report of the principal Engineer, and likewise taken into
Consideration, the Intelligence given by Deserters and Prisoners; they
were of Opinion, that the Fort ought not to be attempted without having
first raised a Battery, for which the principal Engineer was ordered to
pitch upon the proper Ground, to draw a Scheme for putting that Design
in Execution; and, as soon as should be practicable, to lay it before
the Council. This their Resolution was the same Day communicated to the
Admiral, to which was added as their Opinion, that the Success would be
much facilitated, "if the Bomb-Vessels were ordered to Fire upon Fort
St. _Lazar_, and likewise if one of the large Ships of War was brought
in to batter it." The Admiral returned an Answer the same Evening, in
which "he strongly expressed his Dislike to our waiting for a Battery",
and declared, "that if the Council of War still persisted in their
Resolution to raise one against so paltry a Fort, he would answer for
it, that if the Engineer did but compleat it, the Enemy would not wait a
minute for the Cannon;" but to that part of their Resolution, wherein is
represented the Expediency of bombarding the Fort, and of sending in a
large Ship to fire upon it, the Admiral "was not pleased to give any
direct Answer."
The Enemy continued to carry on their Works[23] upon the Hill, and
brought some Pieces of Cannon to bear upon our advanced Guard, and upon
the General's Quarters, but with very little Effect. The General
signified to the Admiral by Letter, that he had endeavoured to cut off
the Communication[24] of the City of _Carthagena_ with the Country, by
the neck of Land lying upon the Sea, but found that any Detachment sent
thither, would be intirely in the Enemy's Power, as being at too great a
distance from the Camp to be sustained, nor had he any Boats on the
Lake, for the supplying them with Provisions and Water; and proposed
that some small Man of War, should be sent for that Purpose to lie near
the Shore: The Admiral signified in his Answer, that he would order in a
Ship and a Sloop.
The Admiral was this Day pleased to put on Shore from the Men of War a
further Detachment from the _Americans_;[25] but excepting 30 or 40,
all that he would spare of Lord _James Cavendish_'s, and Colonel
_Bland_'s Regiments, were already landed: Nor were these People sent on
Shore, as the Author affirms in his Pamphlet, (Page 37) in consequence
of any Representation made of the increasing Sickness, but of a demand
of a Reinforcement from the Fleet; first made by the General, and
afterwards by the Council of War, which was never fully complied with.
_April_ the 8th, the Council of War being reassembled, it appear'd from
the Report of the principal Engineer[26] that so large a Number of Men,
and so much time would be wanting to cut thro' the Wood, and to raise a
Battery, as in our Circumstances rendered it impracticable; the sickly
Season was now come in, and the Water in the Cisterns began to grow low:
There seeming therefore to be no Choice left, but either to make a bold
Push for the surprising Fort St. _Lazar_, or to return on Board; it was
resolved[27] to attempt it the next Morning, the scaling Ladders having
been this Day put on Shore, and not before. What further determined the
Council to come to this Resolution, was fresh Intelligence received from
Deserters and Prisoners, confirm'd by the Observations of some of the
Engineers, who had viewed the Fort very near, viz. _That the Walls were
not too high for our Ladders; nor was there any Ditch at the foot of
them_; (as had been before represented) _that the Road leading up the
Hill on the right was broad, and of an easy Ascent; and that there was a
wooden Door on the left of the Fort, which might be forced without much
Difficulty_, and to which a Deserter offered himself as a Guide.
A further Motive, perhaps might be of Weight with some of the Members,
_viz._ the Admiral's vehemently pressing the Attack "without a Breach,"
and his insisting that it was scarcely possible to miscarry in the
Attempt. And in all probability, if the Attack had not been made, it
might have been alledged and possibly credited at Home, that had the
Experiment been tried, the City must have infallibly fallen into our
Hands.
The rest of the Day was employed in preparing for the Attack: In the
Evening the Council of War being reassembled, a Disposition for it was
laid before them, which having been examined and approved, was by the
Brigade Majors immediately communicated to all the principal Officers.
_April_ the 9th, the Troops appointed for the Attack, were order'd to
parade on the Strand, at two in the Morning;[28] where having formed,
they advanced towards the Fort, and a little before Break of Day, began
to mount the Hill. But that Division, which was, by Order, to have gone
up an open, accessible Road, which lay upon the Right of the Fort, was
in the dark, by a fatal Mistake (as it was said of the Guide) led up the
Center, where the Ascent is very steep, and the Ground broken: Some of
the most forward gained the Top, and pushed on to the Enemy's
Entrenchments; but not being immediately sustained, by Reason of the
great Difficulty found in mounting the Hill, and that the rest of the
Plattoons advanced slowly with the Street firing, they were most of them
killed or wounded.
Colonel _Grant_ very gallantly mounted the Hill upon the Left; but
having immediately received a mortal Wound, and the Guide, with several
others, being kill'd; the Officer, the next in Command, advanced no
further, but continued on the Side of the Hill, till they were ordered
to retire.
As soon as the Day broke, and gave the General an Opportunity of viewing
the Posture of the Assailants, and that of the Enemy, he sent a Message
to Brigadier _Guise_, who commanded the Attack, signifying, that, if he
could push forward, he should be sustained by 500 Men, who were
accordingly ordered to advance; but it was then too late. The Troops
were disheartened, and the Enemy's Numbers encreased every Instant, by
pouring in fresh Men from the City, who had by that time assembled a
Force upon the Hill equal, if not superior, to the Assailants. It was
therefore found necessary to order a Retreat, which was made without
further Loss, the five hundred Men abovementioned bringing up the Rear.
The principal Engineer having proposed the raising a Breast-work at the
advanced Guard, it was without Delay begun upon, and was in so great
Forwardness by the next Morning, as to put the Men under Cover. A
Cessation of Arms was agreed upon for a few Hours to bury the Dead.
_April_ the 10th, The Sick and Wounded were sent on board; the
Intrenchment at the advanced Guard was inlarged for the Reception of two
Mortars, which were this Day conveyed thither.
The Troops were under great Difficulties, not only from the Sickness,
which hourly encreased, but from their Provisions not being regularly
landed.
_April_ the 11th, the two Mortars began to fire from the advanced Guard
upon the Castle of St. _Lazar_, and with very good Effect.
A Council of War was assembled, composed of Land Officers, who having
carefully inquired into the State of the Forces on Shore, found them to
be so much diminished by Sickness, and by the late Loss; and those, who
were return'd, as fit for Duty, so much exhausted by the excessive Heat,
and by Fatigue, that without a considerable Reinforcement from the
Fleet, it would not be possible to go on with the Enterprize: This their
Resolution was immediately communicated to the Admiral.
_April_ the 12th, the Sickness amongst the Troops still encreasing,
several of the principal Officers were seized with it, and the Water in
the Cisterns began to be very low. The Admiral return'd an Answer to the
Resolution of the Council of War of yesterday; which having been taken
into Consideration by the principal Land Officers, assembled for that
Purpose, they observed with great Surprize, that no mention was made of
any Reinforcement to be sent from the Fleet; of which, having taken the
proper Notice in their Answer, they desired, that the Admiral would
issue out his Directions for imbarking the Cannon, _&c._ concluding from
his Silence in so material a Point, that no Reinforcement was to be
expected. But no mention was at that time made of bringing in Ships to
cannonade the Town; as the Manner, in which a former Proposal of that
Nature had been answered, gave little Room to hope for Success in
repeating of it: Tho' perhaps it may not be difficult to make appear,
that our great Ships lying unactive at a time when they might have been
usefully employ'd,[29] was the principal Occasion of our not possessing
ourselves of the City of _Carthagena_, and not the Miscarriage of the
Attack of St. _Lazar_. For had we got Possession of it (as would
probably have been the Case, if the Scheme for the Attack had been
punctually executed) it does not follow, that the Town would have on
Course surrender'd, or that they could have been compelled to it,
without the Admirals assisting us with his whole Force; except we are to
suppose, that the _Spaniards_, with a Garrison not inferior in Numbers
to the Besiegers, would have tamely given it up into our Hands: for it
is morally certain, that the Corps of Troops, which were then on Shore,
must, by Sickness only, in a few Days have been reduced so low, as not
to be able to bring off their Cannon.
_April_ the 13th, great Numbers of Sick, both Officers and Soldiers,
were sent on board the Transports.
A Council of War was assembled on Shore, who took into Consideration a
Letter from the Admiral, in Answer to their late Representation, and
resolved, to desire without Delay to meet the Sea Officers in a general
Council of War; which being signified to the Admiral, it was agreed to
assemble the Day following on board the Admiral's Ship.
_April_ the 14th, the Council of War being assembled, the General laid
before the Members the real State of the Troops,[30] and declared, that
he deemed it to be impracticable to go on with the Enterprize, without
Assistance from the Fleet. The principal Engineer being called in, and
examined, signify'd to the Council of War, the Places which he thought
would be the most proper for erecting Batteries; to which he added, that
no less than a Fortnight would be required for raising them, considering
the many interruptions which must be expected from the Enemy, and the
Sickness hourly increasing amongst the Troops; and that 1500 Men would
be wanting for the proper Reliefs for that Service only; he further
declared it to be his Opinion, that with the Troops now on Shore, the
Siege could not be undertaken with any Probability of Success.
The Admiral, without further Deliberation, going to put the Question,
whether the Troops should be reimbark'd or not, Mr. _Wentworth_
declared, that he could not give his Vote, till he should be informed
what Assistance they were to expect from the Fleet; who, being
interrupted by the Admiral with great Heat and Passion, and not with the
most polite Language, made a proper Reply; to which the Admiral not
being pleased to return any Answer, immediately left the Cabbin.
The Debate was afterwards decently carry'd on, and the General having
repeated his Question, Sir _Chaloner Ogle_, and the other Sea Officers,
who were Members of the Council of War, unanimously declared, that it
would by no means, be adviseable to trust the Sailors on Shore, as they
could be kept under no Command, and would soon disperse themselves in
the Woods; to which Mr. _Vernon_ (who sat in the Gallery within hearing)
added aloud, that some of them would soon ramble into _Carthagena_.
The Admiral being returned to his Place at the Board, it was unanimously
resolved to reimbark the Cannon and Land Forces with all possible
Expedition.
The Admiral, as President, drew up the Resolution of the Council of War,
when it was observable, that he carefully avoided making the least
mention of Assistance having been demanded from the Fleet.
The Battery[31] of two ten inch Mortars, which was raised by Captain
_Knowles_ on the Shore near to his Ship, began this Morning to Fire upon
Fort St. _Lazar_, but was placed at so great a Distance as to have
little or no Effect.
_April_ the 15th, the Cannon, Stores and heavy Baggage, were put on
Board.
A Council of War of Land Officers being assembled, a Disposition was
laid before them, for the Retreat,[32] which was approved of.
_April_ the 16th, About Five in the Morning, the _Galicia_, commanded by
Captain _Hoare_, began to canonade the Town with tolerable good Success;
but he being exposed to a superior Fire, was obliged to cut her Cable;
after having received several Shots in her Hull, had six Men killed, and
56 wounded, she drove upon a Shoal, and was there burnt by the Admiral's
Order.
At Seven in the Evening, the Tents were struck, at Eight the Troops
march'd from their Ground, and embarked in three Divisions on the Boats
prepared to receive them. The Sickness amongst the Troops increased to
so great a Degree, that any longer Continuance in that unhealthy
Situation, seemed to threaten no less than their total Ruin; the General
therefore, and the principal Land Officers, agreed to the Admiral's
Proposal, for demolishing the Forts, _&c._ which commanded the Harbour;
that being done, and Water taken in for the Voyage, the whole Fleet set
sail for _Jamaica_.