Fourteen thousand eight hundred and forty-five Marines formed the
Establishment of 1759.
The manly, daring, and enlightened mind of him who guided the
public measures, was never more conspicuous than in the extensive
plans which directed the operations of the present year. Superior
to the menaces of invasion, though still not despising them, he
did not limit the national energies to a system of self-defence,
but resolved upon carrying war and conquest against the distant
territories of our enemy. The spirit of Englishmen, thus roused,
kept pace with the bold views of Mr. Pitt, and while it has
convinced the world how invincible we are when knit together in the
bonds of union, let us imitate the examples of this happy period,
upon every return of public danger!
One of the most gallant single actions with which this contest was
marked, occurred in the West Indies, towards the close of 1758. It
is narrated by Captain Tyrrell, of the Buckingham, who fought it,
in all the honest simplicity of a British Seaman, and bears high
testimony to the gallant conduct of those under his command. This
gratifying tribute, when merited, should never be withheld from
the meanest, and it must ever honourably characterize the man who
bestows it. Falling in with the Florissant, of 74 guns, and two
heavy frigates, in his Majesty's Ship Buckingham, of 70, he bravely
engaged them and obliged the first to strike; but night coming on,
she availed herself of its darkness, made sail, and escaped from
her disabled antagonist. Speaking of my Corps, Capt. Tyrrell's
words are, "Capt. Troy, at the head of his Marines, performed
the service of a brave and gallant Officer, cleared the poop and
quarter-deck of the enemy, and drove her men like sheep down the
main deck."
The defenceless state of the French Carribee Islands, induced an
expedition against them, which sailed from Europe towards the end
of November, 1758, under General Hopson and Commodore Hughes,
and arrived at Barbadoes upon the 3d of January following. This
Squadron, consisting of seven sail of the line, one of fifty guns,
besides frigates, had on board nearly eight hundred Marines, headed
by Brevet Col. Rycaut, of the Portsmouth Division, which were
intended to form a battalion, to co-operate with the army; but
Commodore Moore assuming the command of our Naval Forces in these
seas, after this junction, cancelled that plan, and adopted the
idea of landing each party in detachment, when necessary. By this
measure the public character of Colonel Rycaut was suspended, and
that regular system of discipline, which must ever result from the
union of many under one form, was sacrificed. This leads me to
notice, that the Marine Soldier is peculiarly exposed to a great
disadvantage upon every service of combined operation. Constantly
employed in small detachments, it is frequently his lot, at a short
notice, to enter the field against the well-trained legions of his
enemies, and to unite his energies with the Regular and Brigaded
Forces of his country. He, in this new scene, perhaps, knows not
his file leader, and is probably a stranger to his officer.
As the predominant duties of this class of men are on board our
navy, where military evolutions can only be performed upon a narrow
scale; considering that a sudden and unforeseen emergency may place
them in the situation I have described, it might be a means of
rousing an emulous zeal between each, and of fixing that intimacy
which is requisite to promote a mutual confidence, to form the
detachments in every Fleet, or Squadron, into one battalion, or
more; which being constantly maintained in a state of arrangement,
would be better prepared for these momentary calls. The benefit
which must arise would far counterbalance any trifling expence
that might be incurred in the different necessary appendages to
such establishments, and would afford opportunities by which to
recompence the meritorious individuals of a Corps, whose hopes
cannot now aspire above one uniform level.
The whole of this armament sailed against Martinico on the 13th day
of January; the land forces, having been already reduced by the
fever and small pox.
During the night of the 15th the squadron beat up into the Bay
of Port Royal, and on the following morning his Majesty's ship
Bristol attacked and silenced Fort Negro, a strong battery of
seven guns. Her Marines, as well as those of the Rippon, were
immediately landed, who, with fixed bayonets, climbed up the rocks
and entered the embrazures, without resistance, as the enemy had
abandoned the works. The British colours were hoisted at ten, and
the army was afterwards disembarked in the neighbourhood of that
post, where they slept on their arms.
Next day a Council of War determined to change the attack against
St. Pierre's, when the troops returned on board, and the guns
were destroyed. After some consideration this idea was also
relinquished, and it was resolved to proceed against Guadaloupe.
Having made that island upon the morning of the 23d, a disposition
of attack, against Basseterre and the Forts, was given out, which
commenced at nine, and continued, without an interval, until night,
when the whole were silenced.
The loss was confined in this long and heavy cannonade, to
Lieutenant Roberts, of Marines, in the Norfolk, killed; Captain
Trelawney, of the Lyon, Lieutenants Curle and Chaudy, of Marines,
on board that ship and the Rippon, wounded; with 30 of different
descriptions killed and 60 wounded. The town was unhappily set on
fire, which irritated the flying inhabitants to a more vigorous
defence of the island.
Upon the 24th the troops were landed, when the French abandoned
the works they had began on the rising ground behind Basseterre,
without opposition. Our army took possession of them and halted
there during the night. Next morning the enemy also deserted the
citadel, retiring towards the mountains with the resolution of
resting their future defence upon the chance of sickness gaining
ground amongst our troops, and of succours from Europe. The 61st
regiment, under Major Teesdale, was directed to occupy the town
and citadel. This detachment owed their salvation to a Genoese
deserter, who informed the Commanding Officer, when on the eve of
entering the latter, of their impending danger from the explosion
of a mine to which the train had been laid, and that was to have
been fired by a Negro, who, unaware of the hazard to himself, was
bribed to this duty. By pushing rapidly into the citadel, the train
was found, and timely swept away, as the dark coloured emissary was
advancing, with drunken and staggering steps, to have executed the
diabolical design.
Upon the 25th the field pieces, and every necessary implement were
landed, and the ground marked out for the different regiments, in
such a manner as to co-operate instantly when required. A corps of
Light Infantry, drawn from the several Battalions, was also formed
and placed under the command of Major (now General) Melville, which
rendered very essential services.
The French Commandant, Mons. Nadau, took post in a deep cleft of
the mountains, which commanded his supplies from Cape Terres, by
far the best cultivated quarter of the island. Every approach to
this recess was also guarded by intrenchments. Upon the 26th a
summons was sent him, which he modestly but firmly rejected.
Some trifling skirmishes, that involved nothing except a loss of
men took place, instead of that active system of enterprize, which
should, if possible, be ever followed in a West India warfare.
The enemy gathered spirit from our inactivity, and in their
turn harassed and insulted the Citadel itself, and the relief
of our Guards. This error, however, afforded an opportunity of
distinguishing the 61st Regiment, which was successfully employed
in dislodging the enemy from the grounds they occupied.
An attack being meditated against Fort Louis, upon the Grande
Terre, or North East side of the Island, a Squadron was ordered,
under Captain Harman, of the Berwick, with some Companies of
the Highland Regiment, under Major Campbell, of the Marines;
he having also a considerable detachment of his own Corps. The
whole proceeded to execute this service upon the 6th of February,
from which day, till the 13th, the ketches continued a brisk
bombardment. The Squadron advanced to the contest early on that
morning, and after five hours cannonade, silenced the Fort and its
numerous dependant batteries. During this attack, the Highlanders
and Marines were in the flat-bottomed boats, ready to seize upon
the first favourable moment for debarkation; and on this signal
being made they bravely pushed ashore, under a heavy resumed fire
from every point of the enemy's defence. Major Campbell, upon this
occasion, allowed them no breathing time; for finding that the
ammunition was generally injured by landing at an improper place,
he resolutely pushed on with fixed bayonets, and after a severe
action carried the Fort, with, all the batteries. This was not
accomplished without a considerable loss.
An unhappy plan of procrastinated operation continued to mark
our progress in the neighbourhood of Basseterre, which assumed,
however, a more active form under Gen. Barrington, who succeeded
to the command of the Army, after the death of General Hopson, on
the 27th of February.--Resolving to change the plan of operation,
he withdrew his forces from Basseterre, leaving a garrison in Fort
Royal, and blowing up the other works.
The whole now directed their course to Fort Louis on the 7th of
March, where the transports did not arrive until the 20th, owing
to the prevalence of strong lee currents. Intelligence being
received of a powerful French Squadron having reached Martinique,
induced the Commodore to leave the Army at this critical period
to their own energies, and to proceed whither he might be enabled
to counteract its future schemes. Accordingly the Marines were
withdrawn from the shore, and distributed amongst their proper
ships; but such was their reduced state in consequence of this
service, that detachments were also necessarily solicited from the
General to supply the heavy casualties which had occurred to them.
After a tedious, fatiguing, and spirited train of operation, upon
which I am now precluded from remark, General Barrington effected
the conquest of Guadaloupe on the 2d of May, and with it the
neighbouring islands of Marigalante, Deseada, and The Saintes.
Every one conversant in the military obstacles which present in
that inhospitable country, cannot restrain his applause of the
distinguished perseverance of the Commander in Chief, and the
gallant Subordinates during the whole course of their arduous
duties. It exhibits a powerful example of what may be achieved by
the talents and active spirit of one man; but they are inherent in
that noble family, whose virtues I cannot enhance by any panegyric
of mine.
Wherever we cast an eye the most glorious achievements appear
before us. The conquest of Canada and its Capital, was a most
conspicuous event, but it was dearly purchased with the life of
one man whose exalted genius and patriotic soul were fitted to
turn the scale of Empires. The Plains of Abraham will be a lasting
memorial of the superior steadiness and valour of British Soldiers,
when led by courage and ability. The fatigues and services of the
navy throughout the whole of this campaign were severe and highly
honorable.
This leads me to notice a very ludicrous circumstance that occurred
on the morning of the 13th of September, previous to that battle
which decided the fate of Quebec.--A number of Tars who had been
employed in dragging the cannon to the heights upon which they were
planted, when returning to their ships, observed the army drawn up
in battle array, instead of continuing their route, they fell into
the ranks with the Soldiers, some having cutlasses, others sticks,
and a few having nothing in their hands. General Wolfe remarking
their zeal, addressed them with that complacency which was so
familiar to him, thanked them for their well meant spirit, urged
them to go on board, and pointed out the probable bad consequences
from their mingling with the soldiery at so critical a moment. To
this request some of them answered, "God bless your Honour, pray
let us stay and see fair play between the English and French."
The General could not help smiling at these brave but thoughtless
fellows, and again repeated his wish for them to withdraw. With
this some complied, but others swore, immediately on turning his
back, "that the Soldiers should not have all the fighting to
themselves, but that they would come in for a share of it some way
or other."
It appears that a number actually continued in the ranks during
the progress of the day, and whenever a Soldier dropped they
alternately put on his accoutrements, charged, and fired with
perfect coolness.
Nothing peculiarly active fell to the lot of the Marines, excepting
an affair of diversion on the 12th of September, with a view to aid
the more material operations of the army.
Upon the evening of that day the Admiral ordered the flat bottomed
boats, below the town, to assemble astern of one of the frigates.
Into these all the Marines which could consistently be spared, were
embarked, and at the break of day of the 13th stood over towards
the Beaufort shore as if to make a descent, while the ships of war
that escorted them were ordered to cannonade the French lines. This
feint obliged the enemy to retain a greater force at those works,
than they would otherwise have done, and it was in some degree
instrumental towards the success of that glorious day.
In the summer of the present year orders were given for each ship
of the line, upon the home station, to take on board a double
complement of Marines, to co-operate in the descents which might be
attempted by the army.
Discomfited in every quarter, the enemy now confined their designs
to domestic preparations, which aimed at a general but connected
invasion of this island. Of these our Cabinet was fully apprized,
and well knew how to frustrate them. Admiral De La Clue, with a
considerable force, having put to sea from Toulon, in order to
effect a junction with their grand armament at Brest, was soon
after observed by Admiral Boscawen, and defeated with a loss of
five of his ships, while the remains took shelter in the port of
Cadiz, where they were blocked up by an English squadron. This
reverse was little expected by the French Ministry, who could not
conceive that our energies were every where.
The enemy defended themselves with bravery, and they had set them,
by their Chief, a most heroic example. Such as might have been
expected was given by Admiral Boscawen to his fleet.
Rear Admiral Rodney destroyed a link of that chain of preparation
by the bombardment of Havre de Grace, where a large collection
of boats had been formed, denominated Prames. These were flat
bottomed, were about 100 feet long, 24 broad, and 10 in depth, each
mounted two heavy cannon, had one mast, could sail or row when most
convenient, and was capable of transporting 280 troops, or nearly
50 cavalry complete. Our good friends, the Dutch, ever ready to
supply all parties, suffered a heavy loss during the blockade of
Havre, in naval and military stores, with which their avarice had
prompted them to supply our purposed invaders.
The honour of our arms was this year most gallantly supported by
Vice Admiral Pocock, in the East Indies, who was opposed to very
superior forces, but still afforded that general protection to
our territory and our commerce, which must ever constitute the
most predominant objects of our naval efforts. A sharp action was
fought, which, as might have been anticipated, ended in a drawn
conflict.
At this moment of public danger, the protection of our coasts was
confided to Sir Edward Hawke, who shewed himself worthy of the
trust. Taking his station off Brest he detached to every quarter
within his limits, to reconnoitre and to destroy. Captain Harvey
very highly distinguished himself by a train of activity upon his
post, which was close to the mouth of that harbour. Some boats,
seconded by his flying squadron, achieved the capture of several
neutral vessels laden with naval stores, in the Bay of Camaret,
which Mons. Conflans determined to resent. He accordingly employed
a very superior force to gratify his spleen, which, however, did
not stagger Captain Harvey's resolution, who, on the contrary,
advanced to meet them. In turn he became the pursuer, which ended
with the exchange of some distant shot, and the French ships taking
shelter under their batteries.
The consequences that were averted by this seemingly unimportant
affair, were great, as the enemy had in view, after driving this
squadron from its ground, to have proceeded to the Morbihan,
another part of the coast of Britanny, where we had a small
blockading force stationed; after destroying which, they were to
return to Brest with the numerous land forces that were then ready
for embarkation. With such material objects before them, it is a
stigma upon their naval spirit, in not having persevered.
The repeated enterprizes of this vigilant Officer derive a peculiar
merit from the _time_ and _manner_ in which they were performed.
When the enemy were every where proclaiming their threats, Capt.
Harvey landed his Marines from the Monmouth, upon the little island
of Molines, and exacted from its inhabitants a small supply of
cattle, stock, and vegetables.
The priest upon this spot stepped forth, as the organ of his flock,
who, he said, were poor. Captain Harvey's reply was, "that he
regretted to distress the wretched; but what he now did was merely
to shew the enemy and all Europe, that the French could not protect
their people within their own sight, much less dare the invasion
of England!" He afterwards, in his own barge, being seconded by
some other boats, brought off the tender of Admiral Conflans, from
a small bay close to the harbour of Brest, within sight of their
fleet, under a prodigious cannonade of guns and mortars, and an
extensive line of musquetry. This brave man felt for the dignity of
his country, and he maintained it.
The enemy, every where ready to catch a favourable moment, only
awaited the time when our blockading Fleets should be driven from
their coasts, in order to carry their long-boasted threats into
effect. A heavy gale upon the 9th of November not only forced Sir
Edward Hawke from his station, but brought into Brest Monsieur
Bompart and his Squadron from the West Indies in safety. This
circumstance very much strengthened the ships of Conflans with
prime seamen, who sailed on the 14th, and steered for Quiberon Bay,
with a view to annihilate Commodore Duff's detachment, to bring out
his transports with troops, and finally to attempt the invasion of
our isles.
But Sir Edward Hawke anticipating his schemes, also put to sea;
and notwithstanding that contending elements, for a while, opposed
his wishes, still, by perseverance, he arrived in time to save our
Flying Squadron, just on the eve of being captured, and to give a
death blow to all their mighty hopes.
The victory of the 20th of November must ever stand as one of the
most brilliant upon our naval annals, not so much from the extent
of its success in captured ships, as the dangerous circumstances
under which it was achieved, and the happy consequences that were
its immediate results. Our loss upon this signal occasion was only
fifty killed, and two hundred and forty-eight Seaman and Marines
wounded.
Thus foiled in every quarter, their commerce cut off by the
conquest of their most valuable colonies, expensive preparations
sacrificed, without the attainment of a single object, a partial
bankruptcy took place in the national funds of France. At this
trying period, however, the sufferings of its monarch, and of the
public, were alleviated by the substantial tenders of loyalty and
patriotism. Numerous were the individuals who manfully stepped
forth to heal the wounded pride of their Sovereign, and to revive
the drooping cause of their country. It is grateful to record such
instances of public virtue from whatever source they flow.
In the greater part of these events, so productive of glory and
good, the Corps of Marines bore a share, as well as in the many
inferior but distinguished Naval contests that took place in
1759. During its progress, the Fleet of our enemy acknowledges a
diminution of thirty-five Ships of the Line and an equal number of
Frigates. There are many names which still survive, and others that
have not long since closed useful and honourable lives, who were at
this period familiar to the public ear, by their gallant deeds. To
particularize all, would carry me beyond my limits, and I would not
be partial to survivors alone.
His Majesty, in consideration of the very signal services rendered
by Admirals Boscawen and Sir Charles Saunders, towards the close
of this year, instituted a new Establishment of Marine Officers,
intituled, "General and Lieutenant-General of Marines," to which
soon after there were added three Colonels, nominated from
Post-Captains in the Royal Navy, who had been conspicuous by their
good conduct.
The Gentlemen who first occupied these appointments were,
Admiral Boscawen, General of Marines, £2,000
Sir Charles Saunders, K. B. Lieutenant-General £1,200
Sir Piercy Brett, Bart. Col. of Portsmouth Division £ 800
Hon. Augustus Keppel, Col. of Plymouth Division £ 800
Lord Viscount Howe Col. of Chatham Division £ 800
This establishment has subsequently been enlarged by the attachment
of a Major-General, and in this form it now exists.
Disclaiming every prejudice, I am led to ask how far either policy
or justice can sanction the transmission of such an institution to
posterity? They were originally the benevolent grants of a grateful
Monarch, to distinguished individuals. As such, indeed, they have
continued to be; but experience has shewn, that Field Officers are
the very life of discipline, and that if so respectable an addition
were unalienated from the _active members_ of the Corps, this
principle would be still more animated.--_A man_ who suppresses
his feelings upon any occasion that demands them, is unworthy of
the name.--How degrading is the thought, that the Marine Veteran,
who ascends by the rules of slow gradation, can never reach the
summit of his profession! God forbid that any reform should affect
the living. Those who now enjoy this mark of favor are highly
worthy of it. But confining such appointments _to the corps_ would
be gratifying to all, for I am sure that the Naval and Marine
Officer are so united in their interests and their duties, that an
accession of consequence, or benefit to either, would be warmly
felt by both.