On the 4th day of January, 1762, War was declared against Spain,
which was reciprocal on the part of that Power on the 18th, and
realized the acute forebodings of Mr. Pitt.
A treaty framed for consolidating the interests and ambitious
views of the House of Bourbon, and evidently levelled against the
existence of our Empire, accelerated this event. So accustomed had
the Nation been to victory, however, that it beheld this mighty
Family Compact without dismay.
The public energies kept pace with the imperious occasion,
and 70,000 Seamen, including 19,061 Marines, comprized in 135
companies, formed the naval establishment of the year.
A plan for the reduction of Martinico, digested by the late
Minister, was now carried into effect by the forces from North
America, who had finished a successful career upon that Continent,
by four battalions drawn from Belleisle, with strong detachments of
Seamen and Marines from the Fleet.
Sixteen sail of the line, and many ships of an inferior rate,
composed the escort which set sail from Barbadoes on the 5th of
January, and anchored in St. Anne's Bay on the 8th. The batteries
here were soon silenced by the ships, when Rear-Admiral Rodney
detached a squadron, with two brigades, to the Bay of Petite Ance,
having orders to debark and take post there, under the direction
of Generals Haviland and Grant; they were afterwards reinforced by
Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, with a Corps of Light Infantry.
Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, proceeded against the Grande Ance,
landed a few Seamen and all his Marines, who, by a combined attack,
carried the battery, and occupied it, till relieved by a body of
800 men, under Lieutenant-Colonel Melville.
After destroying the works in St. Anne's Bay, the Admiral
and General Monckton, seeing the difficulties of extending
their operations from that quarter, followed to leeward, and
reconnoitring the coast, resolved upon landing the whole forces
between Point Negro and the Cas de Pilote. A squadron having
cannonaded the line of batteries, secured this object, when the
Army was disembarked upon the evening and morning of the 16th and
17th of January.
Nine hundred Marines, formed into two battalions, were united with
the troops attached to the Brigade of General Rufane, and had an
active share in the subsequent duties allotted to all.
The whole encamped on the heights above the Case de Navires, from
which the General employed detachments to throw up such works as
were necessary for covering the passage of the troops over some
intervening gullies, between them and the enemy on Morne Tartenson.
The disposition of attack being made, Brigadier Grant began it with
the French advanced posts, at dawn on the morning of the 24th,
while Brigadier Rufane advanced against their redoubts along the
sea coast upon the right, seconded by 1000 Seamen in flat-bottomed
boats, keeping pace with it.
Lord Rollo's Brigade supported the Grenadiers, and General Walsh
with his, the Corps of Light Infantry, under Colonel Scott, who was
ordered to make a circuit, with a view to flank or get behind the
enemy. This essentially contributed to the success of the day, as
that body gained their left, and continued to incommode it, while
the Grenadiers were carrying every thing before them.
Brigadier Rufane performed his part with rapid and impetuous
success, being aided most spiritedly by the Seamen.
The final result of the day was gaining Morne Tartenson, other
subordinate works having many cannon, and driving the fugitive
enemy across a deep ravine, into the town of Fort Royal and Morne
Garnier.
General Haviland, with his Brigade, and two Battalions of
Highlanders, with a few Light Infantry, under Major Leland, were
directed to effect a passage over this gully, considerably to
the left, and cut off a detached force of the French from their
main body. Insurmountable difficulties, however, prevented this
well-designed combination; but they did not check their reaching in
time to support the Light Infantry, under Colonel Scott, in a very
important post which they had gained opposite to Morne Garnier;
while an upper plantation of consequence was occupied by Walsh's
brigade, and the Grenadiers. The space between these two was filled
by the Marines.
Batteries were opened on the 25th against the Citadel of Fort
Royal, which being much annoyed by the guns from Morne Garnier,
it was judged expedient to attack it on the left, where the Light
Infantry and Haviland's brigade were. Here cannon were opened
against it, in order to harass the enemy, and to ensure the future
passage of the ravine.
An attempt of the French on the evening of the 27th, signalized
this British outpost, which drove them back, not only across the
gully, but followed them and gained possession of their batteries,
where they established themselves; having been gallantly seconded
by the brigades of Walsh and Grant. Before nine at night the enemy
had abandoned this strong ground, and so precipitate was their
retreat, that they left behind them some serviceable ordnance and
ammunition, which were felt by the Citadel early next morning.
General Monckton, finding his batteries on Morne Tartenson at too
great a distance to produce material effect, resolved to push on
to Morne Capuchin, little more than 400 yards from the Citadel.
Observing this meditated essay, the enemy beat the chamade on the
evening of the 3d of February, and terms were signed on the 4th.
The testimonies of the Commanders in Chief to the respective Corps
were strong and animated. As usual, the services of the Seamen were
arduous in transporting cannon, and fearless amidst dangers.
Monsieur De La Touche, the Governor General, who had fallen
back upon St. Pierre, with an intent of holding out, soon after
surrendered, and the extensive dependencies of that valuable
island, very early availed themselves of the benign and faithful
tenders of British protection.
The final consent of La Touche was much hastened by the detaching
Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, to the harbour of La Trinité, where
he landed some Seamen and his Marines, who maintained their
ground, and convinced the enemy how unavailing would be their
farther obstinacy.
This conquest, which added so much to the lustre of our arms, was
obtained at the expence of 7 Officers, 3 Serjeants, and 86 rank and
file killed, and 32 Officers, 20 Serjeants, and 337 rank and file
wounded.
The enemy experienced a loss of nearly 1000 men.
St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada, fell soon after, under our
dominion, and added to the commercial wealth of the Nation.
Solid were the results that accrued from the repeated triumphs of
our Fleets and Armies, during this active year. The Revenue was
improved, while the individual became enriched by the conquered
territory, and the spoils of our enemies.
The rupture with Spain suggested immediate enterprize against her
distant and wealthy Colonies. In this plan, no little or inferior
views controuled our Councils, which boldly directed our force at
once, against the vitals, and the strong hold of her South American
Empire.
Lord Anson having submitted his ideas upon the accomplishment of
this great object, they were readily embraced upon the present
occasion, and adopted throughout.
The Fleet and Army which were destined to execute these designs,
were committed to Admiral Pococke, and the Earl of Albemarle, who
sailed from Portsmouth on the 5th day of March. They took only a
small force from England, as they were to be joined by those troops
who had achieved the conquest of the French Caribbee Islands,
to be reinforced by auxiliaries from Jamaica and North America;
which, with the Marines of the Fleet that were subsequently landed,
constituted an Army little short of 15,000 men.
Admiral Pococke reached Martinique on the 26th of April, where
every thing was arranged, fascines made, the troops brigaded, and
500 Negroes collected to perform the rough parts of these laborious
duties that were before them.
On the 6th of May the whole put to sea, and, on their passage to
leeward, were successively joined by the squadrons under Captain
Harvey and Sir James Douglas.
It was now that the superior talents and solicitous zeal of Admiral
Pococke appeared conspicuous. From the very advanced season of the
year no time could be sacrificed in fulfilling his instructions,
as dilatory measures might have proved ruinous, from the setting
in of the rains. Two alternatives were before him--a tedious and
circuitous navigation round the Island of Cuba, or a dangerous
passage through the Old Straits of Bahama, hitherto avoided by
single ships, and at no period of the world explored by so large a
Fleet. The latter he chose, and it was crowned with success.
On the 6th of June the Admiral brought to about five leagues
to the Eastward of the Havannah, to issue instructions; when
having confided the superintendance of disembarking the troops to
Commodore Keppel, he bore away for the mouth of the harbour.
The Marines were ordered into the boats early on the morning of
the 7th, as a feint, while the whole Army, under the Earl of
Albemarle, landed without opposition between the rivers Boca Nao
and Coximar, the latter of which was also passed, after Captain
Harvey, in the Dragon, had silenced a castle, that commanded it.
Having a large garrison, headed by the most gallant Officers, the
enemy, though but recently apprized of this expedition, prepared
for the most vigorous defence.
Lord Albemarle, after some skirmishing in his progress, having
intimated, on the 10th, to the Admiral, his purpose of attacking
the Cavannos, situated on the east side of the harbour, and
commanding part of the Moro Fort, as well as the whole of the
north east of the City, with the strong works in that vicinity,
Captain Knight, in the Belleisle, was ordered against the Castle
of Chorera, to facilitate the enterprize, while the Marines were
embarked in boats to attract the enemy's attention towards the
Havannah quarter.
This service was ably performed by Colonel Carleton, on the noon of
the 11th, at the head of the Grenadiers and Light Infantry.
The Spaniards were not only driven into the Moro, but they also
abandoned the Castle of Chorera; which allowed our immediately
breaking ground on the advantageous site of the Cavannos. Never
were greater obstacles encountered and overcome, than through
the whole series of this siege. The Seamen were highly active
in landing the cannon, manning the batteries, and supplying the
Army with water, on a spot that yielded not a drop. Much harmony
prevailed throughout these fatigues between the services.
On the 13th, 800 Marines were landed, formed into two Battalions,
under Majors Campbell and Collins, and attached to the command of
Colonel and Adjutant General William Howe, upon the Chorera side.
Owing to the thinness of soil upon the Cavannos it was not until
the 29th of June that our batteries could open against the Moro.
In order to obtain a superiority of fire on shore, Captain Harvey,
in the Dragon, having under him two other ships, volunteered to
place them against that Castle, which he did, in the most gallant
stile, upon the morning of the 1st of July. By this diversion the
object was gained, but with the loss of Captain Coostrey of the
Cambridge, and 161 killed and wounded.
The labour of many days was destroyed by a fire that broke out from
the dryness of the fascines, and the cannonade kept up, upon the
2d, which was not extinguished until the night of the 5th.
Such an unfortunate casualty depressed, but did not conquer
the spirits of our men, who were additionally exposed to the
most extreme fatigue, a scanty supply of water, and unwholesome
provisions.--They had also to encounter an enemy in Don Velasco,
worthy of his important trust.
Fortunately Sir James Douglas arrived from Jamaica with some
reinforcements, which were soon followed by others from North
America.
It falls not within my scope to enter minutely into the protracted
events of this siege, which was carried on and sustained by both
sides, with unexampled perseverance, and steady valour.
About one o'clock in the afternoon of the 30th of July, by the
explosion of one of our advanced mines, a practicable breach for
one file in front was effected, which was soon noticed, and
assaulted by our troops, at the head of which was Lieutenant
Forbes, of the Royal Scotch. Many of the Spanish Soldiers were
within the casemates, and little anticipated so bold an attempt,
but they were soon under arms, and encouraged to their duty by
their brave Chiefs Don Velasco, and the Marquis Gonzales. Both
these Gentlemen fell on the occasion; the former surviving only
for a short time, the effects of a mortal wound. The Moro was soon
carried, which led to the final conquest of the Havannah, and its
dependencies upon the 13th of August. Twelve sail of the line, and
a large treasure, were its immediate fruits.
Although nothing peculiarly brilliant fell to the lot of the corps
of Marines co-operating in the fatigues of this arduous campaign,
still their zeal and discipline kept pace with the other classes of
his Majesty's servants, and justly entitled them to a share of that
gratitude, bestowed in general terms to all, by their Leaders and
their Country.
A predatory attempt against Newfoundland, by a squadron that stole
out of Brest, under Mons. Ternay, having on board two regiments,
was the only offensive operation on the part of the French during
the year 1762.
This Officer might have tried his fortune in a manner far more
suitable to the interests and dignity of his Country by aiming
a blow at our East, West India, and North American convoys,
protected by a very inferior force to his, instead of prosecuting
a relentless fury against the insignificant garrison of St. John,
and the tackle and stages of our poor, but industrious fishermen.
Captain (afterwards Vice Admiral) Joshua Rowley, in the Superbe
of 74 guns, the Gosport of 44, Captain Jervis, (now Earl St.
Vincent), and the Danae of 38, Captain Henry Martin, having charge
of these valuable fleets, were chaced by Mons. Ternay, on the
11th of May, having under him two line of battleships, two heavy
frigates, and a bomb-ketch. The steady countenance of Commodore
Rowley, who formed into order of battle, convinced the Frenchman
that he must wade through a bloody and perhaps a successless
conflict, before he could reach his object. The precarious issue
induced Mons. Ternay to be off, and to pursue his course for less
dangerous game.
As might have been expected, the garrison of St. John, with a
number of contiguous posts in no state to make resistance--fell
without a contest on the 25th of June. Captain (afterwards Lord),
Greaves who was then at Placentia, on the South East part of the
island, landed his Marines from the Antelope and prepared for
defence; at the same time he apprized our Commanders at Halifax and
New York of his situation, and solicited immediate support.
Lord Colville soon joined him, when, after disembarking a number
of Marines as a farther reinforcement, with his very inferior
squadron, he went out to meet the enemy on the 22d of August, and
proceeded off St. John's to give him battle.
The French having adopted a system of plunder and destruction along
the coast, wherever they could with impunity, his Lordship detached
an Officer and 30 Marines to the Island of Boys, which spot, that
party had the honor to defend for his Majesty. During this period
the works at St. John's had been much strengthened.
In consequence of the invasion and intelligence of it reaching
North America, a force was detached under Lieutenant Colonel
Amherst, which reached the coast of Newfoundland upon the 11th of
September.
After a train of sharp and active services, on the part of the
Army, in which the Navy co-operated, St. John's was recovered upon
the 18th, and the whole island was freed from those freebooters,
who, in turn, became prisoners.
A friendly fog which had covered Mons. Ternay's departure from
France, was also auspicious in his escape from that harbour. His
conduct through the whole of this expedition was marked alike by
cautious timidity, in the sight of his enemies, as by oppressive
inhumanity over those he had conquered.
The acute observations, and active talents of Sir William Draper,
not only laid the foundation, but were highly conducive towards the
success of one of the boldest designs, that was ever patronized
by a British Ministry. That Officer, after the most approved good
conduct, during the siege of Madrass, had leave to retire to Canton
in China, on account of extreme bad health. It was here that his
enquiries commenced about the state of the Spanish Philippine
Islands, and he had complete intelligence both as to their
commercial importance, and military defence. This he treasured up
for his Country, against the day of emergency, by whom he was amply
recompenced for such early zeal, by his suggestions being eagerly
embraced, and he employed to execute them.
A disclosure of such a nature, however, would not have been
received, but spurned at, by our Cabinet during a period of
tranquillity with Spain. The whole continued dormant within the
breast of Sir William Draper, till hostilities were inevitable,
when he was dispatched in the Argo, for the East Indies, with the
most liberal powers to carry this object into effect.
Arriving towards the close of June, he lost not a moment in
arranging every thing for the expedition against Manilla. The
whole set sail on the 1st of August, consisting of a mixed force
of nearly 1330 men. As so small a number could only look for
success in the unprepared state of the enemy, hitherto confident in
their security, and in the promptest measures, a ship of war was
detached into the entrance of the Chinese Sea, in order to stop all
communication of our project.
The Fleet reached Malacca on the 27th of August, where they
watered, finished a number of gabions for the future operations of
the Army, and finally anchored in Manilla Bay on the 23d of Sept.
Admiral Cornish had appointed 550 Seamen, and 300 Marines, to
co-operate with the Land Forces, which were formed into separate
battalions.
After an ineffectual summons sent to the town, and the coast
reconnoitred, no time was to be lost in keeping up that surprize
which had apparently struck the enemy.
A proper spot, two miles to the southward of Manilla, having been
selected for the debarkation, the 79th Regiment, all the Marines,
and the Artillery, with some field pieces, and one howitzer, were
formed into three divisions, under the sterns of three frigates,
which were ordered to cover the landing.
Captains Parker, Kempenfelt, and Brereton, of the Royal Navy, were
entrusted with the conduct of each of them, who discharged the duty
with much ability.
Numbers of the Spanish Indians having assembled to dispute our
descent, the ships of war opened their fire, which compelled them
to retire. A violent surf dashed many of the boats to pieces, and
injured the musquets, but the troops established themselves at a
village named Malata, little more than a mile from the enemy's
works, during the night of the 24th.
On the 25th a detachment was advanced to occupy a fort which was
abandoned, called Polverista, and Major Monson was pushed forward
to take possession of Hermita Church, a small distance from the
City, of much local consequence, both as to natural strength, and
as a shelter from the heavy rains that had already set in. The 79th
Regiment was farther ordered to reinforce this post.
Much praise was due to the Seamen for their unparalleled exertions
in landing the remaining troops, cannon, and stores, amidst a most
dreadful surf, and the heaviest rains.
The Marines were left at the first posts, the Malata and the
Polverista, with a view to secure the retreat of the advanced
forces, if necessary; to preserve a mutual communication with the
ships, and to guard the stores and heavy artillery. "_They_,"
says Sir William Draper, "from the good conduct and example of
their Officers, behaved very well, and were of great use upon all
occasions."
Considering the strength of Manilla, and the numbers employed
against it, no regular siege could be undertaken, or could an
observance of the systematic rules of approach be followed. The
Spaniards were extremely languid in every effort of defence, while
our united forces evinced the most undaunted spirit and unshaken
perseverance, during a series of attacks from the native Indians,
and of laborious toils amidst winds and rain.
After having made a practicable breach, it was resolved to storm
the place upon the 6th of October, and it was executed with that
bold ardour which is the native birth-right of Englishmen.
Were my limits to allow, with pleasure would I particularize such
exertions, and the gallant actors in them. I can only say, that
through the whole the Soldier and Sailor felt no jealousy but that
of being foremost in danger and in discipline.
Humanity mingled with policy, influenced the Commanders in Chief
to avert from the City the calamity of promiscuous plunder, by a
pecuniary compromise for its protection. The laws of war sanctioned
this vengeance, from its having fallen by storm. The conquerors
here, became ennobled by compassion, and they stipulated to save
the property of unoffending individuals, while they at the same
time consulted their Country's honor and her interests.
To the eternal disgrace of the Spanish Nation, this generous
compact continues unfulfilled.
The Port of Cavite, with the other dependencies of Manilla, were
included in the capitulation, and Captain Champion, with 100
Marines, and some Seapoys, were detached as a garrison to the
former.
Our total loss upon this brilliant service was 4 Officers, 1
Serjeant, and 29 Privates killed; 1 Lieutenant drowned; and 6
Officers, 3 Serjeants, and 102 rank and file wounded. Among the
first were 5 Marines, and the latter, Lieutenant Spearing, besides
6 Privates.
The East India Company, in consequence of the aids they had
afforded, was entitled to one third of the settled ransom, which
was four millions of dollars; and the acquired conquest was given
up to its servants in trust for his Majesty.
Such united harmony existed between the naval and land services,
that they agreed to share their fortunes mutually, afloat and
ashore.
From the intelligence gained at Manilla, the Admiral detached
a force to intercept the annual galleon. The Panther and Argo
overtook the ship which had sailed from that place, on the 1st of
August, much to their surprize, instead of the one that had been
expected there. Nearly three millions of dollars were on board the
Sanctissima Trinidad, which were defended with much obstinacy, but
she was at last compelled to strike.
Both Commanders, upon the Manilla expedition, very meritedly
received the public thanks of their Country, and the honorable
marks of a Sovereign's gratitude.
Immense captures were made at sea, and repeated were the occasions
which displayed the British naval character during this year, so
fertile in momentous events.
Amongst these may be reckoned the Hermione, worth one million
sterling, the treasure of which enriched the crews of two sloops
of war, and was carried in proud triumph through the streets of
London, the very hour in which the Heir Apparent to the British
Throne was ushered into the world. A Marine shared upwards of
500_l_. from this capture.
The enemy, discomfited in every quarter, were not ashamed to own
their weakness, and they were the first to sue for peace.
A few short months had alienated or destroyed a great portion
of the Spanish Navy, had given a deep wound to their Commerce,
which would have been most sensibly felt under a continuance of
hostilities, and had convinced Europe and the World, that the
resources of Britain could only be estimated amidst accumulating
dangers, and that her native spirit could only be known amidst
increasing difficulties.
During the whole of this memorable war, the Marine Soldier not only
shared in the everlasting glory of our Fleets, but carried with
him, through all the mingled destinies of his profession, a steady
discipline, combined with a well-regulated valour. Excepting the
drawn battle off Minorca, not a naval action was fought in which he
did not bear a part, and there were but few of our widely-extended
conquests that do not, in their detail, recognize his name.
The preliminaries of a peace, which are not my business to discuss,
upon the 3d of November, and ratified in February of the following
year, closed the military services of the Marine Corps for a
long period, until they were again drawn forth into action by an
enlightened patron, who had marked their conduct, and who resolved
to avail himself of their animated zeal and spirit, upon the
earliest emergency that his Country required them.