Wm. Souter, Capt. Arch. Campbell, Capt.
Wm. Pitcairne, 1st Lieut. John Dyer, 2d Lieut.
Philip Howe, 2d Lieut. N. Harris Nicholas, 2d Lieut.
1st Lieut. John Waller, Adjutant. 1st Lieut. John Fielding, Adjut.
1st Lieut. J. Pitcairne, Qr. Master. Thos. Smith, Quarter Master.
Captain David Johnston, Superintendant Adjutant, and Deputy
Paymaster to the 2d Battalion.
Hill, Surgeon to the 2d Battalion, Wm. Tervant, Surgeon's Mate,
Silver, Surgeon's Mate.
Thus united with the Army in garrison at Boston, these Battalions
continued to contribute their proportion to its incidental duties;
in discharging which, they received the uniform commendation
of their superiors, for their regularity, discipline, and
subordination. In the _Battalion_ orders, of the 3d of June, the
following regulations for the payment of Companies were notified.
"The Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty
having directed, by their letter to Major Pitcairne of the 2d of
March last, that the Captains of Marines commanding Companies on
shore at Boston, should pay their Companies in the same manner
as practised by the Land Forces, the Captains or commanding
Officers of Companies, will receive from Captain Johnstone,
Deputy Paymaster, one month's subsistence for the non-commissioned
Officers and private men of their respective Companies, deducting
£0 1s. 5½d. per week each, for provisions and the usual stoppages
as directed by the Admiralty, viz.
For one Serjeant per week £0 0 2
For one Corporal or Drummer 0 0 1½
For one Private Man 0 0 1
Dollars to be taken at 0 4 8
"Captains are to give the Deputy Paymaster compleat monthly
Pay Rolls; accounting for the subsistence distributed to their
Companies, and specifying every particular casualty that has
happened in each Company during the preceding month, and to
commence this day."
A few trivial affairs occurred in the Bay of Boston, which only
tended to excite a mutual irritation, and led to no important
consequences. Many resolutions and measures were adopted by the
Colonists, that aimed at the dissolution of every united tie, and
even at independance.
General Gage, also, issued a Proclamation in his Majesty's name,
extending the offers of pardon to all who should return to their
allegiance, excepting Messrs. Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Little
hope of reconciliation being entertained, both sides began to
prepare in right earnest, for hostilities.
The rebels wishing to anticipate the Royal troops, in the
possession of Charlestown,[1] hitherto unoccupied by either,
pushed a large body of men, on the evening of the 16th of
June, to erect works upon Bunker's Hill. During the night they
raised entrenchments, and a breast work, with a strong redoubt,
sufficiently formidable to excite the jealousy of General Gage. A
heavy fire opened upon their working parties early on the morning
of the 17th of June, who, however, persevered in their labours with
much firmness.
It appearing highly necessary to dislodge the Americans from so
very important a post, the Commander in Chief, at noon, detached
ten Companies of Grenadiers, an equal number of Light Infantry,
with the 5th, 38th, 43d, and 52d regiments, under Major Gen. Howe
and Brigadier Pigot, with that view, which being embarked, landed
and formed on the Peninsula, without opposition, under cover of the
ships of war.
The position of the rebels was strong indeed. A small but well
contrived redoubt, besides some other works full of soldiers, and
defended with cannon, as well as numbers of rifle men placed in
the houses of Charlestown, covered their right flank; their centre
and left were protected by a breast work, partly gun proof, which
reached from the redoubt, to the Medford River.
Major General Howe, upon examining this powerful state of defence,
and observing fresh columns pouring in to the enemy's works,
solicited a reinforcement, which soon joined him, consisting of
some Companies of Grenadiers and Light Infantry, the 47th regiment,
and the first battalion of Marines.
Having been formed in two lines, they advanced with slow but steady
steps to the conflict. Majors Pitcairne, Tupper, and Short, led my
corps upon this distinguished day.
The roar of cannon and howitzers, on the part of the British,
occasionally halting to yield them effect, marked their progress
towards the rebel works. Not a shot was returned by the enemy,
until our troops had nearly reached their entrenchments, when a
tremendous and destructive fire was opened, which, it must be
confessed, somewhat staggered our men. The awful occasion exhibited
General Howe most conspicuously for the valuable resources of
coolness and reflection amidst danger. It also afforded an
opportunity of signalizing the discipline and intrepidity of the
Battalion of Marines, which dealt destruction and carnage around
them.
Brigadier General Pigot, who was destined to attack the redoubt and
lines, that covered the American right flank, was likewise exposed
to a hot fire from the houses in Charlestown. His loss was severe,
but his exertions were animated, and displayed the most brilliant
courage, as well as talents.
General Clinton, who had crossed from Boston during the action,
attached to himself the merit of rallying the troops, whom he led
against the rebel works with fixed bayonets, and with that daring
impetuosity which so strongly characterizes the British Soldier.
They soon forced them, and drove the Provincials across the neck
of Charlestown, who were also much harassed by the cannon of his
Majesty's ship Glasgow, in their retreat.
The Glory of the Army, upon this day, was great, but it was dearly
earned. Their total loss amounted to 1 Lieutenant Colonel, 2
Majors, 7 Captains, and 9 Subalterns of the land forces and Marines
killed; besides 70, of different descriptions in both, wounded.
Two hundred and seven Non-commissioned and rank and file also
fell, and 828 were wounded.
Amongst the slain was Major Pitcairne, of the Marines, whose death
was alike deplored by his Corps and his Country. Major Short also
left behind him a reputation sufficiently worthy of deep regret.
The Marine Battalion sustained fully more than its proportional
share of casualties, and its gallant conduct upon the 17th of June,
demands, from the whole of our Establishment, its commemorative and
indelible gratitude, when each of us casts an eye upon that laurel
which now encircles his button, and reflects that it was purchased
_by their valour_.
The following appeared in the General Orders of the 19th of June,
1775:--
"The Commander in Chief returns his most grateful thanks to
Major-General Howe, for the extraordinary exertion of his military
abilities on the 17th instant. He returns his thanks also to
Major-General Clinton, and Brigadier Pigot, for the share they
took in the success of the day, as well as to Lieutenant-Colonels
Nesbitt, Abercromby, Gunning, and Clarke; Majors Butler, Williams,
Bruce, _Tupper_, Spenlove, Small, and Mitchel, and the rest of the
Officers and Soldiers, who, by remarkable efforts of courage and
gallantry, overcame every disadvantage, and drove the rebels from
the redoubt and strong holds on the heights of Charlestown, and
gained a complete victory."
By the return of Major Tupper to Europe, and the fatal events of
the 17th of June, the command of the Marines soon after devolved
upon Major (now Lieutenant-General) Souter.
Bunker's Hill was fortified, and our troops retained the Peninsula,
which rendered their duties very severe. The Americans prevented
every supply from the interior, and compelled our Army to subsist
upon salt, and indifferent provisions. Cut off from the Continent,
their sufferings were great, when sickness became prevalent.
The Provincials having constructed works upon a hill opposite
Bunker's, completed the blockade of the Peninsula, which they
gradually extended close to the fortifications on Boston Neck.
Some predatory enterprizes were attempted by them, by no means
deficient in spirit or success. In one of these they burnt the
light-house at the entrance of the harbour, communicating with
it by some whale boats from which they carried off, or killed,
the whole of a small detachment of Marines, who protected the
carpenters in erecting a new one. Thus matters continued for some
time, and the situation of a brave Army, cooped up and unable to
act, was rendered both distressing and degrading.
In the orders of the 27th of September, the Royal thanks were
tendered to the forces, for their intrepid conduct upon the 17th of
June, in the following terms:--
"The King has been pleased to order the Commander in Chief, to
express his Majesty's thanks, both to the Officers and Soldiers,
for the resolution and gallantry with which they attacked and
defeated the rebels on the 17th of June last, who had every
advantage of numbers and situation; and more especially expressed
to the Generals Howe and Clinton, and to Brigadier General Pigot,
the sense his Majesty entertains of the spirit, resolution, and
conduct by which they distinguished themselves, to their honor,
upon that day."
The _Battalion Orders_ of that day, also contained the annexed
communications:--
"The King has been pleased to make the following promotions in his
Marine Forces, serving in North America:--
Captain William Souter, Major _vice_ Short, killed.
Capt. Lieut. Francis Lindsay, Capt. -- Campbell, ditto.
---- ---- Robert Ross, Captain -- Ellis, ditto.
---- ---- David Johnson, Capt. -- Souter, promoted.
1st Lieut. Jesse Adair, Capt. Lieut. -- Lindsay, ditto.
-- ---- Sir John Dalston, Ditto -- Walker, returned home.
-- ---- Sir John Hadden, Ditto -- Ross, promoted.
-- ---- Wm. Pitcairne, Ditto -- Johnstone, ditto.
2d Lieut. James Lewis, 1st Lieut. -- Shea, killed.
-- ---- Robert Moore, Ditto -- Finnie, ditto.
-- ---- Thos. Woodcock, Ditto -- Gardener, ditto.
-- ---- Isaac Polder, Ditto -- Adair, promoted.
-- ---- Robert Carey, Ditto -- Dalston, ditto.
-- ---- Ronald M'Donald, Ditto -- Hadden, ditto.
-- ---- Philip Howe, Ditto -- ----
-- ---- Henry Tantum, Ditto -- Pitcairne, ditto.
-- ---- David Collins, Ditto -- Spencer, dead.
Volunteer Samuel Davys Bowman -- Lewis, promoted."
In consequence of these new arrangements a change took place, in
the 2d Battalion, which became commanded by the undermentioned
Officers:--
1st COMPANY. Captain M'Fie,
1st Lieut. Griffiths.
2d COMPANY. Captain Henvill,
1st Lieut. Lewis,
2d Lieut. Hale.
3d COMPANY. Captain Elliott,
1st Lieut. France,
2d Lieut. Walker.
4th COMPANY. Captain Dalston,
1st Lieut. Moore.
5th COMPANY. Captain Stretch,
1st Lieut. Nugent,
2d Lieut. D'Oyley.
6th COMPANY. Captain Davys,
1st Lieut. Carey,
2d Lieut. Bowman.
7th COMPANY. Captain Adair,
1st Lieut. Carter,
2d Lieut. Ellis.
8th COMPANY. Captain Groves,
1st Lieut. Dogherty,
2d Lieut. F. Lewis.
GRENADIERS. Captain Logan,
1st Lieut. Brisbane,
2d Lieut. Ragg.
LIGHT INFANTRY. Captain Pitcairne,
2d. Lieut. Dyer,
2d. Lieut. Nicholas.
It was farther intimated upon the same day, "That in consequence
of the application of Major Pitcairne to have the same allowance
for paying the Companies of the 1st and 2d Battalions of Marines,
serving on shore in North America, as the Army have, and that the
Captains should be answerable for the debts, &c.
"The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, ever ready to give every
reasonable mark of their indulgence, were pleased to consent that
each Captain, commanding a Company, should be allowed after the
rate of 1s. per day; being equal to the pay of two men per Company,
during their continuance on shore, as is practised in the Army; and
the Deputy Paymaster is authorized to issue the same.
"The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have been pleased to
approve Major Pitcairne's appointing Mr. Smith Quarter-Master to
the 2d Battalion of Marines."
General Washington having been appointed to command the Armies of
America, he, in company with Major General Lee, reached the camp
before Boston, in order to animate them in the general pursuit of
continental independence.
Their military spirit had arrived at such a height, that the
younger branches of Quaker families at Philadelphia, waiving their
principles, associated themselves in arms.
Boston continued to be blockaded during the year, with but little
variety.
The rebels did not confine their hostile views to this object
alone. A number of partizan adventurers sprung up, whose rapid
motions and unknown existence under Colonels Easton, and Ethan
Allen, were the means of achieving some conquests of much
importance to their infant cause. Their intermediate object was
to seize upon the passes on the great lakes, which command the
intercourse between Canada and the British Colonies, until their
Government, (for so I now call it,) was enabled to advance a force
sufficiently adequate to conquer that Province. This they effected
by surprizing the garrisons of Ticonderoga and Crown Point.
The American Congress, with the notes of conciliation and peace
ever sounding within the walls of their House, had taken early
pains to interest the Canadians in the destinies of their
neighbours, by inflammatory addresses, and by artful and apposite
inferences drawn from the immortal writings of Montesquieu,
their Countryman, suited to their prejudices and their political
feelings. Having thus placed the train to a deep design, those wily
Continentals trusted to time in accomplishing its intended effects.
America soon availed herself of that enthusiasm which pervaded her
Citizens, to turn it to a purpose. Already had she disseminated her
doctrines over Canada, which she was determined to follow up with
her arms. Generals Montgomery and Schuyler headed the troops which
were destined to invade that Colony, who found many of the natives
either wavering or friendly to the infatuating name of Liberty.
After a series of successes in the capture of Forts Chamblee and
St. John's, the defeat of General Carleton, at Longueil, and the
surrender of Montreal, all in the Upper Province, the only hope
that remained of preserving Canada for the British Crown, centered
in the town of Quebec.
Within the defenceless walls of Montreal, was that brave and
valuable Officer, General Carleton, now Lord Dorchester. Feeling
the weight of his duties, and also conscious of his own importance,
at so perilous a crisis, he resolved upon escaping from its
impending surrender, which would have deprived his Country of his
services. The impulse was patriotically great, and the event was
happy. Committing himself, in the night, to a boat, with muffled
paddles, he escaped the vigilance of the rebel guards, and reached
the seat of his Government. Here he arrived in the hour of danger.
A co-operating expedition, under Mr. Arnold, against the Lower
Province of Canada, unequalled in military annals, for the
originality of plan, and boldness of execution, had threatened the
Capital, in the absence of its Governor. Without a distinct object
of reference, it would be useless attempting to delineate the
progressive advances of these daring invaders, from New England.
It is enough to say, that a body of Soldiers, ultimately
formidable, with their arms and other necessaries, traversed a
path, in many places hitherto untrodden by human steps, of upwards
170 miles, interspersed with thickets, precipices, and swamps, and
often obliged to carry, on their shoulders, the numerous batteaux
attached to their little Army. Such were their sufferings, that
many returned, but those, whom constancy supported in following
their Chief up to the walls of Quebec, merit the highest encomiums
which can be rendered to man for undaunted perseverance and steady
fidelity.
We may often derive the most impressive examples from our enemy,
and they ought never to be rejected. A British Soldier only needs
the recital of any deed, in order to rival it.
Self interest obtained what patriotism and natural duty could
not stimulate in the souls of the inhabitants within the town
of Quebec. For some time, discord, and even disaffection were
prevalent, both of which fiendly passions were absorbed in the
venal virtue of defending their property, now threatened by the
approach of General Arnold and his magic troops. All united in the
cause of their King, and some Sailors and Marines, were landed from
the ships in the river, to second their energies. Feeling himself
unequal to a siege or a storm, Arnold fell back, and awaited the
cast of better fortune.
It was soon after this that General Carleton arrived, who quickly
adopted those measures which were worthy of himself and the
imperious emergency.
One company of the 7th regiment, might be termed the only regular
force under his command, his chief strength being in M'Lean's newly
raised corps of Scotch Emigrants, and the associated bodies of
English and French Volunteers.
To these a valuable addition was given of all the Marines belonging
to the ships of war, and upwards of 400 Seamen, who had claims to
a great share of merit for their steadiness and spirit through the
whole train of this defensive service.
The works had scarcely been repaired, in the best manner that
was possible, when General Montgomery, united to Arnold, having
subdued, with little difficulty, the other fortresses of Canada,
appeared in the sanguine and immediate hope of consummating his
glory by also carrying its Capital.
His personal zeal, and the endurance of his troops during the
bitter frosts of winter, were only equalled by a similar vigour in
their comparative opponents.
Temporizing measures being but ill adapted for the season, or the
occasion, and little suited to the intrepid genius of Montgomery,
he followed its dictates, which were to rest the issue upon a
general assault.
It was the last day of the year 1775, and the last of his life,
that this brave man, ambitious of fame, and true to the interests
he had espoused, advanced against Quebec, in four divisions, to
execute his daring purpose; reserving to himself the chief post of
honour and of danger, which was directed against the Lower Town at
Aunce de Mere, while another, almost equally bold, was allotted to
Arnold and his hardy followers, which was aimed at another part
named "the Saut au Matelot." The two others were devoted to puzzle
the garrison by false attempts upon their very extensive lines, and
to succour where necessary.
Under cover of a snow storm, the whole moved towards the towns.
The British were alarmed, and at their stations. Montgomery had
to encounter many natural difficulties, but success for a while
attended him. Having gained the first barrier, he pushed on to the
second, from which issued forth a tremendous fire of grape shot and
musquetry, which closed his days, and the hopes of his detachment;
who, strange to say, under the conduct of _A Campbell_, retreated
without making one effort to avenge his fall.
Soldiers who have been conspicuous for discipline, will most
assuredly be ever distinguished by courage when it is called forth.
Those faithful fellows who had accompanied Arnold through the
desert, without a murmur, followed him to battle and through all
its reverses with an unsurpassed bravery.
They, too, were early deprived of their leader, by a shot which
shattered his leg; when he was carried from the field.
But this did not appal them. The garrison, now freed from their
distracted duties, levelled their united force against this
impetuous detachment, who had advanced too far to retreat with
safety, and which became endangered by accumulating difficulties
on every side. Their dilemma did not escape the keen eye of the
Governor, who pushed a considerable force in their rear. Upwards of
three hours did they withstand the unequal combat, when they were
at last compelled to surrender prisoners of war.
That tribute which justice stretches forth to an enemy must reflect
its rays upon those who have had the honor to contend with them.
I cannot superadd a higher testimony to the British General and
his Garrison, than by thus appreciating the foe whom they had
to encounter. It yields me a proud retrospect that the corps of
Marines had their proportion of desert in defending Quebec, and by
it, maintaining this remnant of America to our Empire.
United by the feelings of sympathy, I would remark the spirit of
Mr. Vivion, then Purser, I believe, of a small sloop, and now of
his Majesty's ship Robust, who most patriotically stepped into
the ranks, and served as a private during the whole siege. He too
produced a son who yielded not to his father in honourable deeds,
whose subsequent fall in the cause of his country and in bravely
advancing the glory of his corps, was sensibly deplored by my
brethren, and by me.
General Carleton sealed and ennobled his gallant defence, by acts
of humanity and mercy to the vanquished. A cool prudence in not
hazarding his acquired success to the contingencies of fortune,
enabled him to preserve the fruits of it for the solid interests of
his King.
The besiegers retired, but he did not follow them; after which, all
their attention was devoted to the interception of supplies for
Quebec.
Arnold, who now succeeded to the command of the rebels, evinced
that resolute mind and ready expediency by which his conduct had
been hitherto marked.
During the course of this year may be noticed the active duties of
some small parties of Marines, in supporting the legal authority
of Lord Dunmore in the Province of Virginia, which had not yet
disavowed its allegiance. The spirit of rebellion beginning to shew
itself, the Governor, after having sent off his family, entrusted
his personal safety to the detachment from his Majesty's sloop
Fowey, who fortified his house at Williamsburgh, planted artillery,
and from which he issued all his proclamations, and, as long as was
prudent, continued to exercise in it, his official functions. It
was at last judged proper, under this escort of Marines, to proceed
on board the Fowey, from whence his Lordship still corresponded
with the Province.
The political discussions that ensued, are foreign to my review.
His Lordship's military exertions to reclaim or to conquer the
disaffected, were fatal in their issue, from being impotent in the
means. By the combined attack, however, of a few ships of war, and
two parties of Sailors and Marines which were disembarked, the town
of Norfolk, first in rank for commercial wealth, was set on fire
and reduced to ashes, upon the New Year's Day of 1776.
Many other hostile measures against the sea coasts of America, and
her different interior Provinces, spread widely the calamities of
war and the mutual desire of retaliation.
Amongst the augmentation to his Majesty's forces, 6665 Marines were
voted for the year 1776; being an additional number of 2378.