Twenty thousand three hundred and seventeen Marines were voted for
the service of 1781.
The widely extended commerce of Holland now lay open to general
enterprize, which was soon successfully exerted. As avarice was
the predominant cause of hostilities, so it was the object of
chastisement.
Gibraltar attracted the early attention of our Ministry, by an
effort to relieve it, which was accomplished by Admiral Darby, with
the Grand Fleet, under circumstances of apparent difficulty, but
of eventual good fortune. If the Combined Forces had been united,
which was their annual policy and within their power, such an
attempt must have been abortive, or performed at an unwarrantable
risk.
That fortress persevered in a system of defence, peculiarly
destructive to the enemy, and of a kind the most honorable to
General Elliot and his garrison. Captain Hervey in the Panther,
with his small squadron, also gave proofs of wonderful courage, in
frustrating the aim of some fire vessels that were employed to burn
it.
France always intent upon her own interests, embraced this occasion
of reinforcing her West India fleets by a powerful detachment under
the Compte De Grasse. This became necessary, from the return of De
Guichen to Europe, who, after having joined Don Solano's fleet,
went down to Hispaniola, with an evident purpose of attacking
Jamaica, but from whom he separated without a stroke. Although
the battles of Admiral Rodney afforded no signal marks of victory
in captures, still _their effects_ had a strong influence in the
conduct of De Guichen for proceeding homewards with those shattered
ships, from amongst his fleet, that could be refitted only in
Europe.
Holland soon felt the consequences of its baseness, by the loss of
all its West India possessions, and some valuable convoys. The free
port of St. Eustatius, hitherto the depot of America, and of every
adventurer who had money, fell early in February without firing a
gun. Demerara, Issequibo, and the Dutch Settlements on the Spanish
main were successively taken, together with the Mars of 60 guns,
Admiral Krowl, with 28 sail of merchantmen under his protection,
who was killed by a musquet ball, in a short action with the
Monarch, Captain Reynolds.
Sir Samuel, now Lord Hood, having been soon after sent to windward
to cruize for De Grasse, was limited to a station, which gave
little hope of ultimate success.
Three sail of the line were unfortunately retained at St.
Eustatius, which would have been a valuable addition to his force,
thus inferior to the expected arrivals from France.
The British Admiral continued off Fort Royal, Martinique, until the
28th of April, when a signal was made for the enemy's approach.
Every effort was used to close with the land, and of course with
them, who, in line of battle, on the morning of the 29th, afforded
protection to a numerous convoy that soon reached a safe anchorage.
De Grasse was immediately strengthened by 4 ships of the line, from
the Bay, which authorized him to have followed up the most decisive
views. Sir Samuel Hood formed his fleet into close order, and was
joined by the Prince William of 64 guns, Captain Stair Douglas,
who then watered at St. Lucia, but had weighed with an unexampled
dispatch to share in the conflict, and who continued to cheer along
the British Line, until he fell into his station.
De Grasse opened his fire, but at a distance little calculated to
balance the scale of victory. He had the option of it though he
never availed himself of his fortune. Three hours cannonade was
kept up, during which it appeared that the French powder was much
stronger than ours, when the British Admiral seeing the unavailing
expenditure ceased to waste it.
This period could not boast of that liberal attention to the
seaman's wants, which has characterized our Country, during the
late war, towards her naval servants. Scurvy, at that time, was the
prevalent disease in our fleet, and this had reached an alarming
height in many of the ships attached to Sir Samuel Hood.
The world too generally ground their opinions upon external
circumstances, without examining minutely into inferior details,
which, when known, will be considered, by the judicious, as
often constituting the solid merits of human action. To a great
superiority of fresh ships and healthy crews, as yet unbraced by
the climate, Admiral Hood was opposed with 7 sail less in number,
reduced in effective strength by scurvy, and against an enemy,
whose naval confidence had never arrived at a greater summit. That
steady countenance which he evinced in their presence, was yet
surpassed by a noble effort, on the following day, which shewed
the invincible spirit of his mind, and these resources so usually
annexed to magnanimity and talents.
Observing the scattered order of the French, and catching a change
of wind in his favor, not common in that Country, he directed
a general chace, and levelled all his force against their most
vulnerable point.
But the elements were fickle, and disappointed his manly views,
after which he bore up for Antigua to refit, and land his wounded.
The interval was seized by De Bouillé and De Grasse to carry St.
Lucia, who were happily resisted by the united energies of Captain
Campbell of the 87th Regiment, and Lieutenant, afterwards the
unfortunate but amiable Captain Miller of the Theseus. Improving
the same occasion, another, but more prosperous expedition, was
undertaken against Tobago, which was finally seconded by the whole
French fleet and army.
Sir George Rodney, having assumed the command, reached Barbadoes
on the 23d of May, where he learned the attack upon that island.
Lieutenant Johnstone of Marines was sent in an Advice Boat in order
to gain intelligence, and other information of a secret nature.
His ability and zeal fully qualified him for the task, but nothing
could avert its surrender, after two fruitless attempts to relieve
it. This may be said to have ended the campaign of 1781, in the
West Indies.
In this summer the total reduction of West Florida was effected
by the Spaniards, who persevered in recovering the possessions,
formerly wrested from them. The combined fleets, after covering a
debarkation at Minorca, towards the close of August, proceeded in
triumph to the mouth of the British Channel, while Admiral Darby
retired to Torbay. Discord and sickness were again the agents of
heaven to counteract their menaces, and a kind Providence wafted
home our commerce in safety, soon after those powerful enemies had
each returned to his own ports.
The 5th of August exhibited a display of obstinate bravery not
unworthy of former times, when the Empire of the Seas was so
strenuously disputed by Great Britain and Holland. Two squadrons
headed by Officers, who were animated by the same stern spirit, met
on the Dogger Bank, each with a convoy under his protection. Having
secured their safety, Admiral Parker bore down against his rival,
Zoutman, who coolly awaited his approach until he reached the good
old measure for deciding their Country's differences and prowess.
After a close conflict of three hours and a half, the Dutch
resigned the palm by bearing up for the Texel. Captain Campbell
of Marines, in the Berwick, and Lieut. Stewart of the same ship,
besides Lieut. Cuthbert of the Dolphin, were the Officers that
fall under my review of casualties in wounded on that occasion.
The sinking of one of their 74's after the action, the safe return
of a valuable and important fleet into our ports, while that of the
enemy flew for shelter into their own, were the consequent fruits,
and must be undisputed evidences of victory.
During this unfortunate war, the similarity of language and of
manners, had introduced into the bosom of our Country many an
American Incendiary, who, without suspicion, were either the
immediate Emissaries or maintained a correspondence with those
of France. Inviolable secrecy must ever be the life of foreign
expeditions, but it unhappily did not exist at this era, and more
particularly in that which was set on foot against the Dutch
Settlement at the Cape of Good Hope.
This was undertaken under the joint auspices of Commodore Johnstone
and General Meadowes, who departed from England on the 13th of
March, and reached Port Praya Bay, in St. Jago, one of the Cape de
Verd islands, on the 10th of April.
During war there ought never be too confident a security. Vigilance
and alertness are the essence of discipline, and they never should
be relinquished even within the bosom of a friendly country. A
surprize can find no palliation.
Anchored in a scattered form, which a little time could not
entirely remedy, our squadron was unexpectedly assailed by Admiral
Suffrein, one of the few of his countrymen who met Englishmen
on their favourite plan of close fighting, and whom the early
intelligence of his court had detached with a force sufficient
to counteract the schemes of our Cabinet. After a most spirited
attack which strongly attested his enterprize and courage, he was
repulsed by British valour, and his ships so much shattered as to
hold out to the Commodore the prospect of an ultimate triumph.
The enemy were afterwards chaced, but more imperious and future
views put an end to the pursuit. That good and gallant Officer
Capt. now Sir Thomas Pasley, of the Jupiter, Capt. Alms, of the
Monmouth, and Captain Hawker, of the Hero, were particularly
noticed by their Chief, for their conduct through the day. Great
and animated were the exertions of some of the East Indiamen,
and the steady countenance of Capt. Jenkinson and his detachment
of the 98th Regiment, in repelling the enemy's boarders from
the Fortitude, attracted much deserved praise. Suffrein having
anticipated Commodore Johnstone, in reaching the Cape, threw into
the garrison every necessary supply, which precluded all hopes
of succeeding against it, and changed the future plan of the
expedition. Having received notice of five Dutch East Indiamen
being in Saldahna Bay, forty miles north from the Cape, the
squadron shaped its course thither, and made prizes of four,
the other having been set on fire. This was a deep cut upon our
avaricious foe. The French Admiral went on to India, and General
Meadows proceeded under a proper escort to the same quarter, while
the Commodore returned to England.
Notwithstanding the diminished territories of France in the East,
still the zeal and ability of her Agents, well versed in intrigue,
had the address, not only to reconcile the existing contentions
between Hyder Ally and the Mahrattas, but to direct their united
power against our wide possessions in that part of the world.
These were to be supported by promised aids from Bourbon and the
Mauritius, as well as auxiliaries from many of the petty Princes
of Hindostan, who eagerly acceded to the coalition.
The apathy of the Presidency at Madras, at this momentous crisis,
was highly criminal. No steps were taken to concentrate their
troops, although they were long apprized of Hyder's views, who,
like a torrent, came down from the mountains and entered the
Carnatic with an army of 100,000 men. Sir Hector Monro, at last,
took the field against this host, and having raised the siege of
Arcot, fixed his post at Conjeverane, where he awaited his expected
reinforcements from the Tanjore Country in the South, and those
from the Guntaz Circar in the North.
This being merely introductory matter to future discussion, in
which my corps was called forth, my detail of these movements must
be concise.
The world well knows the sad disaster of Colonel Baillie's
detachment from the latter Country, in which was also involved that
of Colonel Fletcher from the Main Army, after having exhibited the
most extraordinary feats of European valour. From unaccountable
causes, no effort, worthy of the occasion, was made to alienate
the doom of those brave, but unfortunate men. The immediate
consequences were the retreat of General Monro to the Mount, and
the Carnatic being overrun by Hyder and his savage legions. Rapid
were his successes, and Madras itself anticipated the horrors of a
siege from this relentless invader.
The energies of the Council of Bengal were patriotically great
under these perilous events. Casting an eye towards that
distinguished Veteran, Sir Eyre Coote, he was with one general
voice called forth to retrieve these calamities. He accordingly
embarked from Calcutta, with a force, while some seapoy battalions
marched from Bengal to the Carnatic. General Goddard was directed
to transport a detachment from his army acting against the
Mahrattas, and Sir Edward Hughes, with his fleet, was solicited
to block up the ports of Hyder, on the coast of Malabar. The
Government of Bombay was likewise ordered to alarm his dominions.
Sir Eyre Coote quickly restored its wonted lustre to the British
arms by a series of brilliant efforts, during 1781, that enabled
him, after the destruction of Hyder's naval force at Calicut and
Mangalore, by Sir Edward Hughes, to send an adequate detachment
for the reduction of Negapatam, which was committed to Sir Hector
Monro, who assumed the command of the troops in the Tanjore
Country, and who was enjoined to co-operate in the attempt with
Admiral Hughes and his squadron. Hyder Ally had placed a strong
garrison in the Fort, and occupied many strong holds within that
Province and on its borders.
Preparatory for this object a number of the Company's troops
reached Nagore on the 21st of October, which were soon headed by
General Monro, who landed from the Superbe. Sir Edward Hughes
disembarked his Marines, consisting of 443, on the same day, and
a battalion of 827 seamen upon the 22d. The looked for shift of
the Monsoon, and lateness of the season prompted the most active
measures. Owing to a heavy surf the cannon and all necessary
implements were conveyed by rafts to the shore, in which the zeal
of our Sailors, under the superintendance of Captain Ball, was most
praiseworthy.
The enemy having thrown up strong lines flanked by redoubts, to
defend the approaches to Negapatam, they were stormed and carried
on the night of the 29th; much of the success and glory of which
very justly attached to the Seamen and Marines, whose intrepidity
was never more conspicuous. They also evinced an unrelaxed zeal in
prosecuting the necessary works of labour. During the siege two
sorties were attempted by the garrison, which originally consisted
of 8000 men, but in each they were quickly repulsed. After a severe
and well aimed fire, from the 3d to the 12th of November, the Dutch
proposed terms which were accepted.
During the whole course of this fatiguing service, 17 Seamen fell,
and 27 were wounded, and the detail of Marines was 13 killed, and
29 casualties, most of whom died; besides a number of both who
became victims to sudden cramps, the effects of hard duty amidst
the rains.
The happy results of this conquest were the immediate evacuation
of every post in the Tanjore by Hyder's troops, and the return to
allegiance of all those petty Princes who had been seduced, by him,
from their obedience to the Nabob of the Carnatic.
On the 25th of October the Seamen and Marines were re-embarked;
when, following up his farther plans, the Admiral set sail for
Trincomale upon the 2d of December, where he arrived the 4th.
Early in the succeeding morning the Marines, to whom two field
pieces were attached, were again put on shore, and they were
soon joined by a body of Seamen, who, with some Seapoy pioneers,
instantly formed and marched towards the fort of Trincomale. While
its Governor was employed in framing terms of capitulation,
Lieut. Samuel Orr, at the head of the Marine Grenadier Company,
intrepidly rushed through the gateway, and saved him the trouble
of such a discussion--taking prisoners three Officers and 40 men.
This bold exploit led to the most important consequences, as the
fort commanded, with 10 pieces of cannon, the only place where the
requisite stores could be landed for the Army. The enemy's defences
now became limited to Fort Ostenburgh, situated on the top of a
hill which swept the harbour, and on the summit of another above
it, where there was posted an Officer's guard. From this they
were driven by a detachment of Seamen and Marines, who in every
essay were entrusted to execute those hazardous and honorable
duties. A summons was then tendered to the Governor, whose reply
was firm. Finding that he was not to be intimidated by threats, a
general storm was planned and executed on the 11th by 450 Seamen
and Marines, who, in column, and their flanks covered by pioneers,
followed by 20 Sailors with scaling ladders, and supported by a
reserve of six companies of both descriptions, advanced against
the fort early on the morning of that day. These were farther
strengthened by some native troops in the rear.
A Serjeant's party of Marines, in front of the whole, most promptly
got into the embrasures, unperceived by the enemy, who, being
seconded with much alacrity, the Dutch were finally driven from
their works, the fort gained, and with it all the ships in the
harbour. Much do I regret in not being able to give the name of
this gallant Serjeant, who seemed to have combined talents with
spirit. To commemorate the worthy deeds of the meanest Soldier, is
a tribute justly due to him. The extensive observance of it would
tend to rouse emulation, and the jealous pride of character. He
who knows that he stands on the page of record, will be loth to
forfeit so honorable a distinction. It is a conscious dignity
which will accompany him into society, when his Country no longer
wants his services; would diffuse its loyal influence amongst
the private walks of life, and reanimate the possessor to become
a ready Volunteer under every public emergency. If disabled by
years, he may, perhaps, have an offspring, whom he cheerfully sends
forth to battle, not the obdurate and callous victims to injured
laws, not the mercenary and wretched auxiliaries of necessitous
expedient, but the manly and independent assertors of Britain's
rights and freedom. In resigned confidence, most willingly would he
entrust their destinies to a corps, where courage and conduct never
remain unnoticed, and are neither forgotten or pass away without
recompence.
Fort Ostenburgh was not gained, however, without a contest and
loss; Lieutenant Long, who commanded a company of Seamen, was
slain, besides 20 non-commissioned and private Sailors and Marines;
Lieutenant Wolseley, of the Royal Navy, and Lieutenant Orr, of the
Marine Grenadier Company, who officiated as Brigade Major with
much credit to himself throughout this service, were wounded, as
well as 40 of both descriptions.--Humanity, the brightest gem in
the cap of a Soldier, became the property of each assaulter; who,
when resistance ceased, spared, in every instance, his suppliant
foe. Thus were our unnatural enemies expelled from the coast of
Coromandel. Unanimity, the sure presage of success, was early
apparent, and uniformly prevailed.
I cannot yield a higher testimony, as to the merits of my Corps,
than that which was bestowed by Sir Edward Hughes, in these words:
"The whole of the Officers, who have been landed from the squadron
for the attack of Negapatam, and this place, (Trincomale), have, on
all occasions, manifested much honor, courage, and good conduct,
and the private Seamen and Marines have acted with great steadiness
and bravery." Major Geils, of the East India Company's Engineers,
evinced great professional knowledge in his department.
After a most active campaign to the southward, during the progress
of which Earl Cornwallis appeared in his wonted attitudes of a
great and zealous Officer, the affairs of America were much on
the decline, and it was not from their own energies alone they
could now hope for that independence which had been their sanguine
avowal, and the summit of all their aims. Every military resource
began to fail in the summer of 1781, and it was only by one bold
effort, or an instantaneous appeal for foreign aid, that their
desponding troops could be longer kept together, or their expiring
prospects be rekindled.
At this awful period the genius of Washington was exerted as a
Politician as well as a General. Mons. Barras had arrived at Rhode
Island to assume the command of the French squadron there, whither
the Rebel Chief hastened to impart the secrets of his anxious
heart. In a conference with General Rochambeau a joint attack upon
New York was designed; for which future purpose, Washington in a
formal demand urged the immediate completion of every battalion in
his Army, as well as a strong levy from New England. The bearer
of these dispatches, with all his papers, fell into the hands
of the British, under Sir H. Clinton, who considered it his duty
to prepare against the meditated blow. Orders were accordingly
transmitted to Earl Cornwallis to detach from his Army in Virginia,
when mutual discussions betwixt those distinguished Commanders
ensued, upon which I feel no authority to enlarge, that finally
limited his Lordship to the defence of York Town and Gloucester, in
the River Chesapeak, upon the 22d of August.
The French and American Armies united at the close of June, but
they could attempt nothing against the formidable position occupied
by General Clinton, at Kingsbridge, or could they strike at any
other quarter without the support of a superior fleet. After a
tedious suspence, news reached them of the approach of Admiral De
Grasse, who intimated his intention of entering the Chesapeak.
After having indicated views upon New York, the combined force
suddenly struck across the Jerseys, in order to co-operate and
level all their power against the defenceless posts of York Town
and Gloucester.
Sir Samuel Hood reached Sandy Hook on the 28th of August, when the
command devolving upon Rear Admiral Greaves, he put to sea on the
31st with 19 sail of the line, the day after De Grasse had anchored
in the Chesapeak with 28. The French Admiral immediately commenced
the blockade of York River, having detached four of these to carry
on different services in James River, and with the rest bringing up
in Lynn-haven-bay.
The British fleet got sight of the Capes of Virginia on the morning
of the 5th of September, and in a few hours observed the French
working out in a very confused manner, forming their line as they
best could, after clearing Cape Henry. Sir Samuel Hood then led
the van with his division, whose acute eye, noticing the moment
of striking a decisive blow, he resolved to seize the occasion by
soliciting his second, Captain Reynolds (the present Lord Ducie)
in the Monarch, to lead him down within point blank shot of the
scattered enemy. To this order Capt. Reynolds's reply was, "That I
will, Sir Samuel, with a most sincere pleasure." In an instant his
ship obeyed the summons, and was advancing with hasty strides to
victory, but her signal was made to haul the wind, and to resume
her station in the line.--An action afterwards commenced, in no
respect worthy of notice, but that of rendering the gallantry of
Captains Robinson and Molloy, of the Shrewsbury and Intrepid, very
highly conspicuous.
This was followed by the return of each fleet to the anchorage it
had left. De Grasse preferred the emancipation of America, to a
precarious combat on the sea.
Sir Henry Clinton attempted a diversion in Connecticut, but nothing
could attract General Washington from his main object. United to
Rochambeau they pushed on to the head of Elk River, where their
troops were received on board of French transports, and soon joined
those at Williamsburgh under Generals La Fayette and St. Simon.
Moving forward to York Town, Earl Cornwallis withdrew within its
works on the 29th of September, with the resolve of preserving
it, until relieved by promised succours from the northward. Some
parties of Marines, from frigates in the river, were incorporated
with his garrison, of whom his Lordship was pleased to make
honourable mention in the public details of his persevering
defence. Speaking of a redoubt which was advanced over a creek
upon the right of the British Lines, he says, that it was
maintained against the fire of several batteries, with _uncommon_
gallantry, by about 120 men of the 23d Regiment and Marines. This
body, under the command of Captain Apthorpe, and subsequently
strengthened by detachments under Lieutenant Colonel Johnstone,
received his Lordship's most grateful encomiums at the unfortunate
close of all their operations. The post at Gloucester fell
with that of York Town, whose garrison met with those soothing
attentions and sympathy, which a brave enemy ever extends to a
worthy opponent.
Admiral Kempenfelt, in December, achieved the capture of some
transports and store ships, protected by a very superior force,
which demonstrated that his great nautical abilities were not
confined to theory alone. His exploit, in sight of De Guichen, with
nearly double his own strength, was much enhanced, when we remember
that it occurred in days too barren of such examples.
Some brilliant single actions, at sea, occurred during the year,
amongst the foremost of which was that fought between the Nonsuch,
of 64, Sir James Wallace, and a French 80 gun ship. After a loss
of 90 Seamen and Marines killed and wounded, Sir James could
not follow his flying foe. Lieutenant Fowke, of Marines, a most
promising Officer, was killed in the Pearl, Captain Montague, in
an action which terminated in the capture of L'Esperance Letter of
Marque, on the coast of America.