The public measures during 1783, were more precautionary than
hostile, tending chiefly to guard against contingencies, and to
be ready to resume our arms, if necessary, with effect, in every
quarter of the world.
Peace was most ardently desired by all the contending Powers, and
its attainment was marked by sincerity and cool discussion. America
foresaw a disorganized army and impoverished resources, while
France and Spain, feeling their quickly decaying finances, most
cordially united to accelerate the happy event. The decisive battle
of the 12th of April, and their signal repulse from Gibraltar, had
also due weight in the scale of consideration and expediency.
Amidst the awful storm, Britain began to emerge, by degrees,
from under the heavy cloud which had long overcast her political
horizon, and to reclaim her ancient seat amongst the nations. Every
subordinate occasion that called forth her Naval energies, seemed
to display a spirit worthy of the brightest periods of her Maritime
glory.
However delicate the topic, I am still induced to notice the
reiterated instances of baneful mutiny in our Fleet, during this
year of returning tranquillity. It is a lamentable truth that
examples of indiscipline were as common as they were successful,
and to the plan of compromise which was _then_ pursued, may be
traced, in part, that predilection for revolt which agitated the
minds of our Seamen during the late contest--crimes, for which
their unparalleled achievements have amply atoned to their Country,
but such as never can find a palliative within their own breasts,
or an extenuation from any pen that is guided by an impartial
impulse.
The demonstrations of loyalty and zeal, in every Marine Detachment,
during this turbulent era, although not realized by deeds, still
evinced a readiness to seal them with their lives, in the support
of good order. These fatal means which were used to appease the
spirit, hushed his murmurs indeed, but they invigorated the growth
of the untamed monster. After the various and meritorious services
of the Marine corps, during two successive wars, at a time when
their loyal zeal was conspicuous to their Country, when their
utility and subordination were in every mouth, a heavy reduction
in its establishment took place. It was with equal surprize, and
general regret, that this faithful body of men became limited to
4495, and to 70 companies, with a parsimonious allowance of Field
Officers. Such a popular branch of the public force was evidently
small for supplying the ships of war in commission, and for the
important duties of guarding our naval arsenals. But as the
judicious policy of the present day, has adopted a more liberal and
patriotic system respecting the corps of Marines, I deem myself
precluded from that range of comment upon the method of anterior
times, which I should have otherwise felt an authority to claim.
Another vindictive conflict occurred in the East, but without any
important consequences; in which Sir Edward Hughes, as hitherto,
nobly maintained the honor of the British flag, against Admiral
Suffrein and superior numbers. The sound of peace soon after
reached their ears, and closed all their differences.
Acts of generous hospitality, and works of mercy in the western
world, superseded stratagem in war, and the thirst of fame.
Prince William Henry, now his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence,
whom professional zeal had carried to that quarter, was at the
cessation of hostilities, under that able master, Lord Hood. Since
his entry into the Navy he had shewn a peculiar attention to every
branch of its duties, and had afforded the earliest presage of the
most distinguished talents upon its hazardous, but popular element.
A princely wish to qualify himself for this honourable calling,
had urged him to forego all the luxuries of his station, and to
risk a life naturally dear to his august family, and deservedly
valued by all who had the privilege of his intercourse, in a clime,
where no one can count upon to-morrow. It was not his lot, indeed,
to wage war in it, but to behold the refined manners of a gallant
enemy tranquillized into a cordial friend, and to be the Agent of
Providence in rescuing, from a seemingly irrevocable doom, some of
his condemned countrymen, whose misguided patriotism had stimulated
disaffection within the Spanish Province of Louisiana.
The elegant attentions of Mons. de Bellecomb, at Cape Francois,
were still outdone by the noble humanity of Governor Don Galvez.
This brave Spaniard placed the forfeited lives of those unfortunate
delinquents, at his Royal disposal. It was the most precious
gift that could have been tendered to a British Prince--who was
recognized under this great and solemn offering as sharing in all
the generous sympathies of an Englishman. The hour which permitted
him to restore those wretched victims, in a foreign land, to their
native society, must be reviewed as the happiest of his life. It
must still yield many a consoling reflection in his retirement,
and although restrained from adding to the triumphs of our Realm,
by deeds of carnage, he may yet rejoice that he stands upon the
records of mercy and benevolence by the most exalted displays of
fellow feeling.
By the definitive articles of peace America found herself an
Independent Empire. Recent injuries alienated her citizens from
our Country; but similarity of manners, the dictates of interest,
and allayed prejudices must, ere long, re-unite us in the bonds
of friendship. The retreat of Washington from the head of her
Armies, unambitious of recompense or power, forms one of the
grandest examples of human virtue ever given to the world, and must
immortalize his name through every stage of its existence.
Holland was compelled to suppress her phlegm, and to mourn over her
degraded character, and commercial losses.
Few incidents of moment occurred within the intervals of 1783 and
1792, connected with my retrospect. A voluntary embarkation of
Officers and men, for our distant settlement in New South Wales,
occurred in 1785 which has eventually afforded scope for the able
pen of Lieutenant Colonel Tench, and has hitherto given grounds
for asserting the untarnished discipline of the Marine corps, when
mingled even with the contaminating orders of vice and infamy. In
other respects the same dull routine of detached services took
place from year to year. During this period also many were the
suppliant petitions of our establishment for its melioration,
but sorry I am that, on casting an eye upon the details of each
revolving season, they are unmarked by any auspicious results,
excepting the institution of a retired establishment, and the
addition of 5 companies in 1791.
It was found that farther exertions were still necessary to place
them on the high list of public recompence, and that the faithful
discharge of ten years duty in peace, had but little influence in
strengthening their claims for favor.