Within the womb of American liberty, was partly contained that
revolution in France, which, after a long and sanguinary struggle,
has not as yet accomplished any permanent system. It is not my
task to retrace its extensive causes, and it would be presumptuous
to anticipate its final issue. In this, reason, unguided by
precedents, is soon lost in the labyrinths of speculation.
Confining myself to such points alone as affect the dignity of
my Country, or the honor of my corps, fancy shall not assume the
reins, but I will strike at once to that momentous day which again
involved those arbiters of Europe in all the horrors of war.
A conventional decree of 19th November, 1792, circulated through
every Country, _and translated into every language_, seemed to
represent the French Nation as the encouragers and protectors
of reform in every State. At this period Britain was recovering
fast from her late disastrous efforts. An unexampled influx of
wealth, added to her native joys of contentment and freedom. An
edict so much militating against the internal peace of every
society, therefore, naturally roused the watchful jealousy of
our Government. Discussions ensued, which were agitated with
temper, until those libertines in the cause of emancipation,
brought their amiable Monarch to the scaffold. I blush to say that
there were even Englishmen who were capable of extenuating the
bloody deed, while there were others, but under a more generous
impulse, who, tasting pure freedom themselves, wished that the
blessing might also flow through all the channels of mankind. A
set of free thinkers in politics, and Philanthropists in theory,
also started up, who, with all the enthusiasm of laudable zeal
worshipped a statue erected by an American Stay-Maker, on which
were inscribed "The Rights of Man." The mania of that day, thank
God, is extinguished, and an Englishman has now only to contrast
the fawning attitude of the French People, under the present yoke
of a foreign and unprincipled Usurper, with their uncontroled and
licentious barbarity towards a good but fallen King, in order to
form his opinions, and to suppress his sympathies in behalf of a
nation, which, to gain its own ideal liberties, has uniformly aimed
to desolate and enslave the world. He must also cease to admire the
boasted victories and conquests of its soldiery, few of whom but
do not now feel those chains which their triumphs have forged, and
what all these once brave legions dare not now wrest from the hands
of _one man_.--But to resume my narrative--
Towards the close of 1792 a small addition was granted to the
corps of Marines, and a much greater took place early in 93, in
consequence of the intermeddling policy of France, and the war
which followed it.
The narrow views that had influenced so great a reduction at the
peace of 1783, were bitterly apparent at the commencement of
hostilities. In every contest our enemies begin with superior
advantages, from their despotic means. Impress is precarious and
slow--compulsive registration enforced by terror, brings forth
a host at once. It is to the faithful Marine Soldier who knows
not the meaning of desertion, that the nation, under such sudden
emergencies, is often obliged to have recourse, in equipping as
well as manning her fleets; for it is not in human nature to place
confidence in that man who has been constrained to serve, and who
recognises not either a voluntary will, or a sacred obligation to
discharge his allotted duties.
It has always been remarked, that the corps of Marines recruit
more successfully in every part of our isles, where their nature
is ascertained, than any other under his Majesty. From this
circumstance must have originated the motive of low bounties being
given by its parties in 1793, while those of the line, and other
departments were considerably higher.
This restriction upon our increase loaded our service with
difficulties, and presented almost insurmountable barriers to
the attainment of that knowledge of tactics, in which every
Marine Officer and Soldier should be conversant previous to his
embarkation. For a time there seemed but little disposition to
remedy the former errors, until the imperious demands of an
increasing Navy urged the adoption of more active measures.
At this period of surrounding danger the liberal patriotism of the
town of Manchester was highly conspicuous, and gave a local spur to
access in strengthening the neglected ranks of the Marine corps.
What enhanced its manly and honest zeal, was, that the expression
of it was almost coeval with that day, on which our Gracious
Sovereign unbosomed his insulted feelings, and the perils that
hovered round his Country, to a convened Legislature.
A sum of £5501 4_s._ 9_d._ was soon subscribed by that Loyal
Society, which was applied to the auxiliary purpose of raising and
sending forth to battle 1085 recruits, between the 19th of February
and 3d of October, when a General Meeting, to inspect and close the
accounts of their acting Committee, was dissolved, and their thanks
were tendered to William Douglas, Esq. its Chairman.
These volunteers were levied under the endearing and uniting name
of "_The Manchester Marine Corps_." My feelings lead me to diverge
more extensively upon this meritorious theme, which my bounds,
however, compel me to close with an earnest hope, that while the
virtuous action shall long stand registered on our annals, its
imitative influence may also be felt by the present, and transcend
to the latest generations of my countrymen.
Owing to an inadequate establishment, from the cause assigned,
many ships put to sea with only half a complement of Marines,
while others had none at all. What prevented Capt. Faulkener, in
the Venus, from consummating a gallant action by victory, but this
deficiency? In many cases, regiments of the line were substituted;
an alternative which can only be the offspring of necessity, but
not the suggestion of public good.
The British arms were very early triumphant in the West, under the
joint auspices of Major General Cuyler and Sir John Laforey.
Their force which included Major (now Colonel) Bright, 1
Lieutenant, 2 Serjeants, 1 Drummer, and 27 private Marines, not
amounting to 400 men, carried Fort Castries by storm, and with
it the island of Tobago, garrisoned by greater numbers. Some
untoward circumstances arising from the cowardice or treachery of
a guide, added to a dark night, occasioned a small derangement in
our approach to the attack, but it was amply attoned by a general
intrepidity in the troops; the main body of which pushed boldly
towards the barrier, who attracted the whole attention of the
enemy, while the flank companies of the 9th and 60th regiments
entered their works. This affair was achieved by the bayonet, with
little loss on either side; for mercy, as usual, was shewn by
Englishmen to the vanquished.
St. Pierre and Micquelon also soon became easy conquests. Such are
the crouded and brilliant instances of this war, that I cannot
venture upon a minute detail of any, or render justice to their
merits.
Lord Hood, who had been recently called forth by his Country,
in the hour of threatened danger, and who, upon its having been
dispelled, had again become the citizen, was once more placed at
the head of a powerful fleet. This he destined to carry to the
Mediterranean, where it was his lot to perform very important
services, throughout which, he approved himself an accomplished
adept in the schools of a Sully and a Marlborough. Never since
our existence before, have the talents of a _Naval Officer_ been
exerted on so wide a field.
Untrained to the courtly habits of life, uninstructed in the arts
of diplomacy, the world usually attaches _to him_ no embellishments
of character, but professional bravery, uncorruptible zeal,
impressive unadorned manners. The Nation, however, could not have
had a more dignified representative, a cooler agent, or a more
indefatigable servant than Lord Hood upon so trying an occasion,
and amidst such mingled and arduous duties. His intercourse with
the deputies from different departments in the South of France, was
guided by wisdom and led to success, while his appeals to their
community breathed a well timed humanity towards that oppressed
land.
After an interchange of terms, the Honourable Capt. Elphinstone
(now Lord Keith) took possession of Fort La Malgue with 1800 troops
and Marines upon the 28th of August. The fleet of Spain hove in
sight, anchored, and reinforced that post with 1000 men. At first
the inhabitants of Toulon, though royalists, were still jealous
of the issue of things, but they were tranquillized in all their
fears, by a solemn assurance, that the place and ships were held
in trust for Louis the 17th, their lawful Sovereign. The approach
of a part of Carteaux army, to Ollioules, produced a very spirited
attack from La Malgue, headed by Capt. Elphinstone, and consisting
of 600 Spaniards, British troops and Marines, who drove a superior
enemy from that village, and took their cannon, ammunition, and
some prisoners. The dispositions of the English commander were
masterly, and attested his abilities to wage war on either element.
Lord Mulgrave arrived at Toulon early in September, and assumed
the command of the combined detachments, with the local rank of
Brigadier General.
The Marines of the fleet were dispersed over the different posts
of defence, some of which were cannonaded by the enemy, daily
increasing in numbers.
All the military talents of Lord Mulgrave were requisite at this
trying juncture. They were soon displayed in the most active
measures, by occupying situations essential for checking the
enemy's attacks, and affording a temporary security to many
extensive objects, until reinforcements should arrive.
His Lordship had to guard against the insults of the Army of Le
Poype on the East, as well as that of Carteaux on the West, in
which he was materially aided also by the activity and steady
bravery of the Officers and Seamen of the fleet. At this time too,
the Spaniards were actuated by a spirit of cordial union.
On the 28th of September, a seasonable supply of 2800 Sardinian and
Neapolitan troops arrived, who, in three days after, in conjunction
with the other allied corps, of which the British Marines formed
one, had an opportunity of signalizing themselves, led by Lord
Mulgrave himself, in recovering the important heights of Pharon,
which had been surprized and carried under cover of a fog, upon the
30th.
To the rapid enterprize of his Lordship, as much as the seconding
valour of every subordinate Soldier and Seaman, may justly be
ascribed the glory and success of the 1st of October. Very
honorable mention was made of Serjeant Moreno, and three privates
of the Spanish Marine Corps, who, with a daring and judicious zeal,
traced out the line of march for the allied column on the right, to
within pistol shot of the works.
Directed by genius, the laurel was obtained, and its value enhanced
by a very trifling loss, while that of the French exceeded 1400
killed and wounded; Lieutenant Carter, of Marines, was amongst the
English wounded.
A very bold sortie, from Fort Mulgrave, took place on the 8th of
October, against the enemy's batteries, opposite the Hauteur de
Grasse, evidently constructed with a view to incommode the fleet.
In this, 50 British Marines co-operated, and shared in the honor of
destroying their guns on the Hauteur de Reinier; a service which
was peculiarly allotted to the seamen under Lieutenant Serocold.
Fort Pomet, partly garrisoned by my corps, had been exposed to a
severe cannonade; particularly from 2 guns and 1 mortar above it,
which allowed no tests but of steady courage.
Captain Elphinstone bore testimony of Marine spirit, in an attack
from Fort Pharon upon the French forces to the eastward, when
Captain Dexter was distinguished for his services.
Much am I inclined to diverge upon the meritorious acts of all, but
my scope is necessarily limited.
Lord Mulgrave resigned the command of the combined troops to Major
General O'Hara, upon the 27th of October, after the most creditable
discharge of his trust.
The British posts were extremely wide, and the duties of all were
of the most fatiguing kind; but they were supported with the
fortitude of Soldiers.
One of the most brilliant events of this checquered warfare,
although unnoticed in any of the official details of it, and
generally unknown, was meritedly attached to Lieutenant (afterwards
Captain) Thomas Nailor, who was entrusted with the defence of a
fort, having under him a little garrison of 120 men, principally
Marines. A body of 2000 French moved on to attack him upon the
morning of a day, with which I am uninformed as to date, under
cover of a fog, and sanguine in the hope of surprising him. But he
was on the alert, and prepared to receive them. With a thoughtful
but unshaken valour he awaited the onset, ordering his little band
to reserve their fire, until the republicans were close, and to
maintain it by platoons; but by no means in a scattered form. A
Neapolitan Lieutenant Colonel had thrown himself into the fort
when on the eve of its being attempted, but he fell early in the
conflict. After repeated essays to carry it with those superior
numbers, the French relinquished the field with the loss of nearly
400 killed and wounded; casting back an eye of disappointment,
mingled with admiration, of their undaunted opponents.
That young man is now no more. Owing to bad health, he retreated
from public to private life, both of which he adorned by modest
merit, the mildest manners, and most intrinsic worth. The final
destiny of man, but recently closed his life unstained by dishonor.
During the progress of this siege too, a very flattering occasion
intervened of testifying the personal zeal of Lieutenant (now
Captain) Burdwood, in one of the sorties from Toulon. Embarking in
it originally as a Volunteer with the Light Company of the Royals,
his talents were decreed to conduct the retreat of its remains,
after having been deprived of its Officers. So much were his merits
appreciated by that gallant corps, that a deputation of Serjeants
waited on him the following day, to solicit that, if a similar
opportunity should again offer, he would give a preference by
attaching himself to the First Regiment of Foot. The Officers of
it also, anxious to express their feelings, voted him a _perpetual
member_ of their mess; upon which books, his name now stands in
record of their gratitude.
Jealous feuds were apparent in the breast of the Spanish Commander,
Don Langara, early in October. It has since appeared that he spoke
the sentiments of his court, which was basely negociating with the
authorized agents of the diabolical Robespierre. Every trifling
incident was seized as a subject far contention, and the subsequent
conduct of the Spanish troops warrants the suspicion that this
influence was general. The address of Lord Hood, under this
dilemma, was great and manly.
The Enemy, from constant reinforcements, became daring in their
attacks. On the 15th of November they attempted Fort Mulgrave on
the Hauteur de Grasse, with a large force.
This post was occupied by the Spaniards on the right, who soon gave
way, and retreated, firing their musquets in the air. To Capt. D.
Campbell of the 2d battalion of Royals, and Lieut. Lemoine of the
corps of Artillery, was owing the repulse of the enemy, and saving
that very important post.
Towards the close of November, the French having opened against
Fort Malbousket, and their shells also reaching the town, it was
requisite to dislodge them from the ground they held. A body of
2300, under Gen. Dundas, of which the Marines composed a part,
advanced against it, under many obstructions, on the 30th, drove
the enemy from it, but, under an ill judged impetuosity, rushed
onwards, instead of maintaining the post they had gained. The
republicans gathering in numbers, in turn recovered all, and took
Gen. O'Hara prisoner, after he was wounded, and had used the
utmost endeavours to rally our Soldiers. This Officer foresaw not
the unfortunate ardency, but had arrived at the post in order
to arrange its defence. He unhappily fell a sacrifice to his
overstrained zeal.
Little hope now remained of preserving Toulon; the enemy, from his
numbers, pushing matters to a close. Sickness began its ravages;
and no reinforcements were at hand to supply them.
The very material post of Fort Mulgrave, partly garrisoned by
British Marines, was much annoyed by shells, without having the
means of retreat from their effects. On the 17th of December, at
two in the morning, the French advanced to storm it. Here again the
Spaniards gave way, and it was in vain that English courage alone
was exerted in supporting their quarter of it. From hence our men
retreated to Fort Balaguier, under cover of the different posts on
the heights. After dawn, one unceasing fire against the different
posts on Pharon, commenced, which ended in the republicans gaining
possession of the mountain that overlooks Toulon. These reiterated
disasters could not now be retrieved. To withdraw every detachment
within the town of Toulon, for re-embarkation, became the only
alternative. On the 18th it was directed that the whole combined
forces should assemble near Fort La Malgue with secrecy, and about
ten at night they began their march and the evacuation of Toulon.
Avoiding the Fort of St. Catharine, which had been shamefully
quitted during the day, without orders, the whole struck through
a sally post, by which they gained an advanced part of the road,
and arrived at Fort Malgue, where they formed on the rising ground
above the shore. The Army reached the ships by day break, without
loss.
General Dundas says, "it was impossible for him to express, but in
general terms, the high approbation due to the Officers and men of
the Regiments and Marines, for their exertions during a service
the most harassing, distressing, and severe, seldom experienced by
troops, for so long a time." The Royal Artillery was included in
this encomium, as well as the Sardinian, Spanish, and French loyal
auxiliaries.
It was supposed that Lieutenants John Williams, Barry, and Lynn,
with 71 Marines, besides other gallant companions of the British
Army, had fallen sacrifices in defending the posts of Mulgrave and
Fort Pharon, but all the former and many of the latter rejoined,
after having been prisoners, who now live ornaments to their corps.
Towards this seat of perilous duty Sir Sidney Smith had repaired
in a private character, which, however, did not restrain him from
tendering his services to Lord Hood. He was accordingly employed to
carry into execution the destruction of the ships in the inner road
of Toulon, the arsenals and magazines. Short was the time allowed
him, and many were the attending dangers. It called forth all the
resources of his ample mind, and all the courage of his intrepid
followers. Besides an open enemy, he had to counteract the schemes
of a treacherous friend, which had well nigh overwhelmed him and
his seamen, by the precipitate explosion of two powder ships, to
which the Spaniards set fire, instead of sinking them. The conduct
of Langara, throughout, but ill accorded with the reputed honor of
his nation. It is not the calling of an Officer, and a brave man,
to be the hidden agent of perfidy. Although the plan laid down by
Lord Hood was well entitled to success, it still was not to that
extent he wished. From the conflagration at Toulon, however, may be
dated the wide triumphs of the British flag through the subsequent
stages of the war, an achievement which can never be forgotten
by a grateful nation, which must recognize its safety, and its
commercial prosperity, in that early event.
In whatever quarter of the globe we cast an eye each continued to
witness the exertions of the Marine Soldier. The convulsions at St.
Domingo called aloud for British protection, whither an expedition
sailed from Jamaica, under Commodore Ford. Proceeding first to
Jeremie, it entered into terms; after which the Europa, carrying
his broad pendant, went to Cape Nicola Mole, where she arrived on
the 22d of September. On the following day, matters having been
arranged, Captain Robinson, an Officer of distinguished merit
and abilities, was landed with 50 Marines, to whom the Commodore
granted the Brevet rank of Major, and invested him with the command
of its garrison. This gentleman acquitted himself with so much
credit to himself that, when superseded in this important key to
St. Domingo by Lieutenant Colonel Dansey, every thing had been so
properly conducted, that no trouble accrued to his successor, in
the adjustments usually consequent upon such events. Commodore
Ford gave his cordial approbation of the firm and regular conduct
of the Seamen and Marines of his squadron, in the most unequivocal
language, and their steadiness through every allotted duty, in that
destructive clime, was uniformly observed.
The operations of the squadron and army, in the East, were most
active and early. Pondicherry, and many subordinate places
surrendered without much resistance, owing to the zealous
intelligence conveyed by Mr. Baldwin, British Consul, in Egypt, of
the commencement of hostilities.
Some gallant single actions were fought during 1793. That between
La Nymphe and La Cleopatra was well contested, and in which Lieut.
John Whitaker, of Marines, is mentioned, as having ably seconded
Sir Edward Pellew on the quarter deck. The former was wounded in
the course of it, besides 10 of his party killed or maimed. Another
equally brave, but not alike fortunate, happened on the coast of
America, betwixt the Boston, Captain Courtenay, and L'Ambuscade,
French frigate. That promising Officer, ever anxiously in search
of an occasion to distinguish himself, decoyed his antagonist from
Sandy Hook. They met and fought; during the heat of the combat,
one fatal shot decided the fate both of Captain Courtenay, and
Lieutenant Butler, of Marines. A sincere friendship existed between
them, and as they had been united in their lives, so were they
also united in their deaths. Those amiable young men were hand in
hand chanting every loyal Briton's anthem, "God save the King," at
the moment their golden pitchers were broken. Adored by the crew,
they unhappily left their guns to bid their departed father a long
adieu, but he was no more, and to this circumstance alone was owing
the Frenchman's escape, whom the Boston was unable to follow.
The capture of La Reunion, by the Crescent, Captain Saumarez, was a
proof of English discipline, as the republican frigate sustained a
loss of 120 killed and wounded, without one accident on our side.
The Honorable Captain Yorke, in the Circe, hastened to share in the
glory, but was prevented by light winds.
This closes my details for 1793.