At no period of her existence as a Nation, did Britain portend a
speedier dissolution, although at none did she ever appear in a
more dignified attitude, than at the commencement of 1801.
Alternately deserted by every Ally, she was not only engaged in an
arduous contest with some of the most powerful States of Europe,
but was threatened by the revival of a Maritime discussion, backed
by an armed neutrality amongst its Northern Powers, evidently
levelled against her existence. A confederacy so hostile to our
very being, could not but arouse the land to assert their long
established rights; and, however hazardous an appeal to arms might
be under the existing crisis, it was still deemed a better, and
more glorious alternative, than tacitly to allow any innovators,
however powerful, to undermine those commercial pillars, upon which
the Empire had so long flourished, and stood. Temporizing measures
being but ill suited to the occasion, and little congenial to the
spirit of the times, a general embargo was laid upon all Russian,
Swedish, and Danish vessels within our ports, while a fleet was
equipped for the Baltic, whose cannon were destined to become the
interpreters of our injured privileges, as well as the delegated
agents for the salutary restoration of peace.
Keeping pace with such Naval exertions, to which the Country looked
for its salvation, the Marine corps experienced an effective
augmentation unprecedented on its historic annals. A vote of 22,696
men passed for the three first lunar months of 1801, which was
subsequently enlarged to 30,000 for the future services of the year.
I am naturally led to follow the progress of those gallant fellows
to the coasts of the Baltic, by whose great achievements those
impending dangers which seemed ready to erase their devoted Country
from amongst the list of nations, were so quickly dispelled.
The object of this armament having been publicly avowed and
known, the occasion evinced the spirited zeal of Lieutenant
Colonel Winter, of my corps, by his stepping out of the routine
of divisional service, and volunteering to head a battalion of
Marines, upon these more perilous duties. The handsome tender of
that able Officer, was not, however, accepted.
Upon the 12th of March the British fleet set sail, and passed
the Sound on the 30th, encountering, in its way, an incessant
but bloodless discharge from the cannon of Cronenburgh, when it
anchored near to the isle of Huin. The battle of the 2d of April,
fought under the superintending example and auspices of Lord
Nelson, needs no description to add to its splendour. Its merits
can best be appreciated by its immediate effects. Upon that great
man's brow was placed the laurel, entwined with the olive, and
both were the growth of a single day. It led to peace with our
old friends, the Danes, and overthrew a Confederacy, upon the
consequences of which speculation is set at bay.
The gallant Sir Thomas Graves nobly seconded his superior, and it
is to be remembered, in honor to his name, that he volunteered to
complete the final destruction of those Northern Opponents, if a
cessation of arms had not healed every difference.
Eight hundred and seventy five Seamen and Marine Soldiers were
killed and wounded upon that momentous day. Lieutenant Benjamin
Spencer, of my corps, son to the Rev. Dr. Spencer near Birmingham,
a youth of the most promising hopes, and the sweetest manners,
fell on board the Edgar, a ship that was peculiarly distinguished,
as did Lieutenant Henry Long, in the Isis, who was likewise much
esteemed for a benignity of temper; Lieutenants Charles Meredith
and James Marrie were also wounded.
In consequence of this signal victory, a merited testimony was
conferred upon Captain Lambrecht, of Marines, by the brevet rank
of Major, which could not have been bestowed upon a more worthy
or meritorious member. It was his fortune to be Senior Officer on
board that part of the grand force which was engaged, and to serve
in the Defiance, under the flag of Rear Admiral Graves.
Every man in the English fleet was honored with the Thanks of his
Country, its intrepid leaders received suitable distinctions, and
all stand registered upon the memorials of indelible fame. The
noble Society of Lloyd's stretched forth, likewise, their liberal
aids to the unfortunate sufferers at Copenhagen. Other incidents
tended to accelerate the dissolution of this formidable league;
in which a guardian Providence may be clearly retraced, and our
natural bulwarks as having been the secondary agents of his will.
Early in this year Earl St. Vincent, who had commanded in the
Mediterranean and the Channel, with so much advantage to the
public, and with such éclat to himself, was placed at the helm of
Naval affairs. My corps looked up to him as a father and a friend,
and those endearing titles have been fully realized towards us
in every arrangement that has emanated from his intelligent and
comprehensive mind. As we never forsook him in the day of trial, so
we never shall forget him when he is laid low in the dust.
The same spirit for dashing at every thing within the enemy's
ports, and on their coasts still continued to prevail. Three boats
from the Trent, led on by Lieutenants Chamberlayne, Scallion,
Bellamy, Tate, of Marines, and Mr. Hoskins, on the 3d of April, in
opposition to numerous batteries on the shore, the constant fire of
a lugger and cutter, and the aid of a number of small craft, boldly
attacked and drove the lugger amongst the rocks, besides some of
the boats.
Lieutenants Chamberlayne and Tate afterwards boarded and carried
off a large ship which was under their convoy, and what was their
main object, on her way from Brehat to Plampoul. In that service
Lieutenant Tate, of my corps, unfortunately lost a leg.
One of the most daring attempts, ever conceived, was originally
undertaken by Lieutenant Losack, but finally executed by Lieutenant
Maxwell, against the French corvette La Chevrette, in presence of
the combined fleets in the road of Brest, under protection of the
batteries of Camerat, and in spite of nearly 400 men of which her
crew was composed, all ready to oppose the assailants. Upon this
perilous duty Lieutenants Sinclair and Rose, of Marines, spiritedly
volunteered. From the strong position of the enemy, who set every
attack at defiance, no better contested affair occurred through
the whole of this glorious war. Lieutenant Sinclair who had been
formerly wounded upon a similar enterprize, was slain in the act of
warding off a like destiny from a Midshipman of the Doris. He would
have done honor to any rank in life.
The carnage was great on the side of the republicans, being above
150 killed and wounded, while that of the British exceeded 66.
Lieutenant W. Burke, an Officer of the highest hopes, received a
mortal wound, and Lieutenant Neville was hurt.
Mr. (now Captain) Maxwell, with all his intrepid companions, will
long appear conspicuous on the records of fame. Capt. Charles
Brisbane says, "Any comments of mine would fall far short of
the merits due to those gallant Officers, Seamen, and Marines
employed on this service." Such examples of irresistible heroism
in subordinate warfare, must have a permanent influence on the
feelings of our enemies upon whatever scale they may be opposed to
us.
On the 4th of August a successful bombardment took place against
the French flotilla off Boulogne, and the attack was renewed
upon the 13th by the boats of Lord Nelson's squadron. Although
assembled for the avowed purpose of invading our isles, still the
event of that night plainly shewed that their preparations had
been distinguished much more by steps for self preservation, than
for offensive measures, for our brave fellows, after the strongest
feats of valour, were obliged to abandon their hard earned prizes,
from their having been fastened by chains, or hard on the shore.
The issue was unfortunate, but it added to the glory of the British
arms. One hundred and seventy two Officers, Seamen, and Marines
were killed and wounded in this patriotic attempt. Such were the
exertions of all that the thanks of Earl St. Vincent, and of their
brave Chief, were expressed to every class in the squadron. The
service was deprived of a gallant Officer in Captain Parker of the
Navy, and Captain Young, of my corps, was badly wounded.
Lieutenant Gerrard, of Marines, was again a volunteer in cutting
out some vessels of force, from the port of Corunna, happily
without loss.
Admiral Cornwallis, with that perseverance so peculiar to his
character, continued to block up the combined fleets in Brest, who
continued a useless load of expenditure to France and Spain, until
a cessation of arms gave them freedom.
I bitterly lament that I cannot bid farewell to the domestic events
of the present year without diverging upon that baneful spirit of
mutiny, which again broke forth in a detachment of our fleet on the
coast of Ireland.
It first burst out on board the Temeraire, a ship hitherto noted
for good order, and commanded by men who yielded to none in the
British Navy, for talents or humanity. It was a renewal of the same
foul game that was played at the close of the American war, but
it was subverted in a different manner, and with a manly energy,
which bids fair to advance the future interests of discipline. The
party of Marines, under Captain Vallock, after resisting all the
efforts of seduction from their duty, behaved with the fidelity of
good Soldiers, and nobly seconded the firm resolution of Admiral
Campbell and the Officers under his command. As must ever be the
case, this little phalanx, inspired with all the consciousness
of a good cause, quickly overcame their guilty opponents, whose
ringleaders expiated their crimes by an untimely death.
The address which those unfortunate men left behind them to their
misguided ship-mates, bespoke the deepest contrition, and affords
the most impressive lesson to the wretch who may ever be so
unguarded as to admit the inroads of discord or disobedience.
In justice to those parties of Marines who loyally avowed their
principles during such commotions, which, indeed, were general, and
the same amongst every detachment in the squadron, I annex copies
of letters from two under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Tench,
and Captain Forshall, directed to those Officers.
"SIR,
"We, the Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, serving as
Marines, under your command, on board his Majesty's ship Princess
Royal, _having heard with pleasure_, the gallant conduct of our
brother Soldiers on board the Temeraire, and, therefore, beg leave
to express alike with them, our determination to oppose, with all
our might and power, all unlawful combinations and our readiness to
obey our Officers night and day.
"Signed by the Whole Party.
"Lieut.-Col. Tench, his Majesty's
ship Princess Royal."
"Resolution, Bantry Bay, 15th Dec. 1801.
"SIR,
"I hope you will pardon the liberty we take in addressing you, but
as we understand that some ships companies have disobeyed the just
commands of their Officers, and knowing the dreadful consequences
that formerly attended similar practices. For our parts we abhor
the idea, and we hope you will inform Captain Gardiner, likewise
the Admiral, that it is our firm resolution, to support and
maintain our Officers in any thing which they may think proper, and
in that which is best calculated to promote the interest of our
King and Country. I have the honor of subscribing myself, in behalf
of the detachment of Marines,
"Your most obedient humble servant,
"William Heans, Serjeant.
"Captain Forshall, Marines."
The steady allegiance of my corps was such, throughout this period
of indiscipline, that the following testimonies were the honorable
result: "The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having expressed
their high satisfaction of the good conduct of the Marines of
several ships, under my command with you at Beerhaven, in declaring
their abhorrence of the mutinous proceedings which had lately taken
place at the anchorage, and of their having come forth on that
occasion, so much to the honor of their Corps, and interests of
their Country, I am to desire you will be pleased to communicate
the same to them, and assure them that I feel highly gratified on
the present occasion.
"(Signed) William Cornwallis.
"Vice Admiral Sir Andrew Mitchell, &c. &c."
In consequence of the above very handsome communication from
Admiral Cornwallis, Commander in Chief of the Channel Fleet, Sir
Andrew Mitchell issued the following order:
"It is my directions to the Captains of the ships, named in the
margin,[5] under my orders, to communicate to the Marines, serving
on board the respective ships under their command, the above
letter from the Commander in Chief, and I feel equally happy their
good conduct has merited such a mark of approbation from him and
the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
"(Signed) A. Mitchell.
"29th December, 1801."
Much to the credit of the Formidable, Captain Grindall, that ship
was totally exempt from the diabolical spirit, and it is proper to
be remarked that the thanks of the Board of Admiralty were withheld
from the parties of Marines in the Vengeance and Resolution,
entirely through mistake, as both were truly entitled to them, for
a similar zeal, with the rest of their brother Soldiers.
I now bid adieu to the domestic transactions of 1801, and hasten to
those quarters of the world, where the British character appears
in all its manly and native vigour, not palsied by murmurs, but
invincible by discipline.
After the desertion of Buonaparte from his Egyptian Army, and the
annulment of the Treaty of El Arisch, the genius of Kleber, his
successor, retrieved every thing. By the battle of Heliopolis he
eventually drove the Turks across the desert to seek refuge in
Gaza, recaptured Cairo, which had been formerly evacuated, and by
a train of good policy as well as a system of judicious defence,
rendered the French power in Egypt more firm than ever. But a dark
assassin deprived their Army of this distinguished leader, after
whose tragical death, the chief command devolved upon General
Menou, who following the footsteps of his predecessors, and by a
peculiar assimilation to the tenets and manners of the Mahometans,
seemed to have resolved upon fixing a permanent Empire in Lower
Egypt. He rejected, with disdain, every overture towards a renewal
of the Treaty of El Arisch, and, excepting a number of Greeks
embodied under the auspices of Kleber, who were trained in European
tactics, rested all his hopes of defence against native inroads, or
foreign invaders, in the remnants of his countrymen.
It was reserved for a branch of my corps, combined with a British
Army, to assist in rooting out this powerful force, to restore
those conquered dominions to their rightful Lord, and thus to close
a war by subduing those motives of ambition which had continued to
cherish it.
A very considerable armament, which had been employed on other
services during the last year, had entered the Mediterranean,
and the troops who formed a part of it, were landed at Malta and
Minorca. These were destined to expel the French from Egypt, in
co-operation with an Army, under General Baird, from the regions of
India, and an Ottoman force, under the Grand Vizier, which was to
cross the deserts of Syria.
Lord Keith, with the English fleet, rendezvoused early in January
1801, in the Bay of Marmorice, on the coast of Caramania,[6] where
preparations, necessary for the intended expedition, were carried
on. Two days previous to their sailing for Egypt, his Lordship
signified his directions to Lieutenant Colonel Smith, who commanded
the Marines, to hold himself in readiness to disembark with the
Officers and men from the different ships, and to place himself
under the orders of General Sir Ralph Abercrombie; at the same time
vesting him with a power of issuing such preparatory instructions
as he might deem proper for the future regulations of his battalion.
Upon the 23d of February the fleet steered for the coast of
Egypt, conveying an army of 15,330 Soldiers, and anchored in
the auspicious Bay of Aboukir, on the 2d of March. An incessant
gale prevented any debarkation until the 8th, when a landing was
effected by the greater part of the Army, under circumstances that
very signally attested their discipline and their valour. The
Officers and Seamen of the fleet had likewise their share of these
attached merits. This important object having been accomplished,
Sir Ralph Abercrombie advanced to within six miles of Alexandria,
and three of the enemy, who were strongly posted on a ridge, with
the canal of that city on their right flank and the sea on their
left.
Agreeably to the arrangement that had been made in the Bay of
Marmorice, and by the order of battle given out, the Marines were
attached to the 3d brigade under Lord Cavan, and united in it with
the 50th and 79th Regiments.
Previous to the landing of the Marines, Lord Keith addressed the
following letter to Lieutenant Colonel Smith:
"Foudroyant, in Bay of Aboukir, 9th March, 1801.
"SIR,
"If it shall be requisite to land the Marines from some of the
ships for a short time, I beg you will furnish me with the
arrangements you have made, and the temporary ranks necessary to be
given, so that I may furnish the Officers with authority.
"I am, Sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
"(Signed,) Keith.
"Lieut.-Col. Smith, Marine Forces,
his Majesty's ship Kent."
In consequence, many Officers obtained brevet rank, in the course
of the Egyptian campaign, and received additional pay according to
the proportions of each.
An institution alike liberal and just was adopted by Lord Keith
towards the Marine Corps, that while its Officers and Soldiers were
employed on shore, in advancing the interests of their Country,
their claims for prize-money were considered as valid during the
whole period of their absence.
It was on the morning of the 12th of March, that the Marines of
the fleet were landed in the Bay of Aboukir, consisting of 35
serjeants, 32 corporals, 22 drummers, and 500 privates, besides
Officers. It may be well conceived how difficult, yet how honorable
was the duty of fitting, for immediate service, this heterogeneous
body, drawn from 30 different ships, unknown to one another, and a
great many of them totally ignorant of every military evolution.
The battalion, however, was formed between the hours of 12 and
3 upon that day, under a scorching sun, and on a burning sand,
after which one half was detached to fill bags for the batteries,
whilst the other was marched a considerable distance, all the while
nearly knee-deep in sand, and laden with their comrades musquets
and knapsacks. After such labours, during the day, orders arrived
at seven in the evening for the whole to join the main body of
the Army, then 15 miles distant, which they effected, after much
fatigue, at one on the morning of the 13th of March. At five they
were again under arms, with a view to have attacked the enemy,
advancing towards him in two lines by the left, in order to have
turned his right flank. But anticipating the movements of the
British, he descended from the heights which he had occupied, and
struck at the leading brigades of both our lines. The battle began
on the right at seven, and those on the left instantly formed.
It cannot be supposed that this detachment of my corps, hitherto
untrained to military tactics, could evince that regularity and
precision in manœuvre which so much distinguished those veteran
Soldiers with whom they served. But if they failed in the minutiæ
of discipline, they were not behind them in valour. The engagement
becoming warm and general, they were somewhat crouded in their
ranks by the alignment of the regiments on their right and left,
owing to the narrowing of the Peninsula upon which they acted, and
at the moment when they sustained their severest loss. Although
not perfectly regular to command, they still, under a gallant
impulse, rushed forward in charge towards the enemy, and acquired,
for their conspicuous bravery, the appellation of the _Bull Dogs_
of the Army. The French were driven at last, with an irresistible
impetuosity, to take shelter under the fortified heights, that
constitute the chief defence of Alexandria.
The details of loss were fully proportionate to those of their
brethren in arms, being 2 Officers and 22 rank and file killed, 4
Officers, 2 Serjeants, 2 Drummers, and 27 rank and file wounded.
Amongst the former were Lieutenants Paul Hussey, and Linzee Shea,
holding rank as Captains in the Marine battalion, and Captain
Minto, with that of brevet as Major, besides Captain Robert
Torkington, 1st Lieutenant John Parry, and 2d Lieutenant George
Peebles.
Upon the day after the battle the following were the public orders
issued by the Commander in Chief, who had intimated to Lord Keith
the gallantry of the Marines upon that occasion:
"Camp, 4 miles from Alexandria, 14 March, 1801.
"Sir Ralph Abercrombie desires that Lieutenant Colonel Smith and
the battalion of Marines, will accept his Thanks for their conduct,
in the course of the service of yesterday; at the request of Lord
Keith.
"The Commander in Chief has the greatest satisfaction in thanking
the troops for their soldier-like conduct in the action of
yesterday."
In the afternoon the battalion marched to Aboukir, where they were
placed under the command of Earl Dalhousie, and remained there some
time after the surrender of its Castle.
Those brave fellows were truly sensible of their defect in point of
discipline, but a generous spirit of emulation pervaded the whole
of them, and under the able superintendance of Lieutenant Colonel
Smith, and Major Minto, this mixed body of men, in a very few days,
might have vied with any regiment in the field. They meritedly
gained, and repeatedly obtained from the Commander in Chief and
Major General Coote, under whom they were brigaded, the highest
encomiums for their soldier like appearance, steady conduct, and
the good order of their encampment, when in front of Alexandria.
It was their destiny to be entrusted with the defence of Aboukir
Castle, and its vicinity, which precluded them from displaying
their rapid improvement in evolution, or of sharing in the laurels
acquired by the Army, on the glorious 21st of March; a day upon
which every British Soldier may well exult, but not without
mingling with his proud joy, an unfeigned sigh over the memory
of that great and good man who led, and whose honorable life was
sacrificed at the shrine of victory.
The Marines, as constituting a material proportion of the strength
of Lord Keith's fleet, formed no part of these detachments which
penetrated the interior, but their duties were confined to the
blockade of Alexandria, where they might be ready to re-embark in
case of emergency, at the shortest notice.
The brilliant details of the Egyptian Campaign, are well known to
the world. They have been given in a stile highly adapted to yield
general information, and to rouse, within our Armies, an emulous
zeal.
If it was not the lot of my corps to stand on the annals of
splendor by an active co-operation with those bodies who conquered
Rosetta, Rhamanich, and Cairo, still their effective presence
tended to enable the Commander in Chief to achieve these distant
and important objects. Attached to the brigade of Major General
Coote, they were withdrawn from the defence of Aboukir, and
continued to discharge, with an unrelaxed discipline, the duties of
investment, with but little variety, until the 5th day of August,
when the previous arrival of reinforcements from England and India,
the return of the forces from the recovery of the internal posts
in Lower Egypt, and at the express desire of Lord Keith, they were
struck off the shore details, and next day were re-embarked on
board their respective ships.
With such an accumulated Army General (now Lord) Hutchinson was
empowered to push the siege of Alexandria, which was carried on
with so great ability and success, that it surrendered on the 30th
of August.
It would be a wide attempt for me to embrace a discussion of those
movements that led to the expulsion of the French from Egypt, and I
am too humble by any panegyric of mine, to add a single mite to the
well earned fame of those distinguished Officers, those intrepid
Soldiers and Seamen, by whose united talents and valour, such
momentous results were obtained. Every individual is registered
upon the grateful records of his Country, carries about with him a
memorial of his own deeds, which reminds him and every one of his
military comrades, that an Englishman is as terrible in the field,
as he is upon the ocean.
The solid merits of my corps were such that I cannot omit the
following high testimonials, which bespeak them in much more
forcible terms, than any I can advance:
"Foudroyant, Bay of Aboukir, 5th July, 1801.
"SIR,
"I have had much satisfaction in receiving the commands of the
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to make known to you, their
Lordships approbation of your conduct, and of that of the Officers,
Non-Commissioned Officers, and Privates of the Marine battalion,
landed from the ships in the squadron, to co-operate with the Army
on the coast of Egypt, and I have to request that you will, with
the permission of Major General Coote, communicate the approbation
which their Lordships have been pleased to express to the Officers
and men serving under your command.
"I have the honor to be, Sir,
"Your very obedient and humble servant,
"KEITH."
"Lieut.-Col. Smith, &c. &c. &c."
Major General Coote having received a similar letter from his
Lordship, enclosed it to Colonel Smith, at the same time giving his
sanction for its contents being published to the Officers and men
of the Marine battalion.
Three days previous to their embarkation the Major General thus
expressed himself:
"Camp, near Alexandria, 3d August, 1801.
"SIR,
"At the request of Admiral Lord Keith, it is Lieut.-Gen. Sir John
Hely Hutchinson's directions, that the battalion of Marines, under
your command, is to hold itself in readiness to return on board
their respective ships. I cannot, however, suffer you to leave the
division of the Army, without assuring you how perfectly satisfied
I am, with the attention you have always paid to the Marines. The
good conduct of your corps, whilst under my orders, does them the
greatest credit, and I beg you will be so obliging as to signify
the same both to your Officers and men.
"I have the honor to be, &c.
"EYRE COOTE, Major General.
"Lieutenant Colonel Smith, &c. &c."
They having done duty under Major General Finch, during a time, in
the 1st Brigade, that Officer, in consequence, thus conveys his
sentiments:
"Brigade Orders, August 5, 1801.
"Major General Finch, on taking leave of Lieutenant Colonel Smith
and the Marines under his command, requests him to accept his
warmest thanks for the order, regularity, zeal, and attention
that have uniformly marked their conduct during the period he had
the honor of commanding the 1st Brigade, and he shall be happy
on all occasions to bear testimony to their merit in the correct
performance of their duty, in every respect, which has come under
his observation."
Although ulterior in date still, for the sake of connection, I am
led to insert the very flattering encomiums of Lord Hutchinson, the
Commander in Chief.
"Jermyn Street, June 28, 1802.
"SIR,
"Your sudden departure from Egypt rendered it impossible for me
to desire that you would communicate my thanks to the Marines who
served under your command during the campaign. May I now beg that
you will assure the Officers and men, how highly sensible I am of
their meritorious services, and of the zeal and exertion which
ever marked their conduct. The order and discipline preserved by
the battalion does great credit to your military character, and is
equally honorable to the respectable corps which you had the good
fortune to command.
"I have the honor to be, &c. &c.
"(Signed) HUTCHINSON, Major General.
"Lieut.-Col. Smith, Royal Marines."
Owing to some omission, the medals which were bestowed by the Grand
Signior upon every Officer of the Army, as commemorative of his
gratitude, and of their services during the Egyptian campaign, were
for a time withheld from those of the corps of Royal Marines, but
in consequence of Lord Keith's representation of it to the Earl of
Elgin, our Ambassador at the Ottoman Porte, his Sublime Highness
most readily compensated for this error, and these honorable marks
were conveyed to Sir Richard Bickerton, commanding the British
Naval Forces at Malta, who transmitted them along with a letter
couched in the following elegant terms:
"Kent, at Malta, March 18th, 1803.
"SIR,
"I have the honor of forwarding to you some Turkish medals, to be
distributed among the Officers of Marines who served on shore, and
in the squadron employed in the blockade of Alexandria, during the
Egyptian campaign.
"The accompanying letter and list,[7] will explain every thing; it
therefore only remains for me to add, that I feel a pleasure in
having been made a medium in conveying what may be acceptable to a
small part of your corps; and I should be much more gratified if
it was in my power to congratulate you _on the acquisition of more
substantial advantages for the whole_, being every day more fully
convinced of its services and utility.
"I have the honor to be, Sir, &c. &c.
"R. BICKERTON.
"Lieut.-Col. Smith, Royal Marines."
Our victorious armies and fleet, which were destined for other
services, were suddenly stayed by the tidings of a cessation of
arms.
The feats of our squadrons and ships in the Mediterranean lost
none of their wonted splendor. Sir James Saumarez's attack upon
the French squadron, under the numerous batteries of Algeziras,
yields to no one upon record, for boldness of design or spirit in
execution. Although the event of the 6th of July was unprosperous,
still the gallantry exhibited on that day was productive of the
most signal consequences, and it, no doubt, had its effect upon a
superior force, who, panic struck, felt the retaliating vengeance
of Sir James and his little detachment, on the 12th. In the first
action 375 Seamen and Marines were killed, wounded, and missing;
amongst the former detail was 1st Lieutenant J. D. Williams, on
board the Hannibal, who behaved with true British courage, and with
the latter were numbered Lieutenants George Dunford and J. W. Day,
of Marines.
Sir James Saumarez, after speaking of the bravery of the men under
his command, says, "that Captain Maxwell and the Officers of my
corps on board the Cesar, were entitled to much praise." Captain
Keates of the Superbe, whose personal intrepidity and zeal were
highly instrumental in gaining the victory of the 12th of July, by
capturing the St. Antonio, thus acknowledges the merits of his crew
to the Commander in Chief: "It is my duty to represent to you, that
the Officers of all descriptions, Seamen, and Marines, conducted
themselves with the greatest steadiness and gallantry."
The bravery of Captain Hood, his Officers, Seamen, and Marines
was also highly conspicuous. A branch of my corps was again
included in the legislative thanks of a grateful Country, and Sir
James Saumarez, whose name is superior to panegyric, deservedly
was crowned with honorary, as well as pecuniary marks of his
Sovereign's favor.
The action of the Phœbe, Captain Barlow, with L'Africaine French
frigate was marked by an immense carnage, and afforded an evident
display of superior discipline in the Sailors and Marines under his
orders. That Officer was deservedly knighted after her capture.
Lord Cochrane in the Speedy, who was nobly supported by all his
followers, gave early hopes of what may yet be expected from him by
his Country, by boarding and carrying the frigate Gamo of 32 guns
and 319 men, while his own force was only 14 guns and 54 men.
Lieutenant Wilson, of Marines, with his party from the Mercury,
was noticed by Captain Rogers, for their courage and good conduct,
first in boarding a French Pirate amongst the rocks in the Tremite
Islands, and afterwards driving her renegado crew from the hills
which they occupied, with a four pounder gun and musquetry.
Lieutenant Wilson covered Lieutenant Mather and the Seamen while
heaving the vessel off the rocks, and then re-embarked with some
prisoners.
Those Officers had been highly distinguished upon a former occasion
in bringing his Majesty's late sloop, the Bull Dog, from the port
of Ancona under a heavy fire of cannon and musquetry from the Mole,
but they were obliged to abandon her to the enemy from an insetting
current, and a calm, after all their gallant efforts. This ship was
reserved for a future but more successful attempt by the Seamen and
Marines of the Champion, who bravely assaulted her, and brought her
out from under the guns of Gallipoli, guided by the daring zeal of
Lord William Stuart.
The Swiftsure of 74 guns fell into the hands of Admiral
Gantheaume's squadron; after a resistance which reflected honor
upon Captain Hallowell, his subordinates, and the British Navy.
Lord Cochrane, in union with Captain Pulling, again gave a test of
intrepidity, by striking at a Spanish convoy in the Bay of Orepeso,
protected by a castle, a xebeck, and gunboats. These they destroyed
with little loss.
In August Captain Halsted's squadron took La Caniere of 44 guns,
after a short action. Lieutenant Douglas, of Marines, was wounded,
but died after amputation on board La Pomone. This frigate was on
her way with a convoy, having stores and ammunition on board, for
the French Army then carrying on the siege of Porto Ferrajo, in the
Isle of Elba.
This little fortress disdaining to participate in that terror
which had disgraced the continent of Italy, afforded refuge to Mr.
Isaac Grant, English Vice Consul at Leghorn, and others of his
countrymen, who fled from our rapacious enemies on their entrance
into Tuscany. His example and precepts roused the natives to arms,
while the very females shared in the patriotic impulse of defending
their families and their Country, from those universal spoilers.
Mingled with its garrison, were Lieutenant Lawrence and his party
of Marines from the Pearl, whose animated efforts, during a long
series of six months fatigue and danger, are little known, but
were such as to entitle the whole to the highest praise. This
little force, by their constancy and courage, ever set the best of
examples, were always foremost on service, and stood to their post
and guns when the Tuscan and other foreign troops gave way. They
were likewise unremittingly useful in preparing shells, mounting
and transporting cannon, and in repairing their carriages, as well
as constructing works. Their knowledge of gunnery, acquired by
experience in a long siege, and their ambition to gain honor to
their corps and themselves, induced them to live in the batteries,
and the little sleep which they enjoyed, was by their cannon. Such
zealous perseverance impaired the healths of this brave detachment,
and if the place had not been relieved by other troops, Lieutenant
Lawrence and his faithful companions must have fallen victims to
incessant toil.
The merits of Colonel Airey, in the defence of Porto Ferrajo, were
great indeed. Nothing could surpass his cool judgment and spirited
exertions in foiling a very superior enemy in all their attempts.
The bravery and good conduct of Mr. Isaac Grant, in repeated
sallies, were eminently conspicuous. Few occasions have exhibited a
more manly patience, or a nobler stand.
Upon the 12th of September Sir John Warren appeared with his
squadron to relieve this brave garrison. He had previously given
an order to Captain John Richardson, of Marines, to act as Brigade
Major to Lieutenant Colonel Airey, and he was disembarked, as
well as Captain Johnstone, from the Gibraltar, 12 Subalterns, 17
Serjeants, 18 Corporals, 11 Drummers, and 390 Privates. A force of
240 Seamen was also landed under Captain Long of the Royal Navy.
Captain James Weir, (now on retirement), who commanded the Marines
at Malta, served in Porto Ferrajo at the head of a Maltese corps,
with distinguished reputation.
It having been resolved to destroy the enemy's works, a debarkation
of upwards of 1000 men took place early on the morning of the
14th of September, while a sortie from the garrison was attempted
against the battery which overawed the harbour. Captain Long, with
his division of Seamen, Marines, and Swiss, proceeded to demolish
the batteries on the right side of the bay, which he performed in
a gallant stile. That Officer was shot through the shoulder very
early in the action, but persevered in the attack, until his little
advanced party, consisting of 26 Seamen and Marines, reached a spot
where the enemy had a field piece, and were in considerable force.
It was within 18 yards of their position that this brave young
man received a mortal wound, when he was carried from the field.
He lingered and died, and so strongly impressed was the foe with
admiration of his valor, that a suspension of arms was maintained,
while his remains were borne, with military honors, to the grave.
Lieutenant Campbell, of Marines, after this mishap, instantly
charged, drove the republicans to a narrow pass, where, being
reinforced, he was held in check; but having accomplished the chief
object which was intended, he effected a retreat to the garrison.
Captains Johnstone and Richardson, who headed the division against
the enemy's works on the left side of the harbour, did every thing
that could have been expected from brave and experienced Officers.
After having ruined the batteries of Punta Pina, the grottoes, and
giovanni, a vast quantity of ammunition, and having carried off
150 barrels of powder, the British and Allied troops were attacked
by very superior numbers in different quarters. Under existing
circumstances a retreat was the only expedient, which, after a
spirited contest, was made to the boats and within the walls of
the fortress. Lieut. Clarke, of Marines, was wounded and made
prisoner. The general loss was by no means equal to the nature
of this service. Colonel Airey expressed himself highly indebted
for the support and assistance given by the Seamen and Marines.
Although the inadequacy of numbers prevented the completion of
every object, still this diversion afforded a temporary aid to the
brave defenders of Porto Ferrajo.
Major Weir signalized himself in a subsequent sortie on the night
of the 10th of October, and the garrison never relaxed in the
most animated perseverance, until peace threw open its gates to a
new sovereign. Captain Halsted, previous to the appearance of Sir
John Warren, had captured or destroyed the whole of the French
blockading squadron.
Those Northern Powers, against whom Britain had reluctantly drawn
the sword, experienced a severe and early chastisement in the loss
of all their West India Colonies, which successively yielded to the
prompt and vigorous measures of Admiral Duckworth and Sir Thomas
Trigge. St. Bartholomew's, St. Martin's, which alone offered any
resistance, St. Thomas, and Santa Cruz submitted to the Army and
Fleet during the month of March, and the islands of St. Eustatius
and Saba were occupied by our forces in April. These conquests
afforded no field for achievement, but they gave opportunities for
the display of much united zeal.
Captains Manby and Butcher, their Officers, Seamen, and Marines
were noticed for gallant single actions, and Lieutenant Mackenzie,
with those under him, for much intrepidity in cutting out a
schooner from under the batteries at Guadaloupe.
It is with a heartfelt pain that I am constrained to blend
with these honorable details, another instance of baneful
insubordination which occurred on board the Castor frigate, upon
Sunday the 13th of December. The trying hour produced another
example of steady fidelity in Lieutenant J. S. Smith and his
loyal party of Marines. Captain Fanshawe upon observing the first
symptoms of revolt, ordered the detachment under arms, which
was obeyed with an unsurpassed alacrity. The young but spirited
Officer, who headed them, needed no prompter to a decisive conduct.
He, with an unlooked for rapidity, charged bayonets, drove the
guilty criminals to the larboard side of the lower deck, where,
cooped up, they were forced to surrender their ringleaders.
The heroic feelings of a private Marine, who was confined to his
hammock at the outset of this commotion, would have done honor
to any age of the world. Though depressed with fever, still he
arose, put on his accoutrements, took his musquet and his post in
the ranks. On being questioned why he was there, he nobly replied
to his Officer, "Oh, Sir, this is not a time to be sick." This
action obtained for him a subsequent promotion, and on retrospect,
it still merits a pecuniary tribute. It is under the impulse of
cordial esteem, as well as of public justice, that I annex the very
flattering testimony of the Court Martial, which sat upon those
deluded mutineers, respecting the firm conduct of Lieutenant Smith
and his party. Captain Western, the President, addressed him in
these words: "I have it in command from this Court to express to
you the high sense they entertain of your very Officer like conduct
on the evening of the 13th of December, and the good and steady
conduct of the party of Marines embarked under your orders. Your
prompt and spirited execution of Captain Fanshawe's orders appears
to the Court to have stopped a very dangerous mutiny, and the
token of their approbation of your conduct will be transmitted to
the Commander in Chief, and inserted in the minutes of the Court
Martial." This became much enhanced by the following very judicious
and handsome order from Admiral Duckworth:
"Southampton, Fort Royal Bay, 26th December, 1801.
"Memorandum--Whereas the members of the Court Martial on the
mutineers of his Majesty's ship Castor, have felt called upon, in
justice to the exemplary and meritorious conduct of Lieutenant
J. S. Smith, of the Marines, and the party under his command, to
express their high sense of such spirited behaviour.
"It is my directions that these sentiments of the Court are read on
board his Majesty's ship under my orders, to testify how fully I
accord with the Court in the commendation so deservedly bestowed.
"(Signed) J. S. DUCKWORTH."
Early in 1801 Lieut. Vyvian, of my corps, fell in a gallant
attempt to bring out two vessels, at anchor, within the bar of
Senegal, protected by heavy batteries on the shore. Nothing could
exceed the obstinate courage of all under Lieutenant Dick, who
commanded in the attack. After twenty minutes contest they carried
his Majesty's late sloop the Senegal, which they were obliged to
destroy, and with much difficulty the boats effected a retreat
across a tremendous surf, and exposed to a dreadful discharge
of grape shot. This success was dearly purchased with the lives
of Lieutenant Palmer, 1 Midshipman, and 8 Seamen and Marines.
Lieutenant Vyvian left not behind him his superior for promising
talents, or correct manners.
Two very gallant actions were fought in the East, which did honor
to Captains Adam, of La Sybille, and G. R. Collier, of the Victor.
La Chiffone and La Fleche yielded to the discipline and valour of
British Seamen and Marines, which were exemplified in a striking
degree, by each ship having been opposed to batteries on the shore,
intricate shoals during the battle, and to an equal force in those
antagonists which they combated.
Nothing occurred upon the station of Jamaica. Society had to
deplore the loss of one of its most valuable members, and the Royal
Navy one of its brightest ornaments, in Lord Hugh Seymour, the
Commander in Chief.