The wide and important interests to be discussed, necessarily
protracted the desirable event of a Definitive Peace, during which
anxious interval both nations rested on their arms.
The powerful detachments of our republican neighbours, to the
western world, could not be viewed by a vigilant Ministry, but
with a jealous eye, whom it behoved to push a force adequate to
counteract their schemes, if directed against our Colonies. Such
mighty armaments taking their departure for a distant quarter,
during pending negociations, had doubtless an influence in spinning
them out, and it was not until the 27th of March, 1802, that this
salutary work was consummated; a day which diffused a general joy
through each rival land.
Public gratitude did not cool after the return of tranquillity,
but with an enlightened policy, as well as a liberal justice, it
embraced and anticipated the wants and feelings of those brave
men who had vindicated their Country's honor, her glory, and
independence.
Many revolving years had witnessed the distinguished gallantry,
the unimpaired loyalty of the corps of Marines; the records of a
British Legislature had long teemed with grateful memorials of
their merits upon the shores, and the ocean of every clime, but
with scarcely one solid mark of recompence for all their brilliant
services.
It was reserved for the year 1802, and the ministerial auspices of
Earl St. Vincent, to draw this body of faithful Soldiers into a
close alliance with a family and a throne, for which they had so
often bled, and round whom they will rally to the latest period of
their existence. The title of _Royal_ was not the acquirement of
influence. No! it was the gain of more than one hundred years of
undiminished zeal; a Monarch's tributary sacrifice at the altar
of honor! It is a sacred appellation which, I trust, we will not
sully, and what we never will surrender into any hands, without a
glorious struggle, but into those of a branch of that Illustrious
House, from which we received it. A Sovereign's favor cheers the
Soldier, soothes all his past sufferings, and cares, and turns his
eyes to future glory alone.
The boon was accepted by the Marine Corps with all the manliness of
conscious desert, and with a thankful exultation.
It was conveyed, in the following terms, from Sir Evan Nepean, to
Lieutenant General Souter Johnstone, Commandant in Chief:
"Admiralty Office, April 29, 1802.
"SIR,
"The Earl St. Vincent having signified, to my Lords Commissioners
of the Admiralty, that his Majesty, in order to mark his Royal
approbation of the very meritorious conduct of the corps of
Marines, during the late war, has been graciously pleased to direct
that, in future, the corps shall be styled "The Royal Marines."
"I have great satisfaction in obeying their Lordships commands
to communicate this intelligence to you; and in offering their
Lordships congratulations on this testimony of the opinion his
Majesty entertains of the very distinguished services of that part
of his forces to which you belong.
"I am, Sir, &c. &c.
(Signed) "EVAN NEPEAN."
"Lieut.-Gen. Souter Johnstone, Commandant
of the Marines."
A respectable and effective force of 100 companies, was the peace
establishment, and subsequent events have realized the wisdom of
that measure.
The retired list was also considerably augmented, which yielded
a retreat, not only to the worn out veteran, but likewise to
those who could identify an incapacity for future service. Every
necessary reference as to the former and present details of the
corps, may be had to that list which is annually issued from the
Board of Admiralty, upon the 1st of January, and is in the hands of
almost every Officer.
Although hostility had ceased in every quarter, still the Marine
Soldier was oftener than once conspicuous upon the annals of the
year, by a steady fidelity and valour.
A very dangerous insurrection of the 8th West India regiment in the
island of Dominica, marked by circumstances of the most shocking
barbarity, was checked in its immediate effects, in part, by his
firm countenance. It fortunately occurred, when those murderous
revolters first shewed their spirit, that his Majesty's ship
Magnificent was at anchor in Prince Rupert's Bay. Some shot, from
the Lower Cabareta, which went over her, was the first symptom
of mutiny on the shore, and it was soon confirmed by intelligence
that the Blacks had risen in arms, and had assassinated a number
of their Officers. Captain Gifford tendered his services to the
President of the island, who, conceiving it only the prelude to a
general commotion, gladly accepted the offer. Lieutenant O. Neale
volunteered the duty of disembarkation, and he felt it a difficult
task to restrain the ardor of the whole party of Marines, to follow
him. But his number was confined to 2 Serjeants, 2 Corporals, and
36 Privates, with which he put off from the ship just at dawn on
the morning of the 10th of April. Observing the rebels advancing
rapidly to the beach, he anticipated their object, quickly
effected a landing, and took post on a hill, after the exchange
of some scattering shots. Opposed to nearly 500 Blacks, whom he
kept at bay during the day, reinforcements became necessary, and
he was farther strengthened by two successive detachments of
Marines under Lieutenants Lambert and Hawkins. Upon this rising
ground, those brave fellows, not exceeding 66, gave refuge to
many Officers who flew from the ferocious hands of the mutineers.
They were afterwards joined by some Colonial Militia, who were
little calculated, from the mixed nature of their arms, to oppose
a resolute enemy. The dispositions of Lieutenant Lambert through
the night, aided by the counsels of Mr. O. Neale, were like a
good Officer. The native troops gave way to slumber. His outposts
were, therefore, confided to his faithful companions, and all his
energies were derived from his own brethren. Incessant rains had
nearly rendered useless all their ammunition.
On the following day the Marines were ordered to Grand Ance, in
order to protect the inhabitants, and through that night were
posted in the swamps to prevent the escape of the Blacks from
Fort Shirley. Many of our men had been 56 hours on shore amidst
the greatest privations; having had nothing to eat but raw salt
beef and biscuit. The stagnated smell from their position, pointed
out the necessity of obtaining some other refreshment to recruit
nature, and to avert disease. A Marine of the party, overhearing
the discussion amongst his Officers, nobly said, "I will go to the
village and bring them--I know I must go and repass the enemy's
fire, but my life is not mine, it is at the constant command of his
Majesty's service." He accordingly performed his duty, and escaped
unhurt.
Bread was distributed, and brandy administered, in scanty portions,
through the night, by the Officers, who exhorted the men to keep
up their spirits. The feelings of the brave are ever reciprocal
in acts of kindness. One and all they exclaimed "We wish to add
another laurel to our corps, we will follow you where ever you go."
The mud collected by the rains, had, in the course of marching,
deprived many of their shoes, which could not be remedied but
from the ship. Frequent flags of truce had passed between General
Johnstone and the fort. Mr. Roberts, an Officer of Engineers,
requested to storm it, if the mutineers would not surrender the
barrier, providing the Marines accompanied him, who, to a man,
volunteered, saying, "We don't mind shoes, we can fight without
them." The Governor applauded their gallant zeal, and assured them
of a preference, if their services should be wanted.
The Marines united with detachments from the Royal Scotch, and
68th Regiments, marched into the fort upon the 12th, and drew up
in front of the Black Corps, which presented arms to the troops;
having three of their own Officers, as prisoners, placed between
their colours. General Johnstone was obeyed by them in his orders
to shoulder, order, and ground their arms; but on being commanded
to step three paces in front, the cry was "No," they instantly
resumed them and fired a volley: this was returned, and was
followed up with a charge of bayonets, which broke their ranks,
and dispersed the mutineers in every direction. The greater part
fled up the Outer Cabaret, keeping up a fire until they reached the
rocks, down which many precipitated themselves, and those who could
afterwards crawl from the bottom were exposed to a discharge of
grape and cannister from the Magnificent.
John Budd, private Marine, distinguished himself most signally
during the pursuit. He was attacked singly by four black
grenadiers, one of whom he killed with his first fire, wounded
another, when coolly awaiting a return from the other two, reloaded
his musquet, with which he shot a third, and bayoneted the fourth.
Afterwards turning to him who was wounded, he closed his destinies,
and throwing the remains of the whole over the rocks finished his
exploit by saying "This is the way I shall serve all traitors." The
conduct of John Lamswood, and Alexander Livingstone is also worthy
of notice; both were severely wounded, but they persevered in their
duty until the loss of blood, brought them to the ground. The
former received a ball in his mouth, which lodging in his throat,
was afterwards extracted by an able operation of Mr. Veitch,
Surgeon of the Saturn. I am authorized likewise to detail the
name of John Batt, private, whose alacrity, during these arduous
services, cheered his associates. As my scope is limited, I would
not detract from the merits of these corps, with which mine was
united. Theirs were such as to maintain their long established
reputation. Upon their return to Martinique, the whole detachment
met a mark of public recompence in those necessaries which they
had expended, and the Officers received the thanks of General
Johnstone, and of the Presidency of Dominique, which they had
probably saved from general revolt.
I wish I could close the year with a more gratifying topic than
that of insubordination, which first shewed its lurking spirit
in the Mediterranean, by the most daring acts. It broke out on
board the Gibraltar, whose crew chose to decide the propriety of
fulfilling or disobeying the orders for their future destination.
Attempts of violence were opposed by the noblest firmness in
Captain Johnstone and his gallant party on board, by whose
spirited and prompt exertions, with those of the Officers, good
order was restored, the flame stifled from spreading farther, and
the services of a brave squadron preserved to their Country at a
momentous crisis.
Two of the ringleaders suffered death; upon whose trials the
distinguished merits of the Marine detachment were apparent to the
Court, who gave testimony of their gratitude by inserting them upon
their records. The following communication bespoke, in suitable
terms, the very high sense which the Commander in Chief entertained
of their meritorious conduct, which was read throughout his fleet.
"Kent, Oristagni Bay, 4th November, 1802.
"Memorandum--Whereas it appears in the minutes of the late Court
Martial, on the mutineers of the Gibraltar, that the detachment
of Marines, serving on board that ship, bore no part in the
disgraceful proceedings of the 6th of October last, but much to the
credit of the Officers and themselves, maintained the character
of the loyal and respectable corps to which they belong, by a
steady adherance to their duty. The Rear Admiral takes this public
method of expressing his approbation of their good and soldier like
conduct, and requests Captain Johnstone to accept his thanks.
(Signed) "RICHARD BICKERTON."
"To the respective Captains, &c."
A similar instance of indiscipline occurred on board the Excellent
upon Christmas Day, which was subdued by the firmness of her
Officers, aided by the undaunted allegiance of her party of
Marines. Nothing from me can superadd to their honor. I annex the
result which proceeded from Commodore Hood, and is such as carries
a powerful evidence of their fidelity.
"Blenheim, Carlisle Bay, Barbadoes, 30th Dec. 1802.
"Memorandum--The Commander in Chief had flattered himself in the
hope, that all those ill disposed acts of mutinous conduct were
at an end in the Royal Navy, and that Seamen would endeavour to
heighten their characters in the eyes of the rest of his Majesty's
subjects; but he trusts the punishment he has been obliged to
order to be carried into execution on those unfortunate men may
be sufficient example to deter a few evil minded persons from
disturbing the repose and good order amongst the Seamen in future.
"The Commander in Chief (as well as the members of the Court
Martial) is highly sensible of the active exertions of the Officers
of his Majesty's ship Excellent, in quelling the late mutiny on
board her, and also the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and
Private Marines belonging to the said ship, who, by their firmness
in resisting the attempt to seduce them from their duty, and in
opposing men in actual mutiny, have increased, if possible, the
high character the corps has so justly acquired; and begs to
assure _the whole of them_, they have his best thanks, and he
shall not fail to represent their meritorious conduct to the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty.
(Signed) "SAMUEL HOOD."
"To Captain Maxwell, Blenheim."