the town of Roseau and the post of Cachecrow. The light infantry
of the First West India regiment were the first on the march to
support Captain Smart's company of militia, which, throughout the
day, behaved with great gallantry; it was immediately supported
by the grenadiers of the FORTY-SIXTH regiment. The first boats
were beat off, but the schooner and one of the brigs coming
close on shore, to cover the landing, compelled our troops to
occupy a better position, a defile leading to the town. At this
moment I brought up the grenadiers of the St. George's regiment
of militia, and soon after the remainder of the FORTY-SIXTH
regiment, and gave over to Major Nunn these brave troops,
with orders not to yield to the enemy one inch of ground. Two
field-pieces (an amuzette and a six-pounder), were brought into
action for their support, under the command of Serjeant Creed
of the FORTY-SIXTH regiment, manned by additional gunners and
sailors. These guns, and a twenty-four pounder from Melville
battery, shook the French advancing column by the execution they
did.
"I sent two companies of St. George's militia, under the command
of Lieut.-Colonel Constable, and a company of the FORTY-SIXTH,
to prevent the enemy from getting into the rear of the position
occupied by Major Nunn.
"On my return I found the "Majestueuse" of 120 guns, lying
opposite to Fort Young, pouring into the town and batteries her
broadsides, followed by the other seventy-fours and frigates
doing the same.
"Some artillery, several captains of merchantmen with their
sailors, and the militia artillery, manned five twenty-four
pounders, and three eighteens, at the fort, and five twenty-fours
at Melville battery, and returned an uninterrupted fire; from the
first post red-hot shot were thrown. At about ten o'clock, A.M.,
Major Nunn, most unfortunately for His Majesty's service, whilst
faithfully executing the order I had given him, was wounded; I
fear mortally.
"This did not discourage the brave fellows. Captain O'Connell, of
the First West India regiment, received the command and a wound
almost at the same time; however, the last circumstance could not
induce him to give up the honor of the first, and he continued
on the field animating his men, and resisting the repeated
charges of the enemy, until about one o'clock, when he obliged
them to retire from their position with great slaughter. It is
impossible for me to do justice to the merit of that officer; you
will, I doubt not, favorably report his conduct to His Majesty,
and at the same time that of Captain James, who commanded the
FORTY-SIXTH regiment, and Captain Archibald Campbell, who
commanded the grenadiers of that corps.
"Foiled and beat off on the left, the right flank was attempted,
and a considerable force was landed near Morne Daniel. The
regulars not exceeding two hundred, employed on the left in
opposing the advance of three columns, consisting of upwards
of two thousand men, could afford me no reinforcement; I had
only the right wing of the St. George's regiment of militia to
oppose them, of about a hundred men. They attacked with spirit,
but unfortunately the frigates had stood in so close to the
shore to protect this disembarkation, that after receiving a
destructive fire, they fell back and occupied the heights of
Woodbridge estate. Then it was that a column of the enemy marched
up to Morne Daniel, and stormed the redoubt defended by a small
detachment, which, after an obstinate resistance they carried. On
my left Captain O'Connell was gaining ground, notwithstanding a
fresh supply of troops and several field-pieces, which had been
brought on shore by the enemy. I now observed a large column
climbing the mountains to get in his rear.
"The town, which had been for some time in flames, was only
protected by a light howitzer and a six-pounder to the right,
supported by part of the light company of the St. George's
regiment. The enemy's large ships in Woodbridge Bay, out of the
reach of my guns, my right flank gained, and my retreat to Prince
Rupert's almost cut off, I determined on one attempt to keep
the sovereignty of the island, which the excellent troops I had
warranted. I ordered the militia to remain at the posts, except
such as were inclined to encounter more hardships and severe
service; and Captain O'Connell, with the FORTY-SIXTH regiment,
under the command of Captain James, and the light company of
the First West India regiment, were directed to make a forced
march to Prince Rupert's. I then allowed the President to enter
into terms for the town of Roseau; and then demanded from the
French General that private property should be respected, and
that no wanton or disgraceful pillage should be allowed; this
done, only attended by Brigade Major Prevost, and Deputy Quarter
Master-General Hopley, of the militia forces, I crossed the
island, and in twenty-four hours, with the aid of the inhabitants
and the exertions of the Caribs, I got to this garrison on
the 23rd. After four days' continued march, through the most
difficult country, I might almost say existing, Captain O'Connell
joined me at Prince Rupert's, himself wounded, and bringing in
his wounded, with a few of the royal artillery, and the precious
remainder of the FORTY-SIXTH regiment, and the First West India
light company.
"I had no sooner got to the fort, than I ordered cattle to be
driven in, and took measures for getting a store of water from
the river in the bay. I found my signals to Lieut.-Colonel
Charles Broughton, of the First West India Regiment, made from
Roseau soon after the enemy had landed, had been received, and
that, in consequence, he had made the most judicious arrangements
his garrison would allow for the defence of this important post.
"On the 25th I received the letter of summons I have now the
honor to transmit, from General of Division La Grange, and
without delay sent the reply you will find accompanying it.
"On the 27th the enemy's cruisers hovered about the head,
however, the "Centaur's" tender (Vigilante) came in, and was
saved by our guns. I landed Mr. Henderson, her commander, and
crew, to assist in the defence we were prepared to make.
"As far as can be collected, the enemy had about four thousand
men on board, and the whole of their force was compelled to
disembark before they gained one inch of ground.
"I entrust this despatch to Captain O'Connell, to whom I beg to
refer you; his services entitle him to consideration. I am much
indebted to the zeal and discernment of Fort Adjutant Gualy, who
was very accessary to the due execution of my orders.
"I cannot pass unnoticed the very soldier-like conduct of
Lieutenant Wallis of the FORTY-SIXTH regiment, to whom I had
entrusted the post of Cachecrow, or Scots Head: on perceiving
our retreat he spiked his guns, destroyed his ammunition, and
immediately commenced his march to join me at Prince Rupert's
with his detachment: nor that of Lieutenant Schaw of the same
corps, who acted as an officer of artillery, and behaved with
uncommon coolness and judgment, while on the battery, and great
presence of mind in securing the retreat of the additional
gunners belonging to the FORTY-SIXTH regiment. On the 27th, after
levying a contribution on Roseau, the enemy reimbarked, and
hovered that day and the next about this post. This morning the
French fleet is seen off the south end of Guadaloupe, under easy
sail.
"Our loss, you will perceive by the returns I have the honor to
transmit, was inconsiderable, when compared with that of the
enemy, which included several officers of rank, and about three
hundred others.
"I have, &c.,
(Signed) "GEO. PREVOST.
"_Lieut.-General Sir William
Myers, Bart., &c. &c. &c._"
"P.S. As I find I cannot spare Captain O'Connell from the duty
of this garrison, I must refer you to the master of a neutral
vessel, who has engaged to deliver this despatch."
(TRANSLATION.)
"From the General of Division La Grange, &c., to his Excellency
General Prevost, &c.
"_Head Quarters at Roseau,
the 5th Ventôse, Year 13th, Feb. 25th, 1805._
"The General of Division La Grange, Grand Officer of the
Legion of Honor, Inspector-General of the Gendarmerie,
Commander-in-Chief of the troops of the expedition to the Leeward
Islands:
"GENERAL,--
"Before I commence any military operations against the fort,
into which it appears that you have retired, I shall fulfil a
preliminary duty authorised and practised by civilized nations.
You are aware, no less than myself, of the nature of your
position, and of the entire inutility of occasioning any further
effusion of blood. You witnessed with grief the melancholy fate
of the town of Roseau; my first endeavours on entering it were to
issue orders for stopping the progress of the conflagration; but,
unfortunately, considerable destruction had already taken place.
"The want of necessaries is ever attended with the most cruel
consequences, the evils of which can easily be calculated; this
consideration alone is more than sufficient, without reference to
the particular circumstances in which you are placed, to induce
you to accept the honorable conditions that I am ready to grant
you, and thus to preserve the interesting inhabitants of this
colony from fresh calamities, which are inseparable from the
occurrences of war.
"I beg you, General, to make me an early communication of your
answer, and in the meantime to receive the assurance of the high
esteem which I entertain for you.
"I have, &c.,
(Signed) "LA GRANGE."
(ANSWER.)
"_Head Quarters, Prince Rupert's
February 25th, 1805._
"SIR,
"I have the honor to say I received your letter. My duty to my
King and country is so superior to every other consideration,
that I have only to thank you for the observations you have been
pleased to make, on the often inevitable consequences of war.
Give me leave, individually, to express the greatest gratitude
for your humanity and kind treatment of my wife and children; and
at the same time to request a continuance thereof, not only to
her and them, but towards every other object you may meet with.
"I have, &c.,
(Signed) "GEO. PREVOST."
Return of the killed and wounded in the actions of the 22nd of
February, 1805, at Point Michael, Morne Daniel, and Roseau, in
the Island of Dominica.
Royal Artillery;--three rank and file wounded; one captain, one
serjeant, and six rank and file taken by the enemy.
FORTY-SIXTH regiment;--one serjeant, one drummer, and ten rank
and file killed; one captain, and seven rank and file wounded.
First West India regiment;--nine rank and file killed; one field
officer, one captain, and eight rank and file wounded.
_Total killed_;--one serjeant, one drummer, and nineteen rank and
file.
_Total wounded_;--one field officer, two captains, and eighteen
rank and file.
Taken by the enemy;--one captain, one serjeant and six rank and
file.
_Names of Officers Wounded._
Captain Colin Campbell, FORTY-SIXTH regiment; Major Nunn and
Captain O'Connell, First West India regiment.
N. B. Three sailors wounded, exclusive of the militia, from which
no return has been received, but whose loss was considerable.
(Signed) JAMES PREVOST.
_Major of Brigade._
The Royal authority was afterwards received for the FORTY-SIXTH to
bear the word "DOMINICA" on the regimental colour and appointments,
"as a distinguished mark of the good conduct and exemplary valour
displayed by that regiment in the defence of the Island of
Dominica, against a very superior French force, on the 22nd of
February, 1805."
[Sidenote: 1806]
In the beginning of May, 1806, the "Dominica" armed sloop was
cut from her anchorage by her own crew, and taken from Dominica
into Guadaloupe: early on the morning of the 6th of May, a large
schooner, a row-boat full of troops, and the "Dominica" sloop, were
discovered making out from the land, and Major-General Stair Park
Dalrymple perceiving they were suspicious, and evidently enemy's
vessels, ordered detachments from the FORTY-SIXTH regiment to be
instantly embarked on board the "Duke of Montrose" packet, Captain
Dynely, who had volunteered his services, and another on board a
small colonial sloop. Lieutenant James Wallis, of the FORTY-SIXTH,
was appointed to take command of the first detachment, and under
him Lieut. Benjamin Forster and forty men; Lieutenant Andrew
Hamilton commanded the second detachment on board the sloop. Both
were successful; the "Duke of Montrose" chased the schooner from
ten A.M. until four P.M., when she engaged within musket-shot for
three-quarters of an hour. The schooner then hove up, and again
endeavoured to escape. On the packet's overhauling fast, and being
about to board her, she surrendered. The schooner proved to be the
French national schooner _L'Impérial_, having on board General
Dumareau and eighty soldiers, and carried one large gun amidships,
which was well served during the action. Lieutenant Andrew Hamilton
also proved successful in capturing the row-boat.
For these services the officers and men received the unqualified
approbation of Lieut.-General Henry Bowyer, commanding the forces
in the West Indies, and of Major-General Dalrymple, for having
so handsomely supported the honor of their corps by their zeal,
courage, and steady discipline.
[Sidenote: 1808]
In 1808 an expedition was assembled at Carlisle Bay, Barbadoes, for
the reduction of the French island of _Martinique_,[16] and the
flank companies of the FORTY-SIXTH regiment were selected to form
part of the expedition. The land forces were under Lieut.-General
George Beckwith, and the navy was commanded by Rear-Admiral Sir
Alexander Cochrane, K.B.
[Sidenote: 1809]
The fleet left Carlisle Bay on the 28th of January, 1809, and
arrived off the island of _Martinique_ in two days. On the 30th,
the troops landed in two divisions; the first division at Bay
Robert under Lieut.-General Sir George Prevost, and the second
division, commanded by Major-General Maitland, near St. Luce and
Point Solomon. Both divisions were actively engaged in operations
for the reduction of the island. St. Pierre surrendered on the 8th
of February, to Lieut.-Colonel Edward Barnes of the FORTY-SIXTH
regiment, who commanded a brigade in the army employed in this
expedition.
The flank companies of the FORTY-SIXTH composed part of the flank
battalion under Major Richard Payne, of the regiment, at the siege
of _Fort Royal_.
The reduction of _Fort Desaix_ (or Fort Bourbon) by the first
division of the army, which was effected on the 24th of February,
completed the reduction of _Martinique_, and the flank companies
rejoined the regiment at Dominica.
[Sidenote: 1810]
In 1810, the flank companies of the regiment were selected to form
part of an expedition under Lieut.-General Sir George Beckwith,
K.B., against the island of _Guadaloupe_, which had been restored
to the French at the Peace of Amiens. The expedition arrived before
the island in January, 1810.
The grenadiers composed part of the First Grenadier Battalion,
and the light company that of the Second Light Battalion. On the
3rd of February the grenadiers were engaged in the attack on the
enemy's post at _Bellair_, on the heights of Saint Louis, on
which occasion the following report was made in the despatches
of Brigadier-General George Harcourt to Lieut.-General Sir George
Beckwith, commanding the forces in the West Indies.
"_Post Bellair, Morne St. Louis,
7th February, 1810._
"Where all deserve so much praise, it is difficult to
discriminate, but the good fortune of the grenadiers of the
FORTY-SIXTH regiment, under Captain Alexander Ogilvie, and of
the First Light Infantry Battalion, under Lieut.-Colonel David
Stewart, brought their merits conspicuously forward. They in
truth behaved most admirably.
(Signed) "G. HARCOURT,
"_Brigadier-General_,
"_Commanding Second Division._"
The regiment had three rank and file killed, and one serjeant and
eight rank and file wounded.
[Sidenote: 1811]
The FORTY-SIXTH having been much reduced in numbers during
the arduous services of the regiment in the West Indies, the
head-quarters embarked on board the "Earl" transport, on the 13th
of November, 1811, for England, and arrived at Liverpool on the
13th of December, from whence they marched to Kingsbridge, in
Devonshire.[17]
Four companies of the regiment, about two hundred strong,
continued to serve in the West Indies after the departure of the
head-quarters.
[Sidenote: 1812]
On the 18th of March 1812, the FORTY-SIXTH regiment embarked on
board the "Nautilus" transport at Plymouth for Jersey, and arrived
in St. Aubin's Bay on the 11th of April, when it marched to
Grouville, in the eastern division of the island, the head-quarters
being stationed at Mont Orgueil Castle.
In June 1812, the four companies which had been left in the West
Indies, arrived at Portsmouth in the "Shipley" transport, and
proceeded, without landing, to Jersey. A few officers and men, who
came home from the West Indies in the "John Tobin" merchantman,
arrived in the same month at Liverpool, and proceeded to the
regiment at Jersey.
[Sidenote: 1813]
On the 11th of June 1813, the regiment embarked on board the
"Preston" transport for Portsmouth, and after its arrival at
Spithead, received orders to proceed to Cowes, in the Isle of
Wight. It disembarked at that place on the 16th of the same month,
and proceeded to Sandown barracks, where the regiment remained
until August following, when it received orders to proceed to New
South Wales.
The regiment embarked on the 23rd of August 1813, on board the
"Wyndham," "Three Bees," and "General Hewitt" transports, and
arrived at New South Wales in February 1814.
[Sidenote: 1814]
On the 31st of May 1814, the regiment was inspected by
Major-General Lachlan Macquarie, who expressed his satisfaction at
its appearance in General Orders, dated--
"_Head-Quarters, Sydney,
31st May, 1814._
"The Commander of the Forces having inspected His Majesty's
FORTY-SIXTH regiment, commanded by Colonel Molle, this forenoon,
is happy to express publicly his approbation of the clean and
soldier-like appearance of that corps under arms, as well as the
uniformity of dress, both of officers and men.
"The advance of the corps in line was excellent, and the
distances in formation were well preserved, and had the weather
permitted of movements, the Major-General doubts not they would
have been equally well performed.
"L. MACQUARIE,
"_Major-General_."
The regiment was again inspected by Major-General Macquarie on
the 21st of November following, when its appearance and movements
elicited the Major-General's commendation.
[Sidenote: 1815]
In May 1815, Serjeant Robert Broadfoot and six privates were sent
from the detachment of the regiment stationed at Hobart Town,
Van Diemen's Land, into the interior of the colony, in order to
suppress a gang of bushrangers, which infested that settlement, and
had by their atrocious deeds become the terror of the inhabitants.
The party succeeded in taking two of the principals, named Maguire
and Burne, who were tried and executed. The serjeant and his party
received the sum of one hundred pounds sterling, and the thanks of
Lieut.-Governor Davy for their conduct on the occasion.
In May and October 1815, the regiment was inspected by
Major-General Macquarie, who again expressed his entire approval of
its appearance and movements.
While the regiment was stationed in New South Wales, the war, in
which the European powers had been engaged, was ended by the defeat
of Napoleon Bonaparte on the plains of WATERLOO, and a lengthend
period of peace has been the result of that victory.
[Sidenote: 1816]
Early in February 1816, Corporal Justin McCarthy and seven privates
were sent in pursuit of bushrangers, and on the 5th of April
following, they succeeded in taking two of them, both of whom were
executed.
Lieut.-General Henry Wynyard was appointed Colonel of the
FORTY-SIXTH regiment on the 1st of April 1816, in succession to
General John Whyte, deceased.
In the early part of April 1816, the flank companies of the
regiment were detached into the interior of New South Wales, and
received in General Orders the thanks of Major-General Macquarie,
Commanding the Forces, for their arduous services in pursuing into
the interior, and reducing the aborigines to a state of obedience.
Captain Schaw commanded the light company, and Captain Wallis the
grenadiers.
"_Head Quarters, Sydney,
Tuesday, 7th May, 1816._
"GENERAL ORDERS.
"Captains Schaw and Wallis having returned to head-quarters,
with the detachments of the FORTY-SIXTH regiment under their
respective commands, recently employed against the hostile black
natives, and having executed the service they were thus employed
on to the entire approbation of His Excellency the Governor and
Commander of the Forces, he requests Captains Schaw and Wallis
will accept his best thanks for their zealous exertions, and
strict attention to the fulfilling of the instructions on this
delicate but very important service.
"The Commander of the Forces also requests that Captains Schaw
and Wallis will convey to the officers, non-commissioned
officers, and privates of their respective detachments, his best
thanks for their zeal and activity, and for the patience with
which they endured a great deal of marching and fatigue, through
a very rough and intricate country during the said service.
(Signed) "L. MACQUARIE,
"_Major-General_."
In July 1816, Serjeant Broadfoot, and sixteen rank and file were
detached from the head-quarters of the corps at Sydney into the
interior of the country, to protect the inhabitants from the
natives, and were employed on this service until December of the
same year, during which period their conduct was such as to call
forth the thanks of Major-General Macquarie, from whom Serjeant
Broadfoot received a certificate approving of his "_zeal and
activity during his services against the natives_."
After chasing the bushrangers for six months, Corporal McCarthy
and his party, in July, came up with the main body, consisting of
eleven desperate characters, and headed by a deserter from the
seventy-third regiment, named Geary. They were all armed, each with
a musket and a brace of pistols, and well supplied with ammunition.
The corporal and his men, now reduced to five, engaged them for an
hour and a half, when the leader of the bushrangers being mortally
wounded, his followers endeavoured to escape; two, however, were
taken, tried, and executed. The corporal and his men received one
hundred pounds for Geary, and twenty-five pounds for each of the
other two, and were highly recommended by Lieut.-Governor Sorrell
for their zeal, courage, and perseverance.
On the 10th of August following, this small party again came up
with the remainder of the banditti. Their leader was shot during
the action, and another of his followers was wounded, and made
prisoner.
[Sidenote: 1817]
On the 8th of September, 1817, the regiment embarked in three
divisions at Sydney Cove on board the "Matilda," "Lloyd," and
"Dick" transports, and arrived at Madras on the 16th of December
following. On the 29th of that month the regiment marched for
Vellore.
[Sidenote: 1818]
The regiment arrived at Vellore on the 8th of January, 1818, and on
the 26th of September following proceeded from thence _en route_ to
the Presidency of Madras, and arrived at Fort Saint George on the
12th of October.
Previously to the FORTY-SIXTH quitting Vellore an Order was issued
by Colonel Hall, commanding the troops at that garrison, in which
he stated "that during the period the regiment had been in the
garrison, he had not had occasion to confine or pass a censure
on any rank," and then added, "that a stronger proof cannot be
offered of the excellent interior arrangement and discipline of the
corps."
[Sidenote: 1820]
On the 1st of July, 1820, the regiment commenced its march from
Fort Saint George for Bellary, in the Ceded Districts, and arrived
at that station on the 10th of August following.