THE COMMANDERS IN CHIEF SAIL TO MARTINIQUE ... PROCEEDINGS THERE,
AND AT GUADALOUPE ... CAMP BERVILLE TAKEN ... OCCURRENCES THEREUPON
... GENERAL PRESCOTT ENTERS FORT MATILDA, WHICH IS INVESTED BY THE
FRENCH ... SIR JOHN VAUGHAN AND ADMIRAL CALDWELL ARRIVE IN THE WEST
INDIES ... SIR CHARLES GREY AND SIR JOHN JERVIS RESIGN THEIR
COMMAND, AND RETURN TO EUROPE.
Sir Charles Grey, after giving the necessary orders for erecting
batteries to protect and secure the camp on Basse Terre, sailed with the
Admiral to Martinique, and established his head-quarters at St.
Pierre;[61] having previously distributed the troops (which were not
left under General Graham on Basse Terre) throughout the islands, where
the Brigands began to be very troublesome; and even at Martinique, where
the Commander in Chief resided, they had the audacity to shew
themselves, encouraged by the sickness which raged in all quarters, and
daily weakened our posts. At Grande Rivere and Calabass they appeared in
some force; on which the Commander in Chief detached Captain Hare, at
the head of a detachment of the Prince of Wales's light[62] dragoons,
with Lieutenant Colonel De Soter and the island rangers, who attacked
and routed them, taking three of their leaders prisoners, and dispersing
the rest. At Guadaloupe no time was lost by Brigadier General Graham in
preparing both for attack and defence; he erected gun and mortar
batteries upon the banks of the river Sallee, in the different
situations where it was most likely the enemy might attempt to cross it
from Grande Terre; namely, at the gabarre or ferry, which heretofore was
the point of communication between the two parts of the island; at Morne
Savon and at St. Jean, both commanding the town of Point a Pitre and
Morne Government. By these precautions the Commander in Chief hoped to
prevent the enemy from crossing into Basse Terre till he could get a
reinforcement from England, which he had expected for some time, and had
now dispatched Brigadier General Francis Dundas to explain to government
the absolute necessity there was for a supply of troops in the conquered
islands. The head-quarters of the army in Guadaloupe were at Camp
Berville, a very commanding ground, flanked by the sea on one side, and
on the other by an impassable swamp and wood; about a league in front
was the river Sallee, on the opposite banks of which stood the town of
Point a Pitre; and at the rear, about a mile from the camp, was a narrow
pass, by which alone it could be approached. The batteries under the
direction of Captain De Rivigne, destroyed a great part of the town, so
that the inhabitants were obliged to evacuate it, and encamp on the
adjacent hills. The baneful effects of the climate, together with the
neighbouring swamps, began now to be severely felt by our army, the
officers and men died daily in numbers, and by the middle of August the
list of sick and convalescents composed by far the majority in the camp.
Two frigates and two sloops of war were ordered by the Admiral to cruize
off the harbour of Point a Pitre, to prevent supplies being carried to
the enemy; notwithstanding which many American and other vessels from
the neighbouring disaffected islands, contrived to elude their
vigilance. Victor Hughes, the commissioner from the French convention,
and now commander in chief of their troops in this island (the
commanders of the army and navy that came out with him being dead), was
indefatigable in gaining over the blacks and mulattoes to his interest;
and, in consequence of his late success, they flocked in great numbers
to his standard. As they came in he formed them into different corps,
and had them instructed in the use of arms. The remains of the second
battalion of grenadiers[63] were ordered about the latter end of August
to Guadaloupe, to relieve the flank companies of the 15th and 64th
regiments: they embarked at Fort Royal on board the Dictator, and landed
at Petit Bourg, from whence they marched directly to the camp. During
the month of September the troops in the different camps were, from
sickness, inadequate to furnish guards for the different batteries.
Several companies could not produce a single man fit for duty; the 43d
could not afford a corporal and three men at night, for the protection
of their own camp, much less give their complement for the batteries.
The greater part of the town of Petit Bourg was converted into hospitals
for our sick, besides great numbers ill in the camps; the officers were
equal sufferers with the men, so much so, that field officers were
obliged to mount captain's guard. The different islands were drained of
their troops, in order to keep up some appearance in front of the enemy;
and the royalists had taken the duty of the Gabarre for some time past,
where they conducted themselves with much spirit in several attacks made
upon them by the enemy from the opposite side of the river. The
grenadiers that arrived last, were now reduced, in less than three
weeks, to twenty men; and from the situation of the several camps on the
verge of the swamps, a ground they were obliged to occupy, was truly
deplorable. About this time General Prescott arrived at the town of
Basse Terre, where he took the command, and no appearance of any
reinforcement from England as yet cheered our drooping spirits. On
Saturday, the 26th of September, the enemy from Point a Pitre and Fort
Louis embarked a large body of troops in small vessels, and passing our
ships of war unperceived, under cover of the dark night, effected two
different landings on Basse Terre; the one at Goyave, to the eastward of
Petit Bourg, and the other at Lamantin, near Bay Mahault. As soon as it
was known that this landing was effected, most of our sick were carried
from Petit Bourg on board the ships that lay near that place, and when
the news was received at head-quarters, General Graham ordered all the
troops from the different camps to join at Berville, as the strongest
situation. Every exertion was made to fortify this post in the best
manner possible: across the narrow pass by which alone it could be
approached by land, a strong breast-work was thrown up, with embrasures
for six field-pieces; on the flanks, and immediately in the rear of
this, another was thrown up; and in front of both, on the brow of the
hill, a strong abbatis was formed. The enemy that landed at Bay Mahault
soon possessed themselves of that place; they then marched on to the
Gabarre, where they had nearly surrounded the royalists before they were
able to make their retreat to the camp. The possession of the Gabarre
afforded them an easy conveyance for guns, ammunition, cattle, &c. from
Grande Terre, and they now made their appearance in sight of our camp.
The enemy, who had landed on the opposite part of the island, as soon as
day broke upon them, began their march to Petit Bourg. Lieutenant
Colonel Drummond of the 43d regiment, with some convalescents from the
hospital, and a party of royalists, advanced to meet them; but
perceiving their great superiority of numbers, found it advisable to
retreat through Petit Bourg, and took post at a battery upon the shore
called Point Bacchus, between that village and Camp Berville. The enemy,
on taking possession of Petit Bourg, exercised the most unheard of
cruelties on the unfortunate sick in the hospitals, putting all they
found to death; some of them were fortunate enough to be taken off by
the boats belonging to the men of war lying there. Too much praise
cannot be given to Captain Boyer[64] of the Assurance, for his humane
exertions on this occasion. From the hospitals to the wharf was a
continued scene of misery and horror, being strewed with the bodies of
the sick, who were barbarously put to death as they were crawling to the
shore, in hopes of being taken off by our boats. The next movement of
the enemy was to Point Bacchus, where Colonel Drummond and his party,
being surrounded, were made prisoners. The enemy keeping possession of
this post, entirely cut off all communication between the camp and our
shipping. They then proceeded to possess themselves of the surrounding
heights, and formed a junction with the other party which landed at Bay
Mahault; by which Camp Berville was completely surrounded on the land
side. The utmost strength of Berville camp was now about two hundred and
fifty regular troops, and three hundred royalists; but none of these
could be called effective, being reduced to extremity by sickness and
fatigue. The enemy instantly began to form batteries, one of which, on
an eminence, in some measure commanded our camp. On the 29th of
September, in the morning, the enemy in a large body attacked our
advanced work; our field-pieces and musketry opened a heavy fire upon
them, and an engagement ensued, which continued with equal fury for
three hours; when, after having been charged the third time by our
troops, the enemy retreated, leaving on the field in killed and wounded
seven hundred men, our loss amounting to about twenty. In the forenoon
of this day, the enemy had sent a number of gun-boats from Point a
Pitre, some of which anchored off the shore at Berville, and others
under Point Bacchus, with a view to stop the communication between our
camp and shipping, and force the latter out of the harbour of Petit
Bourg. Each of their schemes succeeded, so that now the camp (ill
supplied with provisions and stores, which were left chiefly at Petit
Bourg) saw no possibility of getting a further supply. This morning
Major Irvine was killed by a twenty-four pounder from the enemy's
gun-boat, as he was sitting in the cabin of the Assurance; in which he
and a number of others had embarked. As soon as the news of these
disasters reached the Commanders in Chief, the Boyne was got out of
Trois Islet Bay, without loss of time; and, although the hurricane
season was not entirely past, the Admiral embarked, and sailed on
Tuesday, the 30th of September, from Martinique, and anchored off
Grozier, in the bay of Point a Pitre, by 10 A.M. On Thursday, the 2d of
October, the two-gun battery there, opened upon us with red-hot shot,
and continued to fire for a considerable time, but without effect. This
night the Admiral endeavoured to open a communication with Camp
Berville, but was prevented by the vigilance of the enemy, who now
occupied every avenue to it. On the morning of the 30th, the enemy
renewed their attacks on General Graham's camp at Berville, and again on
the 4th of October, still bringing (hydra like) greater numbers to the
charge; their success, however, was the same as on the first attack,
having lost during the three attacks, on a moderate computation, two
thousand men. In the second attack General Graham was wounded by a
musket-ball in the leg, and several of his officers fell.[65] After the
third action the enemy sent in a flag of truce, offering terms of
capitulation, which General Graham in a spirited manner refused; the
officers, however, waited on the General, and stated, that the troops,
reduced by sickness and fatigue, were no longer able to undergo the
duty, which now pressed heavy on them, and were so harassed as to be
incapable of withstanding another attack, which the enemy promised to
make on them the following morning. General Graham therefore,
reconsidering the matter, consented to send a flag to the enemy, and,
after some time, the terms of capitulation were agreed to; but, alas!
the unfortunate royalists were not included, though the General
endeavoured all he could to make terms for them: he succeeded however
thus far, to have permission to send a covered boat to the Boyne, in
which he embarked twenty-five officers of the royalists; their
unfortunate brethren, to the number of three hundred, who had defended
their posts to the last, with the most determined resolution, were
doomed to suffer death by the hands of their republican countrymen in
cold blood, in a manner hitherto, I believe, unheard of, at least
unrecorded in the annals of the most savage and abandoned people.[66]
Humanity must shudder at the idea; the republicans erected a guillotine,
with which they struck off the heads of fifty of them. Thinking,
however, this mode of proceeding too tedious, they invented a more
summary plan; they tied the remainder of these unhappy men fast
together, and placed them on the brink of the trenches which they had so
gallantly defended; they then drew up some of their undisciplined
recruits in front, who firing an irregular volley at their miserable
victims, killed some, wounded others, and some, in all probability, were
untouched; the weight however of the former dragged the rest into the
ditch, where the living, the wounded, and the dead, shared the same
grave, the soil being instantly thrown upon them. The English troops
were to be allowed to march out with the honours of war, and to be
embarked on board French ships, which were to sail for England within
twenty-one days after the surrender,[67] on condition that they would
not serve against the French during the war. A great quantity of arms
and ammunition fell into the hands of the enemy at this camp, and at
Petit Bourg. Immediately after the surrender of Berville, Victor Hughes
moved towards the town of Basse Terre, now our last stake on this
island, laying waste the plantations, and burning the beautiful seats of
the royalists as he passed along. Sir John Jervis, who had made every
attempt to succour General Graham's camp at Berville, and had been an
unwilling spectator from the fleet, of the surrender of that camp to the
enemy, now made sail for Basse Terre, to render every assistance in his
power to General Prescott;[68] and on the 9th of October, anchored
within half a cable's length of the town. General Prescott instantly
came on board to consult with the Admiral on the best mode of procedure
in this critical state of affairs; and it was determined that the whole
force which the General could collect, should go into the fort, and the
Admiral, in the Boyne, would render every assistance in his power to the
garrison; a promise he performed in a manner that drew the warmest
thanks and approbation of General Prescott and his officers. At this
time the French royalists had entirely abandoned us, and the militia,
who had demanded arms, positively refused to enter the fort, and soon
after deserted to the enemy: a party in the town seemed also ready to
rise upon our people; but by the vigilance and activity of General
Prescott they were overawed, and he continued to ride into the town
unattended as usual. The fort was in a miserable state, nothing having
been done to it since the peace of 1783; and Clairfontaine,[69] a
royalist, who had been appointed administrateur general, wanting either
influence or ability to procure negroes for the purpose, the fort was
no way better than when it fell into our hands, except being cleaner,
and supplied with provisions. On the 12th of October, a schooner bearing
a flag of truce, arrived from Victor Hughes; in it came Captain Eiston,
of the 35th regiment,[70] for a supply of money and baggage for our
captured countrymen, with which he returned in two days to Point a
Pitre. General Prescott had taken the precaution to order all the
batteries along the coast, as well as those on the passes of the
Palmiste, to be destroyed, their guns spiked, and magazines blown up;
but, owing to the shortness of the time allowed for it, and the weakness
of the force employed, the enemy soon got them repaired to use against
us. Captain Bowen, in the Terpsichore, was dispatched to Trois Riviere,
to destroy a battery there,[71] where he saw and fired on the enemy, who
were marching in great force towards the heights of Palmiste. On which
he returned, and informed the Admiral of this, by whom the intelligence
was instantly forwarded to General Prescott, who had sent Captain Thomas
of the 28th regiment (his aid-de-camp) to request some seamen to
reinforce his garrison, which were most readily granted by the Admiral.
While Captain Thomas was on board the Boyne, the enemy, to his great
astonishment, were seen on the heights of Palmiste. As there were a few
royalists about the General, some of whose slaves were with the enemy,
of course he ought to have received earlier information of their
approach; but this shews how all intelligence was withheld from us. For
ten days after the General had withdrawn the whole of his force into the
fort, he occasionally sent parties into the town, as the Boyne still
kept the enemy quiet there; but in a short time they got some guns up to
an eminence, named by us the White-house Battery, that obliged the
Admiral to weigh anchor: but he still continued to hover about the
coast, occasionally sending reinforcements and provisions, and keeping
up a constant intercourse with General Prescott in the fort. In the
course of this business the Boyne was frequently engaged with the
different batteries, and was exposed to great danger from the mortars,
which the enemy began to play upon us with much judgment. On the 20th of
October, the battery on Houelmont opened on the Terpsichore, but without
effect. Our garrison in the fort threw some shells which drove them from
thence; they, however, soon returned again to their guns. The next day
they again attacked the frigate, and hit her; which obliged Captain
Bowen to get near the land, out of the direction of their guns. On the
23d, the White-house Battery, having several heavy guns mounted, began a
smart fire on the Boyne, which was returned from her lower deckers;
afterwards we engaged a battery, into which the enemy had just come, at
the N. W. end of the town, from whence we drove them; but being obliged
to haul off shore occasionally, they at length completed their purpose,
but not so as to be able to hinder us from approaching the land to keep
up an intercourse with the garrison. On this service (as on every other)
Captain Bowen eminently distinguished himself, having anchored the
Terpsichore, within a short distance of the fort, in a bay under
Houelmont. On the 25th the Quebec, Captain Rogers, Beaulieu, Captain
Riou, and Zebra, Captain Vaughan, arrived from a cruise. The enemy now
increased their forces daily in this part of the island, pressing into
their service all the negroes who were on the different estates; and if
from timidity or any other cause they demurred, they were instantly
shot: from the ship we saw them firing on some negroes of their own,
who, from fear, were endeavouring to get off. On the night of the 26th,
Lieutenant James, with a party of seamen, marched out of the fort to the
military hospital, which he set on fire, being a place that the enemy
would soon have made a considerable post against us. On the 29th, the
Boyne, as usual sailing towards the fort, was becalmed by the high land
of Houelmont, and being within a short distance, was cannonaded from
that battery for several hours. From the height of its situation none of
our guns could be brought to bear against it; however, after
considerable danger, the ship got out of the bay without any damage. On
the 5th of November, the enemy opened ten batteries against the fort at
the same instant, and a party of them, with a field-piece, under cover
of the night, had taken post on the brow of the hill under which the
Terpsichore and Experiment were anchored. As soon as the seamen were
arranged at day-break, to wash the decks as usual, they were surprised
by a heavy shower of musketry from over their heads. The Experiment
endeavoured to get away, but being totally becalmed, it was some time
before she could accomplish it. (Captain Miller had gone on board the
Vanguard, and Captain Skynner was then in the Boyne, receiving his
commission.[72]) Captain Bowen, with a presence of mind that never
forsook him, ordered up all the muskets that could be procured, and,
encouraging his men with great spirit and some effect, returned the fire
of the enemy, who now brought their field-piece to bear on the ship; he
was therefore obliged to weigh anchor, and get out of the bay as well as
he could, his great guns being totally useless from the elevated
situation of the enemy: two or three only of our people were wounded,
though the deck was studded with musket-balls. The fort[73] was now
closely invested by land; by the sea a communication was continued the
whole siege, Captain Bowen, in the Terpsichore, never relaxing for a
moment in his exertions to serve and assist the garrison. The water in
the tank being bad (the enemy having cut off the aqueduct that supplied
it), General Prescott ordered an armed party every morning and evening
to the river Galion, to protect those sent thither for water. This was
continued during the whole siege; cohorns and grape-shot being fired
into the ravines and woods beyond the river, and other precautions
taken, these parties met with little molestation. All the buildings in
the fort being destroyed by the fire of the enemy, the garrison was
obliged to take shelter in the Bomb-proof, a close and unwholesome
confinement in this climate. On the 6th of November, Victor Hughes sent
an insolent summons to General Prescott, to surrender the fort in two
hours, which if not complied with, no further terms would be offered,
and the whole garrison would be put to the sword. To this the General
made a short answer, "that he would defend it as a soldier to the last
extremity." The instant the hour was expired that the General allowed
the French officer to return to Victor Hughes, he opened a heavy fire
from all his batteries against the republicans, and continued it through
the day without any return from them. Some stores and provisions were
about this period sent to the garrison from Dominica, and the merchants
of St. Pierre also made a welcome present of refreshments; the enemy at
the same time began to supply their advanced batteries with necessaries
by sea in small boats, that, keeping close in shore, evaded our
cruisers, and landed at the town of Basse Terre. On the 12th of
November, the Boyne was exposed for some time to a heavy fire from
several batteries; one shell burst immediately over her, but without
doing any mischief. At nine A. M. on the 14th of November, the Beaulieu,
being then off Vieu Fort, made a signal to the Admiral, of an enemy of
superior force being in sight. Immediately all hands were ordered to
quarters, and every preparation made to give them a warm reception; at
length three line-of-battle ships hove in sight, which, to our great
joy, proved to be a reinforcement from England; the Majestic, Captain
Westcott, with Vice Admiral Caldwell's flag on board; the Theseus,
Captain Calder; and Bellona, Captain Wilson: by them we were informed
that Sir John Vaughan had arrived at St. Pierre, and Sir Charles Grey
had given up the command to him. Sir John Jervis, worn down by long and
severe exertions, the fatigues of which were augmented by his anxiety
for the welfare of the service, that not all his exertions could promote
without the arrival of a strong reinforcement, together with the
unhealthiness of the climate, found himself no longer able to continue
on this station, and therefore, to the great grief of General Prescott,
was obliged to give up his command to Admiral Caldwell, and embarking
his seamen (under Lieutenant James) from Fort Matilda, sailed for St.
Pierre; when, every thing being arranged and settled between the several
commanders, Sir Charles Grey and his suite embarked once more with Sir
John Jervis on board the Boyne; on the 27th of November they sailed for
England, and after a tedious voyage (being for near a month tossed about
in the Channel by contrary winds) arrived at Spithead the 21st of
January 1795.
[61] Among the many causes of uneasiness that now bore hard upon
the Commanders in Chief (by the failure of their well-concerted
plans, the dreadful mortality among their troops, and the despair
of reinforcements arriving from Europe) the misconduct of one high
in estimation as an officer, and hitherto looked upon as a man of
strict integrity, was not the least galling. The case was this: At
the taking of St. Lucia, Colonel Sir Charles Gordon, who had
repeatedly distinguished himself by his gallant conduct, was
appointed governor of that island, and in the last promotion was
advanced to the rank of brigadier general; soon after which some
very unpleasant reports prevailed, of extortions and peculations by
him, and taking bribes of the inhabitants, who were supposed to be
disaffected, in order to suffer them to remain on the island, and
then breaking his word with them. At length a regular complaint was
laid before the Commander in Chief, who instantly ordered a court
martial to be summoned, and sent an officer to St. Lucia to arrest
Sir Charles Gordon, and convey him to Martinique, in order for
trial. At this time the fever raged so violently that the two first
courts-martial that met on this business, were dissolved by the
death of a majority of the members. At length, in order to prevent
the like accident from again interrupting the course of justice,
the General appointed a greater number of officers than usual to
attend, and the trial proceeded; the event of which was, that the
prisoner was found guilty of the crimes laid to his charge, and was
sentenced to refund the money he had extorted, and to be rendered
incapable of serving his majesty again: but, in consequence of some
favourable circumstances that came out on the trial, he was allowed
to sell his commission. See Appendix, pages 42, 43, 48.
[62] The horses that were sent from America for the purpose of
mounting the light dragoons, were so bad, that only three out of
forty were sound, or fit for service, insomuch that Captain Hare
was obliged to present a memorial to the Commander in Chief on the
subject.
[63] Consisting of seventy rank and file only.
[64] I am sorry to add, that this officer soon afterwards fell a
victim to the yellow fever.
[65] In one of these attacks Monsieur Vermont was shot through the
body, his lieutenant, Monsieur De Lisle, was shot through his
breast, and another of his officers killed; in this situation he
beat off the enemy. This gallant, but unfortunate officer, was, at
the beginning of the revolution, possessed of a good estate near
Trois Riviere on Basse Terre, which soon made him an object of
republican vengeance; his house was attacked, but he escaped into
the woods, supposing that his amiable wife would be safe from their
fury, being far advanced in her pregnancy; but the monsters, not
regarding her situation, put her to death with circumstances of
barbarity too dreadful to relate, and such as would fill, I trust,
every Briton's breast with the utmost horror; his aged mother too,
and beautiful sister, shared the same fate. He was taken and thrown
into prison at Fort Matilda, to reserve him for a public spectacle
on the guillotine, when we arrived, and released him from thence by
the capture of the island.
[66] Their conduct prior to, and since the enemy had attacked the
camp, deserved a far better fate: finding themselves excluded from
terms of capitulation, they wished permission to cut their way
through the enemy's army, by which a few of them, at least, might
escape, and the rest meet an honourable death; but this request, it
is said, was refused; perhaps it was believed that on their capture
the enemy would relent, and not put their sanguinary threats into
execution. Two of these unfortunate men hastened to the shore, in
hopes of getting on board the covered boat; but being disappointed,
and aware of the fate that awaited them, they instantly shot
themselves on the beach. On hearing of this melancholy business,
General Grey published an order that did equal honour to his
feelings and his mind. See Appendix, page 53.
[67] This part of the agreement, however, was not complied with, as
they remained prisoners for more than a year afterwards, during
which time many of them died.
[68] General Prescott had so small a force in that quarter, that he
could not possibly afford any material assistance to General
Graham; but he had made an effort by sending a detachment from the
35th regiment to support some royalists at St. Marie, which however
proved ineffectual; and the numbers at Martinique being now too
small for the defence of it, General Grey was unable to afford any
assistance from thence; however he ordered the flank companies of
the 4th battalion, of the 60th regiment from St. Vincent's, and
part of the 21st from St. Christopher's, to reinforce Brigadier
General Graham. Fortunately, however, they arrived too late, as
their numbers were inadequate to save it, and they afterwards made
part of the garrison at Fort Matilda.
[69] This gentleman, after having enjoyed a lucrative post, was
unwilling to lose the fruits of it, and, instead of rendering any
assistance to General Prescott, he took French leave, not
forgetting to carry with him a chest well lined, in order to render
his residence at Antigua comfortable.
[70] The republican officer who came with him informed us that he
saw the execution of the unfortunate royalists, and that
twenty-seven heads were struck off in seven minutes and a half!
[71] On the 19th of October the Admiral sent Lieutenant Skynner
with a party of seamen to a battery at the N. W. end of the town,
from whence he brought off some cannon and mortars.
[72] On the 2d of November, Captain Miller was promoted to the
command of the Vanguard, Captain Sawyer being removed to the
Assurance, vice Captain Bryer, deceased; and Lieutenant Launcelot
Skynner of the Boyne, was appointed commander of the Experiment,
vice Captain Miller.
[73] Fort Matilda, formerly Fort Charles, was at first a battery
only, erected to command the road; afterwards it was enclosed as a
depot for arms and ammunition in case of insurrection among the
slaves; and during the last war the French added to its outworks,
which were now totally in ruins, but served the enemy, particularly
those on the opposite side of the Galion river, as trenches, and
effectually covered their musketry that commanded the principal
works of the besieged: in short, the fort was completely commanded
on the three sides by land, so that not a man in it could move
without being seen by the enemy.
* * * * *
As we left General Prescott in a perilous situation, it may be proper to
give an account of the conclusion of the siege, though it comes not
within the original plan of my work, which professed only to relate the
events that took place under the immediate command of Sir Charles Grey
and Sir John Jervis. This I am enabled to do from the communication of a
brave and intelligent friend who was there during the whole siege. On
the 29th of November, Captain Cockburne, aid-de-camp of General Sir John
Vaughan, was sent by his Excellency to Fort Matilda, with the unwelcome
news that no more men could be sent thither. On the 5th of December,
General Prescott dispatched Captain Thomas, his aid-de-camp, to the
Commander in Chief, with an account of the fort being almost in ruins;
this officer returned thither on the 7th, and found that the bastion
towards the river Galion was totally silenced, and so completely
commanded by the enemy's musketry, that not a man could approach it; the
adjoining curtain was much in the same state; the bastion towards the
town was giving way, and expected to tumble into the ditch every moment.
General Prescott no longer thought of defence, but to secure his small
garrison, now highly necessary for the defence of the other islands, the
unparalleled mortality having left them almost without troops. The
pestilential fever had been, in proportion, more fatal to the officers
than the men; in the garrison, for instance, there was no officer of
intermediate rank between the General and his aid-de-camp Captain
Thomas, who was second in command. On the 9th of December, this officer
was dispatched to Admiral Thompson, and after the plan of embarkation
was settled, he returned to the fort, and the evacuation commenced at
nine o'clock on the 10th of December, and was conducted with so much
skill, that not a man was lost. In the morning two of the garrison
deserted to the enemy; but the General had concealed his intentions so
well, that not the least intelligence of it seems to have been given by
them. There was no interruption to the retreat except a few musket-shots
on the beach, from one of which that active officer Captain Bowen was
badly wounded in the face. The enemy, unconscious of this movement,
cannonaded and bombarded the fort as usual, until two o'clock the next
morning, though the embarkation had been completed by eleven the
preceding night. The whole force that marched out of Fort Matilda, was
between four and five hundred: some of them were sent to the Isle de
Saintes and Antigua, and the remainder to Martinique. Thus concluded a
siege of eight weeks and two days, during the whole of which General
Prescott evinced the most perfect coolness and true soldierly
resolution, neither appalled by the tremendous and well-directed fire
constantly, both night and day, kept up against the fort, nor by the
insolent and threatening summonses of Victor Hughes.[74] In the
handsomest manner he bore testimony to the zeal and activity of Sir John
Jervis, who relaxed not in his attention to the wants of the garrison,
till he was obliged to quit the station; leaving however, in Captain
Bowen, a man whose existence seemed to be preserved, amidst the greatest
dangers, for the service of his country. Admiral Thompson had his share
of praise too for the manner in which he had conducted the embarkation.
During the siege seventeen were killed, and seventy-nine were wounded.
General Prescott immediately repaired to Saint Pierre, at Martinique,
where he received the well-earned thanks and congratulations of all
ranks, for his spirited and gallant defence of Fort Matilda. Victor
Hughes,[75] on taking possession of the fort, ordered the monument that
had been erected over General Dundas, to be destroyed, and his remains
thrown into the river Galion; a conduct as mean and brutal, as it was
undeserved. I cannot conclude without mentioning the death of that
gallant officer, Captain Faulknor, commanding the Blanche frigate of
thirty-two guns, who, on the 5th of January, fell in with the republican
frigate, La Pique of thirty-eight guns, off the harbour of Point a
Pitre; the action was maintained with the greatest fury and obstinacy
for five hours, during which Captain Faulknor fell by a musket-ball as
he was a second time lashing the bowsprit of La Pique to the capstern of
his own ship. The loss of this brave man must be deplored by every
friend to the service; his courage and determined bravery had been often
tried, and always with success, as in the course of this work I have
frequently had occasion to mention. On his death the command devolved on
the first lieutenant, Mr. Watkins, who continued the action in a manner
that did him immortal honour. The French ship having lost her main and
mizen sails, the Blanche took her in tow, still continuing the
engagement, when the stern ports not being large enough, they blew the
upper transom beam away, and fired into her bows for three hours. The
marines under Lieutenant Richardson, kept so well directed a fire, that
not a man could appear on her forecastle until she struck; sixty-seven
of her crew were dead on the decks; many had been thrown overboard; one
hundred and ten wounded were landed at the Saintes; and one hundred and
seventy-four were taken to Martinique. The Blanche had ten killed,
including the Captain, and twenty-four wounded. Captain Faulknor's
exertions in forwarding the service on every occasion, both during, and
since the campaign, were unremitting. Indeed the English cause in the
West Indies, at this instant, could hardly have received a deeper wound
than it did by the death of this brave and zealous man.
[74] During the siege a cannon ball took off the fore part of the
General's hat. He coolly observed, "that a miss was as good as a
mile!"
[75] So much having been said of this man, it may be agreeable to
the reader to be informed of his origin, and pursuits in the former
part of his life.--Victor Hughes was originally a petty inn-keeper
at Basse Terre, Guadaloupe; from whence he was driven for some
misdemeanor, and became master of a small trading vessel at St.
Domingo; then a lieutenant in the French navy; and afterwards a
deputy in the national assembly: from whence he came out to the
West Indies as commissioner, with controlling powers over the
commanders of the army and navy. His abilities were certainly good,
his courage and perseverance undoubted; but, from the ferocity of
his character, he was both feared and hated. Colonel Drummond, who
with his small party was taken at Point Bacchus, relates that the
republicans put to death all the sick they found in the hospital at
Petit Bourg, many of the women, and some children, cutting off
heads, and otherwise mutilating the bodies; that, as the men who
surrendered with him at Point Bacchus, fainted in their march, they
were instantly bayonetted; the Colonel himself was, by particular
directions from Victor Hughes, ordered to clean the prison ship in
turn with the others; but from this disgrace he was relieved by the
dutiful attachment of his men, who would not permit it: his food
and lodging were the same as the rest, no attention being paid to
his rank; but from the respect and good behaviour of his men, not
one of whom would desert from him. A great number of people of all
ages, sexes, and conditions, were condemned to the guillotine by
this inexorable tyrant, all of whom were conducted in boats round
the prison ship, in order to distress and intimidate the British
prisoners.
APPENDIX.
_Head Quarters, Barbadoes, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 1794._
Parole, ST. DOMINGO. C. S. WILLIAMSON.
The Commander in Chief, having nearly finished all his arrangements to
open the campaign with vigour, thinks it necessary, during the few days
the troops remain at Barbadoes, to give out the orders proper for the
regulation and conduct of the troops; and he anxiously calls upon every
commanding officer of brigades, regiments, and corps, to support him in
the due and strict observance thereof. The object of the campaign is to
complete the conquest of the French West India Islands. Great
sufficiency of provisions and a numerous train of artillery are
provided. The General is so thoroughly convinced of the zeal and
intelligence of the officers and soldiers under his command, that he
knows many orders upon the present occasion are unnecessary; yet, to
shorten orders in future, it may not be improper to explain to the
soldiers the fatal consequences of straggling ever so little away from
camp in quest of plunder; it is next to a certainty they will fall
ignobly by the hands of the country people: or if they should escape,
they may depend upon suffering the severe punishment due to disobeying
military orders; as the General will never allow (while he has the
honour to command such troops) practices of that nature to gain ground,
as that alone, in time, will defeat the bravest army in the world, and
render all their efforts useless. The British soldiers cannot be
ignorant of the high reputation they have always acquired for obedience,
attention, and expertness, in arms; and consequently they must be
sensible how much their king and country expect from them: and the
General is impressed with every assurance, that the troops will not
disappoint them upon this occasion. The General takes the liberty to
assure them, that they are able to fight any troops upon earth; and he
will be answerable that it would not be a contest of ten minutes between
this army and the best troops of France, whether the affair was to be
decided by fire or bayonet. This last method is always to be preferred,
but much more so when acting against such bad troops as the army we are
now to be opposed to, the enemy being made up chiefly of negroes and
mulattoes, with a very small proportion of regular troops; to be beat by
whom would be so disgraceful, that he cannot entertain the most distant
thought of it. The present distracted state of France makes it
impossible to support them, therefore it only requires the usual
perseverance and gallantry of British soldiers to conquer the first
island that an attack is made upon, which will certainly decide the fate
of the whole, shorten the campaign, and put an honourable end to the
labour and exertion of the troops. The General thinks it a duty
incumbent on him, and which he doubts not will be taken well, to point
out further what he thinks necessary, either for their own particular
good, or that more noble object, the good of their king and country. The
General desires the soldiers will consider what hardships must attend
their profession; that there is as much true honour in bearing them with
manly fortitude, as in forcing the cannon of an enemy; patience under
difficulties being one of the first virtues in a military character, and
without which no man, however brave, will ever be a soldier. In times
like the present some sacrifice of convenience must always be made to
necessity; at the same time the soldiers may be assured that every
attention will be paid by the Commander in Chief, and every other
officer, to have them well supplied with every article that the nature
of the service will admit. On the other hand, he hopes the soldiers will
be so thoroughly convinced of this, that not one of them will be so lost
to honour and virtue, and the service of their country, as not readily
and most cheerfully to put up with every inconvenience, and even to the
scarcity of provisions, if it should so happen. The General means to
carry the business through with as little loss as possible, and with the
strictest attention to the preservation of the troops: to this end he
expects that every duty required will be carried forward by the troops
without the least unsoldier-like behaviour or complaint, and that all
orders will be strictly obeyed. The army is sent to carry on honourable
war against the French colonies, and by their conduct, in preserving
the persons and properties of the peaceable inhabitants, to conciliate
the minds of the people to the British government; therefore the General
determinately assures the troops, that he will allow of no drunkenness
or licentious behaviour, no burning of churches, houses, or edifices of
any description, without orders, or plundering in any shape whatever.
All persons that with their property remain in their habitations, shall
be treated with humanity. No violence to be offered, particularly to
women, on any pretence whatever. The strictest subordination and
discipline to be preserved throughout the whole army; and the commanding
officer of brigades, regiments, and corps, must be responsible
accordingly to the Commander in Chief.--The commanding officer will be
careful that these orders, and every other that comes out, are
distinctly read to their men by an officer, and be clearly understood by
both officers and soldiers.--However it may hurt the General's feelings,
he is determined to make immediate examples of all those who shall
presume to disobey his orders; more particularly that part of them
relative to plundering, ill treatment of peaceable inhabitants, or
firing of houses, &c. And Captain Vipond, provost marshal, has his
orders to execute upon the spot every offender caught in such horrid
acts, without trial.--It may be necessary here to acquaint all officers'
servants (not soldiers), and followers of the army of every description,
that they are subject to military law, and liable in like manner with
the troops to the punishment of death, or corporal punishment, according
to the nature of the offence. Each regiment and corps will apprize them
of this, that ignorance may not be pleaded as an excuse. The success of
this army totally depends upon a proper and strict degree of order and
discipline being maintained; the General therefore again calls upon
officers of every rank to assist him in enforcing it; for the whole are
not to suffer by a disorderly few, who, if allowed to go on, would be
the destruction of the whole army.
The provost marshal's guard to mount to-morrow morning at six o'clock,
consisting of one sergeant, two corporals, twelve privates; and Captain
Vipond will direct patroles to go out as he judges necessary, for the
purpose of preserving order and regularity.--William Allen, sergeant
major, of the forty-eighth regiment, is appointed deputy to the provost
marshal; Captain Scott, of the sixth regiment, to act as major to that
regiment; and Quarter Master William Haugh to do the duty of adjutant
till further orders.--Carpenters are much wanted to expedite the
equipment of hospital ships, and other necessary work on board the
fleet; returns to be given in by each corps to-morrow of the number of
carpenters they have, and such as they can furnish; to be supplied on
the application of Captain Armstrong, assistant to the quarter master
general, who will receive and take care to return them on board their
respective transports. Working parties from the troops afloat are
necessary for the same purpose, and will be supplied in rotation, by
corps, with a proper proportion of non-commissioned officers, on the
application of Captain Armstrong to the officers commanding regiments
or battalions. The sixth regiment, and such of the flank companies not
yet completed with camp equipage, will receive it on board the Sincerity
brig to-morrow morning at six o'clock. The quarter masters of the
respective battalions will attend to receive it.--Lieutenant Geyer of
the sixty-seventh regiment to do duty with the sixth
regiment.--Provost's guard, first battalion grenadiers. One sergeant,
nine privates of the ninth regiment on board the army brig to be landed
this evening, and to march to St. Ann's, where they are to remain till
further orders. The light companies at St. Ann's Castle will fire ball
this evening, &c. &c.
* * * * *
Lieut. Colonel Gomm was left to command at Barbadoes.
FURTHER ORDERS BEFORE EMBARKATION.
ORDERS. _Barbadoes, January 24, 1794._
EXTRACT.
The safety of an army depending in a great measure upon the guards and
out-posts, they cannot be too vigilant; therefore the Commander in Chief
expects, that whatever post or guard an officer is ordered to take, he
will first visit his situation and ground around it, and post his
centinels so as to render it out of the power of the enemy to surprise
him. It is the greatest disgrace that can possibly befall an officer;
and so much so in the General's opinion, that any officer, or
non-commissioned officer, who shall suffer himself to be surprised, must
not expect to be forgiven.--All out-posts to fortify themselves as well
as they can, to prevent any insult from parties of the enemy. The troops
always to form two deep; and, the roads being so narrow in the island,
it will be necessary for them to march by files: if there is room to do
otherwise, the commanding officer will be the best judge.--The soldiers
will bear in mind the use of the bayonet, which in possession of, they
can have no excuse for retreating for want of ammunition, the bayonet
being the best and most effectual weapon in the hands of a gallant
British soldier; in which mode of attack (the General assures them) no
troops upon earth are equal to them. In case of a night attack,
ammunition and firing are totally out of the question, and the bayonet
is ever to be preferred and made use of. Every reason is in favour of
this system; amongst many others the following, viz. It conceals you and
your numbers from the enemy; the enemy direct their fire wherever they
see or hear fire, consequently fire upon each other, whilst you are
concealed, and they fall an easy prey. The General assures the troops of
this from his own repeated experience; and the soldiers may rely in
confidence upon him, that if it is strictly adhered to, it will seldom,
if ever, fail of success.--As it may be necessary at particular times to
order the grenadiers, light infantry, and advanced corps, to retire, in
order more effectually to secure the defeat of the enemy, the Commander
in Chief thinks it necessary to apprize the army of this, to prevent any
alarm such an appearance might otherwise occasion amongst the
soldiers.--Weak and sickly men are not to embark with their regiments or
corps; proper measures will be taken to get those men to their regiments
as soon as they are in a state fit for duty. No women to come on shore
till particularly ordered, &c.
The undernamed are the officers of Royal Engineers to serve the army on
the expedition.
Colonels Elias Durnford, Chief Engineer.
John Chillcotts.
Robert Douglas.
Captains William Johnston.
James Gieddes.
Lewis Hay.
1st Lieutenants Richard Downe.
Douglas Lawson.
Richard Fletcher.
2d Lieutenant Elias Walker Durnford.
No emigrants allowed to go as servants or otherwise from Barbadoes with
the expedition, without particular leave from the Commander in Chief;
nor any negroes to be hired by the officers, without the consent of
their owners.
_Head Quarters, Riviere Sallee, Feb. 6, 1794._
GENERAL ORDERS.
Parole, MARTINICO. C. S. MORNE.
Field Officer for the day, Lieut. Colonel Buckridge.
The army will halt to-day.
The Commander in Chief cannot but express the highest sense he
entertains of the exertion of the officers and soldiers in a long
fatiguing march yesterday, and the orderly behaviour of the men during
the whole march, and which must at all times demand his utmost
attention; and he assures them the same conduct will (and speedily) put
an end to the campaign.--The Commander in Chief is pleased to order an
extra day of fresh provisions and rum to be issued out to the men this
day as soon as possible.--The regiments which loaded yesterday on their
march will draw their pieces immediately; and no regiment to load in
future without orders, except the advanced guard.--A general court
martial to be convened immediately for the trial of William Milton, of
the English light dragoons, and Samuel Price, of the black dragoons, for
robbery; and all such prisoners as shall be brought before them. Capt.
Cunningham, and Jacques and Falice, to appear as witnesses.
Lieutenant Colonel Blundell, President.
Lieutenant Colonel Johnston.
Major Watson.
Major Ross.
Major Baillie.
Third battalion grenadiers 2 Captains.
Second light infantry 1 Ditto.
Third ditto 1 Ditto.
Third brigade 4 Ditto.
Names of the members, and dates of their commissions, to be given in
immediately to Major Lyon, deputy quarter master general, acting judge
advocate. List of the evidence for and against to be given in at the
same time. The quarter masters of the different regiments at head
quarters to give in to the quarter master general a return of the
effective strength immediately.
AFTER ORDERS. _Feb. 7, 1794._
William Milton, private in the detachment of British light dragoons, and
Samuel Price, a negro, attached to the dragoons, tried by a general
court martial, of which Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Blundell was president,
for having entered the house of Jacques, an inhabitant of this place,
and robbing him of a sum of money, are both found guilty of the crime
laid to their charge; and, by virtue of the power and authority vested
in the court by the fourth article of the twenty-third section of the
articles of war, the said prisoners, William Milton and Samuel Price,
are adjudged to suffer death; which is approved of by the Commander in
Chief, and the general court martial is dissolved.
The Commander in Chief feels most sensibly, and laments the necessity of
making examples so immediately after landing, notwithstanding the
strongest and most pointed orders given by him so recently against every
kind of irregularity and improper behaviour in soldiers on service, but
particularly against this very crime committed by the prisoners.
Determined, however, to have his orders obeyed, to preserve discipline
in the army, which is so essential to its success, and to prevent a
repetition of crimes so base, disgraceful, and detestable, the
prisoners, William Milton and Samuel Price, are ordered to be executed
at eight o'clock to-morrow morning. The troops to parade at seven
o'clock to-morrow morning, in readiness to attend the execution. The
ninth and fifteenth regiments to send four men each in augmentation of
the castle guard in the rear of the head quarters. Six mules will be
delivered to each of the flank battalions, and four to each regiment, at
nine o'clock to-morrow morning, at the quarter master general's.
_Head Quarters, Riviere Sallee, Feb. 8, 1794._
Parole, WHYTE. C. S. BATTERIES.
Field Officer of the day, Major Watson.
The Commander in Chief hopes the awful scene of this morning will have
its proper effect, and not lay him again under the most feeling and
painful necessity of repeating it, but which must certainly be the
unhappy case in the persons of future offenders. The General could not
be justified in the eyes of his king and country, and this army he has
the honour to command, in acting otherwise, their existence and success
depending (of which every good thinking soldier must be sensible) upon a
proper degree of discipline and subordination, with the most minute and
strictest obedience to orders, &c.
The General has the pleasure to announce to the army the complete
success of Brigadier General Whyte, at the head of the third light
infantry, in gallantly storming and taking the batteries of Cape Solomon
and Bourgis. In Cape Solomon were four thirty-six pounders and two
twenty-four pounders; in Bourgis three twenty-four pounders, all in
perfect order to turn against the enemy; with powder and shot in
abundance. This success opens a near communication with the fleet, by
enabling them to come into Ance d'Arlet Bay, with every supply the army
may be in want of; and what still renders it more valuable, carried with
the loss only of one man.
_Head Quarters, Riviere Sallee, Feb. 9, 1794._
Parole, DUNDAS. C. S. GROS MORNE.
Field Officer of the day, Major Baillie.
The Commander in Chief has again the pleasure to announce to the troops
the further success of his majesty's arms towards the conquest of the
island of Martinico, by the able conduct of Major General Dundas, and
the gallantry and spirit of the troops under his command, in attacking
the enemy's troops under the command of Mons. Bellgarde at Trinite with
bayonets, and putting them totally to the rout with great slaughter, he
narrowly escaping with a few followers into Fort Royal. The Major
General with great spirit followed up the blow, and took possession of
the very strong fort of the Gros Morne, where the English colours are
now flying.
He has also the pleasure to add the gallantry of the seventieth
regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Johnston, and led by Colonel
Dundas, who with so much spirit and promptitude attacked the enemy
posted upon Morne Charlotte Pied, and put them totally to flight, taking
possession of that important commanding ground looking down upon Pigeon
Island, which, when, attacked (in conjunction with Brigadier General
Whyte) and taken, will enable the English fleet to come up into Fort
Royal Harbour, in full view of the enemy's Forts of Bourbon and Royal.
The Commander in Chief is happy in the opportunity of making honourable
mention of Captain Nares of the seventieth regiment, who led the
advanced guard with so much true courage and judgment in the above
attack, as reported to him in the strongest manner by Colonel Dundas.
_Head Quarters, Riviere Sallee, Feb. 11, 1794._
Parole, GORDON. C. S. CASE NAVIRE.
The Commander in Chief is happy again to assure the army of the progress
of our arms towards the reduction of Martinico. Colonel Sir Charles
Gordon, and Captain Rogers commanding a squadron of his Majesty's ships,
by their good conduct, activity, and spirit, have made a landing good at
Cape Pilote, and taken all the batteries upon the coast from Cape Pilote
to Cape Navirre. The gallantry of the troops, in charging and putting to
flight the enemy wherever they dared to appear, was never more
conspicuous.
_Head Quarters, Riviere Sallee, Feb. 12, 1794._
Parole, WHYTE. C. S. PIGEON ISLAND.
Field Officer of the day, Major Baillie.
It is with the utmost satisfaction the Commander in Chief announces to
the army the capture of Pigeon Island, which surrendered yesterday
morning about eleven o'clock, being a post of great strength, and of the
utmost importance towards the success of our future operations. The
Commander in Chief gives his thanks to Brigadier General Whyte, who
commanded and conducted this service with such spirit and ability as to
do him honour. Likewise to Colonel Symes, quarter master general, for
his able assistance and zeal upon the occasion.--The Commander in Chief
returns his thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Close, who commanded the third
battalion of light infantry; and to Major Manningham, for his
conspicuous exertions. Likewise to Lieutenant Colonel Paterson and Major
Manly, who commanded the royal artillery, which was well and ably
served; and to Colonel Durnford of the engineers.
The Commander in Chief gives his thanks to all the officers and soldiers
employed on that difficult and particular service, whose courage and
exertions (so eminently manifested) merit the greatest praise.
The Commander in Chief also has to offer his warmest acknowledgments and
obligations to Lieutenants Rogers and Rutherford, commanding the seamen,
and to all the other officers and seamen of his Majesty's navy; whose
perseverance, able assistance, and good conduct, contributed much to the
capture of the island.
_Head Quarters, Riviere Sallee, Feb. 13, 1794._
GENERAL ORDERS.
Parole, YORK. C. S. GLOUCESTER.
The Commander in Chief is happy in the opportunity of expressing the
pleasure he received from the report of Major Lyon, deputy adjutant
general, of the spirited conduct of the fifteenth regiment, commanded by
Captain Pomier, in the attack of a very strong post of the enemy at
eleven o'clock last night, in which attack two hundred of the enemy were
surprised, and totally routed, with some loss, and all their cattle,
provisions, arms, &c. and some prisoners taken, with the loss of one man
only of the fifteenth regiment killed, and two wounded.
The fifteenth regiment, at the same time that they accept the Commander
in Chief's acknowledgments for their spirited conduct, will allow him
to say, that if they had not fired, the surprise might have been more
complete; and firing, he trusts, they will in future, in all night
attacks, on all occasions, avoid, and which, they well know, how very
strongly he recommended previous to the opening of the campaign; and he
desires the commanding officers will turn back to their orders, and read
them to the officers and men.
The Commander in Chief desires that the warm sense he entertains of the
spirited service of Captain de Rivigne (who commanded the howitzers in
the siege and capture of Pigeon Island, as reported by Brigadier General
Whyte) may be made known to the army, &c.
_Head Quarters, Heights of Brunot, Feb. 17, 1794._
Parole, CONQUEST. C. S. ST. PIERRE.
Field Officer, Major Campbell.
The Commander in Chief hopes that every care is taken of, and humanity
shewn to, the negroes attached to the regiments, and to all those
employed with the army; and that they are victualled, attended to, and
encouraged. This the commanding officers of regiments and corps, and
every officer in all departments, will attend to, and inquire into: as
many have fled from the camp, which must be owing to their having been
neglected, or ill used by some of the men, such treatment must be
prevented in future, otherwise the army will suffer every inconvenience.
_Head Quarters, Brunot, Feb. 19, 1794._
Parole, ST. PIERRE. C. S. DUNDAS.
Field Officer, Colonel Coote.
The Commander in Chief has the pleasure to announce to the army the
complete capture of St. Pierre, the most considerable town in this
island, which contains the greatest part of its wealth, its roads
crowded with ships and merchandise, now the prizes of the army and navy.
The Commander in Chief holds himself highly obliged to the troops for
their spirited and cool conduct in the course of the attack yesterday;
and congratulates them upon so easy an acquisition of the strong ground
hitherto occupied by the enemy, owing to the prompt and spirited
movement of Lieutenant Colonel Buckridge, and the support of the light
infantry under Lieutenant Colonel Coote and Lieutenant Colonel Blundell:
this being the very ground intended to be occupied, and essential for
the impending siege. The sixth, ninth, and second light infantry, with
all the artillery of the camp at Brunot, to march and form the line of
the new camp at Sourier at day-break. The seventieth and fifteenth
regiments to remain at the port of Matilda, and the covering of the
landing place, till further orders.
The commissary to order the provisions, &c. of the army to be escorted
to the most convenient and contiguous situation for the supply of the
army in their new position; which, from their present landing place,
will be nearer than their former encampment. The cavalry, provost's, and
every other department attendant on the army, to move to-morrow morning.
The post of Colomb, occupied by Lieutenant Colonel Coote, to be retained
by two companies, and that of Lieutenant Colonel Buckridge by one
company.
No bullocks for draught, which are necessary for agriculture to the
inhabitants, or milch cows, to be slaughtered by the army.
_Head Quarters, Heights of Sourier, Feb. 22, 1794._
Parole, NAVY. C. S. ANIMATION.
Field Officer, Major Campbell.
The Commander in Chief saw with pleasure and surprise this morning the
great progress that has been made in forming an excellent road for the
battering train through so difficult a country, and the fair prospect of
the artillery shortly arriving at the destined ground. Nothing can
exceed the order and indefatigability of the British sailors, and the
zeal and pleasure with which they appear animated in the most laborious
exertions; he has remarked this with the utmost satisfaction.
He begs Captains Hervey, Kelly, and Carpenter, with the officers and men
under their command, will accept his best thanks and acknowledgments of
how much he owes them. When the two services thus combine and
co-operate, the greatest obstacles may be surmounted, and every
difficulty vanish. The Commander in Chief has given orders to the
commissary that the seamen shall be amply supplied with provisions and
rum.
_Head Quarters, Camp at Sourier, Feb. 24, 1794._
Parole, GREAT GUN. C. S. MORTAR.
Not that the Commander in Chief has any reason whatever to suspect the
advanced posts and guard of the camp are not alert, but, on the
contrary, their steadiness and attention give him true satisfaction:
nevertheless he thinks it right to warn them, that the enemy, in their
present hopeless situation, may be desperate, and attempt to insult some
of the posts: more they cannot do; but the slightest advantage gained,
their expiring cause may for a moment be spirited up to hold out a
little longer, and cause the loss of a few brave men; this the Commander
in Chief wishes to avoid, and to make the conquest of this valuable
island of Martinico with the least loss possible, he being ever
attentive and watchful of their preservation. He particularly desires
the advanced posts will, if possible, increase their vigilance, and in
case of an insult, to meet it coolly, not risking themselves by darting
forward (this not being the time for such exertion), but to check their
ardour, and content themselves by standing on the defensive, and
repulsing the enemy, covering steadily the bringing up the battering
train to their destined ground, which will very soon be completed, and
the batteries ready to open powerfully upon the enemy from three points
at one and the same time; which done, the Commander in Chief assures
the army that he has every reason to believe they will be in possession
of the enemy's last stake in a little time, and honourably put an end to
their labours.
The Commander in Chief again repeats his orders for all the out-posts
that are the least exposed to the enemy's fire, to fortify and shelter
themselves, throwing up blinds at certain distances to run behind when a
shell falls, and which will effectually secure them.--In the trench of
Lieutenant Colonel Coote's post three or four cross blinds should be
made; and the engineer is immediately to order it. The advanced guns
also to be guarded, to prevent a shot damaging a wheel or carriage;
which Lieutenant Colonel Paterson will order to be done.
_Head Quarters, Camp, Heights of Sourier, Feb. 28, 1794._
Parole, PUSH. C. S. FORWARD.
Field Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Craddock.
Alexander Ross, second gunner, royal artillery, and Edward Brookes, of
the royal Irish artillery, tried by the general court martial, of which
Lieutenant Colonel Buckridge was president, for absenting themselves
five hours from the post of Gros Morne; and on suspicion of having
robbed Madame Lamalle of a gold watch and chain, with various other
articles, viz. six silver spoons, six forks, and a large soup spoon. The
prisoners are further accused of robbing a washerwoman of some wearing
apparel belonging to Adjutant Wilkinson, of the sixty-fourth regiment.
The court, having maturely considered the evidence in support of the
charge against the prisoners, together with what they had to advance in
their defence, acquit the prisoners, Alexander Ross, second gunner of
royal artillery, and Edward Brookes, of the royal Irish artillery, of
the charge against them of having robbed Madame Lamalle and the
washerwoman: but the prisoners, Alexander Ross, of the royal artillery,
and Edward Brookes, of the royal Irish artillery, are both found guilty
of absenting themselves from the post of Gros Morne without leave, in
breach of the fourteenth section of articles of war, and are therefore
adjudged to receive four hundred lashes each on their bare backs.--The
Commander in Chief approves of the above sentence, and directs, that the
punishment of four hundred lashes each be inflicted on the prisoners
to-morrow morning at seven o'clock, at the head of the English and royal
Irish artillery.--The Commander in Chief is clearly of opinion that the
prisoners, Alexander Ross and Edward Brookes, were also guilty of the
charge of robbery advanced against them; but the evidence not being of
that force to justify the court martial in finding them guilty, they are
fortunate in escaping, and he thinks it will make a lasting impression
on their minds; for the Commander in Chief assures them, had they been
found guilty (however painful to him), they should have suffered the
last punishment, death, at the head of the army.
The prisoner Phelps, soldier in the fortieth regiment of foot, tried by
the same general court martial for desertion, is found guilty, in breach
of the first article of the sixth section of the articles of war, and
sentenced to receive eight hundred lashes on his bare back, in the usual
manner. The Commander in Chief approves of the above sentence; but, in
consideration of the great length of time the prisoner, John Phelps, has
been confined, he is pleased to pardon him; and hopes this instance of
lenity will make a deep and lasting impression on his mind, and induce
him to behave like a good and faithful British soldier to his king and
country in future.
_Head Quarters, Camp, Sourier, March 5, 1794._
Parole, AIM. C. S. WELL.
EXTRACTS.
His Royal Highness Prince Edward, major general, to take the command of
his Majesty's troops forming the investment of Fort Bourbon, on the Cape
Navirre side, and the camp at La Coste, with all the posts depending.
The Commander in Chief observes the soldiers do not dig a trench round
their tents to carry off the wet: the commanding officers of regiments
and corps to order it to be done immediately, and to send for the
hammocks belonging to the round tents, to make the men as comfortable as
possible.
Captain J. A. Wetheral, and Lieutenant J. Vesey, of the eleventh foot,
are appointed aid de camps to his Royal Highness Prince Edward, major
general, and to be obeyed as such.--The Commander in Chief has the
pleasure to announce, that a detachment of the fifteenth regiment,
commanded by Lord Sinclair, and a detachment of light dragoons,
commanded by Lieutenant Shadwell, and conducted by Captain Cunningham
(his aid de camp), surprised at ten o'clock this morning a strong corps
of the enemy near Francois, which they had set on fire. The enemy were
completely surprised, who had been burning, plundering, and murdering,
wherever they went; thirty-six were killed, with their chief, who was
cut down by a light dragoon. Four prisoners were taken, who were hung up
as an example to such rascals in future; which method the General is
determined uniformly to pursue with all such taken in arms.--The
Commander in Chief returns his best thanks to Lord Sinclair, Captain
Cunningham, and Lieutenant Shadwell, for their zeal and exertion on this
occasion; and to all the officers and men employed. The fire of Francois
was extinguished, and only four houses burnt. Our loss only two men
wounded.
_Head Quarters, Camp at Sourier, March 9, 1794._
Parole, ADVANCE. C. S. NEARER.
Field Officer, Major Baillie.
Lieutenant General Prescot will advance, and post the seventieth
regiment to cover the new batteries; which done, the captain and sixty
men, and subaltern and thirty, posted at and near M. Ragout's house, to
be withdrawn, excepting a serjeant and twelve men posted on the height
in the rear of that post, which must be continued until further orders.
Surgeon's mate William Wood, of the seventieth regiment, is appointed
surgeon's mate to the general hospital in the West Indies. The following
gentlemen are appointed to act as assistant engineers: Mr. Thomas Hall,
Lieutenant Fenton, forty-third regiment, Ensign Snell, fifteenth
regiment, Ensign Garroway, king's Carolina regiment, and M. la Granche.
_Head Quarters, Camp at Sourier, before Fort Bourbon, March 18, 1794._
The gallant attack of the seamen, headed by Lieutenant Bowen of the
Boyne, in boarding the Gabarre, in the carinage of Fort Royal, in open
boats, at noon day yesterday, under a shower of grape shot and musquetry
from the garrison, taking the captain, lieutenant, and twelve men
prisoners, being all there were on board, and even firing some of the
guns of the Gabarre against the fort, merits the highest praise and
admiration. This gallant transaction the Commander in Chief was a
witness of, and takes this opportunity of repeating how perfectly
sensible he is of their meritorious services, with those of the navy in
general, and of their unwearied exertion in forwarding his majesty's
service in every way, and on this critical occasion; and begs they will
accept of his best thanks. Lieutenant Robertson to do duty as major of
brigade, in the room of M. B. Forbes, till further orders.
_Head Quarters, Camp at Sourier, before Fort Bourbon, Friday, March
21, 1794._
Parole, FORT. C. S. ROYAL.
Field Officer, Major Baillie.
During the present truce no relaxation of duty, vigilance, or
preparation for a continuance of the siege, to take place; on the
contrary, every exertion to be used for opening again with more vigour
than ever, should the present conference break of, by not agreeing on
terms; which may be the case.
The Commander in Chief has great satisfaction in congratulating the army
on the most important capture of Fort Royal, effected with so much good
conduct and gallantry, which he trusts must lead to a speedy surrender
of Fort Bourbon.--The first battalion of grenadiers, commanded by
Lieutenant Colonel Stewart, and third battalion of light infantry,
commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Close, from camp la Coste, with the
third battalion of grenadiers, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
Buckridge, and first light infantry, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
Coote, from the camp of Sourier, behaved with their usual spirit on the
occasion, and such as must always command success. Captain de Rivigne,
of the royal artillery, has done his duty in so excellent a manner,
shewing superior judgment in conducting the fire of the field pieces on
the left, and so effectually covering the approach of the troops, as has
done him the greatest honour, and proves him to be a most valuable
officer.
The Commander in Chief acknowledges great obligations to the navy, on
their gallant escalade of Fort Royal, under the able conduct of
Commodore Thompson, with the assistance of the Asia, Captain Brown; but
particularly to Captain Faulkner of the Zebra, whose gallantry and
judgment have justly gained him the admiration of the whole
army.--Commodore Thompson's judicious arrangement of the gun-boats and
flat-boats, with the assistance of Captain Rogers, who landed and
entered the town of Fort Royal from the side of Tortenson, contributed
most essentially to the success of the enterprise, in which the zealous
assistance and activity of Captain Sancee of the Guides, was highly
meritorious and useful. The Commander in Chief's thanks are justly due
to every person employed on that service, which he gives with infinite
pleasure and satisfaction.
_Head Quarters, Fort Royal, March 25, 1794._
Parole, FORT GEORGE. C. S. FORT EDWARD.
Field Officer, Colonel Coote.
The Commander in Chief orders Fort Bourbon now to bear the name of Fort
George, and Fort Louis to bear the name of Fort Edward; and to be called
so in future.--The Commander in Chief, with heartfelt satisfaction,
congratulates the army on the complete conquest of the island of
Martinico, a most important acquisition to his majesty's crown. He begs
permission to return the army in general his warmest thanks for their
zeal, perseverance, gallantry, and spirit, so eminently distinguished,
and never before exceeded, by every rank, from the general to the
soldier, throughout this service; and this justice he cannot fail to do
them in the strongest language to his majesty.--The works of the
trenches to be levelled, and every preparation made by all departments
for embarkation on another expedition. The transports are ordered round
to Fort Royal; and the cannon, ordnance stores, and every thing
belonging to the engineer and military departments, to be conveyed down,
ready to be embarked on board their respective ships, regularly, and
with such method, that no sort of confusion or retardment may happen
upon a second disembarkation. The artillery will always be the first
called for.--All officers of the army and navy to have permission to go
into Fort George.
GENERAL ORDERS.
_Head Quarters, Boyne, off Guadaloupe, June 4, 1794._
Colonel Richard Symes is appointed brigadier general from the 25th of
May, 1794, in the West Indies; and also governor of Guadaloupe, until
his majesty's pleasure is known.
GENERAL ORDERS. _Guadaloupe, June 8, 1794._
Colonel Francis Dundas is appointed Brigadier General from the 26th of
May, 1794, in the West Indies. Surgeon Thomas Wright, from the garrison
of Guadaloupe, to be purveyor of the general hospital, vice Dundon,
deceased. The Honourable Captain Stewart, of the twenty-second regiment,
to be extra aid de camp to the Commander in Chief.
GENERAL ORDERS. _Guadaloupe, June 10, 1794._
Captain Donkin, of the forty-fourth regiment, to do duty as major of
brigade.
GENERAL ORDERS. _Boyne, off Pointe a Pitre, June 13, 1794._
The Commander in Chief feels great satisfaction in acquainting the army
with his majesty's entire approbation of their gallant exertions and
bravery during this campaign, to the time of the capture of Fort Bourbon
(now Fort George), and the complete conquest of the island of
Martinique; which is communicated to him in a letter from the secretary
of state, bearing date the 22d of April, 1794, of which the following is
an extract. "I am therefore to signify to you his majesty's most perfect
and entire approbation of your conduct, and of the gallant behaviour of
all the officers and soldiers under your command; and to desire that you
will convey to them the just sense his majesty entertains of the honour
they have done themselves, and of the services which they have rendered
to their country."--The Commander in Chief has also the pleasure of
notifying to the army, that having made application for exempting it
from paying postage, his majesty has been graciously pleased to comply
therewith; which is communicated to him in a letter from the secretary
of state of the same date, the following being an extract. "His majesty
is most graciously pleased to comply with your request that the army
under your command whilst on service may be exempted from paying postage
for their letters; and I shall immediately signify the same to the post
master general."
GENERAL ORDERS. _Boyne, off Pointe a Pitre, June 14, 1794._
Parole, LIGHT INFANTRY. C. S. ----
The Commander in Chief thanks Brigadier General Dundas, and the first
light infantry, under the command of Major Ross, supported by the
thirty-ninth regiment, under Major Magan, for the usual spirit with
which they attacked the French camp at Point Gabbare, and congratulates
them on the complete success of it.--The able and gallant conduct of
Major Ross, in leading the light infantry so handsomely to the charge,
as reported by Brigadier General Dundas, demands the Commander in
Chief's particular acknowledgments; and which he will not fail to report
to the ministry, to lay before his majesty.
GENERAL ORDERS.
_Boyne, off Pointe a Pitre, Guadaloupe, June 15, 1794._
Parole, BOYNE. C. S. ----
The grenadier companies of the sixth, ninth, fifteenth, twenty-first,
fifty-sixth, fifty-eighth, sixtieth, fourth battalion of the
sixty-fourth, sixty-fifth, and three companies from the Irish regiments,
to be formed into a battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel
Fisher, of the sixtieth regiment. The light companies of the sixth,
ninth, fifteenth, twenty-first, fifty-sixth, fifty-eighth, sixtieth,
fourth battalion of the sixty-fourth, sixty-fifth, and three companies
from the Irish regiments, to be formed into a battalion under the
command of Lieutenant Colonel Gomm.
GENERAL ORDERS. _Boyne, off Pointe a Pitre, June 18, 1794._
Parole, ---- C. S. ----
The Commander in Chief feels with great concern the necessity of again
assembling part of the troops to dislodge an enemy who have stolen into
Pointe a Pitre, and the posts in its neighbourhood, at the moment when
the gallant General Dundas was expiring. He had hoped that the troops,
whose meritorious services had acquired so much glory during a most
successful campaign, would have found rest and comfort during the
remainder of this year at least. Relying however on the cheerful and
utmost exertions of the gallant troops he has the happiness to command,
he cannot entertain a doubt of finishing the service speedily and
gloriously, to enable the troops to return very soon to the quarters
from whence they are now called forth to service.
The Commander in Chief assures the troops that their situation on this
extra service shall be made as comfortable and agreeable to them as it
is in his power to render it; and that no time shall be lost in
advancing against the enemy, consistent with the attention he always
pays to the preservation of his soldiers, not wantonly or prematurely
exposing them to danger.
The same conduct, good behaviour, and cool bravery, which gained such
rapid and complete success hitherto, will insure it on the present
occasion, against about five hundred regular troops, joined by a
despicable and motley crew of mulattoes and negroes, with some seamen,
the whole a forlorn hope, who put in here for the want of provisions,
and at a time the forty-third regiment was weakened by sickness.
The troops to be ready to get into the flat boats to-morrow morning at
three o'clock. The boats, when the men are embarked, are to assemble
astern of the Assurance forty-four gun ship, there waiting for orders to
proceed on shore. The troops to carry on shore with them three days
provisions dressed, one day's grog, and rum in kegs for another day:
also to land with their tent blankets, camp kettles, water kegs,
canteens, and hand hatchets; the sailors to land with ditto and
tomahawks.
The light infantry to be first to land with two amuzettes, supported by
the battalion of grenadiers with two three-pounders.
The sixty-fifth regiment then to land with two six-pounders; Captain de
Rivignes commanding the artillery. After the troops are landed, and have
got the heights opposite, the spare artillery, howitzers, stores, &c.
are to be landed at Grozier. The commanding engineer will land at the
same time all the artificers, and every thing belonging to his
department, that no time whatsoever may be lost in forwarding the
enterprise. The first troops that land will immediately take advantage
of the strongest ground, houses, &c. there posting themselves; not
advancing until the whole are landed. Brigadier General Symes will
direct the landing, and is to command the troops on shore. The Commander
in Chief has been pleased to appoint Captain John Cunnyngham, of the
forty-third regiment, to be deputy adjutant general, vice Lyon,
deceased.
GENERAL ORDERS. _Head Quarters, Grozier, Guadaloupe,
June 20, 1794._
The Commander in Chief is much surprised to find, from the report of
Brigadier General Symes, that the seamen and soldiers straggle from camp
in search of water, which, when found in the neighbourhood, is not fit
for drinking, though it may answer for cooking. The Commander in Chief
forbids any officer from quitting the post of his company, except on
duty; and directs that the rolls be called every two hours. If any
soldier or seaman be found marauding or straggling from camp, he will be
punished in the most severe manner. The officers commanding corps to see
their battalions fall in, and the rolls called, from which no officer is
to be absent, as the enemy are lurking about the posts.
The piquets are not to suffer any person to pass them, without a pass in
writing from the brigadier general.
Each corps will send an officer for orders to head quarters every day at
ten o'clock, and an orderly serjeant from each corps to attend
constantly. All applications for provisions to be made to Mr. Johnstone,
the quarter master of the sixtieth regiment. These orders, as well as
all others, to be read to the men by an officer of each company.
Captain Robins, of the sixtieth regiment, to do duty with the
sixty-fifth regiment; and Lieutenant Milnes, of the forty-ninth, with
the ninth light infantry.
The Honourable Captain Stewart, of the twenty-second regiment, having
offered his services to the Commander in Chief on this present occasion,
they are accepted; and he is ordered to do duty with the ninth grenadier
company.
GENERAL ORDERS. _Head Quarters, Grozier Camp,
June 21, 1794._
Parole, ENGLAND. C. S. PROSPERITY.
On account of the brilliant success of his majesty's arms, and his
allies, in France, by the complete victory gained by the Duke of York at
the head of the British, and also by the Austrians, on the 26th of April
last, in which the French General Chapuey was made prisoner, with
fifty-seven pieces of their cannon taken, and a great slaughter of their
troops, with a very inconsiderable loss of the British troops and their
allies, the Commander in Chief orders a _feu de joie_ on the occasion at
six o'clock this evening; for which purpose all the troops will be under
arms and assemble with the naval battalion at five o'clock, and are to
be marched to a conspicuous situation, in view of the enemy, to give
three rounds of running fire. The whole of our artillery, drawn up in
front of the line, are to fire three rounds. Each round of artillery to
precede a round of small arms: running fire beginning at the right of
the line; and to conclude with three hearty cheers.--Brigadier General
Symes, who commands the line, will be so good as to place and arrange
the troops on this occasion, pointing out the ground they are to
assemble upon. The whole navy will fire a _feu de joie_, and the troops
under the command of Brigadier General Dundas at the camp at Berville,
at the same time.
The Commander in Chief desires that his long, spirited, and determined
orders, given out when the army sailed from Barbadoes on the expedition
to Martinico, dated the 22d of January, may be read to the troops,
particularly to the seamen, many of whom have not served on shore. This
the commanding officers of corps and naval battalions will be answerable
to the Commander in Chief is done; and at the same time to assure their
men, that however it may hurt his feelings, he will put the said orders
in full force upon any and every offender in future; for without strict
discipline and good order, no good service can possibly be effected: and
he again calls upon every officer in the army to assist him in this
necessary work. The troops to receive one day's fresh meat, and two days
salt provision and rum, to-morrow morning at day-break. Returns to be
sent to the commissary general this evening.
AFTER ORDERS.
Cattle of every description to be brought to head quarters, or delivered
to persons ordered to receive them; and no person whatever to kill any
beast without orders. It is strictly forbid that any officer, soldier,
or seaman, shall presume to take any negroes, except those delivered to
them by the quarter master general's department. The marauding which has
taken place obliges the General to remind the commanding officers of
corps to refer to orders already given out on that head. It will give
him extreme concern to be obliged to punish with severity such crimes;
but as the existence of the army depends on its discipline, it must be
maintained. The first man caught in the act of plundering, to be hung on
the spot. The provost is ordered to visit the environs of the
encampment, and to execute this order with the utmost vigilance. Piquet
to parade at six in the evening.
_Head Quarters, Grozier, June 24, 1794._
Parole, CAMBRAY. C. S. YORK.
Field Officer for the day, Major Crosbie.
The two divisions of marines are to do duty with the battalion of
grenadiers under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Fisher. The troops
will be particularly careful of their camp kettles, canteens, and
haversacks, as no more can be procured for them.
Only two quarts of water per man can be issued for the troops, and that
early in the morning, from the men of war. Four days provision to be
issued to the troops to-morrow morning.
GENERAL ORDERS. _July 6, 1794._
The Commander in Chief has just received another letter from the
secretary of state on the subject of postage of letters to this army, of
which the following is a copy.
"SIR, _Whitehall, May 8, 1794._
"As I find the post master general is restrained by law from
discharging any letters from the payment of postage, I have, in
order that the officers and soldiers under your command may receive
their letters free of expence, notified to the different army
agents, that all letters for the said officers and soldiers, if
sent to this office, will be forwarded to them. I have accordingly
directed that such letters shall be put in a separate packet or
bag, and addressed to yourself, and transmitted by each mail.
(Signed) "HENRY DUNDAS."
_Extract from another Letter from Mr._ DUNDAS _to Sir_ CHARLES GREY, _K.
B. May 21, 1794._
"It is peculiarly grateful to his Majesty in directing me to
signify to you his most entire and perfect approbation of your
conduct, and of the gallant behaviour of all the officers and
soldiers who served upon this occasion; and which you will convey
to them in the most particular manner, and that such important
conquests have been attained with so little loss on the part of his
majesty. I take this opportunity of inclosing you the votes of
thanks to you and Sir John Jervis, which I moved yesterday, with
the unanimous concurrence of the House. You will observe they are
to be officially communicated to you by the speaker. Similar votes
were unanimously passed by the Lords."
_Extracts from the Votes of the House of Commons._
"Resolved, nemine contradicente, That the thanks of this House be
given to Sir Charles Grey, Knight of the most honourable order of
the Bath, for his late able, gallant, and meritorious conduct in
the West Indies."
"Resolved, nemine contradicente, That the thanks of this House be
given to Lieutenant General Prescott, his Royal Highness Major
General Prince Edward, and Major General Thomas Dundas, and to the
several officers of the army under the command of Sir Charles
Grey, for their late gallant conduct and meritorious exertions in
the West Indies."
"Resolved, nem. con. That this House doth highly approve and
acknowledge the services of the non-commissioned officers and
private soldiers in the army serving under Sir Charles Grey in the
West Indies; and that the same be signified to them by the
commanders of the several corps, who are desired to thank them for
their gallant behaviour."
"Ordered, That the speaker do signify the said resolutions to Sir
Charles Grey and Sir John Jervis."
Colonel Colin Graham, of the twenty-first regiment, is appointed
brigadier general from the 26th of May, 1794.
_Head Quarters, Martinique, July 13, 1794._
Parole, NORTHAMPTON. C. S. BURFIELD.
A General court martial to assemble at St. Pierre's, Martinico, on
Friday next, the 25th instant, at eight o'clock, for the trial of
Brigadier General Sir Charles Gordon, lieutenant colonel of the
forty-first regiment of foot, and such other matters as shall be
brought before them. The witnesses, both on the part of the prisoner and
prosecution, to attend; lists whereof to be sent to Major of Brigade
Lorraine, at St. Pierre's, immediately. The above general court martial
to consist as follows.
Lieutenant General Prescott, president.
And such other members as shall be hereafter ordered.
_Boyne, off Pointe a Pitre, July 20, 1794_.
Parole, BRITAIN. C. S. ----
The Commander in Chief orders a _feu de joie_ to be fired this evening
at six o'clock, to celebrate the most signal victory that ever was
gained over the French fleet, on the 1st of June last, by Earl Howe, in
the English channel. The French fleet consisted of twenty-six ships of
the line, the English fleet of twenty-five. Of the French seven sail of
ships of the line were taken, one sunk, and many of them dismasted and
crippled; so that most probably many more would fall into the hands of
the English. In short, the General has the satisfaction to announce to
the army the total ruin of the French fleet.
_Head Quarters, St. Pierre, July 28, 1794_.
Parole, JERVIS. C. S. ----
The Right Honourable Lord Loughborough having transmitted to the
Commander in Chief the votes of thanks passed by the House of Lords to
himself, Lieutenant General Prescott, his Royal Highness Prince Edward,
and Major General Thomas Dundas, and all the other officers of this
army; the Commander in Chief loses no time in giving out the following
copies of those votes in general orders.
"_Die Mercurii_.
"Ordered, nemine dissentiente, by the Lords spiritual and temporal,
in parliament assembled, That the thanks of this House be given to
Sir Charles Grey, Knight of the most honourable order of the Bath,
for his late able, gallant, and meritorious conduct in the West
Indies."
Signed, G. ROSE, Clerk of Parliament.
"_Die Mercurii_.
"Ordered, nemine dissentiente, by the Lords spiritual and temporal,
in parliament assembled, That the thanks of this House be given to
Lieutenant General Prescott, his Royal Highness Prince Edward,
Major General Thomas Dundas, and to the several officers of the
army under the command of Sir Charles Grey, for their late able,
gallant, and meritorious conduct in the West Indies."
Signed, G. ROSE, Clerk of Parliament.
_May 21, 1794_.
"Ordered, nemine dissentiente, by the Lords spiritual and temporal,
in parliament assembled, That this House doth highly approve and
acknowledge the services of the non-commissioned officers and
private men in the army serving under Sir Charles Grey in the West
Indies; and that the same be signified to them by the commanding
officers of the several corps, who are desired to thank them for
their gallant behaviour."
Signed, G. ROSE, Clerk of Parliament.
The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London having transmitted to the
Commander in Chief the unanimous vote of thanks of the Common Council of
the city to this army, he takes the earliest opportunity of
communicating the following extract thereof in general orders.
"At a common council holden in the chamber of the Guildhall of the
city of London, on Tuesday, May 27, 1794, Le Mesurier,
Mayor,--Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Court be
given to Sir Charles Grey, Knight of the Bath, and the officers and
soldiers serving under his command, for the signal services they
have rendered to their country by their able, gallant, and
meritorious conduct in the West Indies."
Signed, RIX.
_Head Quarters, St. Pierre, Martinique, August 1, 1794_.
Parole, MATILDA. C. S. ----
One serjeant, one corporal, and twelve privates, from each regiment, to
parade every morning at six o'clock, and evening at five, and to be
instructed in the exercise of the artillery; and when perfected, the
commanding officer of artillery will report to the general or commanding
officer on the spot, that they may be relieved by an equal number, to be
taught in the same manner, that there may be no want of artillerymen to
man and fight the guns on the batteries, in case of an attack.
_Head Quarters, St. Pierre, Martinique, August 3, 1794_.
Parole, SPITHEAD. C. S. ----
It is the Commander in Chief's orders, that all negroes belonging to the
islands, who still continue with the army, or are known of, shall be
sent to St. Pierre or Fort Royal immediately, in order to their being
sent home, and a final settlement made of their accounts.
_Head Quarters, St. Pierre, August 4, 1794_.
Parole, HURRICANE. C. S. ----
His Majesty having been pleased to appoint John Jeoffray, Esq.
commissary general of stores and provisions, and Valentine Jones, Esq.
to be commissary of accounts, for the Leeward and Windward Islands, all
accounts in the commissary general's department, for which warrants have
not been already granted, as well as those of the assistants stationed
in the different islands, as those of the moving army, are to be settled
with him, and to be examined and certified by the commissary of
accounts, previous to their being brought to the secretary's office, as
no warrants for money can be granted on them until that shall have been
done. Warrants for the subsistence of the army, and for the pay of the
officers employed on the staff, will be granted in the usual manner, on
application at the secretary's office.
AFTER ORDERS. _August 4, 1794_.
The proceedings of the present general court martial being impeded by
the sickness of some of the members, makes it necessary to add more
members to the strength of it, that, the business may go forward
without interruption in future. The Commander in Chief therefore orders
a general court martial to assemble at nine o'clock on Friday morning
the 8th instant, at the same place, and to begin the trial again of
Brigadier General Sir Charles Gordon; and which general court martial is
to be composed of a president and eighteen members. All evidences to
attend; and a list of them to be given to the deputy judge advocate as
soon as possible. The corps of island rangers, commanded by Lieutenant
Colonel Toler, to be augmented twenty men a company, making them seventy
instead of fifty.
Members of the General Court Martial.
General Prescott President.
Lieutenant Colonel Johnstone seventieth regiment.
Lieutenant Colonel Stewart fifty-eighth. _Dead_.
Captain Whitworth royal artillery.
Captain Flood fifty-eighth.
Captain Taggart fifty-fifth.
Captain Ingram fifty-fifth. _Dead_.
Captain Forbes thirty-fourth.
Captain Pomiere fifteenth.
Captain Dunbar seventieth.
Captain Sharpe sixth.
Captain Harvey thirty-third. _Dead_.
Captain Gillespei thirty-first.
Captain Blacker sixty-fifth regiment.
Captain Lorrain ninth.
Captain Hindson fifteenth.
Captain Macdonald fifteenth.
_St. Pierre, August 5, 1794._
Parole, ANTIGUA. C. S. ----
The officers of the army will understand, that should the order of the
3d instant (respecting the negroes being returned), not be strictly
complied with, that for every negro kept back, the officers to whom they
belong, and who detained them, will certainly have to pay, not only the
full price of such negroes, but their hire during the time of
service.--On account of the indisposition of Lieutenant Colonel Stewart,
fifty-eighth regiment, he is not to be a member of the general court
martial ordered for the 8th instant. Captain Rose, seventieth regiment,
is to be a member thereof, in the room of Lieutenant Colonel Stewart.
_Head Quarters, St. Pierre, Martinique, August 9, 1794._
Parole, ANTIGUA. C. S. ----
The British inhabitants of the town of St. Pierre are to be embodied,
and to form a corps under the command of Captain Bontein, who is
appointed lieutenant colonel commandant thereof, to be called the Royal
Martinico Volunteers. The following gentlemen are to be the officers.
Lieutenant Colonel ---- Bontein.
Captains James Clifton.
Andrew Smith.
First Lieutenants William Moore.
Cayley Johnstone.
Second Lieutenants ---- Popham.
---- Heyland.
Adjutant Mr. Randal Ripton.
The above corps is to parade at the Pere Blancs, which is to be their
alarm post.
All British born subjects, resident in or near the town of St. Pierre,
are required forthwith to give in their names to Lieutenant Colonel
Bontein, of the royal Martinico volunteers, at the custom house; and
every person of the above description meaning to leave the island, is
required to make known his intention to Lieutenant Colonel Bontein: they
are likewise required to give in their names upon their arrival. The
Commander in Chief has no doubt, from the voluntary and handsome offer
of the English in the town of St. Pierre, that all who are able will
willingly join the corps of the royal Martinico volunteers, under the
orders of Lieutenant Colonel Bontein, to preserve good order, and defend
their properties.
F. MAITLAND, deputy adjutant general.
_Head Quarters, St. Pierre, Martinique, August 11, 1794._
Parole, CORNWALLIS.
In consequence of the death of Captain Blacker, sixty-fifth, and the
illness of Captain Ingram, fifty-eighth, Captain Lee of forty-fourth
grenadiers, and Captain Holland of sixtieth regiment, are to replace
those officers as members of the general court martial ordered to meet
this day.
GENERAL ORDERS. _Head Quarters, St. Pierre, Martinico,
August 31, 1794._
The appointment of Captain Hare, of the light dragoons, to be aid de
camp to the Commander in Chief, is not to interfere with or prevent his
having the entire command of the detachment of British light dragoons,
which he retains as if no such appointment had been made.
AFTER ORDERS.
The general court martial, of which Lieutenant General Prescott is
president, is hereby dissolved; and all officers are to repair to their
posts, where they are so much wanted.
F. MAITLAND, deputy adjutant general.
_Head Quarters, St. Pierre, Martinique, Nov. 7, 1794._
Parole, UNANIMITY.
The recent act of inhumanity and barbarity committed at Guadaloupe by
the enemy (by whom a considerable number of royalists were murdered in
cold blood, after having fallen into their hands at Berville camp as
prisoners of war, and who had become subjects of Great Britain, by
taking the oath of allegiance to the British government, after the
conquest of that island), calls aloud for the following order and
declaration of the Commander in Chief: That all persons residing in the
conquered islands of Martinico, Guadaloupe, and St. Lucia, and their
dependencies, whether French or of any other nation, having taken the
oath of allegiance to the government of Great Britain, and who demean
and conduct themselves accordingly, shall receive every protection that
the other subjects of Great Britain do in these islands: and should such
cases of extremity happen as may render a capitulation necessary, no
terms are to be proposed or accepted, which do not give equal security,
safety, and protection, to them as to the other subjects of Great
Britain, as well those with arms as those without; consequently, no
place is to be surrendered before this is expressly and explicitly
acknowledged and subscribed to by the enemy, that in any extremity we
may stand or fall together: and the Commander in Chief earnestly
recommends a continuance and confirmation of this order to his
successors in command, as a measure of justice, dictated by honour and
humanity.
The Commander in Chief hopes that this explicit order and declaration,
giving such ample security to the royalists on his part, will ease their
minds; and, confidence being restored, that it will produce a becoming
zeal and exertion to unite for the public interest heart and hand, in
contributing to good order and tranquillity; and that he may expect
there will not be any further emigration on the bare report of an
enemy's approach, or even on being actually landed; as every
apprehension of danger must be dispelled when all are heartily united
for the common safety and defence.
The Commander in Chief, hoping therefore for this effect and conduct
from the people in general, does in a more particular manner recommend
to persons of consequence to set a laudable example of fortitude on
every occasion, and to assemble and embody under proper leaders, to act
in conjunction with his majesty's regular troops, for the protection of
their honour, families, and fortunes, which must be dearer to them than
life.
The King having been pleased to order that the colours taken at
Martinique by the forces under Sir Charles Grey, K. B. and Sir John
Jervis, K. B. which were brought to the palace at St. James's, should be
deposited in the Cathedral of St. Paul, on Saturday, May 17, 1795,
detachments of horse and foot guards were ordered to parade at St.
James's at ten o'clock, and marched before his Majesty, who was pleased
to see them pass by in the following order:
A Captain and forty life guards,
A serjeant and twelve grenadiers,
Music of the first regiment of guards,
Twenty-nine serjeants with the FRENCH COLOURS,
A Field Officer and one hundred life guards.
In this manner they proceeded to the west gate of St. Paul's, where the
colours were received by the Dean and Chapter, attended by the choir,
about which time the guns at the Tower and Park were fired.
The colours are since put up in the said cathedral church as a lasting
memorial of the success of his Majesty's arms in the reduction of the
important island of Martinique.
EXTRACT FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY REGISTER,
Vol. xxxviiii. p. 329.
HOUSE OF COMMONS.
"_Tuesday, May 20, 1794._
"The following resolutions were severally put, and passed nem. con.
"That the thanks of this House be given to Sir Charles Grey, Knight of
the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, for his late able, gallant, and
meritorious conduct in the West Indies.
"That the thanks of this House be given to Sir John Jervis, Knight of
the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, for his late able, gallant, and
meritorious conduct in the West Indies.
"That the thanks of this House be given to Lieutenant General Prescott,
his Royal Highness Major General Prince Edward, and Major General Thomas
Dundas, and to the several Officers of the army under the command of Sir
Charles Grey, for their late gallant and meritorious exertions in the
West Indies.
"That the thanks of this House be given to Rear Admiral Thompson, and to
the several Captains and Officers of the fleet under the command of Sir
John Jervis, for their late gallant conduct and meritorious exertions in
the West Indies.
"That this House doth highly approve and acknowledge the services of the
Non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers in the army serving under Sir
Charles Grey in the West Indies; and that the same be signified to them
by the commanders of the several corps, who are desired to thank them
for their late gallant behaviour.
"That this House doth highly approve and acknowledge the services of the
Sailors and Marines serving on board the fleet under command of Sir John
Jervis in the West Indies; and that the same be signified to them by the
captains of the several ships, who are desired to thank them for their
gallant behaviour."
Mr. Dundas then moved, "That Mr. Speaker do signify the said resolutions
to Sir Charles Grey and Sir John Jervis."--Passed nem. con.
LIST OF THE OFFICERS OF THE ARMY
_Who died or were killed during the Campaign in the West Indies, under
Lieutenant General Sir_ CHARLES GREY, _K. B. and Vice Admiral Sir_ JOHN
JERVIS, _K. B. in the year 1794._
_Killed, or died of their Wounds._
Where killed or wounded.
Brigadier General Symes Quarter Master Gen. Point a Pitre.
Lieut. Colonel Campbell 9th regiment Martinique.
Lieut. Colonel Gomm 55th regiment Point a Pitre.
Major Irving 70th regiment On board the Assurance.
Captain Armstrong 8th regiment Fleur d'Epee.
... Combe 15th regiment Point a Pitre.
... M'Donald 21st regiment Fleur d'Epee.
... Grove 35th regiment Point a Pitre.
... M'Ewan 38th regiment Martinique.
... Fenton 43d regiment Point a Pitre.
... Morrison 58th regiment Fleur d'Epee.
... Forbes 34th regiment Berville.
Lieut. Thong 6th regiment Fleur d'Epee.
... Booth 8th regiment Ditto.
... Newport 12th regiment Point a Pitre.
... Lyster 12th regiment Ditto.
... Croker 15th regiment Ditto.
... Knollis 21st regiment Ditto.
... Price 21st regiment Fleur d'Epee.
... Cockrane 39th regiment
... Manson 40th regiment Point a Pitre.
... Crofton 43d regiment Ditto.
... Hennis 58th regiment Ditto.
... Conway 60th regiment Ditto.
... Toosey 65th regiment Fleur d'Epee.
... Auchmuty 17th regiment Point a Pitre.
... Mercer Marines Ditto.
_Died of the Fever or other Disorders._
Major General Thomas Dundas.
Captain Dally }
Lieutenant Gale } 6th regim.
Surgeon Barton }
Captain Saumarez }
Ensign Armstrong } 8th regim.
Ensign Caulfield. }
Captain Campbell 9th regim.
Captain Twedie }
Lieut. Perryn }
... Wallace } 12th regim.
... Wright }
... Miller }
Captain Combe }
Lieut. James } 15th regim.
... Napier }
... Cane } 17th regim.
... Ritchie }
Major Rowley }
Lieut. Mewt } 21st regim.
... Stornton }
Lieut. M'Donald } 22d regim.
Lieut. Garnons } 23d regim.
... Polhill }
Lieut. Tilth 29th regim.
Lieut. Davis }
... M'Kenzie } 31st regim.
... Williams }
Captain Wallace }
Lieut. Morndrew } 32d regim.
Surgeon Taylor }
Captain Harvey } 33d regim.
Lieut. Beaty }
Captain Roache }
Lieut. Innes }
... Forrester } 34th regim.
... Wattle }
... Nash }
Captain Johnson }
... Graves }
Lieut. Mukins }
... Fitzgerald } 35th regim.
... Phaire }
... Sands }
... Barry }
Captain Douglas }
Lieut. Mytton }
... Clarke } 38th regim.
... Brown }
... Bawer }
Lieut. Col. Freemantle }
Captain Johnston }
... Shaw }
... Purdie }
Lieut. Burslen }
... Atherton } 39th regim.
... Reynell }
... Scanlan }
... M'Rea }
Ensign Tidsley }
... Hutchinson }
... Atkins }
Adjutant Simpson }
... M'Kenzie } 39th regim.
Surgeon Campbell }
Captain Head 40th regim.
Captain Vignoles }
... Bayard }
... Affleck }
... Spencer }
... M'Dowal }
Capt. Lieut. Jones }
Lieut. Butler }
... Graham } 43d regim.
... Dennison }
Ensign Daniel }
... Kirwan }
Qr. Mast. Burnett }
... Bruce }
Surgeon Hodskinson }
Lieut. Phipps } 44th regim.
... Davis }
Lieutenant Moe 45th regim.
Major Lyon, Deputy
Adj. General }
Captain Taggart }
Lieut. Main } 55th regim.
... M'Kenzie }
... Taylor }
Captain White }
... Cuthbert }
... Fancourt }
Lieut. Perry } 56th regim.
... Hague }
... Stowell }
... Warren }
... O'Hara }
... Taylor }
Chaplain Ruxton }
Lieut. Col. Stewart }
Captain Ingram }
... Hood }
Lieut. Maudsley }
... Hamilton }
... Berford } 58th regim.
... Murray }
... E. Smith }
... Bouchier }
... Tonson }
Lieut. Cunningham }
... Sneider }
... Cook } 60th regim.
... Montmallin }
... Belt }
Lieut. Col. Buckridge }
Major Compton }
Lieut. Usher }
... Thornhill }
... M'Guire }
... Wilson } 64th regim.
... Strafford }
... Knight }
Adjutant Wilkinson }
Quart. Mast. Molloy }
Surgeon Wingate }
Lieut. Col. Close }
Major Dalrymple }
Captain M'Gregor }
... Blacker }
... Oliver }
Lieut. Brimlow } 65th regim.
... Kennedy }
... Adams }
... Milward }
Surgeon Brown }
Captain Nares }
... Eiston }
... Ogle }
... Atkinson }
... Bruce } 70th regim.
Lieut. Cox }
... Floyer }
... Gifford }
Surgeon Raye }
Captain Shadwell 10th lt. dra.
Lieut. Col. Dornford }
Captain Chilcot } engineers.
... Lawson }
... Dawse }
Major Shewbridge }
Captain Tygrell }
Captain Harris }
... Smith }
... George }
... Nugent }
... Thornhill } artillery.
... Coulston }
... Malony }
... Jones }
... Dawson }
Doctor Dundon }
... Brown }
... Wright }
Apoth. Vanderguest }
... Carnigue }
Mate Mallet } hospital.
... Green }
... Harris }
... Cooper }
... Turnbull }
... Hennings }
27 killed or died of their wounds.
170 died of the yellow fever, and other diseases incidental
--- to the climate.
Total 197
I was informed by Captain Shank of the royal navy, the agent for
transports, that during the expedition 46 masters of transports, and
1100 of their men, died of the yellow fever. The returns of the masters
were given in, of the men a rough calculation to the above amount was
made. On board the Broderic transport the fever raged with such
violence, that the mate, the only survivor, was obliged to scull his
boat on shore to fetch off negroes to throw the dead overboard, and
himself died soon after.
Of the royal navy the loss was considerable; but it has not been in my
power to procure a list of the officers who died or were killed on this
expedition.
LIST _of the_ OFFICERS _Prisoners to_ VICTOR HUGHES, _who were living at
Point a Pitre the first of January, 1795._
Brigadier General Colin Graham
Lieut. Ekins, since }
dead of his wounds } 6th regim.
Capt. Lieut. Smith 9th regim.
Lieutenant Hurst 15th regim.
Captain Stovin 17th regim.
Lieutenant Keating 33d regim.
Captain Eiston }
Lieutenant Strickland } 35th regim.
Ensign Holmes }
Ensign Barclay 38th regim.
Lieut. Col. Magan }
Lieut. Horsburg }
... Dale } 39th regim.
Ensign Divignes }
Quar. Mast. Clements }
Surgeon Ormsby }
Captain Dansey } 40th regim.
Lieutenant Holwell }
Lt. Col. Drummond }
Captain Thomson }
... Cameron }
... Thorley }
Lieut. Hull }
Lieut. Cameron } 43d regim.
... Tidey }
... De Yonge }
Ensign Deshon }
... Delisle }
Surgeon Salmon }
Lieut. Philips } 44th regim.
... Miller }
Lieut. Hamilton } 55th regim.
... Dixon }
Captain Owen }
Lieut. Barclay }
... Johnson } 56th regim.
... M'Causland }
Mate Bell }
Ensign Richardson 58th regim.
Lieut. Cudmore 64th regim.
Cornet Garside 10th lt. dra.
Captain Suckling } artillery.
Lieut. Stackpole }
Lieut. Dornford engineers.
Mate Ramage } hospital.
... Anderson }
THE END.
+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| Transcriber's Note |
| |
| Words with variable hyphenation and accents have been |
| preserved as in the original. A few obvious punctuation |
| errors have been corrected silently. The following |
| typographical errors have been corrected. |
| |
| +----+------------+------------+---------------------------+ |
| |Page| Original |Corrected to| Context | |
| +----+------------+------------+---------------------------+ |
| | ii|to |too |too apparent in my drawings| |
| | xi|Surry |Surrey |East Deane, Surrey | |
| | xiv|Surry |Surrey |Dulwich, Surrey | |
| | 62|fron |from |from the fort | |
| | 84|the the |the |the purpose of trade | |
| | 103|apppear |appear |misfortunes will appear | |
| | 115|dedetachment|detachment |a detachment of artillery | |
| | A13|prompitude |promptitude |spirit and promptitude | |
| | A14|Case Pilote |Cape Pilote | | |
| | A14|Case Navirre|Cape Navirre| | |
| | A24|Case Navire |Cape Navirre| | |
| +----+------------+------------+---------------------------+ |
+--------------------------------------------------------------+