Chapter X: Part 10

An expedition to Egypt, with a view to overthrow the British power in the East, had long been a favourite scheme of the Monarchy, and it was revived under the Republic, which was anxious to get rid of its legionary troops. It was well suited to the ambition of Buonaparte, and he was an admirable agent to execute such faithless purposes.

My limits will not allow me to indulge in farther theories, nor can I accompany him in his unprincipled progress. Malta, that key to all his hopes, soon fell under his intrigues; after which he proceeded, with an unexampled secrecy, to the friendly and unsuspecting sea-coasts of the Turkish Empire. Alexandria and Cairo became easy and alternate conquests to his delusive promises. The covering fleet, under De Bruix, in the mean time anchored, and formed into order of battle, in the Bay of Aboukir, protected by flanking batteries, and seemingly impregnable by any force.

Rear Admiral Nelson, long distinguished for the most gallant and active zeal, was destined to oppose this formidable combination, and to achieve one of the most brilliant Naval victories that stands upon the annals of the world. I will forbear to dwell on an event which is so generally appreciated, and what must be immortal as time itself.

Captain Faddy, of Marines, fell on the memorable 1st of August, whose widow and family recognized a protector and a friend in Lord Nelson.

Captains J. Cresswell, John Hopkins, and Lieut. John Jewell, were wounded; 46 Marine Soldiers were killed, and 78 were wounded.

As usual, the honorary and pecuniary gratitude of the Nation was stretched forth to every rank amongst the conquerors, and its Legislative Bodies conveyed their sense of such splendid deeds, in adequate and animated terms, to all.

Upon the following day a general thanksgiving was offered up to heaven, which made not a greater impression upon ourselves, than on the captive Frenchmen, who could not but express their admiration of so solemn an assemblage, at a time of seeming confusion, and when every heart felt all the elations of success.

The Admiral also tendered his acknowledgments to all the Officers, Seamen, and Marines, for their gallant behaviour, and for a victory that had been gained by their discipline and good order.

No battle on the sea ever produced more signal consequences.--It stimulated Austria to resume her arms, and aroused the effeminate States of Italy to a sense of their glory and their danger.

Although eclipsed in comparison, still the subordinate Naval transactions in the Mediterranean were guided by a similar spirit. Lieut. Perry, of Marines, distinguished himself upon a voluntary dash at the corvette Mendovi, which was carried by the boats of the Flora, under a heavy fire from the batteries of Corigo, that brig, and the vessels in the harbour. John Perks, private Marine, was the only brave fellow killed in this daring attempt, and Lieut. Perry was slightly wounded.

Captain Digby, and the crew of the Aurora, were likewise noticed for a train of enterprize; and Captain Foote, with all his coadjutors, in the Seahorse, by the capture of La Sensible French frigate.

The action of Captain Manley Dixon, in the Lion, of 64, with four heavy Spanish frigates, one of which he took, was a most brilliant affair, in which all under his command were alike deserving.

The combat between Le Genereaux, of 74, full of men, and the Leander, of 50, upon the 18th of August, though unfortunate in its issue, was yet highly honourable to our arms, when the circumstance of her diminished crew is considered. Captain Thompson, whose conduct in the battle of the Nile had been most conspicuous, says, that "his antagonist run the Leander on board the larboard bow, with a view to carry her, and continued along-side for some time; a most spirited and well-directed fire, however, from our small party of Marines (commanded by a Serjeant) on the poop, and from the quarter-deck, prevented the enemy from taking advantage of his good fortune, and he was repulsed, in all his efforts to make an impression on us."

The Leander, afterwards reduced to a wreck, surrendered to her superior foe; but not without killing or wounding one-third of their number. The brave Serjeant Dair and seven Marines were slain, and nine wounded; being nearly a half of their little party.

The capture of La Legere gun-boat, by the Alemene, Captain Hope, afforded a striking instance of intrepidity in James Harding, Marine Drummer, and John Taylor, Seaman, on board the British frigate. Although going through the water more than five miles an hour, yet, observing a packet of dispatches to have been thrown overboard from the republican vessel, they dashed into the sea and recovered them, at the imminent risk of their lives; those fine fellows were, however, picked up by a boat, and each of them was rewarded by a pension of 20_l_. a year, from the Corporation of London. The contents were of much importance, as being from the National Convention to their General Buonaparte, in Egypt. Harding afterwards shared upwards of 200_l_. from the galleons taken on the 16th of October, by the Alemene and others.

So sensible was the Common Council of London of their merits, and so anxious to recompence them, that they made special enquiry, through their clerk, to the Board of Admiralty, in order to ascertain the circumstances and families of those brave men, and the above annuity was consequent upon that investigation.

On the 28th of October the fortified island of Goza, about five miles to the North-west of Malta, belonging to the Knights of that Order, surrendered to Captain Ball, of the Alexander; when Captain, now Major Cresswell, with a party of Marines, took possession of it.

The detachments from the Leviathan and Centaur had the honour of being attached to the Army, under General Stuart, to whom, and the squadron under Commodore Duckworth, the important island of Minorca capitulated, on the 15th of November, after a trifling resistance, and without the loss of one British Soldier.

His Sicilian Majesty took refuge on board of Lord Nelson's ship, and retired to Sicily on the 21st of December, as the French had possessed themselves of Naples. It fell to the lot of a branch of my Corps, under Lieut. Colonel Strickland, to be highly instrumental in restoring that Prince to the Neapolitan throne, in a short but brilliant campaign, during the summer of the ensuing year.

Few periods of our Naval history have presented so many instances of achievement on the home station, as that under discussion.

On the 21st of March a desperate action was fought between the Mars and La Hercule, of nearly equal force, both ships touching during the space of one hour and a half. English valour at last prevailed, but with a heavy loss. Captain Alexander Hood, who blended in himself all the talents and virtues of his ancestors, fell in the moment of victory; and Captain Joseph White, of Marines, shared his fate, while discharging the duty of a gallant Officer.

Much do I lament in not being able to commemorate the _names_ of five brave privates of my Corps, who, with an habitual intrepidity, attempted to board the enemy, but dropping into the sea, were crushed between the sides of the contending ships.

The defence of the little islands of St. Marcou, against an immense flotilla of the enemy, manned with nearly 8000 Soldiers, is inferior to none of the many exploits of our arms. Garrisoned chiefly by Marines, I am well assured that their cool courage on the 7th of May was never surpassed, and it was indeed evidenced by a scene of carnage amongst their enemies, while their own casualties were limited to Thomas Hall, private, killed; Richard Dunn and Thomas Williamson, privates, and Thomas Banks, Seaman, wounded. The attack having been levelled against the westernmost island, although both were in the line of shot, prevented any efforts on the part of Lieut. Bourne, who commanded on the eastern battery. Much might have been otherwise expected from the abilities of that Officer, and the system of discipline he invariably maintained. He would have also been well seconded by Lieut. Lawrence, of my Corps, whose gallantry upon an ulterior occasion fully justifies my assertion.

Nothing could exceed the steadiness of Lieuts. Maughan and Ensor, of Marines. It was worthy of the Country and the service, whose honour was in their hands.

Lieutenant (now Captain) Charles P. Price also mentioned the conduct of Serjeant Henderson, of the Royal Artillery, in handsome terms. Indeed that body is outdone by none in the world, wherever it is called forth.

The capture of La Seine, French frigate, on the 29th of June, drew forth the encomiums of Captains Stirling and Milne, of the Jason and Pique, upon the spirit of Lieutenants Symes and Macdonald. The former of these amiable young men has now paid the debt of nature, but he will long be remembered by his friends. Lieutenant Ross was much distinguished in a very daring affair in the port of Corigiou, upon the morning of the 4th of August. After having carried the corvette Adventurier, a contrary wind sprung up, which exposed her, nearly two hours, to the fire of all the batteries, working out in a narrow passage which was at last effected. That Officer is also now no more.

Notwithstanding all the boasts of invasion, still the French dared not any thing upon a scale of consequence. A few frigates landed General Humbert, who, with his followers, were made prisoners in Ireland; but not without making a respectable opposition.

It was reserved for our naval bulwarks to render abortive another attempt, and to give some creditable earnests of their Officers' talents and courage. On the 12th of October, Le Hoche of 80, the frigates Bellone, Coquille, and Ambuscade were taken by Sir John Warren's squadron. The decisive spirit of that gallant and rising character Captain Graham Moore, was fully shewn in the prompt attack of La Resolue of 40 guns, and taking her before she could be supported by her consort. They were both superior in force to the Melampus. The conduct of Lieutenant Hole, and his party of Marines was mentioned in gratifying terms.

On the 20th of October another action, alike brilliant, was fought between the Fishguard, Captain Martin, and L'Immortalité, which, after a spirited contest of more than two hours, ended in the Frenchman's surrender.

Lieutenant Gerrard, of Marines, was wounded upon that occasion. So uniformly respectable, was the course of that Officer's life, and so creditable his services, that it may not be amiss to state here, a very honorable testimony subsequently bestowed upon him, from the Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the Fishguard. The gift of a sabre and belt was accompanied to him, with the following very flattering eulogium: "This sabre and belt are presented to 1st Lieut. Gerrard, of Marines, by those who served with him on board his Majesty's ship Fishguard, in memory of the action with L'Immortalité, the 20th October, 1798, the boarding expeditions at the Saintes, Penmarks, Quimper, Noirmoutier, St. Matthew, St. Andero, and Corrunna; on which he served as a volunteer, and bore so distinguished a part." He has recently been appointed to an Adjutancy at Plymouth vacated by the promotion of Captain Perceval.

La Loire frigate was engaged by the Mermaid, of 32, Captain Newman, who, after the most persevering courage, was obliged to relinquish the unequal combat, which afforded an additional test of the zealous intrepidity of Captain Durham, in the Anson, who, although much disabled by the prevailing gales, attacked and carried her after an hour and one quarter's dispute. First Lieut. W. A. Bell, of Marines, was wounded, and Captain Durham acknowledges the services he derived from him, as well as Lieutenant Derring, who superintended the carronades of the Anson, during the fight. The privates James Cummings and Robert Dillon were also wounded. Captain Countess, in the Ethalion, likewise took his bird.

By such successive exploits, was the invasion of Ireland averted, and so important were they deemed by the Nation, that its public thanks were expressed to Sir J. Warren, his Officers, Seamen, and Marines.

An unfortunate meeting between the Ambuscade and La Bayonnaire, of equal force, closed the transactions of 1798. So habituated are Englishmen to conquer on the sea, that they never reckon upon many accidents to which contests, on that element, are subject. The courage of Captain Jenkins could not compensate for his want of fortune. He and Lieutenant Sinclair, of Marines, were badly wounded, before the colours were struck, and the enemy, for once, successfully availed themselves of a panic, occasioned by the bursting of a gun, to gain her by boarding.

CHAP. XLIV.

Twenty thousand Marines formed the establishment of 1799.

An event truly brilliant in itself, and most important in its results, claim a merited precedence in my narrative of the transactions of this year. I mean, the noble defence of St. Jean d'Acre, in the land of Palestine. Yielding to the habitual sentiments of my mind, I am always led to exult in any occasion, upon which the energies of the Soldier, but more especially of my corps, have been conducive to the protection, or the aggrandisement of commerce. It constitutes the very vitals of our Country, and demands the fostering care of every member of it. The world is well apprized of the ambitious views which directed the expedition of Bonaparte to Egypt. Although his army had been cut off from all intercourse with France ever since the decisive battle of Aboukir, still the inventive resources of his genius had established within a few months, a little independent Empire guided by social institutes, and a regulated police. Versatile and accommodating in his principles, they always veered with his interests, and he knew human nature too well not to make them subservient to the religious prejudices of these superstitious natives, over whom he had usurped a government. Wherever hostility appeared, it was successively overcome, and his dominion over Lower Egypt might be said to have been complete at the opening of 1799.

This solid position, on the high road to our valuable possessions in the East, soon awakened all the active jealousy of the British Nation. Although secrecy had marked the steps of this unprincipled and hypocritical crusader, still they were guessed at, and traced by an enlightened Cabinet.

Sir Sidney Smith was selected to arrange and animate a plan for chacing this encroacher from his strong holds, who sailed from England for Constantinople, vested both with diplomatic as well as military powers, in the Autumn of 1798.

Having reached the Ottoman Capital, he, in union with his brother, discussed and signed a treaty of triple alliance between Great Britain, Russia, and the Turk. The outlines of future operations were also framed, which suggested an attack by the Pacha Djezzar from the deserts of Syria, upon the frontiers of Lower Egypt, who was to be seconded by an Army, penetrating across Asia Minor, while a maritime diversion took place at the different mouths of the Nile, and the remnants of Mourad Bey's forces, already twice defeated, should adopt a harassing system from the Upper Province.

Bonaparte having learned the active views of Djezzar, and the arrival of Sir Sidney, which foreboded instantaneous hostility, resolved to anticipate their schemes, and to march into Syria. After having adjusted all his measures in Lower Egypt, he put his Army in motion early in February, consisting nearly of 12000 men.--To detail his progress across the deserts would exceed my limits.

Upon the 10th of that month Bonaparte, in person, left Cairo to head his troops, whom he joined at El Arisch on the 17th; which village and its castle, were completely gained on the 25th. Ghazah likewise surrendered, and Jaffa, that theatre of his indelible crimes, was carried by storm upon the 7th of March. After the most incredible hardships, and many a harassing contest with the numerous Mamelukes, the French Army ascended the heights which command St. Jean d'Acre, upon the morning of the 18th of March, and commenced its investment.

Sir Sidney had employed this momentous interval, in a train of judicious measures. Leaving Constantinople on the 19th of February, he arrived off Alexandria upon the 3d of March, where he relieved Commodore Trowbridge, and assumed the command of the Naval Forces. That city had been long closely blockaded by Capt. Hood, and Sir Sidney, anxious to divert the French from their purposes against Syria, commenced its bombardment, but perceiving it fruitless, he proceeded for that coast in order to rally its affrightened Pacha, and to intercept the battering cannon destined for the siege of St. Acre, which he well knew must be transported by sea.

His conceptions were most prophetic, and all his plans were executed in a masterly stile. Reaching Caiffe upon the 11th of March, he afterwards steered for St. Jean d'Acre, where he arrived on the 15th, and concerted a system of defence with Djezzar.

On the 18th he chaced and captured the looked for flotilla off Cape Carmel, afterwards landed the ammunition it contained, and mounted the heavy cannon upon the ramparts of the Syrian bulwark and capital. Its works were much strengthened under the able eye of Colonel Philippeaux, and never were a few critical hours better applied than those which preceded the investment of St. Acre. The greater part of the Marines of the Tygre, Theseus, and Alliance were disembarked, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel (now Sir John) Douglas, who was vested by Sir Sidney with the Brevet Commission of Colonel, in order that the Turkish Forces, and the Seamen, who were also landed, might be under his orders.

From the 17th to the 23d of March the boats of the Tygre and Theseus were constantly employed in union with some gun vessels, in harassing the enemy's posts, checking his approaches, and cutting off his coasting supplies, upon which services Lieutenant Burton and the Marines under his command were distinguished for persevering gallantry.

Upon the 20th the French opened their trenches against the front of the salient angle, on the East side of the town, and within 900 yards. Between that and the 1st of April, they kept up a cannonade, when it appearing to the enemy that a breach had been made in the tower, against which their fire had been levelled, and conceiving also that the counterscarp had suffered from a mine they had sprung, the republicans advanced to storm it. In both, however, they were deceived; and though the Turks were at first panic struck, yet stimulated by the heroic examples of the Seamen and Marines, they returned to their post, and continued to pour down a shower of stones and grenades upon the assailants, until they retired with a heavy loss.

The squadron having been driven from its anchorage in the Bay, encouraged the French to push on their approaches to the counterscarp, a part of which they destroyed, and also made a lodgment in the North East angle of the wall, whence they began to undermine the tower. To avert its effects a sortie was deemed, advisable on the 7th of April, in which the British Seamen and Marines were to dash into the mine, while the Turks were to attempt the republican trenches to the right and left. Colonel Douglas led this attack, in three columns, at the head of each of which were the Marines, just before the break of day, and it would, most probably, have been a surprize, if the undisciplined clamour of their Mahometan Allies, had not proclaimed their approach to the enemy.

This handful of Seamen and Marines carried the first and second lines of the French trenches, parallel to the mine, although defended by the flower of Buonaparte's Army, and maintained them, until the mine was destroyed by the gallant exertions of Lieutenant White and his Sailor pioneers. That Officer very much distinguished himself, and with many others, who were badly wounded, was indebted for an escape from captivity to the cool intrepidity of Sir John Douglas and the remains of his little detachment, who bore them off into the garrison amidst a tremendous fire from the enemy.

I must here pause to render justice to the memory of one of the mildest and bravest of men, who unfortunately fell upon that day. I mean Major Thomas Oldfield of the corps of Marines. No eulogy of mine is necessary to adorn his tomb. I go to the records of a brave foe, where his epitaph is written, and who witnessed and recognized his valour. It is the honest testimony of a Soldier--of Gen. Berthier, whose own name has often been conspicuous amongst the splendid details of the Armies of France. He speaks in these emphatic terms: "On the 18th Germinal (7th April) the enemy, at break of day, came on with an attack on our left and our centre; each column was headed by British Marines belonging to the ships, and their colours were seen waving with those of Djezzar, and the batteries were all manned by English troops. The enemy made an attempt to surprize our advanced posts; but their design was seen through. We received them with a brisk fire from our parallels, and all that appeared were either killed or wounded. The enemy ultimately retired without gaining an inch towards destroying our works. The central column acted with more obstinacy. Their object was to penetrate to the entrance of our mine; they were commanded by Major Thomas Oldfield. He advanced boldly towards the entrance of the mine, at the head of some of his intrepid countrymen; they attacked like heroes, and were received by heroes; death only checked their bold career; the remainder retreated, and took refuge in the fortress. The approaches of our parallels remained covered with the dead bodies of English and of Turks. The corpse of Major Thomas Oldfield was carried off by our Grenadiers, they brought him to our Head Quarters, he was on the point of death, but on his arrival he was no more. His sword, to which he had done so much honour, was also honoured after his fall--it remains in the hands of one of our Grenadiers; he was buried amongst us, and has carried with him the esteem of the whole French Army."

This was the effusion of a brave enemy. I will superadd the animated address of Sir Sidney Smith to a meeting of the Anniversary of the Naval Asylum, on the 2d of June, 1802, and with it shall close this tributary theme.

After having spoken of the many virtues of the amiable Captain Miller, Sir Sidney thus enlarges upon the merits of his departed friend, Major Oldfield:--"The next is Major Oldfield, of the Marines. I will tell the company where the body of this brave man was contended for, and they will judge where and how he died; it was a sortie of the garrison of St. John D'Acre, when attacked by General Buonaparte, that Major Oldfield, who commanded a column, was missing. On our troops advancing he was found--his body was found at the mouth of one of the enemy's mines, and at the foot of their works. Our brave men hooked him by the neckcloth as he lay dead, to draw him off; the enemy at the same time pierced him in the side with a halbert, and each party struggled for the body. The neckcloth gave way, and the enemy succeeded in dragging to their works this brave man; and here I must do them justice, which such gallant foes are justly entitled to, they buried him with all the honours of war."

Lieut. Beattie, of Marines, was wounded in this ever-memorable sortie, which reflected a bright lustre upon all that composed it.

The personal attention of Buonaparte to the operations of the siege was soon after diverted to another object, in repelling the bold attacks of the Samaritan Arabs, whom, by a train of able measures, he beat in every part of an extended line, and drove them across the Jordan.

My bounds will not allow me to detail the many incidents of this brilliant siege, where perseverance was constantly opposed to vigorous effort.

On the 1st of May, the French having cannonaded and made a breach, they a fourth time risqued a storm, but they were repulsed with heavy loss. The flanking fire from two ravelins run out on each side of the enemy's nearest approach, and in which the Marines of the Tigre and Theseus, to the admiration and gratitude of the Turkish garrison, worked and fought, though exposed to an incessant discharge upon them, contributed chiefly to the salvation of the place upon that day. The disposition of those ships, and of the inferior craft, was so judicious, that the republican trenches were unceasingly annoyed. These progressive duties afforded many tests of Naval zeal and courage. The early fall of Captain Wilmot, of that Corps, was felt a heavy loss, as he was an excellent Officer and a worthy man. The unfortunate death of Colonel Philippeaux would have been considered as an irretrievable disaster, if it had not been compensated by the active talents of Sir John Douglas, upon whom devolved the additional cares of an Engineer. These were much lessened by the co-operating abilities of Sir Sidney Smith, whose scientific and comprehensive mind promptly embraces a wide scope of knowledge, and its dictates are ever quickly pushed into action by the energies of a resolute soul.

The ravelins upon which the Marines worked, within ten yards of the enemy's approaches, were in a progress of completion between the 2d and 8th of May, and were each night assailed by the French, who were as often repulsed, in nine different attempts to storm, with immense slaughter. The gallantry of my Corps, in all, exceeds praise. Many sorties were made to incommode their covering works, and most unprecedented were the bodily fatigues and mental anxiety of all.

The republicans had some time past opened with heavy guns, which they had received from Jaffa, and from which a serious impression was made upon the works of the garrison. Resorting to fresh expedients, Buonaparte tried to effect a new breach in the eastern curtain, by a sap and mine; but the unremitting activity of the brave defenders of Acre, by making approaches under ground, destroyed the frame-work and his hopes. Again directing his attacks upon the Tower, an effort to establish a lodgment in the glacis was once more unavailing.

Fifty-one days of vindictive and unceasing contest, save those short intervals necessary to recruit exhausted nature, had elapsed, when the garrison beheld their long-expected reinforcements under Hassan Bey.

Foiled in every essay to carry the place, Buonaparte saw with grief and disappointment this flotilla, which was to blast all his ambitious schemes, and to relieve his now almost worn-out opponents. With a desperate ardour, impelled by wounded pride, he lost not a moment to prepare and advance to the assault, in the sanguine idea that by one bold effort he might consummate his ardent wishes before Hassan's troops could land. At ten, on the night of the 7th of May, the carnage began. Mr. Scroder, Master's Mate of the Theseus, from an 18 pounder in the Light House Castle; a 24, under Mr. Jones, Midshipman of the Theseus, mounted in the north ravelin, and two 68 pound carronades, under the direction of Mr. Bray, carpenter of the latter ship, which threw shells from two germes in the Mole, added to the Turkish musquetry, committed dreadful havoc amongst the French columns in moving on to the attack. Much might be said were I to diverge upon the many chequered events of the night and the following day. The morning's dawn displayed the enemy's standard flying on the outer angle of the Tower, which their intrepidity had carried, having ascended on its ruins. Here they made a lodgment by two traverses across the ditch, constructed and filled with sand bags, and the bodies of their dead.

Feeble is my panegyric of the unsurpassed heroism, the decisive resources, the conciliating address, and bold expedients of Sir Sidney Smith, during 25 hours of almost constant action. They have been but rarely equalled, and will never be outdone. He was well seconded by his able coadjutor Sir John Douglas, who combines a natural perseverance of character with the most manly judgment. Their virtues transcended to every subordinate rank, and animated all.

The British uniform was every where, even in the individual, a rallying point, and my Countrymen and my Corps, through this unrivalled defence, lay claim to the pre-eminent glory of having fixed a barrier to the boundless ambition of Buonaparte, and of republican France. Egypt was conquered at Acre, and India preserved. The Turks, aroused by the daring examples of a few British Seamen and Marines, performed feats of enthusiastic valour, and the French were driven, with immense slaughter, from every hold.

The dispirited and reduced state of the Army before Acre, in consequence of these heavy losses, urged Buonaparte to withdraw the division of Kleber, from the fords of the Jordan. Much was anticipated from this Corps, from its recent good conduct near to Nazareth. It was early destined to ascend that breach, in which so many of their countrymen had fallen victims. But the gallant sortie of a Turkish regiment, anxious to wipe away the stigma of indiscipline, cut out sufficient work for them, and carried the third parallel of the enemy. Their forward zeal exposed them to some loss in pushing on to the second trench; but they found sufficient employ for Kleber, who, instead of proceeding against the breach, was obliged to devote all his efforts to regain his works.

The attacks upon the 10th of May, were the last vigorous essays of the French to carry St. Acre. Hitherto, lavish of blood, Buonaparte saw its ineffectual waste, and the Soldiery perceiving themselves offered up as daily sacrifices to his insatiable ambition, lost all their ardour. Unrestrained by the principles of honour, he resorted to the blackest treachery, and the unexampled refuge of a Soldier--that of poisoning his opponent, and demanding a cessation of arms, in order to break it. His vain attempt to subdue a brave garrison during this sacred interval, in one day withered all his laurels, most impressively delineated his genuine character, and will one day be numbered amongst his crimes, by the historian of that country which he now rules with tyrannic despotism.

Precluded from every hope of success, Buonaparte retreated in disorder from before the walls of Acre, during the night of the 20th of May, Sir Sidney and his brave associates did not fail to pursue him, and to annoy his flying columns along the sea beach, while the Arabs, assembled by his counsels, harassed their rear.

Thus ended this memorable siege, during which, 53 British Seamen and Marines were killed, 13 drowned, 113 wounded, and 32 taken prisoners. It has immortalized every gallant fellow who bore a part in it.

The services of Sir Sidney Smith and Colonel Douglas did not terminate here. Although in many instances they were unfortunate, through Turkish indiscipline, they were still splendid in their nature, and momentous in their consequences.

Sir Sidney, returning to Cyprus, by his zeal and the general esteem in which he was held, raised an army of 13,000 men, which, being united to the Turkish fleet, and some English Seamen and Marines, proceeded to Aboukir, were landed, and headed by Colonel Douglas, who volunteered to lead them against Buonaparte in person. The Turks taking flight, were all either killed or taken, and their Chief, with Colonel Bromley, a French Emigrant Officer, owed their preservation from the sabres of the republican cavalry by riding into the sea, where they were picked up by Sir Sidney, who bravely rowed in shore, and kept their pursuers in awe, with a field-piece in the bow of his boat.

A second army, collected from Rhodes and other islands, attacked the French at Damietta, under Sir Sidney and Colonel Douglas, destroyed their magazines there, and had erected cannon against the French redoubt; but Turkish disobedience and insubordination subjected this mass to a disaster similar to that of Aboukir. Sensible of Colonel Douglas's professional talents, the Grand Vizier entreated Sir Sidney to permit his repairing to Jaffa, in order to organize his army there; he accordingly went thither.

Colonel Douglas, during four months, shared in the scanty allowances of the Ottoman army, subsisting upon two ounces of rice daily, sent from the Vizier's table, at which no Christian can sit; drinking brackish water, and constantly sleeping in the open air of the desert. Under all these pressures and privations, the energies of that Officer were, however, so great, that he gained possession of the wells of El-Arisch; seized a supply of provisions there, of which the troops were in utter need, carried the place, and by that means kept together the Ottoman army, on the eve of self-dissolution.

Monsieur Cazel, the French Commandant, who delivered up his sword to the Colonel, avowed that its conquest was almost solely achieved by the gallant British detachment which he led.

This important key to the Syrian desert, again restored to its proper owners, facilitated the convention of El-Arisch, by which the whole French army was to evacuate Egypt, and return home. This having been subsequently cancelled, afforded a fresh field for the valour of my Corps upon its shores.

The following letter from the Grand Vizier to Sir Sidney Smith, fully identifies his grateful sense of the merits of Colonel, now Sir John Douglas, of Marines.

"To the Commander of his Britannic Majesty's Fleet, to our much-esteemed and beloved friend Sir Sidney Smith, our best greeting. May your destiny be ever prosperous, and your health flourishing.

"We send you by the present our friendly advice and information concerning his Britannic Majesty's Officer, Colonel Douglas, to make known unto you, that, during his stay at, and co-operation with the army under our command, he has evinced not only the greatest activity and skill, but also the most undaunted courage and bravery. As his glorious and faithful services have afforded us the highest satisfaction, so do we wish the same may prove to him most honourable and advantageous; and as we think it just and expedient for all Powers and Sovereigns nobly to reward eminent merit, so have we written this letter, for the express purpose, to beg you to transmit to our dear, most respected, and great friend and ally, the King of Great Britain, a faithful narrative of Colonel Douglas's gallant behaviour, that accordingly he may be raised to the rank he so well deserves. We hope and trust, that at the receipt of our letter, you will act in conformity with this sincere desire.

"L. S.

"Given at our camp, before El-Arisch,

"Feb. 2, 1800."

Sir John Douglas has lately received a solid mark of his country's approbation, in a pension of 400_l_. a year, commencing from that day upon which Buonaparte retreated from the walls of St. Acre.

It was the destiny of my Corps to participate in a short, but brilliant campaign, which drove the French out of the Neapolitan kingdom, and restored its Monarch to the throne.

Amongst the followers of the fallen fortunes of his Sicilian Majesty, in his retreat to Palermo, was Cardinal Ruffo, whose enterprizing genius planned the loyal design of paving the way for the return of his self-exiled King, to the former seat of his power. Repairing to Calabria, he quickly collected a large army, by rekindling a spirit of royalism, exerting his clerical influence amongst people alike fanatical and ignorant, and by alternately exercising the functions of the Soldier and of the Cardinal.

Captain, now Sir William D'Arley, of Marines, landed singly in the Neapolitan territory, in order to acquire a knowledge of the state, strength, and views of the Royal party; during which period he made many a hair-breadth escape. So judiciously did he discharge this important mission, that the command of a district was assigned him; he was entrusted with a high military post, in which he continued to animate the motley army of Ruffo, by his counsels and his energies. In a variety of actions they fought, and beat the united French and rebel troops, who had possessed themselves of the kingdom of Naples, and had organized it into a republic; taking also Cotrona and Cantanzaro.

Introductory to their principal operations, the British squadron was extremely active. In April, Captain Hallowell, with some Seamen and Marines, obtained Procita and its castle, in the Gulf of Naples; while Captain Knox, of my Corps, was detached to the Isle of Ischia, which, with its strong fortress, was delivered up without resistance.

The robberies, murders, and rapine committed by their French friends in Italy had alienated almost every heart, and wherever an Englishman appeared, he was greeted as the deliverer of a country groaning under the bitterest sufferings.

A partial debarkation of some Marines and Sailors at Salerno, after having effected its capture, was obliged to retreat, before very superior numbers of the enemy. The cool gallantry of Lieutenant Vyvion, of Marines, upon that occasion, gave a strong earnest of future eminence. He was a young man of the most promising talents, but his country and his brethren have now to deplore his subsequent fall.

Cardinal Ruffo, learning the evacuation of Naples, and the defeats of the French armies by the Russian General Suwarrow, put in motion his army towards that Capital; part of which he gained upon the day of St. Anthony's feast. Exceeding his powers, a treaty which he had concluded with the Members of the Republican Government, and the Patriots in the Forts, was cancelled by his Sicilian Majesty, and the transports in which they were embarked for Toulon, were blockaded by the British squadron.

Many of the rebel party, united with their allies the French, retiring to the strong holds of St. Elmo, Ovo, and Nuova, it was judged expedient to land the Marines, who, with other auxiliaries, were destined to reduce them. On the 27th of June they were disembarked, to the number of 800 men, under the following Officers, who had the honour of accomplishing the important services that ensued, with much credit.

Lieut. Colonel Strickland, Commanding Officer.

Captain Creswell (Brevet Major, _pro tempore_.)

Capt. Weir
---- Dunsmuire
---- Minto
---- Knox
---- Wolfe
---- Torkington
---- Williams.

Lieut. Noble
---- Hare
---- M'Carthey
---- Pearce
---- Burford
---- Short
---- Wills
---- Harvey
---- Scobill
---- Adair
---- Burne
---- Jones
---- Walker

Lieut. Hart
---- Collins
---- Jewell
---- Toomer
---- Perroll
---- Millar
---- Buzon
---- Wright
---- Wheeler
---- Ross
---- Wyemyss } Adjutants
---- Tyldsley }
---- Vyvion, Quarter-master.

Four hundred Portugueze Marines were also landed, which, joined to 500 Swiss, 450 Russians, and 70 Greeks, formed a total of 2170, besides Officers.

Captain Hood took possession of the Castles of Ovo and Nuovo, in which he was placed with a garrison of Seamen, and in his public character preserved the peace of that turbulent Capital, during the whole series of that trying duty.

Captain Trowbridge, of the Royal Navy, conducted with much ability those military operations, which may be said to have reinstated the Neapolitan King upon his throne.

At five on the morning of the 30th of June, he marched from Castle Nuovo, with the British and Portugueze Marines, was joined by the Russians in Naples, and proceeded instantly against St. Elmo, whose Commandant he summoned to surrender. Being answered in the negative, that zealous and spirited Officer lost no time in erecting batteries against the Castle. Between the 3d and 5th of July, nine heavy cannon and eight mortars were opened on its garrison and works, which played incessantly, in the hope of effecting a breach sufficient to storm. On the 6th, four mortars were added, and by the indefatigable labours of the Seamen, six 36-pounders were dragged to the summit of an almost inaccessible precipice, which soon compelled Monsieur Mejan to capitulate. The Marine Grenadiers marched into the Castle on the 12th, and the enemy, upwards of 1500, were allowed the honours of war.

On the 13th, the main body of the army returned to Castle Nuovo, from whence they advanced against Capua, that key to Naples, upon the 19th, where they arrived on the 21st, pitched their tents near to its walls, and in a short time opened batteries, which continued to play against the town until the 27th, when terms were discussed and agreed on.

On the 29th, the French, to the number of 1500, marched out, and were conveyed to Naples, under an escort of 400 Marines, and two squadrons of General Acton's Cavalry.

The conduct of Captain Trowbridge was prompt and animated, and he spoke highly of the unremitting attention and discipline of Colonel Strickland, Major Creswell, the Officers and men. The exertions of those of the allied troops were also highly meritorious.

Returning to Naples, an embarkation took place against Gaieta on the 30th of July, where they landed on the 3d of August, gained possession of its gates on the next day, and upon the 5th, delivered up the town to the loyal subjects of his Majesty the King of Naples.

The retreat of the French armies was felt throughout Italy, and their disasters roused the Tuscans to arms, who drove them from their bosom. Florence was abandoned, and Leghorn was evacuated; but Rome was unsubdued. Its besiegers had been driven from its walls, and every effort to reduce it was ineffectual. It did not, however, resist against the tenders of British honour; for on Captain Trowbridge appearing off the mouth of the Tiber, and a summons being sent to General Garnier, he agreed to surrender Rome, Civita Vechia, and every dependency within the state, to that Commander.

Some Seamen, and the Marines of the Culloden and Minotaur, occupied Corneto and Tolsa, as well as Civita Vechia, during the 29th and 30th of September, while the enemy, amounting to 5000, were sent off, agreeable to the terms of capitulation.

Captain Trowbridge maintained the acknowledged faith of his Country, in every article, with a dignity becoming the high character in which he stood. Colonel Strickland supported that discipline in his Corps, which must have ensured success against a contending enemy. This train of important services, derives a double merit, from that rapidity with which they were performed.

During the present year Earl St. Vincent resigned the command of the Mediterranean Fleet. The system by which he maintained its good order, is worthy of being adopted by every Officer in the British Navy.

One of the most gallant boarding contests took place upon that station, during the day of the 9th of June, which appears on the face of this war. It was cutting out a Spanish polacre of 10 guns and 113 men, from the port of La Selva, supported by a heavy battery, and a large body of men under arms on the shore, by the boats of the Success, carrying only 42 men.

Lieuts. Facey and Stupart, of the Navy, and Lieut. Davison, of my Corps, headed this daring enterprize. They were all distinguished; but limiting the detail of it to my peculiar province, I am led to notice the cool courage of that promising brother Officer, who, taking a steady aim with a pistol amidst this confused scene, shot a Swiss Soldier in the mouth, who had levelled his musket at Mr. Pomeroy Peter, a brave young Midshipman, in the act of boarding over a high close netting. Mr. Peter did the rest with a pike. A gallant Marine, Thomas Needham, having his right arm broken by a grape shot, on being asked by Lieutenant Facey, if it was not disabled? answered "Yes, but, thank God, I can pull a trigger with my right, and with my left hand I can still manage a cutlass." In this state he continued to fight until the vessel was carried.

In the West Indies the Dutch Colony of Surinam was taken without opposition. Lieutenant M'Gee, of Marines, and his party from the Trent, behaved most handsomely, in union with their brethren the Seamen, by storming a battery in a bay near Cape Roso, and afterwards bringing from under it a large Spanish ship and schooner.

It was on the morning of the 25th of October that Captain (now Sir Edward) Hamilton, at the head of 100 Seamen and Marines, attacked and carried the Hermione, of 44 guns, after having killed and wounded 216 men, with the single loss of Lieutenant J. Busey, acting Lieutenant of the Surprize. After the greatest feats of valour in all, he brought her out from under the formidable batteries of Porto Cavallo. John Ingram and Joseph Titley, private Marines, were wounded upon this honorable occasion, which sufficiently speaks its own praise.

In the East, La Forte, of 50 guns, was captured by the British Sybille, after a desperate resistance, during which Captain Cooke unfortunately fell.

Every domestic event of this year sinks, in consequence, when compared to the expedition against Holland. Its details, however, do not properly fall within my narrative. After having gained possession of the Helder, the duties allotted to the Marines, were to garrison its forts, while the Army, under Sir Ralph Abercrombie, penetrated into the Country. These my corps performed with their usual alertness and zeal, and much to the satisfaction of their superiors. Unfortunate as was the issue of the attempt, originally undertaken at a late season of the year, and against a dangerous coast, still the very important capture of the remains of the Batavian Navy, amply compensated for its final miscarriage. An unsurpassed unanimity between the land and naval services prevailed, and English valour was conspicuous throughout.

A garrison of Seamen and Marines having been placed at Limmen Town, in West Friezland, under Captain Boorder, of the Navy, consisting of only 157 men, was attacked at five on the morning of the 11th of October by more than 700 of the enemy, in four quarters. Their advanced party against the North battery was surrounded and taken by the seamen, and after a long contest, the whole gave way. The Marines immediately pursued, killed and wounded more than 40, and would have taken their colours and cannon if they had not, in the rout, broken down a bridge, which checked our progress. Captain Boorder says, "that Lieutenants Wyburn, Howel, Higginson, and Gardner, of Marines, behaved with honour to themselves, and credit to their Country, and that their men distinguished themselves in a most gallant manner." The names of Captains Mortlock, Sir Harry Neale, Winthorp, Bolton, Macnamara, and Cuninghame, with their Officers, Seamen, and Marines, stand meritedly high in the subordinate catalogue of this year's naval deeds.

CHAP. XLV.

Twenty thousand Marines were voted for the service of 1800.

Every revolving year seemed to add to the naval superiority of Great Britain. In each quarter the enemy's fleets were blockaded within their ports; the happy result of our reiterated victories.

In the Mediterranean, Lord Keith, by his cruizers, was highly instrumental in producing the fall of Genoa, to the Austrian General Melas, by cutting off its supplies, and occasional bombardments.

Early in 1800 a battalion of Marines was landed at Malta, which had withstood a tedious blockade, and still held out with uncommon perseverance. The occasion presented no opportunities of signalizing themselves, but by the most exemplary good conduct, under the following Officers:

Captain Weir, (Major Commandant.)

Capt. Knox,
---- Wolfe,
---- Torkinton,
---- Williams,

Lieut. Burford,
---- Bunce,
---- Adair,
---- Miller,
---- Davison,
---- M'Carthy,

Lieut. Jones,
---- Pearce,
---- Pogson,
---- Hodgkins,
---- Tyldesley, Adjutant,
---- Scobell, Quarter-Master.

On the 5th of September La Valette capitulated, of which the Marines took possession. The indefatigable exertions of Captain (now Sir A.) Ball, of the Royal Navy, did him much honor, and it was partly owing to the seasonable arrival of Major General Pigott with a reinforcement, as well as to the debarkation of the Marines, that this important key to Egypt was so soon added to our dominion. The steady vigilance of the Navy, during a blockade of two years, had a pre-eminent share in this final event. The fortress of Savona, reduced to famine, by the activity of Captain Downman and his little squadron, surrendered also to him and the Austrian General St. Julien, on the 16th of May.

The Genereux and Guillaume Tell, of 74 and 84 guns, were captured by our cruizers in February and March. They were the only remnants of the French fleet after the memorable battle of Aboukir.

This year abounds with many examples of inferior enterprize, in which the subalterns of my corps gave very handsome pledges of what may be expected from them upon every allotted opportunity.

The attack and bringing out the Spanish corvette, San Josef, protected also by a heavy battery of five guns, from under the fortress of Fangerolle, reflected the highest credit upon the spirit of Lieutenants Beaufort and Huish, of the Pheaton, and Duncan Campbell, of Marines. He and Mr. Beaufort were wounded.

The Seamen and Marines of the Mermaid, under Captain Oliver, merit notice in having cut out and destroyed 9 vessels, under a fort near Cape Corsette.

The conduct of Lieut. Yeo and his brave followers in the port of Cecenatico, where they rendered 13 merchantmen unserviceable, was most distinguished. Lieut. Jewell, of Marines, in a detachment of this nature under Captain Hillyer, which gallantly brought out two large corvettes from the road of Barcelona, amidst a shower of shot and shells, behaved with much courage and conduct throughout that service. These detailed exploits were performed on the Mediterranean station during this year.

The Dutch island of Curacoa, in South America, when on the eve of being possessed by a French force, claimed the protection of Captain Watkins, of his Majesty's frigate Nereide, who landed his Marines and some Seamen, who had the honor of deterring the enemy from his attempt, and securing that settlement.

Goree, on the coast of Africa, surrendered to Sir Charles Hamilton, of La Melpomene, when Captain M'Cleverty, with the Marines of the squadron, were landed to garrison it.

A very gallant single action was fought off St. Domingo, between La Seine, Captain Milne, and La Vengeance French frigate, which terminated in the republican ship striking her flag. Captain Milne, who had oftener than once approved himself a brave Officer, thus speaks of Lieutenant Macdonald, who commanded the Marines of La Seine: "I am indebted to the services of Mr. Macdonald, of Marines, who was taken down wounded, and came up again when dressed, but was obliged, from a second wound, to be taken below; but I am happy to state, the life of this valuable Officer will be saved, to render further services to his Majesty. The behaviour of the Marines was such as does them the highest credit."

In the East, Lieutenant Owen, of my corps, volunteered from the Adamant to assist in destroying the French frigate La Precieuse, which had been run on shore by that ship and the Tremendous near Fort Louis, on the Isle of France; a service that was spiritedly executed under a heavy fire from the batteries, and they brought off some of the Officers and men prisoners.

The achievements upon the home station in this style of warfare, were both crouded and brilliant, and it is with a mixture of exultation and of pride, that so many amongst the rising generation of my brethren, appear upon those honorable annals.

Amongst the foremost stands the name of Lieutenant (now Adjutant) Gerrard, of Marines, who volunteered from the Fisguard, to attack a convoy at St. Croix, laden with provisions and stores for the French fleet at Brest; which material object was in part effected, in opposition to the fire from a strong battery, three armed vessels they took, and a line of musquetry on the shore. Eight of inferior note were captured, and twenty were run on the rocks. Lieutenants Burke, Dean, Stamp, and Price, of the Royal Navy, also gave shining patterns of valour.

Another attempt upon some of the enemy's vessels at the mouth of the river Quimper on the 23d of June, although not equally prosperous, was still alike glorious to Lieutenants Burke of the Renown, and Parker of the Defence, as well as Lieutenant Gerrard. After reaching the mouth of that river, the Marines were landed on both its sides, under the command of Lieutenants Burke and Gerrard, who were to protect the boats under Mr. Parker, in their approach to the vessels of war and small craft. But the enemy had removed them to an inaccessible distance, and this bold essay terminated in the destruction of three strong batteries with their guns, by these divisions.

The cutting out La Desiree, from the roads of Dunkirk, will be long remembered, and must for ever establish the personal intrepidity of Lieutenants M'Dermitt and Pierce, of the Royal Navy.

The vigilance of Sir John Warren and his flying squadron, afforded another display of subordinate zeal on the 1st and 2d of July.