Chapter XI: Part 11

The scene of action was within the island of Noirmoutier, and in the bay of Bourneuf, and the object was to attack some armed vessels and a convoy bound for Brest, covered by 6 heavy batteries on the South East part of the former, besides flanking guns on every point. By 12 on the night of the 1st of July, they carried 5 armed ships, and 15 merchantmen, but on finding it impossible to bring them out over the sand banks, they were all burnt. This dashing business was achieved by 113 Seamen, and 61 Marines, headed by Lieutenants Burke, Dean, and Garrett, of the Navy, 11 petty Officers, and Lieutenants Thompson, Ballingham, Gerrard, and Hutton, of my corps. All the boats upon returning, grounded, and in this situation they were exposed to an unceasing fire from the forts, and from the platoons of 400 troops in their rear.

It was under this trying circumstance, that, with true British intrepidity, they resolutely dragged their boats upwards of two miles over the sands, until they floated, when they levelled all their efforts against one vessel, sufficiently large to accomplish their retreat. Four Officers and eighty-eight men, however, became prisoners, while more than 100 secured their safety by unrelaxing valour.

The capture of Le Cerbere gun-brig, made under the batteries of Port Louis, the fire of some small craft, within a mile of three French men of war, and against four times their numbers, has immortalized the fame of Lieut. Coghlan, and Mr. Paddon, of the Royal Navy, and all their associates. It can scarcely find a parallel upon the registers of history.

Lieut. Burke, of the Renown, the Seamen and Marines under his auspices, were again conspicuous in the assault of La Guipe French privateer, of 22 guns and 161 men, which they took, after a desperate resistance, near the Narrows of Rendonella, in the bay of Vigo. That valuable Officer, Lieut. Burke, was badly wounded, besides twelve Seamen and five Marines, and four of both classes were killed.

It was in testimony of those repeated deeds that the Officers and ship's company of the Fisguard, presented Lieut. Gerrard, of Marines, with a sword, accompanied by the flattering tribute I have already described. His Country, as I have said, has recently attested her gratitude, by conferring upon him one of the Adjutancies of his Corps, for which he is eminently qualified.

The determined spirit of Lieut. M'Cullen, of Marines, and his little party of twenty-four men, in following up Captain Price's orders, against the Victoire privateer, of Boulogne, near to Issigny, is worthy of much commendation. He towed her off from the shore under the discharge of some hundred musquetry, and brought her a prize to the island of St. Marcou. Lieut. Steevens covered him most gallantly in his gun-brig, the Sparkler.

Imitating this brilliant system, another blow to the enemy's commerce was given by the boats of the Montague and Magnificent, conducted by Lieuts. Blissett, Knight, Griffiths, and Dunlop, of the Royal Navy, and in which Lieuts. Alexander, Montgomerie, Mitchell, and Jordan, of Marines, bravely volunteered. The whole proceeded against a convoy of fourteen sail in Port Danenne, near to L'Orient, all of which were grounded under a battery, that fired round and grape shot, as well as two of the vessels which were armed, upon the boats as they approached.

This service was most completely executed, as they took eleven, and burnt one; leaving only two behind which they were unable to bring out. Captain Knight acknowledged the conduct of all to have been most regular and bold.

These little details are powerful evidences of the spirit of the times. Upon an aggregate scale they are certainly of national moment, and sufficiently prove how much may be accomplished by English intrepidity, when happily seconded by a well-regulated discipline.

CHAP. XLVI.

At no period of her existence as a Nation, did Britain portend a speedier dissolution, although at none did she ever appear in a more dignified attitude, than at the commencement of 1801.

Alternately deserted by every Ally, she was not only engaged in an arduous contest with some of the most powerful States of Europe, but was threatened by the revival of a Maritime discussion, backed by an armed neutrality amongst its Northern Powers, evidently levelled against her existence. A confederacy so hostile to our very being, could not but arouse the land to assert their long established rights; and, however hazardous an appeal to arms might be under the existing crisis, it was still deemed a better, and more glorious alternative, than tacitly to allow any innovators, however powerful, to undermine those commercial pillars, upon which the Empire had so long flourished, and stood. Temporizing measures being but ill suited to the occasion, and little congenial to the spirit of the times, a general embargo was laid upon all Russian, Swedish, and Danish vessels within our ports, while a fleet was equipped for the Baltic, whose cannon were destined to become the interpreters of our injured privileges, as well as the delegated agents for the salutary restoration of peace.

Keeping pace with such Naval exertions, to which the Country looked for its salvation, the Marine corps experienced an effective augmentation unprecedented on its historic annals. A vote of 22,696 men passed for the three first lunar months of 1801, which was subsequently enlarged to 30,000 for the future services of the year.

I am naturally led to follow the progress of those gallant fellows to the coasts of the Baltic, by whose great achievements those impending dangers which seemed ready to erase their devoted Country from amongst the list of nations, were so quickly dispelled.

The object of this armament having been publicly avowed and known, the occasion evinced the spirited zeal of Lieutenant Colonel Winter, of my corps, by his stepping out of the routine of divisional service, and volunteering to head a battalion of Marines, upon these more perilous duties. The handsome tender of that able Officer, was not, however, accepted.

Upon the 12th of March the British fleet set sail, and passed the Sound on the 30th, encountering, in its way, an incessant but bloodless discharge from the cannon of Cronenburgh, when it anchored near to the isle of Huin. The battle of the 2d of April, fought under the superintending example and auspices of Lord Nelson, needs no description to add to its splendour. Its merits can best be appreciated by its immediate effects. Upon that great man's brow was placed the laurel, entwined with the olive, and both were the growth of a single day. It led to peace with our old friends, the Danes, and overthrew a Confederacy, upon the consequences of which speculation is set at bay.

The gallant Sir Thomas Graves nobly seconded his superior, and it is to be remembered, in honor to his name, that he volunteered to complete the final destruction of those Northern Opponents, if a cessation of arms had not healed every difference.

Eight hundred and seventy five Seamen and Marine Soldiers were killed and wounded upon that momentous day. Lieutenant Benjamin Spencer, of my corps, son to the Rev. Dr. Spencer near Birmingham, a youth of the most promising hopes, and the sweetest manners, fell on board the Edgar, a ship that was peculiarly distinguished, as did Lieutenant Henry Long, in the Isis, who was likewise much esteemed for a benignity of temper; Lieutenants Charles Meredith and James Marrie were also wounded.

In consequence of this signal victory, a merited testimony was conferred upon Captain Lambrecht, of Marines, by the brevet rank of Major, which could not have been bestowed upon a more worthy or meritorious member. It was his fortune to be Senior Officer on board that part of the grand force which was engaged, and to serve in the Defiance, under the flag of Rear Admiral Graves.

Every man in the English fleet was honored with the Thanks of his Country, its intrepid leaders received suitable distinctions, and all stand registered upon the memorials of indelible fame. The noble Society of Lloyd's stretched forth, likewise, their liberal aids to the unfortunate sufferers at Copenhagen. Other incidents tended to accelerate the dissolution of this formidable league; in which a guardian Providence may be clearly retraced, and our natural bulwarks as having been the secondary agents of his will.

Early in this year Earl St. Vincent, who had commanded in the Mediterranean and the Channel, with so much advantage to the public, and with such éclat to himself, was placed at the helm of Naval affairs. My corps looked up to him as a father and a friend, and those endearing titles have been fully realized towards us in every arrangement that has emanated from his intelligent and comprehensive mind. As we never forsook him in the day of trial, so we never shall forget him when he is laid low in the dust.

The same spirit for dashing at every thing within the enemy's ports, and on their coasts still continued to prevail. Three boats from the Trent, led on by Lieutenants Chamberlayne, Scallion, Bellamy, Tate, of Marines, and Mr. Hoskins, on the 3d of April, in opposition to numerous batteries on the shore, the constant fire of a lugger and cutter, and the aid of a number of small craft, boldly attacked and drove the lugger amongst the rocks, besides some of the boats.

Lieutenants Chamberlayne and Tate afterwards boarded and carried off a large ship which was under their convoy, and what was their main object, on her way from Brehat to Plampoul. In that service Lieutenant Tate, of my corps, unfortunately lost a leg.

One of the most daring attempts, ever conceived, was originally undertaken by Lieutenant Losack, but finally executed by Lieutenant Maxwell, against the French corvette La Chevrette, in presence of the combined fleets in the road of Brest, under protection of the batteries of Camerat, and in spite of nearly 400 men of which her crew was composed, all ready to oppose the assailants. Upon this perilous duty Lieutenants Sinclair and Rose, of Marines, spiritedly volunteered. From the strong position of the enemy, who set every attack at defiance, no better contested affair occurred through the whole of this glorious war. Lieutenant Sinclair who had been formerly wounded upon a similar enterprize, was slain in the act of warding off a like destiny from a Midshipman of the Doris. He would have done honor to any rank in life.

The carnage was great on the side of the republicans, being above 150 killed and wounded, while that of the British exceeded 66. Lieutenant W. Burke, an Officer of the highest hopes, received a mortal wound, and Lieutenant Neville was hurt.

Mr. (now Captain) Maxwell, with all his intrepid companions, will long appear conspicuous on the records of fame. Capt. Charles Brisbane says, "Any comments of mine would fall far short of the merits due to those gallant Officers, Seamen, and Marines employed on this service." Such examples of irresistible heroism in subordinate warfare, must have a permanent influence on the feelings of our enemies upon whatever scale they may be opposed to us.

On the 4th of August a successful bombardment took place against the French flotilla off Boulogne, and the attack was renewed upon the 13th by the boats of Lord Nelson's squadron. Although assembled for the avowed purpose of invading our isles, still the event of that night plainly shewed that their preparations had been distinguished much more by steps for self preservation, than for offensive measures, for our brave fellows, after the strongest feats of valour, were obliged to abandon their hard earned prizes, from their having been fastened by chains, or hard on the shore. The issue was unfortunate, but it added to the glory of the British arms. One hundred and seventy two Officers, Seamen, and Marines were killed and wounded in this patriotic attempt. Such were the exertions of all that the thanks of Earl St. Vincent, and of their brave Chief, were expressed to every class in the squadron. The service was deprived of a gallant Officer in Captain Parker of the Navy, and Captain Young, of my corps, was badly wounded.

Lieutenant Gerrard, of Marines, was again a volunteer in cutting out some vessels of force, from the port of Corunna, happily without loss.

Admiral Cornwallis, with that perseverance so peculiar to his character, continued to block up the combined fleets in Brest, who continued a useless load of expenditure to France and Spain, until a cessation of arms gave them freedom.

I bitterly lament that I cannot bid farewell to the domestic events of the present year without diverging upon that baneful spirit of mutiny, which again broke forth in a detachment of our fleet on the coast of Ireland.

It first burst out on board the Temeraire, a ship hitherto noted for good order, and commanded by men who yielded to none in the British Navy, for talents or humanity. It was a renewal of the same foul game that was played at the close of the American war, but it was subverted in a different manner, and with a manly energy, which bids fair to advance the future interests of discipline. The party of Marines, under Captain Vallock, after resisting all the efforts of seduction from their duty, behaved with the fidelity of good Soldiers, and nobly seconded the firm resolution of Admiral Campbell and the Officers under his command. As must ever be the case, this little phalanx, inspired with all the consciousness of a good cause, quickly overcame their guilty opponents, whose ringleaders expiated their crimes by an untimely death.

The address which those unfortunate men left behind them to their misguided ship-mates, bespoke the deepest contrition, and affords the most impressive lesson to the wretch who may ever be so unguarded as to admit the inroads of discord or disobedience.

In justice to those parties of Marines who loyally avowed their principles during such commotions, which, indeed, were general, and the same amongst every detachment in the squadron, I annex copies of letters from two under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Tench, and Captain Forshall, directed to those Officers.

"SIR,

"We, the Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, serving as Marines, under your command, on board his Majesty's ship Princess Royal, _having heard with pleasure_, the gallant conduct of our brother Soldiers on board the Temeraire, and, therefore, beg leave to express alike with them, our determination to oppose, with all our might and power, all unlawful combinations and our readiness to obey our Officers night and day.

"Signed by the Whole Party.

"Lieut.-Col. Tench, his Majesty's
ship Princess Royal."

"Resolution, Bantry Bay, 15th Dec. 1801.

"SIR,

"I hope you will pardon the liberty we take in addressing you, but as we understand that some ships companies have disobeyed the just commands of their Officers, and knowing the dreadful consequences that formerly attended similar practices. For our parts we abhor the idea, and we hope you will inform Captain Gardiner, likewise the Admiral, that it is our firm resolution, to support and maintain our Officers in any thing which they may think proper, and in that which is best calculated to promote the interest of our King and Country. I have the honor of subscribing myself, in behalf of the detachment of Marines,

"Your most obedient humble servant,

"William Heans, Serjeant.

"Captain Forshall, Marines."

The steady allegiance of my corps was such, throughout this period of indiscipline, that the following testimonies were the honorable result: "The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having expressed their high satisfaction of the good conduct of the Marines of several ships, under my command with you at Beerhaven, in declaring their abhorrence of the mutinous proceedings which had lately taken place at the anchorage, and of their having come forth on that occasion, so much to the honor of their Corps, and interests of their Country, I am to desire you will be pleased to communicate the same to them, and assure them that I feel highly gratified on the present occasion.

"(Signed) William Cornwallis.

"Vice Admiral Sir Andrew Mitchell, &c. &c."

In consequence of the above very handsome communication from Admiral Cornwallis, Commander in Chief of the Channel Fleet, Sir Andrew Mitchell issued the following order:

"It is my directions to the Captains of the ships, named in the margin,[5] under my orders, to communicate to the Marines, serving on board the respective ships under their command, the above letter from the Commander in Chief, and I feel equally happy their good conduct has merited such a mark of approbation from him and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.

"(Signed) A. Mitchell.

"29th December, 1801."

Much to the credit of the Formidable, Captain Grindall, that ship was totally exempt from the diabolical spirit, and it is proper to be remarked that the thanks of the Board of Admiralty were withheld from the parties of Marines in the Vengeance and Resolution, entirely through mistake, as both were truly entitled to them, for a similar zeal, with the rest of their brother Soldiers.

I now bid adieu to the domestic transactions of 1801, and hasten to those quarters of the world, where the British character appears in all its manly and native vigour, not palsied by murmurs, but invincible by discipline.

After the desertion of Buonaparte from his Egyptian Army, and the annulment of the Treaty of El Arisch, the genius of Kleber, his successor, retrieved every thing. By the battle of Heliopolis he eventually drove the Turks across the desert to seek refuge in Gaza, recaptured Cairo, which had been formerly evacuated, and by a train of good policy as well as a system of judicious defence, rendered the French power in Egypt more firm than ever. But a dark assassin deprived their Army of this distinguished leader, after whose tragical death, the chief command devolved upon General Menou, who following the footsteps of his predecessors, and by a peculiar assimilation to the tenets and manners of the Mahometans, seemed to have resolved upon fixing a permanent Empire in Lower Egypt. He rejected, with disdain, every overture towards a renewal of the Treaty of El Arisch, and, excepting a number of Greeks embodied under the auspices of Kleber, who were trained in European tactics, rested all his hopes of defence against native inroads, or foreign invaders, in the remnants of his countrymen.

It was reserved for a branch of my corps, combined with a British Army, to assist in rooting out this powerful force, to restore those conquered dominions to their rightful Lord, and thus to close a war by subduing those motives of ambition which had continued to cherish it.

A very considerable armament, which had been employed on other services during the last year, had entered the Mediterranean, and the troops who formed a part of it, were landed at Malta and Minorca. These were destined to expel the French from Egypt, in co-operation with an Army, under General Baird, from the regions of India, and an Ottoman force, under the Grand Vizier, which was to cross the deserts of Syria.

Lord Keith, with the English fleet, rendezvoused early in January 1801, in the Bay of Marmorice, on the coast of Caramania,[6] where preparations, necessary for the intended expedition, were carried on. Two days previous to their sailing for Egypt, his Lordship signified his directions to Lieutenant Colonel Smith, who commanded the Marines, to hold himself in readiness to disembark with the Officers and men from the different ships, and to place himself under the orders of General Sir Ralph Abercrombie; at the same time vesting him with a power of issuing such preparatory instructions as he might deem proper for the future regulations of his battalion.

Upon the 23d of February the fleet steered for the coast of Egypt, conveying an army of 15,330 Soldiers, and anchored in the auspicious Bay of Aboukir, on the 2d of March. An incessant gale prevented any debarkation until the 8th, when a landing was effected by the greater part of the Army, under circumstances that very signally attested their discipline and their valour. The Officers and Seamen of the fleet had likewise their share of these attached merits. This important object having been accomplished, Sir Ralph Abercrombie advanced to within six miles of Alexandria, and three of the enemy, who were strongly posted on a ridge, with the canal of that city on their right flank and the sea on their left.

Agreeably to the arrangement that had been made in the Bay of Marmorice, and by the order of battle given out, the Marines were attached to the 3d brigade under Lord Cavan, and united in it with the 50th and 79th Regiments.

Previous to the landing of the Marines, Lord Keith addressed the following letter to Lieutenant Colonel Smith:

"Foudroyant, in Bay of Aboukir, 9th March, 1801.

"SIR,

"If it shall be requisite to land the Marines from some of the ships for a short time, I beg you will furnish me with the arrangements you have made, and the temporary ranks necessary to be given, so that I may furnish the Officers with authority.

"I am, Sir, your most obedient and humble servant,

"(Signed,) Keith.

"Lieut.-Col. Smith, Marine Forces,
his Majesty's ship Kent."

In consequence, many Officers obtained brevet rank, in the course of the Egyptian campaign, and received additional pay according to the proportions of each.

An institution alike liberal and just was adopted by Lord Keith towards the Marine Corps, that while its Officers and Soldiers were employed on shore, in advancing the interests of their Country, their claims for prize-money were considered as valid during the whole period of their absence.

It was on the morning of the 12th of March, that the Marines of the fleet were landed in the Bay of Aboukir, consisting of 35 serjeants, 32 corporals, 22 drummers, and 500 privates, besides Officers. It may be well conceived how difficult, yet how honorable was the duty of fitting, for immediate service, this heterogeneous body, drawn from 30 different ships, unknown to one another, and a great many of them totally ignorant of every military evolution. The battalion, however, was formed between the hours of 12 and 3 upon that day, under a scorching sun, and on a burning sand, after which one half was detached to fill bags for the batteries, whilst the other was marched a considerable distance, all the while nearly knee-deep in sand, and laden with their comrades musquets and knapsacks. After such labours, during the day, orders arrived at seven in the evening for the whole to join the main body of the Army, then 15 miles distant, which they effected, after much fatigue, at one on the morning of the 13th of March. At five they were again under arms, with a view to have attacked the enemy, advancing towards him in two lines by the left, in order to have turned his right flank. But anticipating the movements of the British, he descended from the heights which he had occupied, and struck at the leading brigades of both our lines. The battle began on the right at seven, and those on the left instantly formed.

It cannot be supposed that this detachment of my corps, hitherto untrained to military tactics, could evince that regularity and precision in manœuvre which so much distinguished those veteran Soldiers with whom they served. But if they failed in the minutiæ of discipline, they were not behind them in valour. The engagement becoming warm and general, they were somewhat crouded in their ranks by the alignment of the regiments on their right and left, owing to the narrowing of the Peninsula upon which they acted, and at the moment when they sustained their severest loss. Although not perfectly regular to command, they still, under a gallant impulse, rushed forward in charge towards the enemy, and acquired, for their conspicuous bravery, the appellation of the _Bull Dogs_ of the Army. The French were driven at last, with an irresistible impetuosity, to take shelter under the fortified heights, that constitute the chief defence of Alexandria.

The details of loss were fully proportionate to those of their brethren in arms, being 2 Officers and 22 rank and file killed, 4 Officers, 2 Serjeants, 2 Drummers, and 27 rank and file wounded. Amongst the former were Lieutenants Paul Hussey, and Linzee Shea, holding rank as Captains in the Marine battalion, and Captain Minto, with that of brevet as Major, besides Captain Robert Torkington, 1st Lieutenant John Parry, and 2d Lieutenant George Peebles.

Upon the day after the battle the following were the public orders issued by the Commander in Chief, who had intimated to Lord Keith the gallantry of the Marines upon that occasion:

"Camp, 4 miles from Alexandria, 14 March, 1801.

"Sir Ralph Abercrombie desires that Lieutenant Colonel Smith and the battalion of Marines, will accept his Thanks for their conduct, in the course of the service of yesterday; at the request of Lord Keith.

"The Commander in Chief has the greatest satisfaction in thanking the troops for their soldier-like conduct in the action of yesterday."

In the afternoon the battalion marched to Aboukir, where they were placed under the command of Earl Dalhousie, and remained there some time after the surrender of its Castle.

Those brave fellows were truly sensible of their defect in point of discipline, but a generous spirit of emulation pervaded the whole of them, and under the able superintendance of Lieutenant Colonel Smith, and Major Minto, this mixed body of men, in a very few days, might have vied with any regiment in the field. They meritedly gained, and repeatedly obtained from the Commander in Chief and Major General Coote, under whom they were brigaded, the highest encomiums for their soldier like appearance, steady conduct, and the good order of their encampment, when in front of Alexandria. It was their destiny to be entrusted with the defence of Aboukir Castle, and its vicinity, which precluded them from displaying their rapid improvement in evolution, or of sharing in the laurels acquired by the Army, on the glorious 21st of March; a day upon which every British Soldier may well exult, but not without mingling with his proud joy, an unfeigned sigh over the memory of that great and good man who led, and whose honorable life was sacrificed at the shrine of victory.

The Marines, as constituting a material proportion of the strength of Lord Keith's fleet, formed no part of these detachments which penetrated the interior, but their duties were confined to the blockade of Alexandria, where they might be ready to re-embark in case of emergency, at the shortest notice.

The brilliant details of the Egyptian Campaign, are well known to the world. They have been given in a stile highly adapted to yield general information, and to rouse, within our Armies, an emulous zeal.

If it was not the lot of my corps to stand on the annals of splendor by an active co-operation with those bodies who conquered Rosetta, Rhamanich, and Cairo, still their effective presence tended to enable the Commander in Chief to achieve these distant and important objects. Attached to the brigade of Major General Coote, they were withdrawn from the defence of Aboukir, and continued to discharge, with an unrelaxed discipline, the duties of investment, with but little variety, until the 5th day of August, when the previous arrival of reinforcements from England and India, the return of the forces from the recovery of the internal posts in Lower Egypt, and at the express desire of Lord Keith, they were struck off the shore details, and next day were re-embarked on board their respective ships.

With such an accumulated Army General (now Lord) Hutchinson was empowered to push the siege of Alexandria, which was carried on with so great ability and success, that it surrendered on the 30th of August.

It would be a wide attempt for me to embrace a discussion of those movements that led to the expulsion of the French from Egypt, and I am too humble by any panegyric of mine, to add a single mite to the well earned fame of those distinguished Officers, those intrepid Soldiers and Seamen, by whose united talents and valour, such momentous results were obtained. Every individual is registered upon the grateful records of his Country, carries about with him a memorial of his own deeds, which reminds him and every one of his military comrades, that an Englishman is as terrible in the field, as he is upon the ocean.

The solid merits of my corps were such that I cannot omit the following high testimonials, which bespeak them in much more forcible terms, than any I can advance:

"Foudroyant, Bay of Aboukir, 5th July, 1801.

"SIR,

"I have had much satisfaction in receiving the commands of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to make known to you, their Lordships approbation of your conduct, and of that of the Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Privates of the Marine battalion, landed from the ships in the squadron, to co-operate with the Army on the coast of Egypt, and I have to request that you will, with the permission of Major General Coote, communicate the approbation which their Lordships have been pleased to express to the Officers and men serving under your command.

"I have the honor to be, Sir,

"Your very obedient and humble servant,

"KEITH."

"Lieut.-Col. Smith, &c. &c. &c."

Major General Coote having received a similar letter from his Lordship, enclosed it to Colonel Smith, at the same time giving his sanction for its contents being published to the Officers and men of the Marine battalion.

Three days previous to their embarkation the Major General thus expressed himself:

"Camp, near Alexandria, 3d August, 1801.

"SIR,

"At the request of Admiral Lord Keith, it is Lieut.-Gen. Sir John Hely Hutchinson's directions, that the battalion of Marines, under your command, is to hold itself in readiness to return on board their respective ships. I cannot, however, suffer you to leave the division of the Army, without assuring you how perfectly satisfied I am, with the attention you have always paid to the Marines. The good conduct of your corps, whilst under my orders, does them the greatest credit, and I beg you will be so obliging as to signify the same both to your Officers and men.

"I have the honor to be, &c.

"EYRE COOTE, Major General.

"Lieutenant Colonel Smith, &c. &c."

They having done duty under Major General Finch, during a time, in the 1st Brigade, that Officer, in consequence, thus conveys his sentiments:

"Brigade Orders, August 5, 1801.

"Major General Finch, on taking leave of Lieutenant Colonel Smith and the Marines under his command, requests him to accept his warmest thanks for the order, regularity, zeal, and attention that have uniformly marked their conduct during the period he had the honor of commanding the 1st Brigade, and he shall be happy on all occasions to bear testimony to their merit in the correct performance of their duty, in every respect, which has come under his observation."

Although ulterior in date still, for the sake of connection, I am led to insert the very flattering encomiums of Lord Hutchinson, the Commander in Chief.

"Jermyn Street, June 28, 1802.

"SIR,

"Your sudden departure from Egypt rendered it impossible for me to desire that you would communicate my thanks to the Marines who served under your command during the campaign. May I now beg that you will assure the Officers and men, how highly sensible I am of their meritorious services, and of the zeal and exertion which ever marked their conduct. The order and discipline preserved by the battalion does great credit to your military character, and is equally honorable to the respectable corps which you had the good fortune to command.

"I have the honor to be, &c. &c.

"(Signed) HUTCHINSON, Major General.

"Lieut.-Col. Smith, Royal Marines."

Owing to some omission, the medals which were bestowed by the Grand Signior upon every Officer of the Army, as commemorative of his gratitude, and of their services during the Egyptian campaign, were for a time withheld from those of the corps of Royal Marines, but in consequence of Lord Keith's representation of it to the Earl of Elgin, our Ambassador at the Ottoman Porte, his Sublime Highness most readily compensated for this error, and these honorable marks were conveyed to Sir Richard Bickerton, commanding the British Naval Forces at Malta, who transmitted them along with a letter couched in the following elegant terms:

"Kent, at Malta, March 18th, 1803.

"SIR,

"I have the honor of forwarding to you some Turkish medals, to be distributed among the Officers of Marines who served on shore, and in the squadron employed in the blockade of Alexandria, during the Egyptian campaign.

"The accompanying letter and list,[7] will explain every thing; it therefore only remains for me to add, that I feel a pleasure in having been made a medium in conveying what may be acceptable to a small part of your corps; and I should be much more gratified if it was in my power to congratulate you _on the acquisition of more substantial advantages for the whole_, being every day more fully convinced of its services and utility.

"I have the honor to be, Sir, &c. &c.

"R. BICKERTON.

"Lieut.-Col. Smith, Royal Marines."

Our victorious armies and fleet, which were destined for other services, were suddenly stayed by the tidings of a cessation of arms.

The feats of our squadrons and ships in the Mediterranean lost none of their wonted splendor. Sir James Saumarez's attack upon the French squadron, under the numerous batteries of Algeziras, yields to no one upon record, for boldness of design or spirit in execution. Although the event of the 6th of July was unprosperous, still the gallantry exhibited on that day was productive of the most signal consequences, and it, no doubt, had its effect upon a superior force, who, panic struck, felt the retaliating vengeance of Sir James and his little detachment, on the 12th. In the first action 375 Seamen and Marines were killed, wounded, and missing; amongst the former detail was 1st Lieutenant J. D. Williams, on board the Hannibal, who behaved with true British courage, and with the latter were numbered Lieutenants George Dunford and J. W. Day, of Marines.

Sir James Saumarez, after speaking of the bravery of the men under his command, says, "that Captain Maxwell and the Officers of my corps on board the Cesar, were entitled to much praise." Captain Keates of the Superbe, whose personal intrepidity and zeal were highly instrumental in gaining the victory of the 12th of July, by capturing the St. Antonio, thus acknowledges the merits of his crew to the Commander in Chief: "It is my duty to represent to you, that the Officers of all descriptions, Seamen, and Marines, conducted themselves with the greatest steadiness and gallantry."

The bravery of Captain Hood, his Officers, Seamen, and Marines was also highly conspicuous. A branch of my corps was again included in the legislative thanks of a grateful Country, and Sir James Saumarez, whose name is superior to panegyric, deservedly was crowned with honorary, as well as pecuniary marks of his Sovereign's favor.

The action of the Phœbe, Captain Barlow, with L'Africaine French frigate was marked by an immense carnage, and afforded an evident display of superior discipline in the Sailors and Marines under his orders. That Officer was deservedly knighted after her capture.

Lord Cochrane in the Speedy, who was nobly supported by all his followers, gave early hopes of what may yet be expected from him by his Country, by boarding and carrying the frigate Gamo of 32 guns and 319 men, while his own force was only 14 guns and 54 men.

Lieutenant Wilson, of Marines, with his party from the Mercury, was noticed by Captain Rogers, for their courage and good conduct, first in boarding a French Pirate amongst the rocks in the Tremite Islands, and afterwards driving her renegado crew from the hills which they occupied, with a four pounder gun and musquetry. Lieutenant Wilson covered Lieutenant Mather and the Seamen while heaving the vessel off the rocks, and then re-embarked with some prisoners.

Those Officers had been highly distinguished upon a former occasion in bringing his Majesty's late sloop, the Bull Dog, from the port of Ancona under a heavy fire of cannon and musquetry from the Mole, but they were obliged to abandon her to the enemy from an insetting current, and a calm, after all their gallant efforts. This ship was reserved for a future but more successful attempt by the Seamen and Marines of the Champion, who bravely assaulted her, and brought her out from under the guns of Gallipoli, guided by the daring zeal of Lord William Stuart.

The Swiftsure of 74 guns fell into the hands of Admiral Gantheaume's squadron; after a resistance which reflected honor upon Captain Hallowell, his subordinates, and the British Navy.

Lord Cochrane, in union with Captain Pulling, again gave a test of intrepidity, by striking at a Spanish convoy in the Bay of Orepeso, protected by a castle, a xebeck, and gunboats. These they destroyed with little loss.

In August Captain Halsted's squadron took La Caniere of 44 guns, after a short action. Lieutenant Douglas, of Marines, was wounded, but died after amputation on board La Pomone. This frigate was on her way with a convoy, having stores and ammunition on board, for the French Army then carrying on the siege of Porto Ferrajo, in the Isle of Elba.

This little fortress disdaining to participate in that terror which had disgraced the continent of Italy, afforded refuge to Mr. Isaac Grant, English Vice Consul at Leghorn, and others of his countrymen, who fled from our rapacious enemies on their entrance into Tuscany. His example and precepts roused the natives to arms, while the very females shared in the patriotic impulse of defending their families and their Country, from those universal spoilers. Mingled with its garrison, were Lieutenant Lawrence and his party of Marines from the Pearl, whose animated efforts, during a long series of six months fatigue and danger, are little known, but were such as to entitle the whole to the highest praise. This little force, by their constancy and courage, ever set the best of examples, were always foremost on service, and stood to their post and guns when the Tuscan and other foreign troops gave way. They were likewise unremittingly useful in preparing shells, mounting and transporting cannon, and in repairing their carriages, as well as constructing works. Their knowledge of gunnery, acquired by experience in a long siege, and their ambition to gain honor to their corps and themselves, induced them to live in the batteries, and the little sleep which they enjoyed, was by their cannon. Such zealous perseverance impaired the healths of this brave detachment, and if the place had not been relieved by other troops, Lieutenant Lawrence and his faithful companions must have fallen victims to incessant toil.

The merits of Colonel Airey, in the defence of Porto Ferrajo, were great indeed. Nothing could surpass his cool judgment and spirited exertions in foiling a very superior enemy in all their attempts. The bravery and good conduct of Mr. Isaac Grant, in repeated sallies, were eminently conspicuous. Few occasions have exhibited a more manly patience, or a nobler stand.

Upon the 12th of September Sir John Warren appeared with his squadron to relieve this brave garrison. He had previously given an order to Captain John Richardson, of Marines, to act as Brigade Major to Lieutenant Colonel Airey, and he was disembarked, as well as Captain Johnstone, from the Gibraltar, 12 Subalterns, 17 Serjeants, 18 Corporals, 11 Drummers, and 390 Privates. A force of 240 Seamen was also landed under Captain Long of the Royal Navy. Captain James Weir, (now on retirement), who commanded the Marines at Malta, served in Porto Ferrajo at the head of a Maltese corps, with distinguished reputation.

It having been resolved to destroy the enemy's works, a debarkation of upwards of 1000 men took place early on the morning of the 14th of September, while a sortie from the garrison was attempted against the battery which overawed the harbour. Captain Long, with his division of Seamen, Marines, and Swiss, proceeded to demolish the batteries on the right side of the bay, which he performed in a gallant stile. That Officer was shot through the shoulder very early in the action, but persevered in the attack, until his little advanced party, consisting of 26 Seamen and Marines, reached a spot where the enemy had a field piece, and were in considerable force. It was within 18 yards of their position that this brave young man received a mortal wound, when he was carried from the field. He lingered and died, and so strongly impressed was the foe with admiration of his valor, that a suspension of arms was maintained, while his remains were borne, with military honors, to the grave. Lieutenant Campbell, of Marines, after this mishap, instantly charged, drove the republicans to a narrow pass, where, being reinforced, he was held in check; but having accomplished the chief object which was intended, he effected a retreat to the garrison.

Captains Johnstone and Richardson, who headed the division against the enemy's works on the left side of the harbour, did every thing that could have been expected from brave and experienced Officers. After having ruined the batteries of Punta Pina, the grottoes, and giovanni, a vast quantity of ammunition, and having carried off 150 barrels of powder, the British and Allied troops were attacked by very superior numbers in different quarters. Under existing circumstances a retreat was the only expedient, which, after a spirited contest, was made to the boats and within the walls of the fortress. Lieut. Clarke, of Marines, was wounded and made prisoner. The general loss was by no means equal to the nature of this service. Colonel Airey expressed himself highly indebted for the support and assistance given by the Seamen and Marines. Although the inadequacy of numbers prevented the completion of every object, still this diversion afforded a temporary aid to the brave defenders of Porto Ferrajo.

Major Weir signalized himself in a subsequent sortie on the night of the 10th of October, and the garrison never relaxed in the most animated perseverance, until peace threw open its gates to a new sovereign. Captain Halsted, previous to the appearance of Sir John Warren, had captured or destroyed the whole of the French blockading squadron.

Those Northern Powers, against whom Britain had reluctantly drawn the sword, experienced a severe and early chastisement in the loss of all their West India Colonies, which successively yielded to the prompt and vigorous measures of Admiral Duckworth and Sir Thomas Trigge. St. Bartholomew's, St. Martin's, which alone offered any resistance, St. Thomas, and Santa Cruz submitted to the Army and Fleet during the month of March, and the islands of St. Eustatius and Saba were occupied by our forces in April. These conquests afforded no field for achievement, but they gave opportunities for the display of much united zeal.

Captains Manby and Butcher, their Officers, Seamen, and Marines were noticed for gallant single actions, and Lieutenant Mackenzie, with those under him, for much intrepidity in cutting out a schooner from under the batteries at Guadaloupe.

It is with a heartfelt pain that I am constrained to blend with these honorable details, another instance of baneful insubordination which occurred on board the Castor frigate, upon Sunday the 13th of December. The trying hour produced another example of steady fidelity in Lieutenant J. S. Smith and his loyal party of Marines. Captain Fanshawe upon observing the first symptoms of revolt, ordered the detachment under arms, which was obeyed with an unsurpassed alacrity. The young but spirited Officer, who headed them, needed no prompter to a decisive conduct. He, with an unlooked for rapidity, charged bayonets, drove the guilty criminals to the larboard side of the lower deck, where, cooped up, they were forced to surrender their ringleaders.

The heroic feelings of a private Marine, who was confined to his hammock at the outset of this commotion, would have done honor to any age of the world. Though depressed with fever, still he arose, put on his accoutrements, took his musquet and his post in the ranks. On being questioned why he was there, he nobly replied to his Officer, "Oh, Sir, this is not a time to be sick." This action obtained for him a subsequent promotion, and on retrospect, it still merits a pecuniary tribute. It is under the impulse of cordial esteem, as well as of public justice, that I annex the very flattering testimony of the Court Martial, which sat upon those deluded mutineers, respecting the firm conduct of Lieutenant Smith and his party. Captain Western, the President, addressed him in these words: "I have it in command from this Court to express to you the high sense they entertain of your very Officer like conduct on the evening of the 13th of December, and the good and steady conduct of the party of Marines embarked under your orders. Your prompt and spirited execution of Captain Fanshawe's orders appears to the Court to have stopped a very dangerous mutiny, and the token of their approbation of your conduct will be transmitted to the Commander in Chief, and inserted in the minutes of the Court Martial." This became much enhanced by the following very judicious and handsome order from Admiral Duckworth:

"Southampton, Fort Royal Bay, 26th December, 1801.

"Memorandum--Whereas the members of the Court Martial on the mutineers of his Majesty's ship Castor, have felt called upon, in justice to the exemplary and meritorious conduct of Lieutenant J. S. Smith, of the Marines, and the party under his command, to express their high sense of such spirited behaviour.

"It is my directions that these sentiments of the Court are read on board his Majesty's ship under my orders, to testify how fully I accord with the Court in the commendation so deservedly bestowed.

"(Signed) J. S. DUCKWORTH."

Early in 1801 Lieut. Vyvian, of my corps, fell in a gallant attempt to bring out two vessels, at anchor, within the bar of Senegal, protected by heavy batteries on the shore. Nothing could exceed the obstinate courage of all under Lieutenant Dick, who commanded in the attack. After twenty minutes contest they carried his Majesty's late sloop the Senegal, which they were obliged to destroy, and with much difficulty the boats effected a retreat across a tremendous surf, and exposed to a dreadful discharge of grape shot. This success was dearly purchased with the lives of Lieutenant Palmer, 1 Midshipman, and 8 Seamen and Marines. Lieutenant Vyvian left not behind him his superior for promising talents, or correct manners.

Two very gallant actions were fought in the East, which did honor to Captains Adam, of La Sybille, and G. R. Collier, of the Victor. La Chiffone and La Fleche yielded to the discipline and valour of British Seamen and Marines, which were exemplified in a striking degree, by each ship having been opposed to batteries on the shore, intricate shoals during the battle, and to an equal force in those antagonists which they combated.

Nothing occurred upon the station of Jamaica. Society had to deplore the loss of one of its most valuable members, and the Royal Navy one of its brightest ornaments, in Lord Hugh Seymour, the Commander in Chief.

FOOTNOTES:

[5] Windsor Castle, Princess Royal, Malta, Glory.

[6] Caramania is a Province of Turkey, in Asia, in the South part of Natolia.--Satalia is its Capital.

[7] The letter of Earl Elgin corrected the mistake which had delayed the delivery of the medals, and transmitted to Sir Richard a list of those Officers who were entitled to them, agreeably to a detail given by Lord Keith.

CHAP. XLVII.

The wide and important interests to be discussed, necessarily protracted the desirable event of a Definitive Peace, during which anxious interval both nations rested on their arms.

The powerful detachments of our republican neighbours, to the western world, could not be viewed by a vigilant Ministry, but with a jealous eye, whom it behoved to push a force adequate to counteract their schemes, if directed against our Colonies. Such mighty armaments taking their departure for a distant quarter, during pending negociations, had doubtless an influence in spinning them out, and it was not until the 27th of March, 1802, that this salutary work was consummated; a day which diffused a general joy through each rival land.

Public gratitude did not cool after the return of tranquillity, but with an enlightened policy, as well as a liberal justice, it embraced and anticipated the wants and feelings of those brave men who had vindicated their Country's honor, her glory, and independence.

Many revolving years had witnessed the distinguished gallantry, the unimpaired loyalty of the corps of Marines; the records of a British Legislature had long teemed with grateful memorials of their merits upon the shores, and the ocean of every clime, but with scarcely one solid mark of recompence for all their brilliant services.

It was reserved for the year 1802, and the ministerial auspices of Earl St. Vincent, to draw this body of faithful Soldiers into a close alliance with a family and a throne, for which they had so often bled, and round whom they will rally to the latest period of their existence. The title of _Royal_ was not the acquirement of influence. No! it was the gain of more than one hundred years of undiminished zeal; a Monarch's tributary sacrifice at the altar of honor! It is a sacred appellation which, I trust, we will not sully, and what we never will surrender into any hands, without a glorious struggle, but into those of a branch of that Illustrious House, from which we received it. A Sovereign's favor cheers the Soldier, soothes all his past sufferings, and cares, and turns his eyes to future glory alone.

The boon was accepted by the Marine Corps with all the manliness of conscious desert, and with a thankful exultation.

It was conveyed, in the following terms, from Sir Evan Nepean, to Lieutenant General Souter Johnstone, Commandant in Chief:

"Admiralty Office, April 29, 1802.

"SIR,

"The Earl St. Vincent having signified, to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that his Majesty, in order to mark his Royal approbation of the very meritorious conduct of the corps of Marines, during the late war, has been graciously pleased to direct that, in future, the corps shall be styled "The Royal Marines."

"I have great satisfaction in obeying their Lordships commands to communicate this intelligence to you; and in offering their Lordships congratulations on this testimony of the opinion his Majesty entertains of the very distinguished services of that part of his forces to which you belong.

"I am, Sir, &c. &c.

(Signed) "EVAN NEPEAN."

"Lieut.-Gen. Souter Johnstone, Commandant
of the Marines."

A respectable and effective force of 100 companies, was the peace establishment, and subsequent events have realized the wisdom of that measure.

The retired list was also considerably augmented, which yielded a retreat, not only to the worn out veteran, but likewise to those who could identify an incapacity for future service. Every necessary reference as to the former and present details of the corps, may be had to that list which is annually issued from the Board of Admiralty, upon the 1st of January, and is in the hands of almost every Officer.

Although hostility had ceased in every quarter, still the Marine Soldier was oftener than once conspicuous upon the annals of the year, by a steady fidelity and valour.