Historical Record of the Thirty-first, or, the Huntingdonshire Regiment of Foot;

Chapter X: Part 10

Text size

Two channels having been made through the sunk vessels, with which the Spaniards had blocked up the entrance of the harbour, the troops and artillery were re-embarked, and commenced landing on the 5th of April near the city; and, after a spirited contest, the British bivouacked within a mile of the castle of _St. Lazar_, which commanded the town. The men passed three nights in the open air for want of tents and tools, which could not be landed sooner, and the health of the troops became seriously injured.

As affairs were now drawing to extremities, and the men were fast diminishing in numbers from hard duty and the effects of climate, Brigadier-General Wentworth resolved to attack _St. Lazar_ by escalade, it being judged necessary to forego the ceremonies of a regular siege, and, however hazardous, to rest the issue upon a storm.

Accordingly before daybreak on the 9th of April, a force under the command of Brigadier-General Guise, of the sixth foot, consisting of five hundred grenadiers, supported by a thousand Marines, and some American and Jamaican levies, advanced against the enemy’s lines in front of the fort; these were followed by a body of Americans, with woolpacks, scaling-ladders and hand-grenades.

The grenadiers, led by Colonel Grant, of the fifth Marines, rushed forward with astonishing bravery, and, leaping into the entrenchments, carried the works in gallant style, driving the Spaniards into the fort over a drawbridge which communicated with the lines. Colonel Grant fell mortally wounded, and the troops, after sustaining a most destructive fire for several hours with intrepidity and perseverance, were ordered to retreat, having lost many officers, and 600 men in killed and wounded.

This repulse was succeeded by the violent periodical rains; the country was deluged with water; and the change of atmosphere, which is always attended with epidemical diseases, produced the most fatal effects. The troops were so drenched with rain, and their health so seriously impaired, that all hope of further success vanished; they were accordingly re-embarked, and the forts and castle of the harbour of _Carthagena_ having been demolished, the fleet sailed for Jamaica on the 6th of May, where it arrived on the 9th of that month. After re-embarking, the distempers, peculiar to the climate, produced numerous casualties among the troops.

Thus terminated, for the time, the expedition to Spanish South America, during which the persevering and undaunted bravery of British Seamen, Soldiers, and Marines, and their patient endurance under the most trying difficulties, were never displayed in a greater degree.

In consequence of the heavy losses sustained at _Carthagena_, and the mortality which continued to prevail after the troops returned to Jamaica, it was not until the beginning of July, 1741, that the fleet and army were in a condition to renew their operations. It was then resolved to proceed against the _Island of Cuba_, where they anchored on the 18th of July in Waltenham Bay, about eighteen leagues to windward of _St. Jago_, the first object of their intended attack. The troops were landed on the 24th, consisting of nearly 4,000 men, including 1000, negroes raised by the Island of Jamaica, with a view to sustain the peculiar duties of fatigue, naturally expected to arise on this service.

After establishing a position on the side of the river, nearly three leagues from the mouth of the harbour, the General pushed some detachments into the country, which beat back the outposts of the enemy, and in a few days returned to the camp with plentiful supplies of provisions.

It was originally intended by the Commanders-in-Chief to have made a joint attack upon _St. Jago_, but the want of unanimity ruined every purpose, and contentious debates and dilatory measures, instead of cordial co-operation and daring enterprise, took place; while the interests of the country, and the lives of the troops, were sacrificed to the prejudices and bad judgment of the officers entrusted with so important a command.

After an interval of several months, during which nothing was attempted towards effecting the conquest of the island, and when sickness, the never-failing result of inactivity, particularly in those climes, began its ravages, it was determined to evacuate the island, which took place on the 20th of November, 1741, when the regimental Returns were as follow:--

+---------------------------------+-------------+--------------+
| | | Serjeants, |
| Regiment. | Colonels. |Drummers, and |
| | |Rank and File.|
+---------------------------------+-------------+--------------+
|15th regiment |Harrison | 225 |
|24th regiment |Wentworth | 219 |
| | | |
|43rd regiment { 1st Battalion |Spotswood’s, | 159 |
| American { 2nd ” | afterwards | 110 |
| Marines { 3rd ” | Gooche’s, | 99 |
| { 4th ” | Marines | 121 |
| | | |
|1st Marines (aft^{ds}. 44th Rt.) |Wolfe | 181 |
|2nd do. ( ” 45th Rt.) |Fraser | 158 |
|3rd do. ( ” 46th Rt.) |Lowther | 237 |
|4th do. ( ” 47th Rt.) |Wynyard | 177 |
|5th do. ( ” 48th Rt.) |Cochrane | 191 |
|6th do. ( ” 49th Rt.) |Cotterell | 211 |
| | +--------------+
| | 2088 |
| Sick in all | 566 |
| +--------------+
| Total | 2654 |
+-----------------------------------------------+--------------+

The total loss of officers at the close of 1741 amounted to one Commander-in-Chief, five colonels, ten lieut.-colonels, seven majors, fifty-five captains, one hundred and sixteen subalterns, and fourteen staff officers.

The heavy casualties in the Marine regiments are shown when it is stated that these six regiments consisted of more than one thousand men each, and that, only 2654 men returned.

The foregoing statement affords a sad record of the ill-judged plans relating to the expedition to South America, both as to the season of the year at which it was undertaken, and the deficiency of means and arrangements with which it was attempted to be carried into execution. Great disappointment and dissatisfaction were consequently created in the feelings of the British public.

The transports returned to Jamaica on the 29th of November, 1741, and the squadron continued at sea to meet the reinforcements which were anxiously expected from England.

[Sidenote: 1742]

In January 1742, nearly 3000 men, including 2000 Marines, arrived at Jamaica. Another expedition was now meditated, which put to sea early in March; but adverse winds, the separation of the transports having on board the working negroes, and the expectation of the periodical rains being then about to set in, suggested to a Council of War, held at Porto Bello, at the close of that month, the immediate return of the whole armament to the port they had left: the fleet arrived at Jamaica upon the 15th of May.

It was now considered desirable to detach a force to take possession of _Rattan_, an island in the Bay of Honduras, and a situation proper for maintaining a commercial intercourse with South America, as well as the trade in logwood. An establishment having been formed there in the early part of the year, it was determined in a Council of War to send a force of 50 marines and 200 Americans, under Major Caulfield, in order to place the island in a state of military defence.

On the 23rd of August the troops reached _Port Royal_, on the south side of the island, where they formed a camp and erected _Fort George_ to defend the harbour, as well as _Fort Frederick_ on the western part of it. A proportion of the Americans, who were papists, formed a plot to render the settlement abortive, and to rise upon the Marines. Her Majesty’s ship, the Litchfield, then in the harbour, hearing the alarm-guns, instantly landed her party of Marines, who, with those on shore, soon checked the daring mutiny, secured the delinquents, and preserved the settlement to the British Crown.

At this period it was necessary to detach 500 men to the assistance of _General Oglethorpe_, in _South Carolina_, and to repel the menaces of the Spaniards against the infant colony of _Georgia_.[45]

On the 23rd of September orders arrived at Jamaica for the recall of Admiral Vernon and of General Wentworth; for providing the fleet with a number of men from the Marines, sufficient to supply its wants; and also to fill up the vacancies in the eight Independent Companies raised for the defence of Jamaica (now the 49th Regiment):--These services absorbed all the men who were considered fit for duty, and the remainder were embarked for England.

After the departure of Admiral Vernon, the Naval Command devolved on Sir Chaloner Ogle, who bore his testimony to the zeal and bravery of the troops, whose gallant efforts and patient endurance, under great privations, had been conspicuous throughout a series of misfortunes. Upwards of 7000 Marines and nearly 4000 other troops were the lamentable victims to pestilence and disease, but not to defeat; and the objects which had been effected, although not adequate to the hopes and expectations of the British Nation, were distressing to the enemy, and embarrassing to the Spanish Government.

[Sidenote: 1743]

In the early part of 1743 it was resolved to make another attempt upon the continent of South America, and the conduct of the operations was entrusted to Captain Knowles, of the Navy, who had on board of his squadron 400 of _Dalzell’s_ (thirty-eighth) _regiment_ and about _six hundred Marines_. They were first ordered to rendezvous at Antigua, from which island they sailed on the 12th of February with a view to an attack upon La Guira, a town in the district of the Caraccas in Terra Firma. The attack was commenced on the 18th, but, owing to a heavy swell, the ships could not approach the shore, and the troops were consequently not landed. After a heavy cannonade, which was ended only by the night, the ships withdrew from the combat: the town suffered extremely, many breaches being made in the fortifications; and the enemy sustained a loss of more than 700 men. The British squadron suffered considerable damage, and had nearly 400 men killed and wounded.

The fleet proceeded to Curaçao to refit, where preparations were made for another attempt upon the sea-coast of Terra Firma. Having been reinforced by some Dutch volunteers, Commodore Knowles sailed from this island on the 20th of March, and steered for _Porto Cavallo_, a town having a respectable force, and being in a good state of defence.

On the 15th of April the ships anchored to the eastward of the town, and on the 16th two vessels commenced a flanking fire against _Ponta Brava_; and after the batteries were silenced, it was decided to land the troops in order to take possession, and to turn the guns against the castle, their retreat being secured by a ship of war within pistol-shot, of the shore: by sunset the ships had accomplished their object, and by dusk a force of 1200 sailors, soldiers, and Dutch volunteers, was disembarked under the command of Major Lucas.

About eleven at night the van had gained one of the fascine batteries upon Ponta Brava, but the garrison having been alarmed, and being prepared for resistance, this mixed detachment acted under the influence of a panic, and retreated with precipitation to the ships. On the 21st it was resolved to make another attack of the squadron and forces against the castle and fascine batteries: four ships were destined to batter the former on the 24th, while three others were placed against the latter. The cannonading began at eleven on the noon of that day, and was maintained with mutual obstinacy till night, when, some of the ships having expended their ammunition, and others being damaged, they were ordered to anchor beyond reach of the enemy’s shot. This attack being fruitless, and the troops being prevented from landing, it was deemed impracticable to push the enterprise any further: it was accordingly resolved on the 28th of April to return to Jamaica.

From the period of the commencement of hostilities against Spain in 1739, the conduct of the Court of Versailles had been equivocal, and in the beginning of the year 1743 the projects of Louis XV. were developed by the equipment of powerful naval armaments in the ports of France, and by the assembling of armies on the sea-coasts, the avowed aim of which was against the Crown and liberties of the British Empire.

Being no longer able to restrain her views, France declared war on the 20th of March, 1743, which was answered by a proclamation on the part of Great Britain on the 31st of that month.

[Sidenote: 1744]

A force of 11,550 Marines was granted by Parliament as a part of the establishment for the year 1744, at which period fleets were detached to every quarter of the globe. A partial affair occurred in the Mediterranean in May of this year, in which a party of Marines disembarked from the Essex ship-of-war, and signalized themselves: that ship being on a cruise gained sight of twenty-six xebeques and settees, bound to Antibes, from whence they were to carry troops to Italy: the former were a convoy to the latter, which were laden with powder, cannon, ordnance stores, and provisions: thirteen having taken refuge in the Creek of Casse, the Marines were landed in order to co-operate with the boats, and to repel any enemy that might appear to retard their progress: they were attacked by a body of Spaniards, whom they beat back, and thus effected the object on which they were employed: eleven vessels were burnt and two captured.

The most active measures were adopted, by order of the Secretary at War, for again completing the ten regiments of Marines, in order to render them effective as speedily as possible.

[Sidenote: 1745]

Attacks having been made during the last year by the French upon _Canso_ and _Anna-polis_ in _Nova Scotia_, the former of which they burnt, the Northern Colonies of British America became alarmed for their safety: an expedition was consequently commenced against _Louisburg_; considerable levies were raised in the American provinces, and a co-operating naval force, under Commodore Warren, then commanding on the West India station, was ordered to repair to Canso; the arrangements made for conducting this expedition were carried into effect with that confidence and secrecy which are always essential towards securing the success of a military enterprise, and the exertions of the Americans were fully equal to the important interests which they had at stake.

On the 4th of April the levies from New England, having reached _Canso_, were encamped and brought into military order and discipline preparatory to the arrival of other corps from the several provinces, while the ships of war upon the coast, and some stout privateers, continued off the harbour of _Louisburg_, in order to cut off all intelligence of the projected enterprise. On the 23rd of April Commodore Warren arrived at _Canso_, and by the 29th all the land forces were embarked, and proceeded to _Gabaras Bay_, about four miles from the capital of _Cape Breton_.

On the 30th of April 2000 men were landed at noon, who beat back a detachment of troops which was sent to prevent their disembarkation. On that and the following day three hundred seamen and _five hundred Marines_ were disembarked under cover of the vessels ranged along the coast. The troops were under the command of Brigadier-General William Pepperell, a native of Piccataway, and Colonel of American Militia.

The French, conscious of the strength of their positions, maintained possession of the city until their means of defence were overpowered by the forces brought against them.

By indefatigable labour, the British Marines, and the American provincials, succeeded in effecting an entrance into the harbour on the 1st of June, 1745; _Louisburg_ capitulated, and with it the whole dependency of _Cape Breton_; the object was attained with a loss little exceeding 100 men.[46]

Two regiments were formed for service at Cape Breton, by Colonel William Shirley and Sir William Pepperell, each consisting of ten companies of 100 men per company: these were numbered the 50th and 51st regiments of infantry of the line.

[Sidenote: 1746]

In the year 1746 very serious complaints were made of the neglect and delay which had occurred in the settlement of the accounts of the Marine Corps, and a committee was appointed to investigate the grievances which had been represented. The cause of the delay was alleged to arise, in the first instance, from the absence of regular and periodical muster-rolls, according to the practice in regiments of the regular army. This system, it was stated, could not easily be acted upon in the corps of Marines, who were employed by detachments in the several ships of war. The investigation produced, however, the effect of a large balance in the hands of the Paymaster-General being repaid into the Bank of England, for the benefit of those who were justly entitled to it.

The privations and inconveniences, which this meritorious body of troops had continued to endure for several years, did not affect their loyalty and steady allegiance, and they still remained the useful corps, in periods of emergency, they had always proved in former years.

For the service of this year (1746) nearly 12,000 Marines were included in the parliamentary vote of the military establishment. An expedition against Quebec was contemplated at this period, and a considerable force was assembled at Spithead with that intent, but delays took place until the season for such an attempt became too late. Of this force Colonel Powlett’s (the ninth) regiment of Marines formed a part.

The troops were afterwards destined against _Port L’Orient_, under the directions of Admiral Lestock and Lieut.-General Sinclair. Sixteen sail of the line and eight frigates, with 5000 troops, exclusive of Marines, were the number employed on this occasion. The long detention of so respectable a force until the period of the equinox, endangered its progress along a hostile coast at so critical a season, and gave time for the enemy to ascertain the object of the expedition.

The fleet sailed from Plymouth on the 14th of September for the coast of Brittany, and a debarkation of the troops was effected on the 20th of that month, in _Quimperlay Bay_: on the 21st the troops advanced in two columns against _Plymeur_, which surrendered, and on the following day the whole moved on to a rising ground within a mile of _Port L’Orient_, the ultimate object of their views. Some affairs took place between the 21st and 26th of September, when after a cannonade, which did considerable damage to the town, a retreat was commenced under cover of the night. The French were pouring in from all quarters, and the situation of the British troops became critical.

After a loss of 150 men killed, wounded, and missing, a re-embarkation was effected, and the fleet sailed on the 1st of October for the Bay of Borneuff, off Quiberon, to the south of Quimperlay: a detachment of Marines was entrenched at Quimperlay to guard the landing-place; the remainder, under Colonel Holmes, was united with the army: some troops were landed on the 4th of October on the peninsula of Quiberon, and, after remaining ashore some days, the whole returned to England.

[Sidenote: 1747]

The number of Marines for the year 1747 was eleven thousand one hundred and fifty, as included in the parliamentary vote of that year.

On the 28th of February, 1747, His Majesty King George II. directed, that the several regiments of Marines, which were then existing, or might hereafter be raised, should be placed under the entire command of the Lords Commissioners for executing the office of High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland.

The following Royal Warrant was issued on this subject:--

“_To Our Commissioners for executing the office of High Admiral
of Our Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland; and to Our
Commissioners for executing the office of our High Admiral for
the time being._”

(Copy)

“Whereas We have thought it necessary for the good of Our Service
to put under your immediate and entire command all our Marine
regiments now raised, or hereafter to be raised; Our Will and
Pleasure therefore is, that you do lake upon you the immediate
and entire command of the said Marine forces accordingly; and
for the better government of our said Marine regiments, we have
thought fit to empower and authorise you to prepare and publish
such rules and ordinances as are fit to be observed by our said
Marine forces under your command, hereby strictly charging and
requiring the several colonels and other officers, who shall
from time to time be employed in the said regiments, to take
notice thereof, and in all respects to conform themselves to
such directions accordingly, and to cause exact musters to be
taken of them, as well at sea as on shore, and that the same
be transmitted to our Commissary-General of Marines, in order
to the more speedy clearing of the accounts of our said Marine
regiments. And whereas, by the establishment, provision is made
for such contingent charges as may arise in this service, and to
the use of our said forces, you are hereby further authorized
to direct the payment of the said money, in such proportions as
you shall, in your discretion, think necessary, for the purpose
aforesaid.

“And for executing the several powers and authorities herein
expressed this shall be your warrant. And so we bid you heartily
farewell.

“Given at our Court at St. James’s, this 28th
February, 1746-7, in the 20th year of
our reign.

“By His Majesty’s Command.
(Signed) “CHESTERFIELD.”

Notwithstanding the disasters which had attended the expeditions of the French in North America in the preceding year (1746), when Louis XV. had equipped an extensive armament, under the command of the Duke d’Anville for the recapture of Cape Breton, which was rendered ineffectual by storms and other casualties, and by the death of its commander, the French Monarch was not discouraged by these disasters; but was resolved to renew his efforts against the British colonies in North America, and also the settlements in the East Indies. For these purposes two squadrons were prepared at Brest, one commanded by Commodore de la Jonquière, and the other, destined for India, by Monsieur de St. George.

Intelligence had been received by the British Government of these preparations, and measures were adopted in order to counteract the views of the enemy. The occasion afforded a renewed display of the zeal and intrepidity of Vice-Admiral Anson and Rear-Admiral Warren, who sailed from Plymouth on the 9th of April, in order to intercept both squadrons, which were to set sail together. The Vice-Admiral, on board of the “Prince George” of ninety guns, with the Rear-Admiral, on board the “Devonshire,” and twelve ships more under his command, received directions to cruise between Ushant and Cape Finisterre on the coast of Galicia.

On the 3rd of May, 1747, they fell in with the French squadrons, consisting of six large ships of war, as many frigates, and four armed vessels equipped by the French East India Company, having under their convoy about thirty ships laden with merchandize: those prepared for war immediately shortened sail, and formed in line of battle, while the rest, under the protection of the six frigates, proceeded on their voyage with all the sail they could carry. The British squadron was likewise drawn up in line of battle, and the engagement began with great fury about four o’clock in the afternoon. The enemy’s ships sustained the battle with equal conduct and valour, until they were overpowered by numbers, and they then struck their colours. About seven hundred of the French were killed and wounded in this action; the English lost about five hundred; and among them Captain Grenville, Commander of the ship “Defiance,” nephew to Lord Viscount Cobham, an officer of the most promising genius, and animated with the noblest sentiments of honour and patriotism. Two of these prizes were the “_Invincible_” and the “_Glory_,” which induced the Captain of the former to say to the Admiral, on giving up his sword, “Sir, you have conquered the _Invincible_, and _Glory_ follows you.” This blow was severely felt by France, who had vainly flattered herself, that by means of this armament she should render herself mistress of the Indian seas, and by that superiority be enabled to wrest from the British their most valuable possessions in that part of the world.

A considerable quantity of money, intended to answer the contingencies of these expeditions, was found on board of the French ships, which were brought to Spithead, and the treasure, being landed, was conveyed in twenty waggons to the Bank of England, escorted by a party of Marines, amidst the acclamations of the populace.

For this achievement Vice-Admiral George Anson was created a Peer of Great Britain, and Rear-Admiral Peter Warren was invested with the Order of the Bath. The whole fleet received the thanks of the Sovereign, through their Commander, Admiral Lord Anson.

The year 1747 was remarkable for other naval successes; about the middle of June, COMMODORE FOX, with six ships of war, cruising in the latitude of Cape Ortegal, in Galicia, took about forty French ships, richly laden from St. Domingo, after they had been abandoned by their convoy.

The fourteenth of October, 1747, was rendered memorable as another day of triumph for the British Navy. REAR-ADMIRAL EDWARD HAWKE sailed from Plymouth in the beginning of August, with fourteen ships of the line, with instructions to intercept a fleet of French merchant-ships bound for the West Indies: the British fleet cruised for some time on the coast of Bretagne, and the French ships sailed from the isle of Aix under convoy of nine ships of the line, besides frigates, commanded by M. de l’Etendiere. The two squadrons came in sight of each other in the latitude of Belle Isle. The battle commenced about eleven in the forenoon, and lasted until night, when all the French squadron, except two ships, the “Intrepide” and “Tonnant,” which escaped in the dark, had struck to the English flag. After despatching a sloop to Commodore Legge, commanding a squadron in the Leeward Islands, to take proper measures to intercept the French ships in the passage to Martinique, and other French islands, ADMIRAL HAWKE conducted his prizes to Spithead, and was rewarded with the Order of the Bath; and the thanks of a grateful country were rendered to all the officers, seamen, and Marines of the squadron.

In the latter part of 1747, _Admiral Boscawen_ had sailed from England with a fleet of ships, and a number of Marines, and other forces, in order to reinforce the British fleet in the East Indies, with instructions to make an attack upon the _Island of Mauritius_, and subsequently to effect the conquest of _Pondicherry_, which was the chief object of the expedition.

After having reconnoitred the coast of the Mauritius, it was ascertained that the powerful means of defence everywhere presented, and the dangers in many places of approaching the land, would involve a great sacrifice of men, and render success ultimately doubtful; the coming on of the autumnal monsoons had also an influence in the decision of a council, which was to relinquish the attempt, and to proceed without delay for the _Coast of Coromandel_, according to the prescribed plan of operations.

[Sidenote: 1748]

About the end of June, 1748, the Admiral quitted the Coasts of the Mauritius, and proceeded to _Fort St. David_, where the troops were landed, and encamped with all the necessary stores; the Marines from four ships sent to Europe under Admiral Griffin, were added to the battalion employed on this service. The forces employed amounted to six thousand British and Native Auxiliary troops, and upwards of one thousand sailors, trained to the use of small arms, who were to form the besieging army. The battering cannon, mortars, and every implement were conveyed by the squadron within two miles of the town, while the land forces marched on the 8th of August towards _Pondicherry_, about thirty miles distant.

After several unsuccessful attempts, the troops crossed the river of _Arian Coupan_, and obtained possession of a strong situation within a mile of that Fort; a communication was maintained from thence with the fleet; and all the implements necessary for the siege were landed.

On the 25th of September the batteries were completed, and began to play; but, notwithstanding a combined cannonade on the part of the squadron against the town, it was found that the enemy’s fire gained an ascendency over the besiegers. The fatigues endured by the troops, sickness becoming prevalent, and the rainy season being daily expected, which would inundate the country, and render retreat impracticable, afforded strong grounds, on which a Council of War, held on the 30th of September, determined to abandon the siege, to re-embark the men and stores, and to destroy the batteries. The troops fortunately reached Fort St. David on the evening of the 7th of October, after having demolished the fort of _Arian Coupan_ on their way; the heavy rains which fell on the same evening had nearly rendered the rivers impassable.

On the 13th of February, 1748, the British squadron in the West Indies sailed from Jamaica under the command of Rear-Admiral Knowles, on an expedition against St. Jago, in Cuba, for which purpose some land forces were embarked at Jamaica, and being joined with the Marines of the squadron, the whole put to sea; but after persevering for some time against strong northerly winds, which prevented their approaching that coast, the design was given up, and the force was directed against _Port Louis_, on the south side of Hispaniola, before which place it arrived on the 8th of March. The service was performed by the ships in line of battle, which, after three hours’ heavy cannonade, compelled the governor, M. de Chaleaunoye, to surrender, when Major Scott, with a detachment of Colonel Trelawny’s, the forty-ninth regiment, and the Marines, were landed, and took possession of the Fort in the name of His Majesty. After having shipped or destroyed upwards of eighty heavy cannon, and blown up the works, the whole were re-embarked; and Rear-Admiral Knowles resumed his former design against St. Jago, where he arrived on the 5th of April. The Plymouth and Cornwall were ordered to enter the harbour, but after firing a few broadsides at the castle, it was considered prudent to desist, and the squadron returned to Jamaica.

The distresses of France arising from the destruction of her Navy, and the annihilation of her commerce, compelled King Louis XV. to express a desire for peace. Accordingly, a congress was held at _Aix-la-Chapelle_, in order to negotiate the terms on which peace could be restored. The desire expressed by the King of France, as well as of Spain, did not, however, induce the British Government to relax in its efforts to reduce the means which those powers never failed to use, when opportunities offered, of thwarting the measures of Great Britain.

The negotiations, commenced at Aix-la-Chapelle in June, 1748, produced a Definitive Treaty of Peace, which was concluded on the 18th of October of that year, and was proclaimed on the 2nd of February, 1749.

Among the many reductions which took place during 1748, consequent on the General Peace, the Ten regiments of Marines were disbanded in November of that year, the officers of which were placed on half-pay.

[Sidenote: 1755]

The conditions of the Peace concluded with France in 1748, were broken as soon as that Power had recovered from the effects of the former war: the interval of six years had been devoted to extending her Naval preparations, and to negotiations with other States, in order to reduce, or destroy, the power of Great Britain.

After enduring many insults, and witnessing the hostile measures which were preparing in the ports of France, the energies of the British nation were again aroused, and in the spring of 1755 considerable augmentations were made in the Army and Navy, and fifty companies of Marines were directed to be raised and placed under the control of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. These companies were formed into three Divisions, and stationed at Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth, and an Act of Parliament was passed for the “Regulation of the Marine forces while on shore.”[47]

From the 5th of April, 1755, the Marine corps have constituted a branch of the permanent national force, and have been provided for in the annual votes of the House of Commons, on distinct estimates produced at each session, of the Navy, Army, and Marines.

War was declared against France on the 18th May in the following year (1756).

* * * * *

The foregoing pages contain accounts of the services of the _Corps of Marines_ from the earliest period of their formation, to the year 1748, when they ceased to form a portion of the establishment of the Army. These historical details afford numerous instances in which the gallant exertions of the Marines have materially contributed to the successes obtained by the Navy and Army, and to the honours and advantages which have resulted from their combined operations.

The services of the present Marine forces have been, as in former years, highly useful and efficient, and by their uniformly good conduct they have obtained the approbation of the Sovereign, and the confidence of the Country.

[Sidenote: 1802]

As a lasting mark of approbation, His Majesty King George III. was pleased, in 1802, to direct that they should be styled “_The Royal Marines_,” as announced in the following Order, issued by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, and inserted in the London Gazette, dated

“_Admiralty Office, 29th April, 1802._

“His Majesty has been graciously pleased to signify His Commands,
that, in consideration of the very meritorious services of the
Marines during the late War, the Corps shall in future be styled
‘THE ROYAL MARINES.’

“By Command of their Lordships.
(Signed) “EVAN NEPEAN.”

On acquiring the title of _Royal_, the facings of the Marines, which had been _White_, were changed to _Blue_, as in other Royal corps of Infantry.[48]

[Sidenote: 1827]

On the 26th of September, 1827, New Colours were presented to the Division of Royal Marines at Chatham, on the part of His Majesty King George IV., by His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, then Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, and General of Marines, afterwards King William IV.

After alluding to the services of Marine regiments from the period of their formation to the present time, His Royal Highness caused the New Colours to be unfurled, and concluded his address in the following terms:

“His Majesty has selected for the Royal Marines a _Device_, to
which their achievements have entitled them, and which, by his
permission, I this day present to you;--a _Badge_ which you
have so hardly and honorably earned:--From the difficulty of
selecting any particular places to inscribe on these Standards,
your Sovereign has been pleased to adopt ‘_The Great Globe
itself_,’ as the most proper and distinctive badge. He has also
directed, that his own name (_George IV._) shall be added to that
peculiar badge, THE ANCHOR, which is your distinctive bearing,
in order that it may be known hereafter, that GEORGE THE FOURTH
had conferred on you the honorable and well-earned badge this day
presented to you.

“The motto, peculiarly your own, ‘_Per Mare; Per Terram_,’ has
been allowed to remain; and surmounting the entire is the word
GIBRALTAR, in commemoration of the important national services
you performed there. In presenting these Colours, the gift of
your Sovereign, into your hands, I trust,--I am confident,--you
will defend them with the same intrepidity, loyalty, and
regard for the interests of the country, that have marked your
preservation of your old ones; and if you do, your Sovereign, and
your Country, will have equal reason to be satisfied.”

_For Cannon’s Military Records_]

FOOTNOTES:

[44] By Order in Council, dated 26th October, 1604, it was directed, that twelve hundred land-soldiers should be raised, in order to be in readiness for distribution in His Majesty’s fleets; the whole to form one regiment, of six companies, under a Colonel, with a Lieutenant-Colonel, and Serjeant-Major; each company consisted of two hundred soldiers, with a captain, lieutenant, ensign, drummer, four serjeants, and four corporals. The regiment was armed with firelocks.

A subsequent Order in Council, dated 1st April, 1668, authorised the drawing of such numbers of soldiers from the Foot Guards, for His Majesty’s service at sea, during the summer, as the Lord High Admiral might require.

[45] In 1732 trustees were appointed by charter to superintend a new settlement in _Georgia_, situated to the southward of _Carolina_ in America, and _Mr. James Oglethorpe_, General and Governor of the Province, embarked at Gravesend with a number of poor families to plant that Colony. In 1737, when the King of Spain claimed as part of his territories, the Colony of Georgia, which was considered to belong to Great Britain, General Oglethorpe was authorised to raise a regiment of six companies of 100 men each, for the defence of the settlement. The colonies of Georgia and Carolina had been named from King George II., and his consort Queen Caroline.

[46] Cape Breton was restored to the French after the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748. It was retaken in 1758 by Admiral Boscawen and General Sir Jeffery Amherst, and finally ceded to Great Britain at the peace of 1763.

[47] A _Fourth_ Division was added to the Establishment of the Royal Marines, by Order in Council dated 15th August, 1805, and stationed at Woolwich.

[48] The LAUREL was authorised to be borne as a testimony of the gallantry of the Marines at the siege of Belle-Isle in the year 1761, and is encircled about the figure of the GLOBE on the Colours.

APPENDIX TO THE MARINE CORPS.

The following memoranda are appended to this narrative of the services of the Royal Marines, in order to show the relative positions in which the Marine regiments were placed, in respect to _rank and precedence_, with the regiments of Infantry, during the period the Marine regiments were borne on the establishment of the regular army, and the ground on which the present corps of Royal Marines have been authorised, when acting with the infantry of the line, to take their station next to the _Forty-ninth_ regiment, according to the date of their formation in the year 1755, as shown in the following pages.

The rank of the several regiments of the British army was first regulated by a Board of General Officers assembled in the Netherlands, by command of King William III., on the 10th June, 1694.

Another Board of General Officers was assembled by order of Queen Anne, in 1713, to decide on the rank and precedence of regiments raised subsequently to 1694.

A third Board was assembled, by command of King George I., in 1715, for the same purpose.

These Boards recommended that English regiments raised in England, should take rank from the dates of their formation, and that English, Scots, and Irish regiments, raised for the service of a foreign power, should take rank from the dates of their being placed on the English establishment.

The _Numerical Titles_ of regiments, as fixed on the principle laid down in the reports of the Boards of General Officers, above alluded to, were confirmed by the warrant issued by authority of King George II., dated 1st July, 1751,--and also by the warrant of King George III., dated 19th December, 1768, previously to which periods regiments were generally designated by the names of their Colonels.

1. The principle on which the Numerical Titles of regiments were fixed, having been thus established by Royal authority, the regiments of infantry which had been formed by King Charles II., on his Restoration to the Throne in 1660, and those which had been subsequently raised in the reigns of King James II. and of William III., were numbered according to the dates of being placed on the English establishment,--from the _First_, or _Royal_, regiment to the _Twenty-seventh_ regiment.

2. The regiments of infantry, which had been added to the army in the reign of Queen Anne from the year 1702, and retained on the establishment after the Peace of Utrecht in 1713, commenced with the _Twenty-eighth_, and ended with the _Thirty-ninth_ regiment.

3. The _Fortieth_ regiment was formed in the year 1717, from independent companies in North America and the West Indies:--the command was conferred on Colonel Richard Philips.

4. The _Forty-first_ regiment was formed from Invalids in 1719:--the command was conferred on Colonel Edmund Fielding.

5. The other regiments of infantry, raised by King George I. on the augmentation of the army in the year 1715, were disbanded in 1718, after the Monarchy, in the line of the House of Brunswick, had been established, and the Peace of the Kingdom restored.

6. The _Forty-second Highland_ regiment was formed in the reign of King George II. from independent companies in Scotland, in the year 1739. It was originally termed “_The Black Watch_” and was placed on the establishment on the 25th October, 1739:--the command was conferred on Colonel James Earl of Crawford.[49]

7. The _Forty-third_ regiment was raised for service in America, in the year 1740, by Colonel Andrew Spotswood, and afterwards commanded by Colonel W. Gooche. It was disbanded in 1743.

8. The Ten regiments of Marines raised in 1739 and 1740, were numbered from the 44th to the 53rd regiments, as shown in the following list, viz.:--

The above ten regiments were disbanded in November, 1748.

9. The following seven regiments were raised, and added to the establishment of the army, in January, 1741; and in consequence of the disbandment of Colonel Spotswood’s, afterwards Gooche’s, American Provincials, and also of the ten regiments of Marines, the _numerical_ titles of six of these regiments were changed, after the peace of 1748, as specified in the following list; viz.:--

54th Regt., com. by Colonel Thomas Fowke, now the 43rd Regt.
55th ” ” James Long, ” 44th Regt.
56th ” ” D. Houghton, ” 45th Regt.
57th ” ” James Price, ” 46th Regt.
58th ” ” J. Mordaunt, ” 47th Regt.
59th ” ” J. Cholmondeley, ” 48th Regt.
60th ” ” H. De Grangue, disbanded in 1748.

10. The _Forty-ninth_ regiment was formed in the year 1743, of two companies of one of the regiments raised in the reign of Queen Anne, which had remained at Jamaica, and of six other companies formed in that colony. The command was given to Colonel Edward Trelawny, then Governor of Jamaica. It was retained on the establishment after the peace of 1748, and numbered the 49th regiment.

11. On the recommencement of hostilities with France in 1755, fifty companies of Marines were raised, under the direction and control of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. These companies were formed into _three divisions_, at the principal naval stations, Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Chatham.[50] The _Corps of Marines_ having been raised in 1755, and since that period retained on the establishment, as a branch of the permanent national force of Navy, Army, and Marines, have been authorised to rank, when acting with infantry of the line, _next to the forty-ninth Regiment_, as directed by His Majesty King George IV. in the following General Order, dated

“_Horse-Guards, 30th March, 1820._

“In reference to the _Regulations regarding Precedence of
Regiments_ (as contained in page 10 of the General Regulations
and Orders of the Army), His Majesty has been graciously pleased
to command, that the _Royal Marines_, when acting with the Troops
of the Line, shall take their station next to the forty-ninth
Regiment.

“By Command of H. R. H. the Commander-in-Chief.
“HENRY TORRENS, _Adjutant-General_.”

12. In the year 1745 two regiments were raised for service in North America, by Colonel William Shirley and Colonel Sir William Pepperell. In 1754 they were numbered the 50th and 51st Regiments.

13. In December, 1755, eleven regiments were raised and added to the establishment of the army; and in consequence of the disbandment of Colonel Shirley’s and Sir William Pepperell’s regiments in 1757, the eleven regiments, above alluded to, were ranked two numbers higher in the list of regiments of infantry, as shown in the following list; viz.:--

52nd Regt., com. by Colonel James Abercromby now the 50th Regt.
53rd ” ” Robt. Napier ” 51st Regt.
54th ” ” H. Lambton ” 52nd Regt.
55th ” ” W. Whitmore ” 53rd Regt.
56th ” ” John Campbell ” 54th Regt.
57th ” ” G. Perry ” 55th Regt.
58th ” ” Lord C. Manners ” 56th Regt.
59th ” ” John Arabin ” 57th Regt.
60th ” ” Robt. Anstruther ” 58th Regt.
61st ” ” Charles Montagu ” 59th Regt.
62nd Royal American, } Col. The Earl of Loudon. ” 60th Regt.
of _four_ battalions, }

14. In April, 1758, the _Second Battalions_ of the fifteen regiments, undermentioned, were formed into distinct regiments, and numbered as shown in the following list; viz.:--

3rd Foot, 2d Batt., const^d 61st Regt.
4th Foot, ” ” 62nd Regt.
8th Foot, ” ” 63rd Regt.
11th Foot, ” ” 64th Regt.
12th Foot, ” ” 65th Regt.
19th Foot, 2d Batt., const^d 66th Regt.
20th Foot, ” ” 67th Regt.
23rd Foot, ” ” 68th Regt.
24th Foot, ” ” 69th Regt.
31st Foot, ” ” 70th Regt.

The Second Battalion of the 32nd was constituted the 71st Regt.
” ” 33rd ” ” 72nd Regt.
” ” 34th ” ” 73rd Regt.
” ” 36th ” ” 74th Regt.
” ” 37th ” ” 75th Regt.

After the peace of Fontainebleau, in 1763, reductions were made in the regular army, and the number of regiments of infantry was limited to SEVENTY. The above 71st, 72nd, 73rd, 74th, and 75th Regiments were consequently disbanded in that year.

15. The number of regiments of infantry continued at _Seventy_, until the commencement of the American War in 1775, and the renewal of hostilities with France and Spain in 1779, when it was increased to _One hundred and Five_ regiments, exclusive of _Eleven_ unnumbered regiments, and thirty-six independent companies of Invalids.

16. After the General Peace in 1782 the number of regiments of infantry was again reduced.

17. In consequence of an increase of possessions in India, and of additional troops being necessary for the suppression of certain native powers, which were hostile to the British Government, additional corps were raised and embarked for the East Indies in 1779, and in subsequent years.

18. The present _Seventy-first_ regiment was raised in December, 1777, and embarked for India in 1779. Its number was changed from 73rd to 71st regiment in 1786.

19. The present _Seventy-second_ regiment was raised in December, 1777, and embarked for India in 1781. Its number was changed from 78th to 72nd regiment in 1786.

20. The _Seventy-third_ regiment was raised as the second battalion of the forty-second (Highland) regiment, in 1777, and embarked for India in 1781. It was formed into a distinct regiment, and numbered the 73rd (Highland) in 1786.

21. The 74th (Highland), 75th (Highland), 76th, and 77th regiments were raised for service in India in October, 1787, and embarked for India in 1788.

22. The 78th (Highland), 79th (Highland), 80th, 81st, 82nd, 83rd, 84th, 85th, 86th, 87th, 88th, 89th, 90th, and 91st (Highland) regiments were raised in 1793, immediately after the commencement of the war with France, occasioned by the revolutionary and violent proceedings in that country in 1793.

23. The 92nd (Highland) and 93rd (Highland) regiments were raised and placed on the establishment of the army, the former on the 3rd May, 1796, and the latter on the 25th August, 1800.

24. The _Scots Brigade_ was numbered the _Ninety-fourth_ regiment on the 25th December, 1802. This corps had been formed in the year 1568, for service in Holland against the oppression of Spain. Being a British corps, its services were demanded from the United Provinces by King James II. on the rebellion of the Duke of Monmouth in 1685, after the suppression of which it returned to Holland. It again embarked for England with the Prince of Orange at the Revolution in 1688. It remained in Great Britain until the Protestant cause had been established, and it re-embarked for Flanders in 1691, and served in the campaigns of King William III. It remained in the service of Holland until 1793, when it was decided by King George III., upon the application of the British officers remaining in it, to require the corps to return to Great Britain. It was taken on the British Establishment on the 5th July, 1793. It then consisted of _Three_ battalions; in 1795 it was reduced to _Two_ battalions, and embarked for Gibraltar. In 1796 it was formed into _One_ battalion, and proceeded to the Cape of Good Hope. It embarked, in 1798, for the East Indies, from whence, after much distinguished service, it returned to England in 1808. It, embarked for Cadiz and Lisbon, and served with great credit in the Peninsular War, from January, 1810, to July, 1814. It was disbanded at Belfast on the 24th December, 1818.

25. The _Rifle Corps_, commanded by Colonel Coote Manningham, was formed and added to the establishment of the Army on the 25th August, 1800. On 25th December, 1802, it was directed to be numbered the _Ninety-fifth_ regiment, but was taken out of the list of _numbered_ regiments of infantry on the 6th February, 1816, and directed to be styled “_The Rifle Brigade_.” It then consisted of three battalions, which were distributed at the following stations, viz.:--

1st Battalion.--6 Companies with the Army of Occupation in France,
and 4 Companies at Shorncliffe.

2nd Battalion.--6 Companies with the Army of Occupation in France,
and 4 Companies at Shorncliffe.

3rd Battalion.--10 Companies at Dover. This Battalion embarked for
Ireland in March, 1816. It was disbanded at Birr on
the 24th of November, 1818.

26. The present 94th, 95th, 96th, 97th, 98th, and 99th regiments were added to the establishment of the Army in the early part of the year 1824, in consequence of the increased number of the colonial possessions of the British Empire.

FOOTNOTES:

[49] The Corps, which had been formed in 1737 by Colonel James Oglethorpe for service in Georgia and South Carolina, was disbanded in 1749. It had not been ranked in the number of regiments of infantry in the Official Records of the Army, although in some publications of that period it was numbered the _Forty-second_, regiment, according to its seniority and the date of its formation.

[50] A _Fourth Division_ was formed at Woolwich by Order in Council dated 15th August, 1805.

* * * * *

NOTE.--The Compiler of these Records feels it a duty to acknowledge, that he has derived a principal portion of the means of drawing up the details of the services of the Marines from “_An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps_,” _published in 1803_, “_by Captain Alexander Gillespie, who served as an Officer in that Corps upwards of twenty-four years_;” a work of considerable merit and research, which reflects great honor on its author, as an excellent scholar and a most zealous officer.

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE

Previous Next

Comments

Historical Record of the Thirty-first, or, the Huntingdonshire Regiment of Foot;Chapter X: Part 10

0%36 min left in chapter