 
### Royal Marines Historical Time Line

© Copyright 2012 by Terry Aspinall

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means electronic, mechanical, photographic (photocopying) recording, or otherwise without prior permission in writing from the author.

ISBN: 9781370340576

Published by Terry Aspinall

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Dedication

I would like to dedicate this book to all Royal Marines both past and present.

We are all members of one big family and treat each other with great respect.

We are always ready to help each other, no matter what.

We have all helped shape the Corps into what it is today.

Having all contributed to our glorious 354 year history.

Terry Aspinall 2018.

...............................................

"As I enter my twilight years I remember my modest service with the Royal Marines with great affection. As they say; Once a Marine always a Marine. (RMV 202910 - 20/06/1956-Mne.)

In our compulsive, consumer - oriented society, which is fast losing its direction, the Green Beret of the Royal Marines Commandos stands alone as being a rare pearl of great price. It is a true symbol of excellence, dedication and professionalism; an accolade for those who push themselves beyond the limits of human endurance. In an age when standards are crumbling, the Green Beret is as British as the Union Jack, for it represents true grit and dogged individual determination. The Green Beret is not for sale -though some may have been won by more sweat and assiduity than others. Thousands have sought to attain it, but along the way many have wilted and failed. It is a classless symbol of fortitude and achievement."

Charles Lovelace RM 2018.
Acknowledgement

I would like to thank all who have sent material for me to add to this Time Line.

Amber. John

Anderson. (Andy) Edward

Archer. Dan

Aspinall. Terry

Bentinck. Mark

Brooks Ian

Burstow. Roger

Cairns. Pete

Challis. Tom

Cude. Tony

Donald Alistair

Eaves. Jack

Edward. John

Forster. George

Gilbert. John

Gitsham. Sid

Goodwin. Graham

kaisercross.com

Leaney Roy

Little M.G

Moffat. Jon

Pennell Ritchie

Pinchen. Mike

Porter. James

Rawlinson. John

Reece. Micheal

Seed. Roger

Spiers. Bridget

Smith. Micheal

Stevenson. Matt

Swales. Roy

Taylor. Mike

Tompitt.

Westwood Ann

Whitworth. Cleve
Introduction

Upon explaining to a fellow Royal Marine that my latest project was to try and put together an article about the Royal Marines history. His first response was to tell me that it's been done many many times before. His reply caught me off guard and made me even more determined to carry on with my project. I went on to explain that I believe I have something a little different. I then went on to explain that I was trying to record every single day of our 354 year history. As the Royal Marines have served in all parts of the world, something was happening every single day. While some Royal Marines were serving in Europe, others were serving in the Far East. I wanted to bring it all together on an enlarged 'Historical Time Line'. Although I do realise that this is a mammoth task and will probably take several years to complete. If in fact it can be completed. Here is the first Edition. I hope to publish up dated editions whenever possible, or at least on a yearly basis.

My first attempt was to build a website to start gathering as much information as possible. I will try and keep it running as long as possible. Although my long term idea was to try and hand it over to a Royal Marine organisation, which I still hope is possible?

www.royal-marines.net

www.terryaspinall.com

It's a possibility that some of the early dates might be wrong owing to the changes made during the 1600's and early1700's.

The Old Style (O.S.) way of dating events and documents known as the Julian Year was changed in most Catholic countries in 1582. It was replaced with a New Style (NS) known as the Gregorian Year that was adjusted to start on the 1st January. This change was also implemented in Protestant and Orthodox countries some time later. In England, Wales, Ireland and the British colonies, the change of the start of the year and the changeover from the Julian calendar occurred in 1752 under the Calendar (New Style) Act of 1750. In Scotland, the legal start of the year had already been moved to 1st January (in 1600), although Scotland continued to use the Julian calendar until 1752. Many cultures and countries now using the Gregorian calendar have different old styles of dating, depending on the type of calendar they used before the change.

During the first couple of hundred years the use of the English Language was different from today. As most of our early history is gained from books and letters of the time, I have used quotes, please allow for that.

sic; The Latin word meaning "thus," "so," "as such," or "in such a manner." It is used when writing quoted material to indicate that an incorrect or unusual spelling, phrase, punctuation, or meaning in the quote has been reproduced verbatim from the original and is not a transcription error (that is, it appeared thus in the original). It is normally placed within the quoted material, in square brackets and often italicised [sic]. Alternatively, it can appear after the quote in parentheses (round brackets) (sic). Where the quoted material is a known error, and the correct word or phrase is known, it may be included, preceded by recte, Latin for "rightly"; this is common in palaeography.

Where possible I will use the (sic) at the end of a quote to show it's an original quote. Although it might not happen overnight as I have already added over 250,000 words, and it will take time going through the complete article.

### Reference Material

Bibliography of the Royal Marines.

A list of Reference books used in the making of this Time Line.

Having been a historic researcher for several years, I would just like to explain how hard it is to find the truth. About ten years ago I was honoured to be a member of a small group of five aviation historians from around the world. Our challenge was to try and prove that John Dickenson an Australian was the person who invented the modern day Hang Glider. The biggest problem we had was that every single book that had been wrote on the subject had all got it wrong. As with all researchers we rely on books to help us. However, whenever the early books were published with wrongful information. Other researchers use that wrongful information, and so all the readers of later books believe what they read. Although I can report that our little group were very lucky and were able to contact the actual people who helped the sport of Hang Gliding grow worldwide. We were also very lucky that most of them were still alive. The book on the subject is called 'Correcting History'.

Likewise, with the Royal Marines very early history, from the 1600's to the middle 1900's. All we have are several books on the subject, and we have to believe them as we have no other source of information? I have a lot more information and data on the Royal Marines that is sadly not dated. However, I do hope to add it to the Time Line at some time.

.....................................................

Front cover photo from 'rpdefence.over.blog.com'

A History of the Island of St. Helena by T. H. Brooke Esq Published in 1824.

An Historic Review of the Royal Marine Corps: from its original institution down to the present era, by Alexander Gillespie. Printed and Sold by M. Swinney Birmingham 15th November 1803.

A Heroic Record of the British Navy by Archibald Hurd and H. H. Bashford. A Short History of the Naval War during 1914-1918. Garden City New York Doubleday, Page and Company 1919.

A List of the Officers of the Army and of the Corps of Royal Marines. From the War office January 1826.

British Battles Volume I. by James Grant. Published by Cassell Petter & Galpin. London 1891.

Britain's Sea Soldiers: (Volume 1) A history of the Royal Marines and their predecessors and of their services in action, ashore and afloat, and upon sundry other occasions of moment, by Cyril Field RMLI, Foreword by Admiral of the fleet, Earl Beaty G.C.B. The Lyceum Press, Handover Street Liverpool 1924.

Britain's Sea Soldiers: (Volume 2) A history of the Royal Marines and their predecessors and of their services in action, ashore and afloat, and upon sundry other occasions of moment, by Cyril Field RMLI, Foreword by Admiral of the fleet, Earl Beaty G.C.B. The Lyceum Press, Handover Street Liverpool 1924.

Britain's Sea Soldiers: A record of the Royal Marines during the War 1914-1919, compiled by General Sir H.E. Blumberg K.C.B. Royal Marines. Devonport, Swiss & Co. Naval and Military Printers and Publishers. 111 and 112Fore Street. [1927).

Brother Surgeons by Garet Rogers, Transworld Publications 1957.

By Sea and Land, Some Naval Doings. By E. Hilton Young, MP, Lieutenant Commander R.N.V.R. T. C. & E.C. Jack Ltd. 25 &36 Paternoster Row, London, E.C. and Edinburgh.

Captain R.G.S. Lang's Report, Plymouth Argyll box and Peter Dunstan's documentation of both Royal Marine Detachments can be viewed by appointment at the Royal Marines Museum Archive, Southsea.

CLARET Operations and Confrontation, 1964-1966 by Raffi Gregorian.

Cleve Whitworth (RMAQ President) personal Royal Marine library.

Commando 1942 - 45, Britains Secret Commando by Osprey Publishing.

Cyprus Crisis - 1955-56. The Story of 'B' Troop 45 Commando Royal Marines by Charles Hart. The Royal Marine Historical Society. Printed by Holbrook printers Norway Road Portsmouth Hants, PO3 5HX.

Dictionary of Battles by Thomas Benfield Harbottle. Published by Swan Sonnenschein & Co Ltd, London 1904.

Echoes of Old Wars. The personal and unofficial letters and accounts bygone Battles, both by land and on sea: by those that were there. 1513 – 1854. A Marine Anthology. Compiled and annotated by Colonel C. Field, R.M.L.I. Herbert Jenkins Ltd 2 York Street St. James's London S.W.1

'Globe & Laurel' Royal Marines magazine.

Grey Funnel Line' Face Book Page.

History of the Royal Marines 1837-1914. by H.E. Blumberg, with Minor Editing by Alaster Donald.

Historical Record of the Marine Corps. An account of their formation and service from 1664 to 1748. Cannon Richard 1779 – 1865.

Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces; Volume 1 (1755 to 1805). By Paul Harris Nicolas Lieutenant Royal Marine. Published by Thomas and William Boone 29 New Bond Street London 1845.

Historical Record of the Royal Marine Forces by Nicolas Paul Harris Lieutenant Royal Marines Volume 1. London: Thomas and William Boone. 29 New Bond Street.

Historical Record of the Royal Marine Forces by Nicolas Paul Harris Lieutenant Royal Marines Volume 2. London: Thomas and William Boone. 29 New Bond Street.

Historical Record of the Thirty First or the Huntingdonshire Regiment of Foot. by Richard Cannon Esq,

In Many Parts Memoirs of a Marine. By Lieutenant Colonel W. P. Drury, C.B.E. Royal Marines. Joint author of 'The Flag Lieutenant', Author of the Peradventures of Private Pagett. By Fisher Unwin Ltd London: Adelphi Terrace, First Published in 1926.

Inside the Commandos by James D. Ladd.

Jack Wardle, formerly HMS Repulse, has produced a nominal roll of the HMS Repulse RM Detachment.

John Nicol, 'Memoirs of John Nicol Mariner' (1822).

The Last Coleraine Militia www.ecohcoy.tripod.com

Malaya and Borneo, Counter Insurgency Operations:1 by E.D. Smith.

Memoirs. The Late Major General Andrew Burn, The Royal Marines, a collection from his journals. Second Edition. London Printed and sold by Messer's W. Winchester and Son, 61 the Strand 1861.

Memorial Bunker Hill. By Oliver Wexdell Holmes (Grandmother's Story of Bunker-Hill Battle.) Copyright, 1775 by James R. Osgood & Co. 'No Picnick' (The Falklands War) By Julian Thompson. Published in the UK in 1985 by Leo Cooper in Association with Secker and Warburg Ltd. ISBN: 0-436-5202-4.

Moon Over Malaya: A Tale of the Argyll's and Marines by Jonathan Moffat and Audrey Holmes McCormick (revised edition published by Tempus Publications of Stroud October 2001).

Nelson's Marines at Malta' by Brian N. Tarpey RMHS 1995.

Nothing Impossible. General Editor Lieutenant Colonel Ewen Southby-Tailyour OBE RM Publication: October 2010, ISBN: 978 1 906507 237.

On Four Fronts with the Royal Navy: By Geoffrey Sparrow MC and J N MacBean Ross MC. (Surgeons RN). Published by Hodder and Stoughton, London, New York and Toronto 1918

Per mare Per Terram, Reminiscences. Thirty two years military, Naval, and constabulary service. By Major W. H. Poyntz. Late Royal Marine Light Infantry. Chief Constable of Nottingham and County of Essex. The Economic Printing & Publishing Co. Ltd. 30 Bouverie Street. 1802.

Researchers on the 2nd Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders will find a wealth of material in the Regimental Museum and Archive, Stirling Castle. Particularly interesting is the Battalion Record Book of QMS Aitken.

Royal Marine Commando, the History of Britains elite fighting force by James D. Ladd

Royal Marine Commando 1950 - 83. From Korea to the Falklands by Will FowlerI. Published by Osprey 2009 SBN: 978-184603-372-8.

Royal Marines Historical Society. Royal Marines Museum.

Royal Marines History & Traditional Facts. Alpha Company Royal Marines Cadets website.

Royal Navy Exhibition 1891. The Offical Catalogue and Guide. W.P. Griffith & Sons, Limited. Official Printers Prujean Square Old bailey E.C.

Rupert Brooke, 'The Soldier', The Complete Poems of Rupert Brooke, London, 1933, p.148

S.B.S. The Invisible Raiders by James D. Ladd.

Telegraph Newspaper UK. Thursday 5th July 2016.

The British Commandos in the Second World War. In Defeat Defiance! By Alex Williams B.A.

The British Raid on Essex 1814. By Jerry Roberts, Executive Director, Connecticut River Museum.

The Filibusters, The Story of the Special Boat Service. By John Lodwick.

The Green Beret. The Story of the Commandos 1940 – 1945 by Hilary St. Gerorge Saunders

The Historical Records of the Royal Marines. Compiled and edited by Major L. Edye RMLI Barrister at law. Middle Temple. Volume 1 1664 – 1701. London: Harrison and Sons 50 Pall Mall Book sellers to her Majesty and the Prince of Wales. 1892.

The Knife Man by Wendy Moore, Published by Braodway Books 2006

The Lobsters Are Entirely Unfit...... The Life of the Royal Marines Detachment of Somerset, Cape York Australia. By Cleve Whitworth 1996.

Cape York Australia. By Cleve Whitworth 1996.

The Leicester Chronicle Saturday 18th January 1812.

The Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser.

The Maidstone Gazette and the Kentish Courier.

The Papers of Major C.D. Aylwin RM can be viewed at the Imperial War Museum Reading room by appointment. This includes a nominal roll of the Prince of Wales RM Detachment and a detailed captivity diary.

'The Royal Marines 1919-2000' by J.D. Ladd.

The Last Coleraine Militia 1970 - 2007. www.ecohcoy.tripod.com

The London Gazette first report published of the Raid on the Medway16th June1667.

The London Gazette re Captain Halliday No. 27262. p. 3. 1st January 1901.

The London Gazette re Major Francis Hardy published September 1915

The London Gazette re L/C Parker published on 22nd June 1917.

The London Gazette re Major Lumsden No30122 published September 1915.

The London Gazette re Captain Bamford published 23 July 1918.

The Marine Corps: An historical record of the Marine Corps, an account of their formation and service's from 1664 to 1748. Compiled by Richard Cannon, Esq. (1779-1865).

The New Zealand Wars: A history of the Maori campaigns and the pioneering period by Cowan, James (1922). Volume I 1845–1864.

The Royal Marines 1919-2000 by J.D. Ladd.

The Royal Marines 1956 \- 84 (Ospre Men-At-Arms series) by William Fowler

The Royal Marine Artillery 1804 – 1923 Volume 1 1804 – 1859. By Edwart Fraser and Charles L. G. Carr-Laughton. London the Royal United Service Institution Whitehall, S. W. 1930.

The Royal Marine Artillery 1804 – 1923 Volume 2 1859 – 1923. By Edwart Fraser and Charles L. G. Carr-Laughton. London the Royal United Service Institution Whitehall, S. W. 1930.

The Royal Marines Chronology 1664 - 2010.

The Royal Naval Catalogue for 1891.

The Royal Marines Band Service by John Ambler.

The Royal Marines by Sea by Land by John S. Murray. South African Military History Society.

The Royal Navy: A history from the earliest times to the present. Markham Clements R. (Clements Robert).

The SBS, The Full Story by Philip Warner.

The Skepton Mallett Home Words. January 1876 'Reminiscence of the Crimea Campaign' from S.G. Blacker.

The Thin Red Line: 2nd Argyll's in Malaya by Brigadier I. M. Stewart (Thomas Nelson 1947).

Who Dies Fighting by Angus Rose (Jonathan Cape, London 1944).

Websites

www.anzacportal.dva.gov.au/history/conflicts/gallipoli-and-anzacs/events/bravery-awards-gallipoli/lance-corporal-walter-parker

www.archive.org/stream/cihm_48353/cihm_48353_djvu.txt

www.axfordsabode.org.uk/spirit.htm

www.axfordsabode.org.uk/spirit.htm

www.britishbattles.com

www.commandoveterans.org

www.devonheritage.org

www.ecohcoy.tripod.com

www.eliteukforces.info/special-boat-service/history/

www.en.wikipedia.org

www.exeterflotilla.org/history

www.flyingmarines.com

www.gmic.co.uk/topic/37275-the-royal-marines

www.history.com/news/what-was-operation-mincemeat

www.hmsrichmond.org/avast/customs.htm

www.maltaramc.com/regmltgar/roymarine.html

www.maritimemuseum.com

www.memorials.inportsmouth.co.uk

www.minotaur.org/chronolgy.htm

www.myweb.tiscali.co.uk

www.naval-history.net/WW1Battle1605Jutland2htm

www.pepysdiary.com

www.rm-badges.com

www.royalmarinesassociation.org.uk

www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk

www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk/royal-marines-historical-society

www.royalnavy.mod.uk/ctcrm

www.royalnavy.mod.uk

www.southwoldmuseum.org/war_battleofsolebay.htm

www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,5753,-1070,00.html

www.telegraph.co.uk/news

www.victoriacross.co.uk/zebrugge

www.web.archive.org

www.webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk

www.47commando.org.uk
TABLE OF CONTENT

Copyright

Dedication

Introduction

Reference

Chapter 1 – 1664 t0 1674.

Chapter 2 – 1675 to 1699.

Chapter 3 – 1700 to 1724.

Chapter 4 – 1725 to 1749.

Chapter 5 – 1750 to 1774.

Chapter 6 – 1775 to 1799.

Chapter 7 – 1800 to 1824.

Chapter 8 – 1825 to 1849.

Other books by this Author

www.terryaspinall.com

Chapter 1

1664 -1674

From an early period, a practice has prevailed in many of the continental armies, for each regiment to keep regular records of its services and achievements but it is only of recent date that this emulative principle has been encouraged in the British service, and hence arises the difficulty of obtaining any authentic account of their origin, or of their subsequent proceedings.

This defect has long been felt, and although efforts have been made by individual corps to accomplish so desirable an object, it was not generally enforced until the 13th January 1836, when the following order was issued from the Horse Guards by general lord Hill, commanding in chief:

"His Majesty has been pleased to command, that with a view of doing the fullest justice to regiments, as well as to individuals, who have distinguished themselves by bravery in action with the enemy, an account of the services of every regiment in the British army shall be published under the superintendence of the adjutant-general, and that this account shall contain the following particulars; viz. The period and circumstances of the original formation of the regiment; the stations at which it has been from time to time employed the battles, sieges, and other military operations in which it has been engaged, particularly specifying any achievement it may have performed, and the colours, trophies, &c. it may have captured from the enemy. The names of the officers, and number of non-commissioned officers and privates, killed or wound- ed by the enemy, specifying the place and date of the action. The names of the officers who, in consideration of their gallant services and meritorious conduct in engagements with the enemy, have been distinguished with titles, medals, or other marks of his Majesty's gracious favour. The names of all such officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, as may have specially signalized themselves in action; and the badges and the devices which the regiment may have been permitted to bear, and the causes on account of which such badges or de- vices, or any other marks of distinction, have been granted."

Impressed with this consideration, and influenced by a strong attachment to the welfare and reputation of the corps, in which I had the honour to serve, I felt persuaded that an impartial account of the services of the Royal Marines would not only reflect additional lustre on their distinguished character, but encourage a spirit of emulation, which is the strongest impulse to great and gallant actions ; and as nothing can so fully tend to this desirable object as a faithful record of their glorious career

I was induced to use my best exertions to promote a cause for which I entertained the most lively interest. Although I may have failed in accomplishing that object with the ability due to its importance, I trust that the fidelity and zeal which has been exercised in the present compilation will obtain for me the in- dulgent consideration of those who are aware of the difficulties with which I have had to contend. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.

1664. Thursday 16th October. The first order in Council which has reference to this subject, is dated the 16th of October 1664, authorizing 1200 soldiers to be raised and formed into one regiment.

The Royal Marines were formed in 1755 as the Royal Navy's infantry troops. However, the Marines can trace their origins back to the formation of 'the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot' at the grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company on 28th October 1664.

1664. 11.58am Tuesday 28th October.

The formation of the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot by Order at which King Charles all was present, also known as the Lord High Admirals Regiment or, simply The Admiral's Regiment. The King directed at The Court of Whitehall on 28th October 1664: That twelve hundred Land Soldiers be forthwith raised, to be in readiness, to be distributed into His Majesties Fleets prepared for Sea Service which said twelve hundred Men are to be put into One Regiment under One Colonel, One Lieutenant Colonel and One Sergeant Major and to be divided into Six Companies. Each Company to consist of Two Hundred Soldiers, and to have One Captain, One Lieutenant, One Ensign, One Drummer, Four Sergeants and Four Corporals, and all the Soldiers aforesaid to be armed with good Firelocks. All which Arms, Drums and Colours are forthwith to be prepared and furnished out of His Majesty's stores? The care of all was recommended to the Duke of Albermarle his Grace Lord of His Majesty's Forces.

Attending the court at Whitehall on Tuesday 28th of October 1664 was the Kings most excellent Majesty. His Royal Highness the Duke of York. Lord Chancellor. Lord Treasurer. Duke of Albemarle. Duke of Ormond. Lord Chamberlain. Earl of Anglesey. Earl of Lauderdale. Earl of Middleton. Lord Bishop of London. Lord Ashely. Mr. Vice-Chamberlain. Mr. Secretary Morice. Mr Secretary Bennet. Mr. Chancellor of the Dutchy. Sir Edward Nicholas. It was this day ordered (His Majesty present in Council) that his Majesties declaration, for encouragement of sea men and mariners employed in the present service, be forthwith printed by his Majesties printer, &. Richard Browne. His Majesties declaration for encouragement of Seamen and Mariners employed in the present service.

As the Duke of York was the Lord High Admiral, they soon became known as the Admiral's Regiment, and were paid by the Admiralty. They and their successors being the only long service troops in the Navy during the 17th and 18th century. They were therefore not only soldiers but also seamen, who were part of the complement on board all warships. The Honourable Artillery Company had earlier been formed by Royal Charter under King Henry Vlll on Wednesday 25th August 1537. The second oldest military organisation in the world.

Recruitment was from the 'London Trained Bands', the City of London's militia, composed of house holders who fulfilled their statutory obligation to maintain arms and serve in the defence of their City. They were under the jurisdiction of the Lord Mayor and were commanded by officers appointed by him and the Aldermen. Members of the Trained Bands met regularly at the Artillery Garden in Bishopsgate and the Military Garden in St Martin's in the Field to practice weapon handling, drilling and other military activities under the guidance of officers from the Honourable Artillery Company. These officers made the Trained Bands an effective force, providing professional training for its part time members.

They were the fourth European Marine unit formed, being preceded by the Spanish Marines who were formed on Saturday 27th February 1537, the Portuguese Marines in 1610, and the French Marines who were formed in 1622.

The Admiral's Regiment consisted of six 200 man companies and was initially commanded by Colonel Sir William Killigrew with Sir Charles Lyttleton as Lieutenant-Colonel. Killigrew had commanded an English Regiment in Dutch service and many of the Regiment's initial complement of officers had served there as well.

Until the year 1664 the British Navy was manned by means of the system of impress, or by enlisting landsmen; but the commerce of England at that period was so limited, that those measures were found inadequate to procure sufficient seamen for the public service, and this difficulty suggested the formation of an establishment of Marines. The men were raised with the object of forming a nursery to man the fleet and being quartered in or near the principal sea-ports, their great utility in the equipment of squadrons soon made it desirable to augment their strength. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines)

Initially all Marine field officers were taken from the Royal Navy, not liking that the Marine field officer was nearly all honorary. This meant that until then Marine officers could only advance up to the rank of Captain, or possibly a Major. A situating that continued into the1800s.

During King William III rein, each company of Infantry (except the Fusiliers and Grenadiers) consisted of 14 Pikemen and 46 Musketeers, the Captains carried Pikes, Lieutenants and Partisans, Half-Pikes, while Sergeants carried Halberds.

Marines served on board all Royal Navy ships and have been involved in all of the sea battles that have taken place around the world right up to the modern day.

1664. Wednesday 5th November. "Colonel Killigrew was duly appointed to the command of the Regiment, His Majesty; reposing special trust and confidence in your loyalty & have thought fit to constitute and appoint you to be Colonel of the Admirals Regiment of Foot now forthwith to be raised for our service consisting of six companies, receiving also, as was the custom at that period, a second commission of the same date to command a company in his own Regiment."

As will be seen in Colonel Killigrew's commission no mention is made that the Regiment is raised for sea service, but merely "for our service". The remaining officers appointed on the same day were Sir Chichester Rey a Lieutenant Colonel, Sir Charles Littleton a Major, John Griffin a Captain, John Legge a Captain, Nath Dorrell a Captain, Thomas Bennet a Lieutenant, and Richard Dennis a Lieutenant. And all ye commissions were styled by ye Adms Regt. 1664. Sunday 61th November. The first muster was as follows:

Colonel - Sir William Killigrew, Vice Chamberlain to the Queen

Lieutenant Col - Sir Chichester Wrey

Major - Sir Charles Littleton

Captains.

Sir William Killigrew. Sir Chichester Wrey. Sir Charles Littleton. John Griffith. John Legge. Nathaniel Dorrell.

Lieutenants.

Thomas Bennet. Martin Gardiner. Edward Talbot. Godfrey Dennis. Charley Cole. Henry Steward.

2nd/Lieutenants.

Phillip Bickerstaff 1. Francis Hoblin. John Snelling. Arthur Ingram 2. David Hume. Robert Thompson.

Quartermaster John Symonds.

Chirugeon Simon Boninga.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplain Rev John Evans.

1 Clerk for all the particular offices. 2 Supernumerary Groom of the Privy Chamber.

The Regiment consisted of twelve companies, without any grenadiers, had yellow coats lined with red, and their colours were a red cross, with rays of the sun issuing from each of its angles. It stood the third in seniority in the line of that day, and it may be presumed, from its subsequent reduction that a step was obtained in it by the 4th, then the Regiment of Holland, Commanded by John, the second Lord Mulgrave, and now entitled The Old Buffs.

1664. Wednesday 19th December. The attack on the Dutch Smyrna fleet in the straights bt allin.

1664. Wednesday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Colonel - Sir William Killigrew, Knt. and Bart.

Lieutenant Col - Sir Chichester Wrey, Knt.

Major - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Adjutant - Mat Locke.

Captains.

Sir William Killigrew 5th November 1664. Sir Chichester Rey 5th November 1664. Sir Charles Littleton 5th November 1664. John Griffiths 5th November 1664. John Legge (Colonel) 5th November 1664. Nathaniel Dorrell 5th November 1664.

Lieutenants.

Thomas Bennet. 5th November 1664. Martin Gardiner 11th November 1664. Edward Talbot 11th November 1664. Godfrey Dennis 11th November 1664. Charles Cole 11th November 1664. Henry Steward 11th November 1664.

2nd/Lieutenants.

Phillip Bickerstaffe 11th November 1664. Francis Hoblin 11th November 1664. John Snelling 11th November 1664. Arthur Ingram 11th November 1664. David Hume 11th November 1664. Robert Thompson 11th November 1664.

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Simon Boninga (11th November 1664).

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

Note - an officer of the name of Collins appears to have been appointed as a Lieutenant to Captain Dorrell, dated 11th November, but not to have joined the Regiment.

1664. During this period any reference can be found to an establishment of soldiers embarked on board the ships of the royal navy which can be traced in the records of the Admiralty, is the following Order in Council of His Majesty King Charles II., dated 26th October, 1644: — "Upon Report from the Lords Commissioners for the Affayres of His Majesty e's Navy Royall and Admiralty of this Kingdom, this day read at the Board, His Majesty was pleased to order and direct (amongst other things) that twelve hundred land soldiers be forthwith raised, to be in readiness to be distributed into His Majestye's Fleets, prepared for sea; which said twelve hundred men are to be put into one Regiment, under one Collonell, one Lieutenant-Collonell, and one Sergeant-Major, and to be divided into six Companies, — each Company to consist of two hundred souldiers, and to have one Captain, one Lieutenant, one Ensign, one Drum, ffoure Serjeants, and Toure Corporalls, and all the souldiers aforesaid to be armed with good firelocks ; all which arms, drums, and colours are forthwith to be prepared and furnished out of His Majestye's Stores : the care of all which is recommended to the Duke of Albemarle His Grace, Lord General of His Majestye's Forces."

An order in Council, dated Whitehall, 1st April, 1668, sets forth — "It is this day ordered by His Majesty in Council, that his Grace the Duke of Albemarle, Lord General of His Majestye's Forces, bee, and he is hereby authorized and desired, to draw and furnish such numbers of souldiers out of His Majestye's Foot Guards for His Majestye's service at sea this summer as His Royal Highnesses the Duke of York, Lord High Admiral of England, &c. shall from time to time desire ; to be delivered at Tower Wharfe on board such vessells as His Royal Highnesses shall appoynt to receive them, and thereupon his Grace doo cause the said Guards to be recruited as there shall be occasion."

Detachments from other regiments were occasionally embarked; and we find, in 1672, a company of the " Holland regiment under Captain Sidney" directed to proceed on board such ships as the Duke of York shall appoint. But the first regiment especially raised for sea service, was that of the Lord High Admiral of England, His Royal Highness the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot, raised in 1664; and it is so described in the return of the general review on Putney Heath on the 1st of October 1684, and was thus commissioned: Colonel. — Sir Charles Littleton.

Lieutenant- Col. — Olrver Nicolas.

Major. — Richard Baggett.

Captains. — George Littleton, Sir Thomas Custer, Edward Nott, Francis Ezod, Edward Harris, Samuel Scuddamore, Chichester Wray, Charles Herbert, Edmund Plowden. Lieutenants. — Robert Crawford, Edmund Yarborough, Thomas Blechenden, Edmund Wilson, Robert Lloyd, Francis Hoblen, Francis Butler, John Thorn, George Rooke, Henry Hewys, Thomas Whaley, William Oglethorpe. Ensigns. — Philomel Powell, Arthur Townshend, William Pearson, James Man, John Hill, Alexander Ewin, Thomas Man, William Somers, George Littleton, Francis Ezod, Joseph Whaley.

Staff- Officers. — Richard Beauvoir, adj utant; Tobias Legross, quarter-master; Samuel Tathan, chirurgeon; John Tathan, chirurgeon's mate.

This regiment, which consisted of twelve companies, without grenadiers, had yellow coats lined with red; and their colours bore the Red Cross of St. George, with the rays of the sun issuing from each of its angles.

About this time, titles of distinction were given to several regiments: Dumbarton's (the 1st Foot) was styled the Royal Regiment; the 1st Tangier (now 2nd Foot) the Queen's Regiment; and the 2nd Tangier (now 4th Foot) the Duchess of York's. The 3rd was the Admiral's, or Duke of York's Maritime Regiment, which was sent to Holland in 1689, and incorporated with the 2nd Foot Guards. The Holland regiment, then designated " the Prince George of Denmark's," and the 4th in the British line, gained a step by the reduction of the 3rd, or Maritime regiment; and in 1708, on the death of His Royal Highness Prince George of Denmark, it took the name of the 3rd, or u Old Buffs," whilst the 31st regiment, raised in 1702, clothed in scarlet, with buff waistcoats, breeches, and stockings, was styled the " Young Buffs ;" but the latter title has been long since laid aside. There is an exclusive privilege conferred, on the " Old Buffs " by the city of London, which was acknowledged so recently as 1840, when the minister intimated his intention of passing troops through the, city, and which is still retained by its descendants the Royal Marines, and the 3rd regiment of Foot. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to trace the origin of this honour, as most of the archives of the city were destroyed in the great fire in 1666 but it is very evident that the privilege was granted to the " Old Buffs," (who, we may presume, were so designated from their being clothed in yellow) and probably from their beingraised from the train-bands of the city. Moreover, the 4th regiment is described as having jlesh-colour facings in the army list of Nathan Brooks in 1684 and in the Antiquarian Repertory of 1686, "red, lined with ash-colour." Now neither of these descriptions give the Holland, or Ath regiment, a claim to the appellation of " Buffs," nor do we find it so styled until 1708, when it assumed that distinction, and discontinued the title of " Prince of Denmark's." Another circumstance confirms the claim of the Royal Marines to the precedence of the present 3rd regiment in the British line, which is here transcribed from the military memoirs of Major Donkin, published 1777. "The 3rd regiment of Foot, raised in 1663, known by the ancient title of the ' Old Buffs,' have the privilege of marching through London with drums beating, and colours flying, which the city disputes — not only with all other corps, but even with the king's Guards going on duty to the Tower. It happened in the year 1746, that a detachment of Marines beating along Cheapside, one of the magistrates came up to the officer, requiring him to cease the drum, as no soldiers were allowed to interrupt the civil repose. The captain commanding, (an intimate friend of mine) imme- diately said, ' We are Marines.' ' Oh, sir,' replied the alderman, ' I beg pardon; I did not know it. Pray continue your route as you please.' ' Here it is clearly defined to be the 3rd regiment of Foot raised in 1665, and not the Holland regiment, which became its successor in 1689, and which did not assume the designation of " Old Buffs" until 1708; nevertheless, as the Holland regiment was also raised by the city of London, the present 3rd regiment claims a similar privilege. The system of having soldiers exclusively for sea service, does not appear to have prevailed until 1693, when a draft for raising two marine regiments was presented to King William III. who, by his order in Council of 22nd February 1694, authorized their formation, subject to the following regulations — The number of officers, as well as their pay and that of the men, (with some trifling exceptions,) to be the same as those for the land forces.

The two regiments to be under the direction of the Lord High Admiral, or the Commissioners for executing that office.

None of the officers to be sea commanders, except the two colonels. When serving afloat, to be wholly under the command of the naval officers of the ships. Their cost and maintenance, &c. to be borne on the ordinary estimates of the navy.

Both regiments not to be on shore together: the regiment on shore to be quartered at or in the neighbourhood of the naval yards, in the following proportions: — four companies at Portsmouth, one at Sheerness, five at Chatham, two at Woolwich, two at Deptford, and one at Plymouth.

The men to be employed at the call of the commissioners of Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth, and at the desire of the master attendant, or master-shipwright of the other yards where no commissioner resides; in heaving in or out of ballast, manning the cranes, removing goods and stores, laying cables and various other dock-yard duties: for which they were to receive sixpence a-day in addition to their pay. The captain of the ship in which they served was required to send yearly to the Admiralty a list of the " names of such soldiers as shall in any measure be made seamen, and how far each of them is qualified towards being an able seaman."

Whilst serving on board, the men were to be borne on the books in a distinct list, and to be paid, as likewise on shore, by the captains of their respective companies, who were to receive the pay from their colonels.

There were several maritime regiments embodied between the years 1687 and 1698 subject to these regulations, but they were disbanded during the currency of 1697 and 1698. The expenses incurred by the maintenance of the maritime troops were classed with the estimates of the navy, and money was issued, from time to time, by warrant from the Lord High Treasurer to the Treasurer of the Navy, who placed it in the hands of a person especially appointed to receive it.

On the 18th of January 1697, an order in Council granted half-pay to the officers of Marines but it was not defined if intended as a retaining fee, or as a reward for past services, nor has it been clearly ascertained up to the present day. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1664. Equipment. "A difference was also made in the equipment of the force, and it stands out pre-eminently as the first Regiment under the crown which was armed throughout with firelocks and not, as was the rule of the service at this period, with a considerable proportion of pikes. Instructions were accordingly issued for delivering "to our trusty and well beloved Sir William Killigrew, Knt, Colonel of the Admirals Regiment of Foote now to be raised for our service Twelve Hundred Good Firelocks, with the like number of good Bandoleers, Twenty Fower Halberts and six Drumes being for the use of the said Regiment". A footnote to this Warrant adds that 1200 Snaphaunch Musquettes were "Delivered by virtue of the Warrant above written".

There is however no note stating at what station or port, or to whom these stores were to be delivered, although by a Warrant of a similar nature bearing the same date and completing the armament of the Regiment, we find that there is to be forthwith issued out "of our Tower of London for the Admirals Regiment, 1200 Swords and Belts, thirty barrels of bullets, and two Hogsheads of flints which together with the arms formerly by us directed to be delivered for your use of your Regiment you are with all diligence to cause to be conveyed by such way as you shall find most convenient on board our fleet to be there delivered to Sir Charles Littleton, Knt, Major of the Admirals Regt being for your use thereof." (sic)

1664. Friday 19th December. Sir Thomas Allin, 1st Baronet (1612 - 1685) attacks the Dutch Smyrna fleet in the Straits of Gibraltar. Allin had been nominated to succeed Sir John Lawson as the commander in the Mediterranean. On Thursday 26th June 1664 he sailed to take up his command aboard HMS Plymouth in company with HMS Crown. Upon their arrival they initially operated out of Tangiers, and while operating in the Straits of Gibraltar he and his fleet intercepted and engaged the Dutch Smyrna fleet, capturing and sinking several of the Dutch ships. He was born and grew up in the Lowestoft area, becoming a merchant and ship owner. Upon the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, Allin sided with the Royalists, in common with most of his fellow town's folk. On Saturday 13th June 1665 he took part in the sea battle off Lowestoft. (sic)

1664 \- 1689. The Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot the Lord High Admirals Regiment Crest. (taken from 'History of the Royal Marine Forces 1664 - 1701' by Major l. Edye 1893.)

Officers and Soldiers Uniforms of the 1600's. (taken from 'History of the Royal Marine Forces 1664 - 1701' by Major l. Edye 1893.)

Officer and Soldier

1665. Monday 16th February. Shortly after the return of the fleet to England, the Regiment was moved from Southampton, the several companies being stationed as follows: Sir William Killigrew's Company at Southampton except 50 men of which are at Winchester and 150 at Ramsey.

Sir Chichester Wray's Company at Southwarke.

Sir Charles Littleton's Company at Dover and Canterbury. Sir John Griffith's Company at Rochester and Gravesend.

Colonel John Legg's at Harwich, although by the 3rd April they were at Ipswich.

Captain Dorrel's Company on the Isle of Wight.

The change of Commanding Officer, the actual date of the death of the first Commanding officer of the Admirals Regiment, Sir William Killigrew, is not known, but he was buried in the north aisle of Westminster Abbey on 17th July 1665. On the following day (18th July 1665) Sir Chichester Wrey was appointed to the command of the Regiment. (sic)

1665. Wednesday 4th March - Friday 31st July 1667. Owing to the commercial rivalry between the English and Dutch the Second Anglo-Dutch War took place after hostilities had begun earlier the previous year after the English had captured New Amsterdam (New York).

1665. April. The Black Death struck London, killing at least 68,596 people as some two-thirds of the 460,000 inhabitants fled to the country side. One of the last outbreaks in England, which also contributed to Britain's problems and manpower in Europe.

1665. Wednesday 3rd June (OS). Defeat of Obdam van Wassenaer by the Duke of York. The Admiral's Regiment first saw action at sea against the Dutch in the Battle of Lowestoft (Suffolk). Both fleets are reported to have been about 100 strong. However, the English claimed to have won a victory over the Dutch. So fierce was the engagement that both fleets were incapable of further operations. Unlike some land Regiments equipped with pikes and matchlocks, the Admiral's Regiment fought with better flintlock muskets. The Dutch paid a heavy price in its large loss of ships, and of officers and men totalling 4000 killed and 2000 captured. While the British losses were 250 men killed, about 340 wounded, and about 200 taken prisoner. (sic)

1665. Saturday 11th July. The Holland Regiment (later the Buffs) was also raised to serve at sea and both of these two Naval Regiments were paid for by the Treasurer of the Navy by Order of Council of 11th July. They were also different in that they had no pike men every man being issued a musket. The Holland Regiment remained on the naval establishments until May 1667. The name 'Marines' first appeared in official records in 1672. (sic)

1665. Wednesday 3rd September. Lord Sandwich captures the Dutch East India Fleet.

1665. During the Battle of Lowestoft one of England's ally's the small principality of Munster sent some of its troops into Dutch territory to assist the English.

1665. Just after the Battle of Lowestoft the Dutch were so impressed by the performance of the British Marines that they formed their own Royal Netherlands Marine Corps.

1665. Thursday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates. Colonel - Sir Chichester Wrey, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Major - Colonel Sir John Legge.

Captains.

Sir Chichester Wrey 18th July 1665. Sir Charles Littleton 18th July 1665. John Legge (Colonel) 18th July 1665. Sir John Griffiths 18th July 1665. Nathaniel Dorrell 18th July 1665. Thomas Bennet 18th July 1665.

Lieutenants.

Martin Gardener 18th July 1665. Edward Talbot 18th July 1665. Charles Cole 18th July 1665. Henry Steward 18th July 1665. Francis Hoblin 2nd December 1665. Phillip Bickerstaffe 18th July 1665.

2nd/Lieutenants.

Arthur Ingram 2nd December 1665. John Snelling 18th July 1665. David Hume 18th July 1665. Robert Thompson 18th July 1665. John Griffith 2nd December 1665. Robert Carvey 18th July 1665.

Adjutant - Mat Locke (11th November 1664).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11 November 1664).

Chirugeon - Simon Boninga (11th November 1664).

Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1666. January. The principality of Munster was forced out of the war by France, who eventually took the Dutch side.

1666. Most Battles during 1666 were won by the Dutch.

1666. Tuesday 1st June - Friday 4th June (OS). The Four Days Fight off North Foreland. The English commanded by George Monk and the Dutch Commanded by Michael de Ruyter were involved in a four day battle near North Foreland off the English coast. In which the Dutch were the victors. It remains one of the longest naval engagements in history. The English casualties were 1,500 killed, 1,400 wounded, 1,800 captured and 10 ships lost. While the Dutch suffered 1,500 killed, 1,300 wounded and 4 ships lost. (sic)

1666. Sunday 25th July (OS). An engagement with the Dutch known as the 'St. James Fight'. Prince Rupert of the Rhine and George Monck 1st Duke of Albemarle won a victory over the Dutch Commanded by Michael de Ruyter during the St James's day Battle off the coast of North Foreness, (later to be known as Orfordness). It is also known as the Second Battle of North Foreness. The Battle altered the balance of power at sea in favour of the English. The Dutch fleet lost 2 ships and around 800 men were killed or injured. The English suffered 300 killed and the loss of one ship the 'Resolution' However, it demonstrated its new dominance in the area. (sic)

1666. Sunday 8th August (OS). Sir Robert Holmes and his English fleet destroyed more than 160 Dutch merchantmen vessels on the Vile River in the Nederland's. It became known as Sir Robert Holmes Bonfire.

1666. Thursday 2nd September - Sunday 5th September: The Great Fire of London destroyed four-fifths of the city within the walls and sixty-three acres outside. Including the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Paul's, eighty-six other churches, the Guildhall, the Custom House, the Royal Exchange, and many other buildings, including more than thirteen thousand houses. The fire also destroyed many files, documents, books and other historical information including that of the Marines. It also contributed to England's problems within Europe.

1666. Saturday 18th September. The capture of the French Ruby by Sir Thomas Allin.

1666. December. Captain Herbert and HMS Pembroke engaged a Dutch Frigate.

1666. December. A British Squadron defeated the Dutch in the North Sea.

1666. Friday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates:

Colonel - Sir Chichester Wrey, Knt and Bart.

Lieutenant Colonel – Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Major - Colonel Sir John Legge.

Captains.

Sir Chichester Wrey 18th July 1665. Sir Charles Littleton 18th July 1665. John Legge (Colonel) 18th July 1665. Sir John Griffiths 18th July 1665. Nathanial Dorrell, 18th July 1665. Thomas Bennet 18th July 1665. Sylas Titus 2nd July 1666. George Cartwright 3rd July 1666. Sir Edward Carleton 4th July 1666. Edmund Molroyen 5th July 1666. Hercues Lee 6th July 1666. Thomas Bromley 7th July 1666.

Lieutenants.

Martin Gardiner 18th July 1665. Edward Talbot 18th July 1665. William Legge 22nd March 1666. Francis Hoblin 2nd December 1665. John Snelling 21st March 1666. Phillip Bickerstaffe 18th July 1665.Moyal 2nd July 1666. William Morice 3rd July 1666. John Wise 4th July 1666. Francis Izod 8th July 1666. Bourchier Wrey 6th July 1666. John Grove 7th July 1666.

2nd/Lieutenants.

Richard Baggott 24th March 1666. David Hume 18th July 1665. John Griffith 2nd December 1665. Robert Thompson 18th July 1665.

Robert Carey 18th July 1665. Francis Vincent 2nd July 1666. Edward Harris 3rd July 1666. Richard Sheldon 4 Jul 1666. William Heydon 5th July 1666. James Webb 6th July 1666. Percy Kirk 7th July 1666. Adjutant - William Pierson (June 1666).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666). Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1667. Monday 17th January. An order was given to Sir Chichester Wrey to direct 'the officers of the Admirals Regiment to collect and send to the stores in the tower their supernumerary Armes the Regiment now consisting of 12 companies 100 men in each instead of 6 companies, 350 men in each as formerly'.

1667. Tuesday 3rd May. Mention is made of two companies of the Regiment changing their quarters. One paper, dated, Yarmouth 3rd May, says that, Capt. Thomas Brumbly RN is paying his sowagers quorters and as soon as they can (will) march to Langley fort. A second dated West Cowes, 4th May, say that at "about 3 or 4 o clock afternoon departed from hence to Guernze the Deptford catch with Sir Edward Charleton and 100 brave soldier's yellow coats, of HRH Regiment who were one night here on shore for refreshment and I hope are now safely landed at Guernze" (Note all spelling correctly copied).

The ship in which these men took passage appears to have been HMS Paradox and not the Deptford Catch, although the latter vessel accompanied them, for in a letter of Mr John Lyle to Mr Secretary Williamson, dated also from West Cowes, it is said "The Paradox, carrying over a company of the Duke of York's yellow coats to Guernsey, had a hot dispute with a French fly boat of 14 guns, and drove her on the French coast", and another letter of the 12th May declares that "The Paradox which ye Ketch that carried soldiers for the islands of Jersey and Guernsey are returned, the first had an encounter with a doger French of warre but the wind blew so hard and the sea was some high could not board her, the Paradox had 100 soldiers besides their owne company and they played their small shot lustily , one of them was killed and six more wounded". This is the first occasion on record of any of the men of the Regiment having been specifically mentioned either as killed or as wounded. (Note all spelling copied correctly)

Whilst Sir Charles Littleton's company was quartered at Harwich, a misfortune occurred to his "Ensigne". Of this Sir Charles himself gives the following quaint account, "My ensigne went to London with my leave, about a week after I came hither, for 8 days, and is not yet returned. The last post I had a letter to excuse it, because he was sick; but since, I am well informed, he has married a dirty tapstresse, and, this being known, have an opinion he is ashamed to return among us. For other reasons I am not much in love with his companie, and would be glad to be ridde of him; yet am not resolved to add to his misfortune by turning him out against his will" The young officer referred to was Ensign David Hume, who was, on 28th August superseded in Sir Charles company by Ensign Charles Palmer so that the Colonel had not long to wait "to bee ridde of him" (sic)

1667. Thursday 24th May - 2nd May 1668. War of Devolution. Came about after Louis XlV's French army over run the Habsburgh controlled Spanish Netherlands and French Comte but were forced to give most of it back by the triple alliance of England, Sweden and the Dutch Republic. Although the alliance never engaged in combat against France, but it was enough of a threat to force Louis XlV to halt his offensive and sign the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle with Spain on Wednesday 2nd May 1668 in Aachen North Rhine-Westphalia Germany.

1667. It was directed that men absenting themselves from vessels that were fitting, should have 2 shillings and 6 pence for each day of absence deducted from their pay, and that the fines should be given to the men who remained on duty.

1667. Wednesday 11th May. Uniform. A letter from John Lyle to Mr Secretary Williamson, we find HMS Paradox carrying over a company of the Duke of York's yellow coat had a hot dispute with a French fly boat."

1667. Thursday 9th - 14th June (OS). The destruction of the English fleet while docked in Chatham by the Dutch, sometimes miss known as a Battle of the Medway. Two years earlier during 1665, the Dutch fleet under the command of the same Dutch Admiral de Ruyter, had almost completely destroyed the English navy in a murderous four day long battle that neither would break off the action. Now, almost two years to the day, on 7th June, De Ruyter was back and this time there was no British Navy to face him, for England was almost bankrupt and there was no money to pay for a navy. Instead King Charles II had gambled on an early peace that was not to be. For three days the 70 Dutch ships of the line prowled the English coast as if taunting their foe. For the first and only time since Britain had been a world power, an enemy appeared inside within country's borders. On both sides of the river Thames, scratch forces brought up to fight could only stand and watch as the Dutch sailed past. Muskets could not even reach the jeering Dutchmen on board, and the English land cannons were silent after their small stock of powder had run out. Having humbled British sea pride and proved the English Channel was a Dutch controlled waterway, De Ruyter turned his attention to the toothless English fleet. His men had already stormed and captured Sheerness, then a castle on the isle of Sheppey. Twenty Dutch ships sailed into the Medway, and when they left, five great English ships of the line were in flames and HMS Royal Charles, the British flagship was towed away captive. De Ruyter withdrew having accomplished what he had set out to do, and that was to prove that Holland was still capable of fighting and a country not to be messed with. (sic)

1667. Thursday 16th June (O.S.) The London Gazette, this is the first report published of the Raid on the Medway.

"The Dutch fleet having the tenth instant in the evening made themselves master of Sheerness. On the eleventh they advanced up the river of Medway, and though with much difficulty, passed by several vessels which had been sunk about Muselebank, which was the narrowest part of it, the better to put some stop to them in their passings and with 22 sail came up towards the chain, where the Lord General was in person with considerable force to oppose them; but the enemy taking advantage of an Easterly wind and the tide, which both served them, pressed upon; and though their first ship stuck upon the chain, the second broke through it; and notwithstanding a stout resistance, in which our men showed infinite courage, with considerable loss to the enemy, yet they clasped their fire ships aboard the Matthias and the Unity, that lay at an anchor, as a guard to the chain, and then upon the Charles the fifth, all three of them Dutch ships, that had been formerly taken from them. The same day they possessed themselves of the Royal Charles, which was twice fired by our men, and as often quenched by the enemy.

On Thursday the 13th instant, about one o'clock, taking their advantage of the wind and tide, they advanced with six men of war, and five fire ships, and came up towards Upnor Castle, but were so warmly entertained by Major Scot, who commanded there, and on the other side by Sir Edward Spragg, from the battery at the shore, that after very much damage received by them in the shattering of their ships, in sinking several of their long boats manned out by them, in the great number of their men killed, and some prisoners taken, they were at the last forced to retire, having in this attempt spent in vain two of their fire ships, which attempted HMS Royall Oake, but were forced off, and burned down with effect; but a third had its effect, the two others coming also aboard HMS Royall James, and HMS Loyal London, which are much injured by the fire, but in probability may be again made serviceable, having been sunk before their coming up, and the greater part of the laid under water.

Since this they have not made any considerable attempt, and by some prisoners we have taken, we find that the loss we have received, has been hitherto so fully returned upon them, that they can have but little reason to brag of their success, and less encouragement to make any further attempts on these parts.

Part of the enemy's fleet had since this action continued about Musele-Bank, where on Friday were seen 24 sail, on Saturday only 14, which 'tis believed stay there only to get off HMS Royall Charles which is on shore. (sic)

1667. Friday 17th June (O.S.). About 30 more of their fleet were discovered between the Buoy of the Nore, and on Saturday only 12 in the Buoy of the Nore, the rest being fallen down, and it is thought will attempt no farther this way. However, our batteries are all in the necessary places, both in the Thames and Medway, very well perfected and furnished with cannon.

This day we are confidently told by a person arriving here from Chatham, that yesterday two Dutch men of war, whereof one of 80 guns, endeavouring to pass up towards Upnor Castle, ran ashore and were by a fire ship of their own party burnt, to prevent their falling into our hands. He says further, that eight of their man of war were yesterday endeavouring to tow off HMS Royal Charles from the Musele-Bank and are their run aground; upon which news twenty of their men of war are returning to lie in the river, to prevent out fire ships, till they can find some way to bring them off, or otherwise to dispose of them." (sic)

1667. Wednesday 20th June. Uniform. It was stated: "Yesterday the enemy was in sight off the North Foreland. Colonel Titus and the commander Captain John Poole are very active. In less than two hours, the townsmen, both seamen and landsmen appeared in the field in arms, 160 in all, besides Colonel Titus' yellow company." Colonel Titus was a Captain in the Admirals Regiment.

1667. Saturday 25th June. Burning of a French Squadron at Martinique by Harman.

1667. The Defeat of the Franco-Dutch by Captain Berry on board the HMS Nevis.

1667. Friday 1st July. The Dutch Admiral de Ruyter having withdrew from his recent success at Chatham, appeared during the evening along with the bulk of a Dutch invasion fleet anchored of the Aldeburgh coast (Suffolk UK).

1667. In the military town and port of Harwich (county of Essex) were garrisoned four companies Commanded by Cardinal Legge, Sir Chichester Wrey, Charles Lyttelton, and Captain Edward Roscarrock, while on the other side of the river entrance was Landguard Fort that was occupied by Captain Nathaniel Darrell and Captain Cartwright along with their companies of Marines. It had been pre-planned that the entrance to Harwich harbour was to be blocked by seven colliers and a ship of 20 guns, all disguised as men of war, while displaying Jack Ensigns and Pendants, which were moored between Landguard Fort and Harwich. Holes had been pre-cut in their hulls, ready to be scuttled and sunk in case the enemy attempted to sail up the river and approach the port of Harwich. Unbeknown to the English, the Dutch had decided to Capture Landguard Fort thus enabling them to bombard Harwich from across the river.

1667. Saturday 2nd July. At dawn the Dutch fleet raised anchor and headed south passing Orfordness at 7am. Its intention was to attack the military base at Harwich. By 1pm the major part of the force which consisted of forty seven ships and tenders, drew within half gunshot of the shore near Flistow Cliffs (Felixstowe), but out of reach of Landguard Fort. The ships took up their positions to bombard the Fort from all sides. Some of them were placed exactly to wind ward, so that the smoke of their guns swept along the beach and in doing so covered the landing of their troops from the sight of the Marines in the Fort. Once in position they lowered their boats and threw ashore about three thousand men. They wasted no time in delivering two successive assaults on Landguard Fort, in which 300 to 400 men took part. The first was repulsed after three quarters of an hour's fighting. The second after only about a quarter of an hour. Finally, the Dutch, after losing about one hundred and fifty men, left their scaling ladders behind them in their haste to escape the fighting. In the meantime, the thousand to twelve hundred men who had been left near the place of landing were attacked by the trained bands under the command of the Earl of Suffolk. The struggle with them was continued in a desultory manner, when the routed Dutch returned from the attack on the Fort. They then managed, after considerable loss, to re-embark. Just after a detachment of five hundred foot soldiers, under command of Major Legge arrived from Harwich. However, the fight was already over. It was reported at the time that neither Legge nor the Earl of Suffolk could be credited with the honour of having saved Landguard Fort. That credit had to go to Captain Nathaniel Darrell of the Duke of York and Albany's Regiment of Foot, and to his gallant Marines. Darrell the Governor of Landguard Fort, had only one month earlier received the post. However, he was slightly wounded during the attack. While the family of Darrell-Blount captured one of the painted ladders abandoned by the Dutch on the beach. The Dutch landing had been commanded by Colonel Dolman, an English man who had changed sides to assist the Dutch. The same person who had earlier helped the Dutch capture the Fort of Sheerness. It was later reported by a local newspaper that the Dutch losses were 150 killed wounded or captured, while the British suffered only about 4 killed and as many wounded. This invasion by the Dutch was also the first time the Admiral's Regiment of Foot saw action on land. It was also the last time an invasion force set foot on British soil. (sic)

1667. Sunday 31st July. The Second Dutch War ended (1665 - 1667) after the signing of the Treaty of Breda. The signing took place in the Dutch city of Breda, by England, the United Provinces (Netherlands), France, Denmark and Norway. It brought a hasty end to the hostility's in favour of the Dutch.

1667. Saturday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Colonel - Sir Chichester Wrey, Knt and Bart

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Major - Sir John Griffiths, Knt.

Captains.

Sir Chichester Wrey 18th July 1665. Sir Charles Littleton 18th July 1665. Sir John Griffiths. 26th September 1667. Nathaniel Dorrell 18th July 1665. Thomas Bennet 18th July 1665. Sylas Titus 2nd July 1666. George Cartwright 3rd July 1666. Sir Edward Carleton 4th July 1666. Thomas Bromley 7th July 1666. Edward Roscarrock 8th January 1667. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Roger Vaughan21st September 1667.

Lieutenants.

Martin Gardiner 18th July 1665. George Littleton 22nd February 1667. William Legge 22nd March 1666. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Phillip Bickerstaffe 18th July 1665. John Titus. 22nd November 1666. William Morice 3rd July 1666. John Wise 4th July 1666. John Grove 7th July 1666. Richard Baggott 26th August 1667. Francis Izod 8th July 1666. Wise 21st September 1667.

2nd/Lieutenants.

Edward Harris 26th August 1667. Charles Palmer 26th August 1667. John Griffith 2nd December 1665. Alexander Frazier 28th August 1667. John Trevanyen 26th September 1667. Francis Vincent 2nd July 1666. Robert Kilver 8th May 1667. Richard Sheldon 4th July 1666. Percy Kirk 7th July 1666. Edward Chichester 26 Sep 1667. William Heydon 5th July 1666. Roger Vincent 21st September 1667.

Adjutant - William Pierson (June 1666).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1668. Sunday 1st April. A subsequent Order in Council, 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.

1668. Monday 14th May. Within 3 years of the death of Sir William Killigrew the regiment lost its second commanding officer, who died on 14th May (1668) in London "of a long ague and fever contracted at Sheerensse". The document from which this quotation is taken says further that "the regiment is bestowed on Sir Charles Littleton his Lieut Collon" (Note spelling copied correctly) (sic)

1668. Wednesday 26th September. A new establishment was sanctioned, to take effect on the 26th of that month. In connection with it here was published the strength of the "addicons since the dutch warre" from which we find that the two maritime regiments consisting of 26 companies contained 256 officers and 2,600 soldiers. The extraordinary disproportion of officers is accounted for by the fact that the non-commissioned officers of the two regiments were included. The 26 companies were composed of 12 companies of the Admirals' Regiment and 10 of the Holland Regiment, and the two companies (No record exists of anyone being appointed to these new companies) added to each under the authority dated 13th June 1667, the total cost of them being set forth as £33,855. 18s. 8d.

The new establishment provided that the Lord High Admiral's Regiment of Foot was to consist as before of 12 companies but did not refer in any way to the strength. Another document, however, remedies this defect, and tells us that it was "seaven hundred and sixty soldiers in 12 companies of sixty in each, and the other company (being quartered in Guernsey) to consist of one hundred". For the first time provision was made amongst the "Fielde and Staffe officers" for an adjutant with pay of 4s per diem. (Note spelling copied correctly). (sic)

1668. Monday 31st December. Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates. 1668. Monday 31st December. Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir John Griffiths, Knt.

Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.

Captains

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Sir John Griffiths 15th February 1668. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668.Thomas Bennet 18th July 1665. Sylas Titus 2nd July 1666. George Cartwright 3rd July 1666. George Cartwright 3rd July 1666. Sir Edward Carleton 4th July 1666. Thomas Bromley 7th July 1666. Edward Roscarrock 8th January 1667. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Roger Vaughan. 21st September 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey. 15th May 1668.

Lieutenants.

George Littleton 10th June 1668. William Legge 24th March 1666. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Phillip Bickerstaffe 18th July 1665. John Titus 22nd November 1666. William Morice 3rd July 1666. John Wise 4th July 1666. John Grove 7th July 1666. Richard Baggott 26th August 1667. Francis Izod. 8th July 1666. Roger Wise. 7th July 1667. Martin Gardiner. 18th July 1665.

2nd/Lieutenants.

Charles Palmer 26th August 1667. John Griffith 2nd December 1665. Alexander Frazier 28th August 1667. John Trevanyen 26th September 1667. Francis Vincent 2nd July 1666. Robert Kilvert 8th May 1667. Richard Sheldon 4th July 1666. Percy Kirk 7th July 1666.

Edward Chichester 26th September 1667. Robert Markham. 25th March 1668. Thomas Cutler 17th August 1668. Edward Harriss 21st August 1667.

Adjutant - William Pierson (June 1666).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

Quarters of the forces, the garrisons at which several of the Companies were stationed in1669.

Colonel Sir Charles Littleton. Harwich.

Captain Anthony Buller. Harwich.

Lt Col Sir John Griffith. Hull.

Captain Bennet. Hull.

Captain Middleton. Hull.

Major Nathan Dorrell. Landguard Fort.

Captain Titus. Deal Walmer.

Captain Vaughan. Chepstow Castle.

Captain Herbert. Guersey. Captain Sir Bouchier Wrey. Sheerness.

1669. Uniform. The Grand Duke of Tuscany, who visited England during 1669, and landed at Plymouth, gives the following account of what he saw and mentions the uniforms then worn: "The Governor is my Lord John Granville, Earl of Bath and Sir [John] Skelton is his Lieutenant. Five companies of about seventy men each, officers and soldiers are on duty there, one of these belongs to the Duke's Regiment. These men are very handsome and in excellent order, four companies wearing red jackets lined with yellow, and that of the Duke's, yellow with red lining." (sic)

1669. 8th December. The defeat of Algerine men of War, off Cadiz.

1669. Wednesday 18th - Thursday 19th December. A battle took place near Cadiz between the English frigate HMS Mary Rose under the command of Rear-Admiral John Kempthorne, escorting several merchantmen. When he was attacked by seven pirate ships operating out of Algiers (North Africa). The outcome was an English victory. Although 1 English ship was captured, 12 killed and 18 wounded. (sic)

1669. 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates:

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir John Griffith, Knt.

Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Sir John Griffiths 15th February 1668. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Thomas Bennet 18th July 1665. Sulas Titus 2nd July 1666. George Cartwright 3rd July 1666.Thomas Bromley 7th July 1666. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Roger Vaughan 21st September 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th May 1668. Charles Middleton 1669. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669.

Lieutenants.

George Littleton 10th June 1668. John Griffith 10th December 1669. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Phillip Bickerstaffe 18th July 1665. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. John Grove 7th July 1666. Francis Izod 8th July 1666. William Morice 10th December 1669. William Edward Harris 125th May 1669. John Wise 4th July August 1667. Richard Baggott 26th August 1667.

2nd/Lieutenants.

Charles Palmer 26th August 1667.John Thorne 9th December 1669.Alexander Frazier 28th August 1667.John Trevanyen 26th September 1667.Francis Vincent 2nd July 1666.Robert Kilvert 8th May 1667.Percy Kirk 8th July 1666.Robert Markham 25th March 1668.Thomas Cutler 17th August 1668.Broughton 12th May 1669.Richard Sheldon 4th July 1666.Edward Chichester 26th September 1667.

Adjutant - William Pireson (June 1966).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

Tatham (14th September 1666).

Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1670. Wednesday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir John Griffiths, Knt.

Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Sir John Griffiths 15th February 1668. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Thomas Bennet 18th July 1665. George Cartwright 3rd July 1666. Thomas Bromley 7th July 1666. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Roger Vaughan 21st September 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th May 1668. Charles Middleton 1669. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Charles Middleton 1669. Francis Digby 16th January 1671.

Lieutenants.

George Littleton 10th June 1668. John Griffith 10th December 1669. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Phillip Bickerstaffe 18th July 1665. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. John Grove 7th July 1666. Francis Izod 8th July 1666. William Morice 10th December 1669.

William Edward Harris 125th May 1669. John Wise 4th July August 1667. Richard Baggott 26th August 1667.

2nd/Lieutenants.

Charles Palmer 26th August 1667. John Thorne 9th December 1669. Alexander Frazier 28th August 1667. John Trevanyen 26th September 1667. Francis Vincent 2nd July 1666. Robert Kilvert 8th May 1667. Edmund Willson 9th September 1670. Edward Harriss 20th May 1670. Thomas Cutler 17th August 1668. Broughton 12th May 1669. Richard Sheldon 4th July 1666. Edward Chichester 26th September 1667.

Adjutant - William Pierson (June 1666).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1671. Friday 16th January. The appointment of Captain Francis Digby (16th January 1671) to a commission in the Admirals Regiment is the first instance, of many to follow, of officers of the Navy having held commissions in the Marines. The practice did not become common during the command of Sir Charles Littleton, but, at the raising of the two marine regiments in 1690, a very large number of officers who held commissions in the Navy also held commissions as officers of Marines, and, as such, actually performed the regimental duties of their ranks.

With the retirement of Captain Silus Titus the regiment lost an officer who had played a not inconsiderable part in the history of his country. He had, in a very great measure, conduced to the restoration of his royal master, and with equal determination had voted for the exclusion of the Duke of York on account of his leaning towards the Church of Rome. He was a great supporter of Titus Oates and the Popish plot, had sat in parliament for close on 26 years, representing at various times Ludgershall, Lostwithiel, Herts, Hunts, and Ludlow and was afterwards sworn on the Privy Council (6th July 1688) by James II and retired upon the abdication of that monarch. He married Catherine, second daughter of James Winstanley and died at Bushey in 1704 aged 82 years. (sic)

1671. Thursday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir John Griffiths, Knt.

Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Sir John Griffiths 15th February 1668. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Thomas Bennet 18th July 1665. George Cartwright 3rd July 1666. Thomas Bromley 7th July 1666. Henry Herbert 15th September 1667. Roger Vaughan 21st September 1667. Sir Bouch Wrey15th May 1668. Charles Middleton 1669. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Francis Digby 16th January 1671.

Lieutenants.

George Littleton 10th June 1668. John Griffith 10th December 1669. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Phillip Bickerstaffe 18th July 1665. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. John Grove 7th July 1666. Francis Izod 8th July 1666. William Morice 10th May 1669. Edward Harris 12th May 1669. John Wise 4th July. Richard Baggott 26th August 1667. John Titus 22nd November 1666.

Adjutant - William Pierson (June1666).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplin - Rev John Evans (11th November 1664).

1672. March. The English captured three Dutch ships.

1672. Saturday 12th - 13th March. Holmes action with the Dutch Smyrna Fleet.

1672. Sunday 13th March. Third Anglo Dutch War was a military conflict between England and the Dutch Republic that took place from 1672 - 1674. It was part of the much larger Franco Dutch War. England's Royal Navy joined France in its attack on the Republic but was frustrated in its attempts to blockade the Dutch coast by four strategic victories of Lieutenant Admiral Michiel de Ruyter. An attempt to make the province of Holland an English protectorate failed. The English Parliament fearful that the alliance with France was part of a plot to make England a Roman Catholic country, forced the king to abandon the costly and fruitless war. It also formed part of the general European War of 1672 - 1678. Although England and the Dutch Republic had been allied for a century, once again they went to war against each other. (sic)

1672. May. Sir Charles Littleton's company was ordered to be increased, the Master General of the Ordnance receiving instructions that the company was to be armed "to make them upp nynety eight soldiers besides officers". Early in May, Captains Cartwright and Middleton were each directed "to raise so many Voluntiers as he thinks convenient for the recruiting of his company to the Established number threrof, requiring him, if he beats his Drumms in London to Shew this order to the Major of the Citty; as the men are raised they are to be quartered."

This is the first reference extant that connects the Admiral's Regiment with the city of London, and by this it would seem that authority existed, or had been recently granted, to recruit within the city, provided that the order in question was shown to "the Major of the said City" (This comment made in 1893 by the original author) (sic)

Similar instructions were given to Sir Charles Littleton, who was directed to observe the said orders "if he should recruit in London"

Whether the privileges which the present corps of Royal Marines now enjoys in connection with the City of London date from the period, as has been already suggested, there is no evidence to show, but it is apparent that some sort of restriction existed within the city precincts, and that the "Major of the Citty" was in a position to relax it. (This comment made in 1893 by the original author) (sic)

1672. 2.30am Saturday 28th May. A French Frigate sailed into Southwold Bay in Suffolk (Sole Bay). Where the English fleet had also assembled earlier for a refit. Many seamen and soldiers had been sent from London to join the fleet, and most of the crews were enjoying shore leave with a battle the last thing on their mind. There was an urgent call to arms and at 5.30am when the English ships at anchor on the lee shore put to sea. The Anglo French fleet was commanded by James, Duke of York, later to become James II, and the Earl of Sandwich, both of whom had spent the night at their headquarters in Sutherland House in Southwold's High Street. The fleet had 71 ships each with over 40 guns, plus frigates and fire ships, totalling 90 in all. It amounted to over 5,500 guns and 24,000 men. However, the French fleet, whether through accident or design, steered south and left the area of the intended battle. This left the Dutch fleet of 61 warships to fight it out with the English, and the battle raged for much of the day. The Duke of York had to transfer ships twice, as his flagships HMS Prince Royal and HMS St Michael were both taken out of action. The flagship of Lord Sandwich HMS Royal James, the biggest and newest ship in the English fleet was set on fire. Sandwich drowned trying to escape and his body was washed ashore further down the coast and was only recognisable by the Star and Garter on his clothing. Losses were heavy on both sides. The Dutch lost two ships and about 1800 men. While the English also lost two ships and some 2000 men. The battle ended inconclusively at sunset. Predictably, both sides claimed victory. While the locals were left to deal with around 800 injured sailors, and many bodies that were washed up along the shoreline for many weeks after the battle. Later Captain Silas wrote of the Marines that they had behaved themselves.

Captain Carleton who served on board the HMS London during the Battle of Sole Bay wrote in his memoirs: of an incident that a cured on board the HMS Katherine when one of the crew received a considerable wound that could not be attended during the fighting. So he was carried out of the way and disposed of in the hold. They had some pigs on board under the care of a sailors who neglected to feed them. They were so hungry they wasted no time in eating the wounded seaman. After the battle all that was found of him was his skull. It's believed that it was Captain (Hodge) Roger Vaughan of the Admirals Regiment. (sic)

1672. Saturday 28th May. The Battle of Sole bay. The losses sustained on this occasion by the Admiral's Regiment in officers alone was very heavy, no less than four captains being killed, namely Captain Digby, then in command of HMS Henry, "was shot with small shot in the breast", Captain Thomas Bennet, Captain Roger Vaugham (of His Royal Highness's Bedchamber), and Captain Thomas Bromely. Lieutenants John Grove and John Titus, and Ensign John Trevanion (His Royal Highness's Gentleman Usher) were also killed.

1672. 30th May. The name Marines first appeared in official records. A letter from Captain Sylas Taylor, addressed to Lord Arlington's secretary, and referring to the Battle of Sole bay, the writer concludes by saying "Those marines of whom I have wrote to you behaved themselves stoutly". This is the first mention that can be traced of the word 'Marines' in connection with any armed force of the country, and the Corps, at present day cannot fail to feel proud of the fact that the first use of the name was associated with words of praise and respect for the regiments. (sic)

1672. August. The Admiral's Regiment sustained another loss by the death, at Tinmouth of Captain George Cartwright.

1672. Saturday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir John Griffiths, Knt.

Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Sir John Griffiths 15th February 1668. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henty Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th January 1667. Charles Middleton 1669. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Humphry Cornwall 10th June 1672. John Churchill 10th June 1672. Phillip Bickerstaffe August 1672.

Lieutenants.

Francis Izod August 1672. John Griffith 10th December 1669. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Edward Harris 12th May 1669. John Wise 4th July 1666. Edward Chichester 10th June 1672. Charles Palmer 10th June 1672. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. William Morrice 10th December 1669. Thomas Cutler 10th June 1672. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669.

Ensigns.

George Palmer 10th June 1672. John Thorne 9th December 1669. Alexander Frazier 28th August 1667. Bruce 12th May 1669. .Broughton 12th May 1669. Richard Sheldon 4th July 1666. Oliver Nicholas 10th June 1672. Fitzsimmons 10th June 1672. Windwood 10th June 1672. Samuel Scudamore 16th January 1671. Henry Cornwall 10th June 1672. Robert Kilvert 8th May 1667.

Adjutant - William Pierson (June1666).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplin - Rev John Evans (11th November 1664).

John Churchill listed in the nominal above went on to become the Duke of Marlborough and is the distant direct ancestor of Sir Winston Churchill the noted British WW2 Prime Minister.

1672. A dispute arose on the subject of naval precedence, and other causes gave rise to another war with the Dutch. The formation of additional Corps of Marines took place upon renewal of hostilities. These companies were engaged in a sharp fight with the Dutch fleet on the Saturday 28th May 1672, in which upwards of two thousand men were killed. They were also engaged in several other actions during the war which ended in February 1674. The conflict became known as the third Anglo Dutch War, and also formed part of the general European War of 1672 - 1678. (sic)

1672. Tuesday 20th December. Four Dutch ships, led by Jacob de Gens, arrived off St. Helena from the Cape. A landing party came ashore at Lemon Valley but was repelled by English planters hurling rocks from the top of cliffs above. Returning after dark, a light was seen near another landing place, Bennetts Point close to Swanley Valley on the western side of the Island. A traitor named William Coxe, accompanied by his slave, had lit a fire and was waiting to guide the Dutch invasion force onto the island. Five hundred men came ashore and were led up the precipitous cliffs by Coxe and his slave, who was then murdered to keep the treacherous story secret. The Dutch met no opposition until they reached High Peak where they overpowered a small detachment of English troops stationed at the fort. The Dutch continued unchallenged to Ladder Hill where they looked down on James Fort, knowing that if they took James Fort, they took the Island. A detachment of Dutch troops made repeated advances towards James Fort but were driven back each time. However, the small group in the fort were trapped, the Dutch were above them and also attacking them from the sea. Governor Anthony Beale realised the Dutch had the strategic advantage, being in possession of Ladder Hill Fort, and that he could not defend his weak position indefinitely. The governor spiked his guns, spoiled the gun powder and retreated with his entourage and their possessions to HMS Humphrey and HMS Elizabeth that were anchored in James Bay. They set sail for Brazil. According to Dutch records they gained little in monetary terms from their new possession, the most valuable items being an English slave ship, 220 slaves and 551 tusks of ivory. They repaired the fort and set a garrison of 100 men to defend the island. (sic)

1673. Monday 15th May. The re-capture of St. Helena in the South Atlantic. After reaching Brazil, Governor Beale hired a sloop and a crew, giving them orders to sail him back to St. Helena so he could warn English ships approaching the Island. By May 1673 he was back in St. Helena waters. Almost immediately he came upon Richard Munden's English East India squadron. After being briefed by Beale, Munden immediately made plans to re-take the Island. Four hundred English troops sailed into Prosperous Bay. With them was Black Oliver, a slave who had sailed with Beale's party to Brazil and back again. Black Oliver was chosen to guide the troops to James Fort. Captain Richard Keigwin commanded the English troops, among them was a sailor named Tom who was the first to climb a 1,000 foot cliff and drop ropes for the rest of the troops to follow. The plan was for Keigwin to attack from inland while Munden fired an off shore bombardment. Munden first bombarded James Fort as sailor Tom led the troops up the cliff, intending to continue the assault the following morning when Keigwin's force should be in position to attack. Keigwin reached his position above James Fort as planned but found it was already in English hands the Dutch had surrendered after the first bombardment. At sunset on 15th May 1673, the English re-took possession of James Fort. Along with three Dutch East Indiamen vessels richly laden, that were anchored in the bay. (sic)

1673. Sunday 28th May. The first (of three) Naval Battles of Schoonveldt that were part of the Franco Dutch War. They were fought off the coast of the Nederland's against the Dutch, between an allied Anglo French fleet Commanded by Prince Rupert of the Rhine, and the fleet of the United Provinces Commanded by Michiel de Ruyer, in which the Dutch were the victors.

1673. Sunday 4th June. Witnessed the 2nd Battle of Schoonveldt again involving the English and the Dutch in which they also won.

1673. Monday 21st August. The Naval Battle of Texel took place between the Dutch and the combined English and French fleets and was the last major battle of the third Anglo Dutch War, which was itself part of the Franco Dutch War (1672 - 1678), during which Louis XIV of France invaded the Republic and sought to establish control over the Spanish Netherlands. The English involvement came about because of the Treaty of Dover, secretly concluded by Charles II of England, and which was highly unpopular with the English Parliament. The Battle of Texel and its win by the Dutch also saved their country from an Anglo French invasion.

1673. Sunday 26th March. The King had been compelled by Parliament to withdraw the Declaration of Indulgence, and on the 26th March the Test Act, by which all professing the Roman Catholic faith were prohibited from holding office under the crown, was passed. In consequence of the passing of this statute, the Duke of York, against whom the act was practically directed, resigned his office of Lord High Admiral of England, as well as all other appointments, with the exception of the command of the Admiral's Regiment, which, for some reason, he was allowed to retain.

This fact is gathered form a letter of Sir Charles Littleton's dated 1st July, addressed to Mr Bridgman. In this Sir Charles says: "There being a Commission to be drawn for a Chaplain for the Dukes Regiment the Duke being no longer Admiral, I thought it convenient to ask His Royal Highness the last night how the Regiment should be styled, & his Highness was pleased to go to the King about it, & his Majesty did then order the Commissions for the future should be with the name of the Dukes or His Royal Highnesses Regiment".

It will be thus seen, that the passing of the Test Act virtually changed the name by which the Regiment had been commonly known. It had hitherto been, both officially and otherwise, designated the Lord High Admiral's Regiment, although its distinctive title was that of HRH The Duke of York and Albany's Regiment of Foot. It was now, however, to be styled" with the name of the Dukes, or his Royal Highnesses Regiment." (sic)

1673. 4th June. The Second (of three) Naval Battles of Schoonveldt that were part of the Franco Dutch War. They were fought off the coast of the Nederland's against the Dutch, between an allied Anglo French fleet Commanded by Prince Rupert of the Rhine, and the fleet of the United Provinces Commanded by Michiel de Ruyer, in which the Dutch were the victors.

1673. 11th August. The third (of three) Naval Battles of Schoonveldt that were part of the Franco Dutch War. They were fought off the coast of the Nederland's against the Dutch, between an allied Anglo French fleet Commanded by Prince Rupert of the Rhine, and the fleet of the United Provinces Commanded by Michiel de Ruyer, in which the Dutch were the victors.

1673. 16th December. Orders were issued to Sir Charles Littleton that the "ten Companies of the Duke of York's Regiment Quartered in and about the Counties of Middlesex and Surrey pay off the Quarters of their Companies and have them in readiness to relieve the Duke of Albermarle's Regiment at Rochester and adjacent places".

1673. Saturday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with Commission Dates.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir John Griffiths, Knt.

Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Sir John Griffiths 15th February 1668. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668.Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th January 1667. Charles Middleton 1669. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Humphry Cornwall 10th June 1672. John Churchill 10th June 1672. Phillip Bickerstaffe August 1672.

Lieutenants

Francis Izod August 1672. Charles Palmer 23rd December 1673. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Samuel Scudamore 7th September 1673. Edward Harriss 12th May 1669. John Wise 4th July 1666. Edward Chichester 10th June 1672. Robert Crauford 16th September 1673. William Morrice 10th December 1669. Thomas Cutler 10th June 1672. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669.

Ensigns.

Frederick Walker 16th December 1673. John Thorne 9th December 1669. Alexander Frazie 28th August 1667. Bruce 20th May 1670.

Broughton 12th May 1669. Richard Sheldon 4th July 1666. George Butler 5th April 1673. Fitzsimmons 10th June 1672. Windwood 10th June 1672. Henry Horner 7th September 1673. Henry Cornwall 10th June 1672. Robert Kilvert 8th May 1667. Adjutant - William Pierson (June1666).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplin - Rev John Evans (11th November 1664).

1673. A complete redistribution of the companies of the Duke's Regiment was ordered.

As follows: -

Colonel Littleton. Landguard Fort.

Colonel Buller & Captain Bickerstaff. Berwick on Tweed.

Captains Bouchier Wrey & Cornwall. Plymouth.

Lt Col Griffith, Captain Herbert & Captain Lyttleton. Portsmouth.

Captains Middleton & Baggot. Hull.

1673. It cannot be otherwise than with pride that the corps looks back and sees amongst the ranks of its officers two such distinguished men as John Churchill and George Rooke serving for a time side by side in its roll, for although the great victories of Marlborough do not reflect any lustre on the corps, except by indirect association, such is not the case as regards George Rooke, who, by his own distinguished gallantry, assisted by the personal valour of the Marines of his fleet, gained for the Empire one of its proudest jewels, and left emblazoned in after years on the colours of his old Regiment the word "Gibraltar".

1674. January. The stations at which the companies of the Regiment were "quartered in our counties of Middlesex, Surrey and thereabouts is set forth in a list as follows: 10 Companies of his Royal Highness the Duke of York's Regiment of Foot under command of Sir Charles Littleton at Kingston, Richmond, Brentford, Fulham, Parsons Green, Wandsworth, Putney, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Kensington & Hammersmith. I Company (being Major Dorrell's) at Sheerness, and 1 Company in Flanders".

1674. Friday 9th February. The Treaty of Westminster ends the war between England and Holland, and the Dutch return New York and Delaware to England. Two days later the King gave notice for the disbandment of all existing forces with the exception of the Horse & Foot Guards, The Duke of York's and the Holland Regiment, and the 39 garrison companies which had existed before the war.

1674. April. John Churchill was appointed Colonel of a Marine Regiment. He then served with and learnt from Marshal Turenne.

1674. Saturday 16th June. Battle of Sinzheim in France, assisting the French Viscount of Turenne against the Imperialists. The enemy's cavalry had driven Turenne's first line back upon his second, the British Infantry poured in such a furious fire on the enemy that they were unable to stand against it and begun to retire. Undercover of this fire the French Cavalry rallied and were able to advance against the enemy. Later the French first line was again broken in several places, but the British fire was so effective as to prevent the enemy's Cuirassiers from passing through the gaps which had been made. It's believed that John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough was present during the battle. Although Charles II's anti-French Parliament had forced England to withdraw from the Franco-Dutch War in 1674, some English Regiments remained in French service. In April Churchill was appointed the colonelcy of one such Regiment, thereafter serving with, and learning from, the great Marshal Turenne. Churchill was present at the hard fought battles of Sinsheim in June 1674, and Enzheim in October; Turckheim in January 1675. He was also present at Sasbach in July 1675, where Turenne was killed. (sic)

1674. Thursday 4th October. The Battle of Entzheim near Strasburg in France. It's reported that the steadiness and accuracy of the Marines fire saved their French allies. It is also the first account of a land engagement in which a large number of Marines participated.

1674. After a peace with Holland was signed about 500 Marines of the Duke of York's Regiment remained in France.

1674. Monday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir John Griffiths, Knt.

Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Sir John Griffiths 15th February 1668. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th January 1667. Charles Middleton 1669. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Humphry Cornwall 10th June 1672. John Churchill 10th June 1672. Phillip Bickerstaffe August 1672.

Lieutenants.

Francis Izod August 1672. Charles Palmer 23rd December 1673. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Samuel Scudamore 7th September 1673. Edward Harris 12th May 1669. John Wise 4th July 1666. Edward Chichester 10th June 1672. Robert Crauford 16th September 1673. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. William Morrice 10th December 1669. Thomas Cutler 10th June 1672. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669.

Ensigns.

Frederick Walker 16th December 1673. John Thorne 9th December 1669. Alexander Frazier 28th August 1667. Bruce 20th May 1670.

Broughton 12th May 1669. Richard Sheldon 4th July 1666. George Butler 5th April 1673. Fitzsimmons 10th June 1672. George Rooke 1674. Henry Horner 7th September 1673. Charles Churchill 1674. Robert Kilvert 8th May 1667.

Adjutant - William Pierson (June1666).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Colonel Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

### Chapter 2

1675 - 1699

1675. During the autumn of the previous year Sir John Griffith had tendered his resignation. He was succeeded on the 5th January as Lieutenant Colonel by Captain John Churchill, who thus superseded Major Darrell.

1675. Saturday 5th January. The Battle of Turckheim in Alsace France. A confrontation during the Franco Dutch War fought between the towns of Colmar and Turckheim in Alsace. The French army commanded by the Viscount of Turenne fought against the armies of Austria and Brandenburg, led by Frederick William Elector of Brandenburg. The enemy held a strong position with their left on Colmar and their right on the river Fecht, opposite the village of Turckheim. With their front covered by the Canal de Loeglbach. Turenne having deployed the whole of his cavalry moved away to the left under cover of his deployment and screened by the winter mists and the forests of beer Vineyard poles on the hillsides, across the Fecht with the infantry, and storm a strong entrenchment held by the enemy in the cemetery of St Siphornienat the junction of the river and canal. After heavy fighting he threw in the British Battalions and the Gardes Francaises who poured in such a terrible fire that the enemy began to give way, and with the fire being more intense the Allied infantry could stand it no longer and fled. (sic)

1675. June. The Battle of Sasbach. John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough was present and witnessed his friend Marshall Turenne being killed.

1675. Thursday 20th June - Sunday Tuesday 12th April 1678. King Philip's War against North America involved an armed conflict between the Native American inhabitants of present-day New England and the English colonists and their Native American allies.

1675. December. The question of precedence of regiments was again under consideration by the King. Previously all regiments, with the exception of the Guards and the Admiral's Regiment, took precedence according to the date of the commission of their Colonels, and thus the precedence of a regiment was virtually rearranged at the death of its Colonel. The King, at a court held at Whitehall on the 1st December directed that: -

"First, as to the Foot the Regiments of Guards to take place of all other regiments, and the Colonel to be always reckoned, and take place as the first foot Colonel. The Coldstream Regiment of Guards to take place next. Our most dear and most entirely beloved James Duke of York's regiment immediately after, and all other Colonels to take place according to the dates of their commission. 2nd That the several regiments that are not of our Guards, take place according to their respective seniority from the time they were raised, so as that no regiment is to lose its precedency by the death of their Colonel". (sic)

1675. Tuesday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.

Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675.Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th January 1667. Charles Middleton 1669. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672, Phillip Bickerstaffe August 1672. James Graham 6th January 1675.Thomas Cutler 29th October 1675.

Lieutenants.

Francis Izod August 1672. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Samuel Scudamore 7th September 1673. Edward Harris 12th May 1669. John Wise 4th July 1666. Edward Chichester 10th June 1672. Robert Crauford 16th September 1673. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. William Morrice 10th December 1669. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. Charles Churchill 29th October 1675.

Ensigns

Frederick Walke 16th December 1673.John Thorne 9th December 1669. Alexander Frazier 28th August 1667. Bruce 20th May 1669.

Broughton 12th May 1669. Edward Brett 27th December 1675. George Butler 5th April 1673. Fitsimmons 10th June 1672. Theoph Blechingden 27th December 1675. Henry Horner 7th September 1673. Robert Kilvert 8th May 1667. Alexander Nowell 30th October 1675.

Adjutant - William Pierson (June 1666).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666)

Lieutenant Col – Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1676. The Virginia Rebellion, sometimes referred to as Bacon's Rebellion, was an armed rebellion by Virginia settlers led by Nathaniel Bacon against the rule of Governor William Berkeley. The News of problems in the colony, led to a company of 1000 men of the Dukes Regiment being sent to assist with law and order. However, after two years of normality all but twenty men returned to England. After a further year they were also returned.

1676. The Colours carried by Captain Charles Middleton's Company of the Lord High Admiral's Regiment in the Viggina Expedition. (taken from 'History of the Royal Marines Forces 1664 - 1701' by major I. Edye 1893.)

1676. Thursday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.

Major - Nathaniel Dorrell. Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th January 1667. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Humphry Cornwall 10th June 1672. Phillip Bickerstaffe August 1672. Thomas Cutler 29th October 1675. Charles Middleton 1669.

Lieutenants.

Francis Izod August 1672. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Samuel Scudamore 7th September 1673. Edward Harris 12th May 1669. Edward Chichester 10th June 1672. Robert Crauford 16th September 1673. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. Henry Cornwall 1676. John Wise 4th July 1666. Charles Churchill 29th October 1675. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. George Rooke 1st January 1676.

Ensigns.

Frederick Walker 16th December 1673. George Churchill 1st January 1676. Alexander Frazier 28th August 1667. Bruce 20th May 1670.

Broughton 12th May 1669. George Butler 12th June 1672. Fitsimmons 7th September 1673. Theoph Blechingden 27th December 1675.

Henry Horner 7th September 1673. Robert Kilvert 8th May 1667. Alexander Nowell 30th October 1675. John Thorne 9th December 1669.

Adjutant - William Pierson (June 1666).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Col – Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1677. Wednesday 19th January. The Guernsey engaged an Algerine Corsair.

1677. Friday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.

Major - Nathaniel Drrell.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th January 1667. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Humphry Cornwall 10th June 1672. Phillip Bickerstaffe August 1672. Thomas Cutler 29th October 1675. Charles Middleton 1669.

Lieutenants

Francis Izod August 1672. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Samuel Scudamore 7th September 1673. Edward Harris 12th May 1669. Edward Chichester 10th June 1672. Robert Crauford 16th September 1673. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. George Butler10 Jan 1677. John Wise 4th July 1666. Charles Churchill 29th October 1675. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. George Rooke 1st January 1676.

Ensigns.

Edward Knott 14th June 1677. George Churchill 1st January 1676. George Littleton 11th December 1677. Bruce 20th May 1670. Broughton 12th May 1669. George Butler 5th August 1673. Fitsimmons 7th September 1673. Theoph Blechingden 27th December 1675.

Henry Horner 7th September 1673. Robert Kilvert 8th May 1667. Alexander Nowell 30th October 1675.John Thorne 9th December 1669.

John Jeffreys 11th October 1676. Adjutant - William Pierson (June 1666).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1677. Wednesday 19th January. The Guernsey engaged an Agerine Corsair.

1677. Friday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with Commission.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.

Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th January 1667.Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Humphry Cornwall 10th June 1672. Phillip Bickerstaffe August 1672. Thomas Cutler 29th October 1675.Charles Middleton 1669.

Lieutenants.

Francis Izod August 1672. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Samuel Scudamore 7th September 1673.Edward Harris 13th May 1669. Edward Chichester 10th June 1672. Robert Crauford 16th September 1672. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. George Butler 10th January 1677. John Wise 4th July 1666.Charles Churchill 29th October 1675. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669.George Rooke 1st January 1676.

Ensigns.

Edward Knott 14th June 1677. George Churchill. George Littleton. Bruce 20th May 1670. Broughton 12th May 1669. George Littleton 11th December 1677. Bruce. 20th May 1670. Broughton 16th January 1678. George Butler 5th August 1673. Fitzsimons 7th September 1673. Theoph Blechingden 27th December 1675. Henry Horner 7th October 1675. Alexander Nowell 30th October 1675. John Hill 16th January 1678. John Thorne 9th December 1675. John Jeffreys 11th October 1676.

Adjutant - William Pierson (June 1666).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Col - Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1678. April. Orders were given to form eighty men of the Dukes Regiment, who had just returned from Virginia (America), into a Grenadier company.

1678. Two Marine Battalions were sent to Flanders to assist the Dutch fight against the French.

1678. Each Company of 100 men usually consisted of 30 Pike men, 60 Musketeers, and 10 men armed with light firelocks. This same year the King also added a company of men armed with hand grenades to each of the old British Regiments, which was designated the Grenadier Company. Daggers were so contrived as to fit in the muzzles of the muskets, and bayonets similar to those at present in use, were adopted about twenty years later.

1678. Saturday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.

Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675. Nathaniel Dorrell 6th January 1668. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 31st January 1680. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Phillip Bickerstaffe August 1672. Thomas Cutler 1672. David Legros 30th April 1678. Edward Smith 2nd May 1678.

Lieutenants.

Robert Crauford 1680. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Robert Thompson 20th April 1678. Fitzgerald 16th January 1678.

Theoph Blechingden 16th January 1678. Edward Chichester 10th June 1672. William Bassett 16th January 1678. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. John Wise 4th July. George Churchill 16th January 1678. John Jeffreys 1st March 1678. George Rooke 1st January 1676.

Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669.

Ensigns.

Edward Knott. 14th June 1677. Townsend. 16th January 1678. George Littleton 11th December 1677. Man 16th January 1678. Broughton 16th January 1678. George Buttler. 5th January 1678. John Hill. 16th January 1678. Richard Fowler 16th January 1678. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. William Fitz. 1st May 1678. William B. Morrice. 1st March 1678. Simons. 13th April 1678. Philemon Powell 1st May 1678 Jasper Churchill 16th January 1678.

Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).

Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1679. In consequence of the of the return of the Regiment to England (from Flanders) several changes took place at the quartering of the companies, which were shortly after posted as follows: -

Lieutenant Colonel John Churchill. Isle of Wight.

Sir Bouchier Wrey. Hull.

Captain Baggot. Hull.

Captain Churchill. Hull.

Captain Bickerstaffe. Tynemouth.

Captain Buller. Portsmouth.

Captain Smith. Portsmouth.

Lord Herbert. Plymouth.

Captain Cutler. Plymouth.

1679. Sir Charles Littleton was then issued orders that as soon as he was relieved to move to Sheerness with his company and to take over command of the fort there. Note: there was no mention of him becoming governor of the fort and replacing Major Dorrell.

1679. October. The Revenge engaged the Selvageee's Armanda.

1679. Sunday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.

Major - Nathaniel Dorrell. Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henry Lord Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th January 1667. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Thomas Cutler 29th October 1675. David Legros 30th April 1678. Edward Smith 2nd May 1678. Charles Churchill 1st September 1679.

Edward Nott 24th September 1679.

Lieutenants.

Francis Izod August 1672. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Samuel Scudamore 1st September 1673. Edward Harris 12th May 1669. Robert Crauford 19th September 1673. Edmund Wilson 10 Jun 1672. Thomas Whaley 1st September 1679. John Jeffreys 1st March 1678. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. Edward Chichester 10th June 1672. John Wise 4th July 1666. George Rooke 1st January 1676.

Ensigns.

Marmaduke Greenham 25th October 1679. George Churchill 1st January 1677. George Littleton 11th December 1677. Thomas Man 1st September 1679. Broughton 12th May 1669. William Pierson 1678. Theoph Blechingden 27th December 1675. Alexander Nowell 3rd October 1675. Philemon Powell 1st July 1678. Jasper Churchill 16th January 1678. George Butler 5th August 1673. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. William Paxton 21st March 1678.

Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).

Quartermaster and Marshall - Henry Dereham (20th February 1679).

Chirueon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Colonel Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1679. October. The 'Revenge' engaged Selvagee's Armada.

1680. Wednesday 31st January. Sir Charles Lyttleton wrote: Major Dorrill died this morning; Sr Bowcher Wrey is now the Major, and Harris has the company. I am Governor of Sheerness.

1680. Friday 20th September. The Battle of Tangiers in Morocco North Africa. The Moors were threatening the British possessions in Tangiers. A Marine Battalion was formed and sent out to help the locals. Upon their arrival the Battalion was augmented by extra Marines recruited from the fleet.

1680. Tuesday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates:

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.

Major - Sir Boucher Wrey.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675. Sir Boucher Wrey 31st January 1680. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Thomas Cutler 1672. David Legros 30th April 1678. Charles Churchill 1st September 1679.

Edward Nott 1st September 1679. Edward Smith 2nd May 1678. Francis Izod 1st January 1680. James Fortrey 15th March 1680.

Lieutenants.

Robert Crauford 1680.Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Charles Herbert 31st January 1679. John Packer 1680. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. Robert Lloyd 1680. George Rooke 1st March 1677. Thomas Whaley 1st September 1679. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. Samuel Scudamore 1st September 1673. John Thorne 1680. George Butler 1680.

Ensigns.

Philemon Powell 12th October 1680. George Churchill 1st January 1677. George Littleton 11th December 1677. William Pierson 1678.

Theoph Blechingden 27th December 1675. John Hill 23rd April 1670. Gilbert Simons 1680. Francis Izod 1680. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. Thomas Man 1st September 1679. William Summers 1st March 1680. Jasper Churchill 16th January 1678.

Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).

Quartermaster and Marshall - Henry Dereham (20th February 1679).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Col – Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1681. The quarters for His Majesties forces was given as follows:

Colonel Sir Charles Littleton. Sheerness.

Captain Charles Churchill. Isle of Wight.

Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Nicholl. Portsmouth.

Captain James Fortrey. Portsmouth.

Captain Edmund Harris. Portsmouth.

Captain Francis Izod. Plymouth.

Captain Thomas Cutler. Plymouth.

Capt. David Le Gross. Plymouth.

Major Bouchier Wrey. Hull.

Captain Richard Baggott. Hull.

Captain Edward Nott. Tynemouth.

Captain George Littleton. Guernsey.

The changes for the year were few, but important in one instance, for after a service of close on nine years, Lieutenant Colonel John Churchill left the regiment to commence a care,

"Second son of Sir Winston Churchill; born at Ashe, Devon 24th May 1650. Page of honour to the Duke of York, Ensign, King's Regiment of Guards, 14th September 1667. Served at Tangiers against the Moors, promoted to Captain in the Admiral's Regiment for this service. Served in Flanders, present at the sieges of Nimeguen and Maastricht, promoted Lieutenant Colonel Duke of York's Regiment 17th February 1678, from which he retired early in 1681. Created Baron Churchill of Ayemouth, Co Berwick on 21st December 1682. Appointed Colonel of the 1st Royal Dragoons 19th November 1683. Sworn of the Bedchamber 25thApril 1685 and raised on 14th May following the English peerage as Baron Churchill of Sandridge. Appointed to a command in the Royalist Army during Monmouth's insurrection, and promoted Major General 3rd July and given the Colonelcy of 3rd Troop of Horse Guards for these services. Promoted Lieutenant General 7th November 1688, and sworn a member of the Privvy Council 14th February 1689, after which he was made a Gentleman of the Bedchamber on 1st March 1689. Raised to the Earldom of Marlborough on 9th April 1689. Appointed in June 1689 to command a Brigade of English troops on the continent under the Prince of Waldeck. Commanded jointly with the Duke of Wertemberg in the expedition to Ireland in 1690, and present at the taking of Cork and Kinsale. Commander in Chief of the Allied Forces in Holland 1701 - 1701, and at the reduction of Venloo, Stevenswaert, Roermond and Liege, for which he was, on 14th December 1702 created Marquis of Blandford and Duke of Marlborough. Appointed Colonel of the 1st Guards 1704. Subsequently gained the battles of Blenheim (13th August 1704), Ramillies (23rd May 1706), Oudenparde (11th July 1708) and Malplaquet (11th September 1709). Created Prince of Mindelheim 1704. Married Sarah, daughter and co-heiress of Richard Jennings of Sandbridge near St Albans in 1678. Died 16th June 1722". (sic)

Note: this man is the early ancestor of Sir Winston Churchill the noted WW2 Prime Minister.

1681. Tuesday 8th April. Capture of the Algerine Corsair Golden Horse.

1681. Thursday 22nd May. The HMS Kingfisher engaged seven Algerine pirates.

1681. Wednesday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates:

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Nicholas.

Major - Sir Boucher Wrey.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Oliver Nicholas 23rd February 1681. Sir Boucher Wrey 31st January 1680. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Sir Thomas Cutter August 1672. Charles Churchill 1st September 1679. Edward Nott 1st September 1679. Francis Izod 1st January 1680. Edward Harris 31st January 1680. James Fortrey 15th March 1680.

Lieutenants.

Robert Crauford 1680. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Chichester Wrey 21st July 1681. Thomas Crowther 3rd 1681. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. Robert Lloyd 1680. George Rooke. 1st March 1677. Thomas Whaley 1st September 1679. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. Samuel Scudamore 1st September 1673. John Thorne 1680. George Butler 1680. William Cooke 25th July 1681.

Ensigns.

Philemon Powell 12th October 1680. George Churchill 1st January 1677. George Littleton 11th December 1677. William Pierson 1678.

Theoph Blechingden 27th December 1675. John Hill 23rd April 1670. Gilbert Simons. 1680. Francis Izod 1680. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. Thomas Man 1st September 1679. William Summers 1st March 1680. Jasper Churchill 16th January 1678.

Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).

Quartermaster and Marshall - Henry Dereham (20th February 1679).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666). Lieutenant Col – Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1682. Thursday 31st December. Thye Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Kent.

Lieutenant Colonel - Oliver Nicholas.

Major - Sir Boucher Wrey.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Oliver Nicholas 23rd February 1681. Sir Boucher Wrey 31st January 1680.

Richard Baggot 1st May 1675. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Sir Thomas Cutler August 1672. Charles Churchill 1st September 1679. Edward Nott 1st September 1679. Francis Izod 1st January 1680. Edward Harris31st January 1680. James Fortrey 15th March 1680. Samuel Scudamore 24th July 1682.

Lieutenants.

Robert Crauford 1680. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Chichester Wrey 21st July 1681. William Cooke 25th July 1681. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. Robert Lloyd 1680. Thomas Whaley 1st September 1679. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. Richard Butler 11th August 1682. John Thorne 1680. George Butler 1680. George Rooke1st March 1677.

Ensigns

Philemon Powell 12th October 1680. George Churchill 1st January 1677. George Littleton 11th December 1677. William Pierson 1678.

Theoph Blechingden 27th December 1675. John Hill 23rd April 1670. Francis Izod 1680. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. Thomas Man 1st September 1679. William Summers 1st March 1680. John Whaley 1st May 1682. Gilbert Simmons 1st May 1682.

Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).

Quartermaster and Marshall - Henry Dereham (20th February 1679).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1683. Friday 31st December. The Normal State of Officers of the Admirals regiment with commission dates:

Lieutenant Colonel - Sid Charles Littleton, Knt.

lieutenant Colonel - Oliver Nicholas.

Major - Tichard Baggot.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Oliver Nicholas 23rd February 1681. Richard Baggot 1st May 1683. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Sir Thomas Cutler August 1672. Edward Nott 1st September 1679. Francis Izod 1st January 1680. Edward Harris 31st January 1680. Samuel Scudamore 24th July 1682. James Fortrey. 15th March 1680. Sir Chichester Wrey 1st May 1683. Charles Herbert 31st August 1683.

Lieutenant.

Robert Crauford 1680. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Theoph Blechingden 30th July 1683. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672.

Robert Lloyd 1680. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. Richard Butler 11th August 1682. John Thorne 1680. George Rooke 1st March 1677. George Butler. 1680. Henry Hughes 1st May 1683. Thomas Whaley 1st September 1679.

Ensigns.

Philemon Powell 12th October 1680. George Churchill 1st January 1677. William Pierson 1678. Montarges. 30th July 1683. John Hill 23rd April 1670. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. Thomas Man 1st September 1679. William Summers 1st March 1680. Gilbert Simmons 1st May 1682. John Whaley 1st May 1682. George Littleton 11th December 1677. Francis Izod 1680.

Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).

Quartermaster and Marshall - Tobias le Grosse (30th June 1983).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1684.The third regiment of the line was called the " Maritime Regiment," and also the "Admiral's Regiment;" but the system of having soldiers exclusively for sea-service does not appear to have been carried into effect until the year 1698, when a draft of an establishment for two marine regiments was presented to William the Third, who by his order in Council of the 22nd of February 1694, authorized their formation, subject to certain regulations, as hereafter detailed. (Volune 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1684. 5th - 8th January. Uniform. In the London Gazette, the uniform of the Regiment is described as "coats yellow, lined red, stockings red", whilst in the London Gazette 9/13 April 1684/5 it is stated to be "coats yellow, breaches red, belt shoulder for sword." (sic)

1684. Sunday 1st October. Uniform. Nathan Brooks describing the Regiment on Putney Heath at the Grand Review of the 1st October 1684 says, "The Admirals Regiment consists of twelve companies, without grenadiers, coated yellow, lined red" but this was twenty years after the first formation of the Regiment. There is, however, little doubt that yellow was the chosen colour for the uniform at the Corp's formation. It was the favourite colour of its Colonel in Chief, the Duke of York, and it was the same as was worn by the Duke of York's Horse, and by the Duchess of York's Regiment of Foot.

1684. Sunday 31st December. The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.

Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.

Lieutenant Colonel - Oliver Nicholas.

Major – Richard Baggot.

Captains.

Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Oliver Nicholas 23rd February 1681. Richard Baggot 1st May 1683. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Sir Thomas Cutler August 1672. Edward Nott 1st September 1679. Francis Izod 1st January 1680. Edward Harris 31st January 1680. Samuel Scudamore 24th July 1682. Edward Plowden. 1st May 1683. Sir Chichester Wrey 1st May 1683. Charles Herbert 31st August 1683.

Lieutenants.

Robert Crauford 1680. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Theoph Blechingden 30th July 1683. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672.

Robert Lloyd 1680. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. Richard Butler 11th August 1682. John Thorne 1680. George Rooke 1st March 1677. William Oglethorpe. 1st March 1684. George Rooke.1st March 1677. Henry Hughes 1st May 1683. Thomas Whaley 1st September 1679.

Ensigns.

Philemon Powell 12th October 1680. George Churchill 1st January 1677. William Pierson 1678. Brounell. 4th January 1684. John Hill 23rd April 1670. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. Thomas Man 1st September 1679. William Summers 1st March 1680. Gilbert Simmons 1st May 1682. John Whaley 1st May 1682. George Littleton 11th December 1677. Francis Izod 1680. James Man 1st May 1684.

Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).

Quartermaster and Marshall - Tobias le Grosse (30th June 1983).

Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).

Lieutenant Col -Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).

1685 \- 1687. Uniform. The yellow coat gave way to red as in the London Gazette 30th January 2nd February 1687 which gives details of a deserter from the Regiment who was wearing a "red coat lined with yellow" (sic)

1685. Tuesday 6th February. The Monmouth Rebellion (civil war) was an attempt to overthrow James II, who had become King of England, Scotland and Ireland upon the death of his elder brother Charles II. James II was a Roman Catholic, and some Protestants under his rule opposed his Kingship. James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, an illegitimate son of Charles II, claimed to be the rightful heir to the throne and attempted to over throw him.

1685. Tuesday 6th February. James II ascended the throne of England. The Regiment was given to Prince George of Denmark the King's son-in-law. It was during this time that the uniform colour changed to red coats with white stockings. Renamed Prince George of Denmark's Regiment but later they were disbanded.

1685. An Ordnance Regiment was raised by order of King James II, to guard the artillery, and was designated the Royal Fusiliers (later the 7th Foot). This Corps, and the Companies of Grenadiers, did not carry pikes.

1685. It was customary at this time to call regiments by the names of their Commanding Officers. A practice which has always been a thorn in the side of historians. In accordance with this custom, it went on that the Duke of York upon becoming King James II in 1685, his Marine Regiment was handed over to Prince George, Hereditary Prince of Denmark, it then became known by his name. In the following year possibly because of the Princes taste in fancy waistcoats did not coincide with that of his predecessors in command. The men of the Marine Regiment were clad in redcoats, with yellow facings, dark grey breeches, and white stockings.

1687 \- 1698. There were several Maritime Regiments raised Commanded by Colonels Mordaunt, Colt, Seymour, and Brudenell, also Sir Cloudesley Shovel's, Lord Torrington, and the Marquis of Carmarthen's, all of which were disbanded during 1697 and 1698. The expenses incurred by the maintenance of the maritime troops were classed with the estimates of the navy, and money was issued from time to time, by warrant from the Lord High Treasurer to the Treasurer of the Navy, who placed it in the hands of a person especially appointed to receive and pay it. Under this system, the Admiralty and Navy Boards were subjected too much trouble, in forming and directing its different arrangements.

1687 \- 1698. A total of seven Marine Regiments were raised and subsequently disbanded.

1687 \- 1698. There were several maritime regiments raised for the purposes, and under the regulations I have stated. They were Colonels Mordaunt, Colt, Seymour, and Brudenell's; also, Sir Cloudesley Shovel's, my Lord Torrington's, and the Marquis of Carmarthen's; all of which were disbanded during the currency of 1697 and 1698.

The expenses incurred by the maintenance of the maritime troops were classed with the estimates of the navy, and money was issued from time to time, by warrant from the Lord High Treasurer to the Treasurer of the Navy, who placed it in the hands of a person especially appointed to receive and pay it. Under this system, the Admiralty and Navy Boards were subjected to much trouble, in forming and directing its different arrangements.

From the nature of the marine service, at this period, few or no achievements occur which can be peculiarly attached to it as a corps. We find them honourably mentioned in the operations against St. Christopher's, and the successful attack upon Cork, under the era of 1690. The detail of loss upon the former occasion is thus described, and evinces that their energies also, as soldiers, were called forth when occasion might require them. "In this action we had killed and wounded upwards of 130 men, and Captain Keigwin, a sea commander, who was appointed Colonel of the Marine Regiment, (which consisted of about 230 seamen) was shot through the thigh, of which wound he died, before he could be carried on board, and Captain Brisbane, who acted as First Captain to the Marines, receiving a shot through the body, expired that night on board the Bristol."

Embodied under similar circumstances, they of course partook in the various services of debarkation, which the emergency of those times might have demanded, until the peace of Ryswick, which, for a while, closed the existence of marine forces.

The expenses of King William's war, upwards of eight years' duration, are so moderate when contrasted with these of later days, that they merit a place in any retrospect which treats of that period; and it is to be remarked that 40,000 seamen were maintained during the last years of it.

Total navy estimates allowed £16,303,713. -15.- 0.

Total army do. do............... £18,487,671. 17. 10.

..... ........ ..........................Total £34,764,385. 12. 10.

In all, thirty-four million seven hundred sixty-four thousand three hundred eighty-five pounds, twelve shillings and ten pence!

I cannot bid adieu to the transactions of this auspicious reign, which has established the happiness and the liberties of my country, without commenting upon two events of it, that must be materially interesting to every military man--I mean the code of laws for the good order and discipline of our armies, and the grant of half-pay bestowed upon disbanded officers.

The first was adopted in an hour of urgent expediency, in order to restrain the uncontrolled outrages of a discontented soldiery, on account of arrears due to them. This act was passed in great haste upon the 12th day of April 1689 and has progressively experienced these various improvements that arise out of occasions.

It undergoes annually a legislative sanction, under the title of the Mutiny Bill.

Half-pay was a gift decreed upon the 18th of January 1697, and has subsequently involved many a doubt, whether as having been intended in the light of a retaining fee, or as a reward for past services.

Opposite decisions have authorised different constructions, while the lapse of more than one hundred years has not yet explicitly brought the point to an issue.

The manly and independent spirit of our judges, pure as these laws that control their opinions, has not been able to adjust the question.

In the case of General Ross, which was submitted to their enquiry and determination--they resolved that he could not be amenable, as a half-pay officer, to military jurisdiction; but the discussion extended no farther. (An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps, from its original formation to 1803, by Alexander Gillespie)

1688 \- 1697. The Nine Year War between the England, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Holland against King Louis XIV of France.

1688 \- 1697. King William's War was the first of six North American colonial wars.

1688 \- 1691. The Williamite War in Ireland was a conflict between the Jacobites (supporters of the English Catholic King James II) and Williamites (supporters of the Dutch Protestant Prince William of Orange) over who would be King of England, Scotland and Ireland. It is also known as the Jacobite War in Ireland.

1688 \- 1746. The Jacobite Rebellions were a series of uprisings, rebellions, and wars in England and Ireland. The uprisings had the aim of returning James VII of Scotland and II of England, and later his descendants of the House of Stuart, to the English throne.

1689. Officers commanding his Majesty's ships were ordered to deposit perfect copies of their journals with the secretary of the admiralty.

1689. King William III incorporated the Admirals Regiment which was then considered the third Regiment of Infantry, into the Second, now the Coldstream Regiment of Foot Guards. Two Marine Regiments were about the same time, established for service on board the fleet, which were later disbanded in 1698.

1689. May. The Railleuse and Serpente were captured by Nonsuch.

1689 – 1697. England and France declared war against each other.

1689. Wednesday 11th May. The Battle of Bantry Bay was a naval engagement fought during the Nine Years' War. The English fleet was commanded by Arthur Herbert, 1st Earl of Torrington, the French fleet by François Louis de Rousselet, Marquis de Château Renault. Apart from the inshore operations at La Rochelle in 1627 - 1628, the Battle of Bantry Bay was the first time English and French navies had met in a fleet action since 1545. The battle near the southern Irish coast was inconclusive but the French, endeavouring to supply King James II in his attempt to re-establish his throne, had managed to unload their supplies for James's Irish campaign. However, the French failed to follow up their tactical success with a strategic gain, Château Renault had inflicted considerable damage on the English fleet. During the wars with France, Marine Battalions and ships detachments were seldom away from the fighting.

1689. Monday 28th July. Relief of Londonderry.

1690. Britain was at war with France and two Regiments of Marines were raised under the command of the Earl of Torrington and Pembroke, later Lord Berkeley's. Each had twelve companies (948 men) and a Grenadier company (237 men) and again there were no pike men, each man carrying a Dutch snaphance musket. In addition, each Marine carried a bayonet, which was unusual at that time. Their main role was for service with the Fleet in which they succeeded in participating in all major sea battles of that time. (Both Regiments were later disbanded in 1696).

The Marine Regiment which according to another account published in 1691, was a detachment of the frigates, numbering 400 strong, would seem to be what we should now call a Naval Brigade, but on the other hand, one would hardly expect the men to be called Marines. Probably both seamen and Marines acted together as they had constantly done on other occasions. Captain Keigwin though here called a sea commander, had a commission in a Marine Regiment. However, in those days it would not have debarred him from a Naval Command, it was rather a reason for giving it to him. He took part in the capture of St. Helena as a Commander of our Land Forces.

1690. Wednesday 21st June. The capture of St. Christopher's in the West Indies, by a 400 strong Battalion of Marines, formed from the detachments of a number of frigates in the area. During this action 130 men were killed and wounded, including Captain Keigwin a sea Commander, who was appointed Colonel of the Marines Regiment consisting of about 230 seamen was shot through the thigh, of which he died before he could be carried on board. Captain Brisbane who acted as 1st Captain of the Marines also received a shot through the body and died the next morning on board HMS Bristol.

1690. Friday 30th June. The French were sighted off the Lizard making their way eastwards up the Channel. Lord Torrington, commanding the combined fleets, was reluctant to commit to battle in the face of superior French numbers, but was given the order for battle from HMS Queen Mary on Sunday 9th July off Beachy Head. With the wind from NE three divisions of the combined Anglo-Dutch fleet bore down upon three divisions of the French fleet to the westward, with both sides arranged in a line of battle formation.

1690. Monday 10th July. The Battle at Beachy Head along the Sussex coast was a naval engagement fought during the Nine Years War, approximately 12 or more miles off Beachy Head, between a combined Anglo-Dutch fleet and the French fleet. The battle raged from around 8am until nightfall. It took place in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution when William and Mary of Orange replaced James II on the throne, and French involvement at this battle was intended to support the return of James II, as well as being part of the wider war known as the War of the Grand Alliance.

The battle was the greatest French tactical naval victory over their English and Dutch opponents during the war. The English and Dutch lost around 11 ships in total, whereas the French did not lose a single vessel, but although control of the English Channel temporarily fell into French hands, Admiral Tourville failed to pursue the Allied fleet allowing it to escape to the river Thames. Tourville was heavily criticised for not following up his victory and was relieved of his command. English Admiral Torrington who had advised against engaging the superior French fleet was overruled by Queen Mary, and her minister was court-martialled for his performance during the battle. Although he was later acquitted, when King William dismissed him from the service.

1690. Tuesday 11th July. The Battle of Boyne took place in Ireland, between the Catholic James II of England and VII of Scotland and the Protestant William III of England and II of Scotland, who, with his wife, Mary II (who was his cousin and James's daughter), had overthrown James in England in 1688. The battle took place across the river Boyne near the town of Droghedaon on the east coast of Ireland and resulted in a victory for William. This turned the tide in James's failed attempt to regain the British crown and ultimately aided in ensuring the continued Protestant ascendancy in Ireland. William's forces defeated James's army, which consisted mostly of raw recruits. The symbolic importance of this battle has made it one of the best known battles in the history of the British Isles and a key part of the folklore of the Orange Order. Marines were at one time involved in the fighting. It was also the last battle between two rival claimants for the throne.

1690. James II of England (James VII of Scotland) and Ireland departed for France from Kinsale, following his defeat at the battle of the Boyne by William III of England also William III of the House of Orange.

1690. Prince George of Denmark's Maritime Regiment (1984 - 1689) proposed uniform for the 1st and 2nd Marines. (taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI).

1690. Wednesday 12th July. The Siege and Capture of Jacobite controlled Cork in Ireland, was taken by the same two Marine Regiments led by John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough, who had fought at Beach Head earlier in the year. Marlborough reached Cork by sea on Thursday 21st September. His English forces were 5,000 strong and he also had at his disposal a fleet which blockaded the port of Cork. While entering Queens Town Harbour the British fleet was fired upon by an eight gun battery near the entrance, and after a few broadsides went on to capture Cork. He landed his troops at Passage West on Sunday 24th September and set up his base at Red Abbey, to the south of the walled city. Approaching from the northern landward, side were 4,000 Danish troops under the Duke of Württemberg.

The Williamites took the forts (such as Elizabeth Fort) which commanded the hills around Cork and commenced a bombardment of the city from the heights. When a breach was opened in the city walls, the towns garrisoned opened surrender negotiations, asking to be allowed to leave Cork and join the main Jacobite army at Limerick. Marlborough refused the request, although Württemberg was in favour of granting the terms. A few days later, the Williamites mounted a joint English-Danish assault of the breach from the south. When the Williamites reached the walls, the Governor of Cork, McElliot, opened new surrender talks and agreed that the garrison would become prisoners and would surrender their arms and stores. Marlborough accepted, and the town surrendered. In spite of this, the Williamite troops, sacked the city, and carried out a great deal of damage looting property and abusing the Catholic inhabitants. Many civilians were killed before Württemberg and Marlborough could restore order.

1690. Sunday 15th October. The Capture of Skinsdale along the South East Coast of Ireland. The Williamites went on to take nearby Kinsale which was strongly defended by two forts, the Old Fort, also known as James Fort, and the New Fort or Charles Fort. Marlborough assaulted these fortifications but was unable to take them by storm. The Old Fort, defended by the Governor Colonel Cornelius O'Driscoll, fell after an assault was made possible by an accidental explosion in its gunpowder magazine, which killed 40 of his men. After some 200 others were slain in the following assault including Colonel O'Driscoll, the rest surrendered. However, Charles Fort held out for a further ten days and surrendered only after receiving guarantees that its 1,200 strong garrison could march away to Limerick. It was defended by the elderly and experienced Governor Sir Edward Scott, and his Deputy Governor Colonel Daniel O'Donovan.

1691. Wednesday 21st February. Commodore Wrenn engaged M. de Blenac.

1691. Thursday 12th July. The Battle of Ashram on the East Coast of Ireland.

1691. Sunday 22nd July. The Battle of Aughrim was the decisive battle of the Williamite War in Ireland. It was fought between the Jacobites and the forces of William III near the village of Aughrim in County Galway. The battle was one of the more bloody recorded fought on Irish soil. With over 7,000 people killed. It meant the effective end of Jacobitism in Ireland, although the city of Limerick held out until the autumn.

1691. The Marine Regiment which according to another account published in 1691, was a detachment of the frigates, 400 strong, would seem to be what we should now call a Naval Brigade, but on the other hand, one would hardly expect the men to be called Marines. Probably both seamen and Marines acted together as they had constantly done on other occasions. Captain Keigwin though here called a sea commander, had a commission in a Marine Regiment. However, in those days would not have debarred him from a Naval Command, it was rather a reason for giving it to him. He went on to take part in the capture of St. Helena as a Commander of our Land Forces.

1692. Two Foot Regiments were raised Comanded by General John Mordaunt and Brigadier-General William Seymour.

1692. May. The French fleet of 44 ships of the line under the command of Admiral Anne Hilarion de Costentin, Comte de Tourville, was preparing to transport an invading army of Franco Irish troops to restore James II to the English throne. Despite Tourville being in command of the fleet, strategic decisions were to be taken by James II, François d'Usson de Bonrepaus and Bernardin Gigault de Bellefonds. The French victory at the Battle of Beachy Head two years earlier, in June 1690, had opened up the possibility of destroying the allied fleet and landing an invading army. Tourville boldly engaged the 82 vessel Anglo-Dutch fleet at Barfleur. After a fierce but indecisive clash that left many ships on both sides damaged, Tourville disengaged. He slipped off into light fog and for several days tried to escape the superior forces. The French fleet scattered, and fifteen were lost, three at Cherbourg and a further twelve at La Hougue. The threat of invasion of England was lifted.

1692. Monday 19th to Wednesday 4th June. The Marines played a major role in the related naval battles of Barfleur and La Hogue off the Coast of France. When the Anglo Dutch fleet defeated the French. Forcing its ships into La Hogue where four days later, two hundred boats manned by Marines and seamen continued the rout, in which the French lost 15 ships.

1692. September. Detachments were drawn out of the two Marine Regiments to go with Colonel Faringdon's Regiment to Jamaica.

1692. November. Colonel's Lillington and Norcutts were sent to Jamaica each with 100 Marines. While a further 500 Marines were sent to Admiral Russell in Jamaica for duty's afloat.

1693. Saturday 27th June. The Battle of Lagos was a sea battle that took place during the Nine Years' War off the Coast of Portugal during the Nine Years' War. When a French fleet under Anne Hilarion de Tourville defeated an Anglo-Dutch fleet under George Rooke. Rooke's squadron was protecting the 'Smyrna Convoy', and it is by this name that the action is sometimes known. During the spring of 1693, a large convoy was organised to transport English and Dutch merchant ships which were bound for Spain and the Mediterranean.

1693. Monday 29th June. Throwing the dice for Execution. This custom seems to have been the usual procedure for executions in the 16-1700's. Luttrell records (29th June 1693) that, "Yesterday three soldiers of Prince Hesse's regiment were bought to St George's Fields being condemned by court-martial for deserting their colours. The three of them were required to throw the dice on to the drum. The one throwing the lowest number was shot to death." Again "Barclay (in his `Icon Animarum' tells the story of an Englishman on the Spanish side in Flanders, taken prisoner amongst other soldiers. Dice was given them to throw for their lives. The Englishman took the dice before all the others and threw high thereby escaping death. He saw one of the Spanish prisoners shaking from fear and offered to throw his dice for him for twelvepence and he threw high again thus surviving."

An earlier instance can be quoted from Strada, who is speaking of the strict discipline enforced by the Duke of Alva in the Spanish Army. In a march from Italy to the Low Countries the one and only crime committed against civilians was the stealing of three sheep in Lorraine. The three culprits concerned were ordered to be hanged, but on intercession of a Lorraine officer " the three were compelled to throw dice upon the drum head to decide which should die. As fortune would have it the lot to be hanged fell on the one who had enticed the other two to commit the crime. (Sic)

1693. Monday 29th June. The Battle of Landen in Belgium, took place during the Nine Years' War, fought in present-day Belgium between the French Army of Marshal Luxembourg and the Allied Army of King William III of England. The French assaulted the allied position three times before the French cavalry finally penetrated the allied defences and drove William's army from the field in a rout. The battle was costly on both sides, with the French losing 9,000 men and the Allies 19,000. The French failed to follow up on their victory, allowing William to escape.

1693. Thursday 26th November. The attack on St. Malmo south of Jersey off the coast of France. 6 Officers, 25 Sergeants and 250 Marines embarked for this service, including the Grenadier Company.

A fleet of 30 English and Dutch ships appeared off Cap Frehel. They cannonaded Fort-la-Latte and Ébihens Island, and then sailed towards Saint Malo. Three days later, the Anglo Dutch force captured Fort de la Conchée and Cézembre Island. For their attack on Saint Malo the English had brought a vessel packed with gunpowder to use as a floating mine against the city's defences, but it ran aground short of its target. The crew of the vessel were able to set off their bomb, but it was too far from its target to do any harm.

1694. Sunday 3rd - 4th January. The Capture of the Nonsuch and the Falcon by the Francois.

1694. Wednesday 27th January. The Capture of the Content and the Trident by an English Squadron.

1694. Thursday 14th February. An order was issued to all officers commanding Marine Regiments: "You are also required to cause your men to be frequently exercised at the Great gun for the better instructing them in that matter." (sic)

1694. Sunday 2nd May. Capture of the Diligente by an English Squadron.

1694. Tuesday 8th June. An English squadron under Lord Berkeley, was defeated in its attack on Brest on the French coast. As soon as the Monk came within range of the enemies mortars, the enemy began to fling their bombs at her from the Point des Fillette, and the Western Point of Camaret Bay, in so much that when she came within three quarters of a mile of the latter one of the bombs broke just above her, with a large piece of it striking through the poop and two lower decks, before flying out of the side and into the water near one of the stern ports, near one of the standard ports, and killed two of the Marines Company and wounded a third, who stood closed by him on the Poop.

1694. Friday 18th June. The Battle of Camaret was an amphibious landing at Camaret Bay by the English and Dutch in an attempt to seize the French port of Brest and destroy part of the French fleet stationed there, during the Nine Years' War. It was successfully opposed by Vauban (in his only ever field command.

1694. Tuesday 15th June. The Bombardment of Havre de Grace.

1694. Monday 12th July. The Bombardment of Dieppe off the coast of France. The castle Château de Dieppe.

1694. Sunday 18th July. The capture of the HMS Scarborough by the Comte de Revel.

1694. Sunday 12th to Monday 13th September. The Bombardment of Dunkirk on the coast of France.

1694. Tuesday 27th July. The Bank of England is chartered after its founders lent the government £1.2 million to help cover its soaring war debts.

1695. A Brass boxed compass was first supplied to most ships of the Royal Navy.

1695. The Battle of Sardinia in which HMS Plymouth Commanded by Captain James Killigrew, who was also a Captain in the first Marines helped defeat two French ships.

1695. Thursday 27th January. The Battle off Messina in Sicily. Captain James Killigrew a Captain in the 1st Marines then in command of the HMS Plymouth carrying 60 guns, defeated the French ships Content with 60 guns and the Trident with 52 Guns. He was killed during the action and buried in Messina with full military honours.

1695. Saturday 16th April. The Capture of the Hope by Duguay-Trouin.

1695. Sunday 3rd July. The Battle off Jamaica in the West Indies.

1695. Monday 4th - 5th July. The Bombardment of St. Malo.

1695. Monday 1st August. The Bombardment of Dunkirk.

1695. Wednesday 17th August. The Bombardment of Calais.

1696. Tuesday 3rd July. The Landing on Isle of Groy to the North of France. 700 Soldiers and Marines were landed and burnt twenty villagers. It was intended to attempt a landing on Belle-Isle at the time, but the Admiral abandoned the idea as he only had 240 men lead by Colonel Norcutt. Knowing that the enemy had 25 Companies of the Regiments of Picardy and 3000 armed islanders.

1696. Thursday 12th July. The Battle of Aughrim in Galway Ireland.

1697. Friday 18th January. Half-pay was a gift decreed upon this day, and has subsequently involved many a doubt, whether as having been intended in the light of a retaining fee, or as a reward for past services. (Taken from An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps by Alexander Gillespie)

1697. Tuesday 28th May. HMS Nevell engaged De Pointis off Cartagena.

1697. In this year half-pay was first granted to the officers of marines. (Volune 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1697. Friday 20th September. With The peace agreement with France two foot Regiments raised in 1692, Mordaunt's Regiment and Seymour's Regiment were converted into Marines.

1698. Friday 18th July. An order was issued for the two Regiments of Marines that must have been considerably reduced in numbers, were combined in to one, and placed under the command of Colonel Thomas Brudenall. At the same time the three Regiments commanded by Colonel Edward Dutton Colt, William Seymour, and Henry Mordaunt, were turned into Marine Regiments and placed upon the naval establishment. These Regiments had a strength of 754 Officers, N.C.O.S. and men, so that the whole tour of them together were barely stronger than the one of the original Regiments whose place they had taken. Like the previous Marine Regiments, the new establishment was made the subject of various attacks by the pamphleteers of the day, and the transference of three of them from the line gave one of their most virulent assailants the pretext for alleging that "Their Land Methods have mightily interfere with the Navy Rules, and introduced pernicious notions into the Fleet Officers, such as Misratings, false musters, and other Abuses which Sea Officers formally were ignorant of, had all of them entered the service since the year 1668, when that monarch who "never said a foolish thing but never did a wise one," remarked to the Duke of York: If ever you intend to man the fleet without being cheated by the Captains and Pursers, you may go to bed and resolve never to have it maned." (sic)

1698. The advantages arising from the Corps being trained to the use of arms on board of ship, as well as on the land, were found when the British navy acquired superiority over that of other nations of Europe, and as the safety of Great Britain, from its insular position, chiefly depended on the efficiency and excellence of her fleets, the importance and value of Marine Forces have consequently been at all times acknowledged and appreciated by the Sovereign, as well as by the Nation at large.

1699.At the commencement of 1699, four regiments of marines were directed to be levied; but in consequence of the peace of Ryswick, such men as had been raised were shortly afterwards ordered to be disbanded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
Chapter 3

### 1700 -1724

By the early 18th century the role of the Marines had been resolved.

They were totally under the control of the Admiralty.

Their roles consisted of:

1. Guard and sentry duties.

2. The maintenance of discipline and enforcement of regulations aboard ship.

3. Marines quarters aboard ship were kept separate from the seamen.

4. They stood guard when punishment was being carried out.

5. At friendly ports they performed guard duties, maintained order and ensured that sailors did not desert their ship.

6. To Guard Garrison captured fortresses until relieved by the infantry.

7. To act as sharpshooters and gunners on board ship.

8. To act as boarding parties to seize ships and assist in sailing captured ships to friendly ports.

9. When occasion arose to fight in land battles.

1702. Wednesday 8th March. With the death of King William III. His policy was adopted by his successor Queen Anne, who entered into treaties of alliance with the Emperor of Germany, the State's General of the United Provinces, and other Princes and Potentates, for preserving the liberty and balance of power in Europe, and for defeating the ambitious views of France. The measures for increasing the efficiency of the fleet had occasioned the suggestion of raising Corps of Marines, capable of acting on land as well as at sea. Several Regiments of the regular army were appointed to serve as Marines, and six additional Regiments were especially raised for that service.

1702. Monday 13th March. Sir John Norris arrived at Port Mahon as commander-in-chief of the naval force; and after some arrangements for transporting troops to attack the enemy in various quarters, he reached Barcelona on the 18th of June. An expedition was then directed against Cette, in the province of Languedoc, where the troops and Marines were landed on the 13th of July. After a feeble resistance the place, with a fort mounting eighteen pieces of cannon, surrendered on the same day. Major-general Seissau, with the regiment of Stanhope, advanced towards Adge, which town was delivered up without resistance. The island of Cette was shortly afterwards recovered by the French army, but our troops had previously been withdrawn.

In the early part of this year it was resolved to make an attempt on the town of Quebec, the French capital of Canada; for which service Sir Hovenden Walker and General Hill were appointed commanders-in-chief of their respective forces. The fleet reached Nantasket, near Boston, on the 24th of June; and having prepared the provincial corps, and withdrawn the Marines who garrisoned Annapolis Royal since its surrender, they sailed for the object of their destination on the 30th of July and reached the Bird Islands on the 14th of August. After many fruitless attempts to ascend the river, with the loss of eight transports, in which 900 seamen and soldiers perished, and the fleet having been in imminent danger, a council of war determined "that by reason of the ignorance of the pilots, and also the uncertainty and rapidity of the currents, it was wholly impracticable to go up the river St. Lawrence with the men-of-war and transports as far as Quebec." It was therefore determined to abandon all further proceedings, and after leaving' the provincial auxiliaries on their own coast, the expedition returned to England on the 9th of October. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1702. Tuesday 14th March. A Royal Warrant was issued, authorising Colonel George Villiers to raise a Regiment of Marines, which was to consist of twelve companies, of two Sergeants, three Corporals, two Drummers, and fifty-nine private soldiers each, with an additional Sergeant to the Grenadier Company.

1702. Monday 20th March. Sir John Jennings assumed the command of the British fleet at Barcelona on the 20th of March. About this period, Joseph, Emperor of Germany died, and Charles III. of Spain, on succeeding to the imperial dignity, embarked on board the British fleet, which forthwith proceeded to Italy. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.

1702. Thursday 4th May. War was proclaimed against France and Spain; and the French king having advanced his grandson the Duke of Anjou to the vacant Spanish monarchy, Queen Anne, who had ascended the British throne, espoused the claims of the Archduke of Austria upon the Spanish sovereignty, and resolved upon sending a powerful fleet into the Mediterranean.

One of the first acts of her reign was a revival of the corps of Marines. Her Majesty's order for levying this body was issued on the 1st of June 1 702, and was to this effect " Our pleasure is, that six regiments of Marines, and six other regiments for sea service, do commence and take place from the respective times of raising. And our further pleasure is, that the order given by our dearest brother, the late King, deceased, and such orders as are or shall be given by us, touching the pay or entertainment of our said forces, or any of them, or any charges thereunto belonging, shall be duly complied with; and that no new charge be added to this establishment without being communicated to our High Treasurer, or Commissioners of our treasury for the time being."

1702. Her Majesty was pleased to establish six marine regiments ; they were put upon a different footing from those which were thought necessary at the beginning, but discontinued before the close, of the last war ; for as the soldiers were formerly discharged from the regiments and entered on the ships' books as foremast men, when they had qualified themselves to serve as such, and money allowed to the officers to procure others in their room, so now, when any of the marine soldiers died, or were otherwise missing, the companies were only made full by levy-money to the officers, without any regard to their being a nursery for seamen, which was one of the principal motives for the first raising of such a body of men. The charge of these regiments was defrayed by the navy, (as being part of the men voted by Parliament for sea service,) and money was issued out from time to time by the treasurer, by warrants from the Lord High Treasurer, to a person particularly appointed to receive and pay the same. The following articles for the government and conduct of these regiments were framed and adopted by Her Majesty in Council on the 12th of July 1702.

They were to be employed on board Her Majesty's ships as there should be occasion, and quartered at, or as near as might be, to the dock-yards when on shore, to guard them from embezzlements, or any attempts of an enemy. In all matters relating to their subsistence and clearings, when on board and on shore, they were to be paid in like manner as the land forces, and the same deductions to be made from them for clothing, and one day's pay, once a-year, from each officer and soldier for the hospital. They were to be allowed an equal proportion of provisions with the seamen, without any deductions from their pay for the same; and to have the same allowance for short provisions as the seamen, to be paid to themselves or their assigns.

Such regiments, or parts of them, as should be on shore, were to be mustered by a commissary or commissaries in the same manner as the land forces ; excepting in this case, that they said commissaries were obliged to allow at each muster on his or their rolls all such officers and soldiers as should appear to him or them, by authentic vouchers or certificates, to be put on board any of Her Majesty's ships or vessels ; and that such part of the aforesaid regiments as should be at sea, might be paid while they were so. It was directed, that the commanding marine officer with them should, every two months, return to the commissary-general of the musters a perfect list of all the officers and soldiers on board each ship, signed by himself, and all the marine officers, expressing the times of entry, death, and discharge of each man; that so the commissary might compare the said lists with the monthly books sent to the Navy office, and allow such of the officers and soldiers as should appear to him fit to be so allowed.

To prevent confusion, not less than fifteen marine soldiers, and with them an officer, were to be put on board of a ship at any one time, unless in cases of necessity. A particular paymaster was appointed, with power to solicit the arrears of the regiments, and to receive all sums of money from the Treasurer of the Navy; and immediately upon the receipt thereof, to issue the same to the respective colonels or their agents. He was also required diligently and carefully to adjust all accounts relating to the regiments, according to such muster-rolls as should be delivered to him by the commissary or commissaries; and those muster-rolls were to be allowed of, as sufficient vouchers for the charges in the accounts, and for making out debentures and warrants.

To enable the aforesaid paymaster to keep an office, and to defray the charge thereof, and of clerks and other contingencies, he was allowed sixpence in the pound, pursuant to the subscription of the respective colonels, which he had power to deduct out of all moneys issued to him, in the same manner as the poundage was deducted from the land forces. For rendering such parts of the regiments as should be on shore the more useful, Her Majesty declared it should be left to herself, or the High Admiral, to dispose of them at such places nearest to the several dock-yards as might be judged most convenient. And since there might be occasion for labourers to despatch necessary works, Her Majesty empowered her High Admiral, or the commissioners for executing the office, to cause to be employed in the aforesaid dock-yards so many of the marine soldiers as might be judged fitting, and to make them such daily allowance for the same, besides their ordinary pay, as should seem reasonable.

Brigadier-general Seymour was appointed by the Lord High Admiral to superintend the establishment. His particular duties were, to observe that the men were comfortably quartered that the officers were attentive in their respective departments; and that the marine soldiers, when embarked on board of ship, were supplied with proper sea-clothes, and other suitable necessaries. A number of independent companies of Marines were also raised for the express purpose of defending our West India possessions; to which quarter they were sent, and embodied into three regiments, 1704 Charles, Archduke of Austria, being declared king of Spain, and acknowledged as such by England and her allies, Sir George Rooke was sent with a strong squadron of English and Dutch men-of-war to convoy His Majesty to Portugal. On his arrival at Lisbon on the 25th of February, after two days spent in adjusting the ceremonial, His Catholic Majesty was conducted on shore by the King of Portugal, and most of the royal family. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1702. In compliance with the entreaties of King Charles III., the squadron embarked a division of troops under the command of the Prince of Hesse d'Armstadt, and sailed with a fleet of transports, under convoy, for the reduction of Barcelona, where they arrived on the 18th of May; and on the day following twelve hundred Marines, four hundred Dutch foot, a company of Catalans, and as many volunteers as made up a total force of two thousand men, were landed under the Prince of Hesse. After remaining on shorem the whole night, during which the Dutch had bombarded the place with some effect, his Highness, under the apprehension of being attacked by a superior force, caused the force to be re-embarked.

On the 21st of May the fleet sailed; and having passed the Straits on the 14th of June, was joined by the squadron under Sir Cloudesley Shovel in Lagos Bay on the 16th when a council of war assembled to consider what service should be proceeded on; nothing decisive, however, was arranged, and Sir George again sailed for the Mediterranean. On the 17th of July, when in the road of Tetuan, it was determined to make a sudden and resolute attempt upon Gibraltar

On the 21st of July the fleet arrived in Gibraltar Bay, and the Marines, English, and Dutch, to the number of eighteen hundred, were landed under the command of the Prince of Hesse on the isthmus, to cut off all communication between the garrison and the continent. His Highness having taken post there, summoned the governor; who replied that he would defend the place to the last extremity. On the 22nd the admiral, at break of day, commenced a vigorous attack, and cannonaded the town with so much spirit, that fifteen thousand shot were expended in the course of five hours. This produced a correspondent effect, and Sir George Rooke, perceiving that the enemy were driven from the works at the mole head, ordered Captain Whitaker to arm all the boats, and attempt to make himself master of the enemy's fortifications; justly concluding, that if these were once occupied, the town must immediately surrender. This order was no sooner issued, than Captains Hicks and Jumper, who were nearest to the mole, pushed ashore with their pinnaces; and having scrambled up into the fortifications, were actually in possession of them before the rest of the attacking party could arrive. The Spaniards, finding the works untenable, sprang a mine, by which explosion two lieutenants and forty men were killed, and sixty wounded. Notwithstanding this misfortune, the two captains maintained possession of the great platform until they were sustained by Captain Whitaker and the seamen under his command, who soon made themselves masters of a redoubt between the mole and the town. On this, the admiral sent in a letter to the governor; and on the 24th of July 1704, that officer having signed a capitulation, the Prince of Hesse with the Marines immediately possessed themselves of this important fortress.

This attack having been made on a Sunday, almost all the women belonging to the garrison were performing their devotions in a chapel about four miles distant from the rock, so that the besieging forces were between them and their families; and this circumstance hastened the fall of the place, for the citizens within strongly urged the governor to capitulate. The garrison was composed of two skeleton regiments only, but the strength of the fortifications, (the number of cannon mounted being upwards of one hundred pieces towards the sea,) and the two narrow passes of approach from the land, would have rendered it formidable to a less enterprising enemy. Our total loss was 61 killed, 3nd 206 wounded.

The King of Spain being conscious of the importance of Gibraltar, obtained the assistance of a French fleet under M. de Pointis, to assist the Spaniards in carrying on the siege. The Prince of Hesse sent early advice of this circumstance to Lisbon; and consequently, Sir John Leake with his squadron immediately proceeded to the relief of the place, and landed several engineers and gunners, with a body of 400 Marines; but finding that the French were approaching with a superior force, the admiral considered it expedient to return to Lisbon. Having refitted his squadron, he arrived at Gibraltar on the 25th of October, at a very critical j uncture; for on that very night the enemy intended to storm the town on all sides, and had procured 200 boats from Cadiz, in order to have landed 3000 men near the new mole.

The Prince of Hesse persevered in defending the place against the combined efforts of the French and Spanish forces, until the 9th of March 1705, when Admiral Sir John Leake, with a body of troops on board his squadron from Lisbon, again entered the Straits. The arrival of this succour determined the Spaniards to raise the siege, during which they had thrown more than 8,000 bombs, and upwards of 70,000 cannon shot, though to very little purpose. In a curious work published in 1707, entitled The Triumphs of Her Majesty's Arms, particular mention is thus made of the gallantry of the Marines in the defence of Gibraltar: " Encouraged by the example of the Prince of Hesse, the garrison did more than could humanly be expected, and the English Marines gained an immortal glory." Captain Fisher of that corps, with 17 men, attempted to check the advance of 500 grenadiers of the enemy, after the round tower had fallen into their hands. This gallant officer was taken prisoner, rescued, and again taken by the enemy, who, though ultimately repulsed, carried their prisoner into the Spanish lines.

Sir Cloudesley Shovel and the celebrated Earl of Peterborough, having formed a juncture with their respective fleets, which had embarked 5000 troops, proceeded from Lisbon on the 22nd of June for Al tea Bay, where they took on board King Charles of Spain, who pressed the earl to make an attack on the city of Barcelona and the province of Catalonia. Touching at Gibraltar, the newly raised regiments were exchanged for the veteran troops and Marines; and the fleet arrived off Barcelona on the 12th of August, when 2500 men, exclusive of the Marines, were landed, and the siege was undertaken. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1702. Thursday 1st June. Upon the declaration of war with France and Spain, of which both nations possessed powerful fleets as well as numerous armies. The British Parliament felt the expediency of enabling the Queen to increase the efficiency of her navy, by forming Corps of Marines, which could act at sea as well as on land. Six Regiments were accordingly added to the regular Army as Marine Corps, and six others of the regular Regiments of Infantry were appointed for sea service The Regiments of Marines were commanded by Colonel Thomas Saunderson's, now thirtieth foot. Colonel George Villiers's, now thirty first foot. Colonel Edward Fox's, now thirty-second foot. And Colonel Harry Mordaunt's. They were to fight in Spain, France and in North America alongside Dutch Marines. The six Regiments of Foot for sea-service were, Commanded Colonel Ventria Columbine's, now sixth foot. Colonel Thomas Erie's, now nineteenth foot. Colonel Gustavns Hamilton's, now twentieth foot. Colonel Lord Lucas's, now thirty-fourth foot. Colonel Earl of Donegal's, now thirty-fifth foot. Colonel Lord Charlemont's, now thirty-sixth foot. Her Majesty's Order for levying this body of men was contained in the following Royal Warrant, dated Thursday 1st of June 1702: Anne R. "Our pleasure is, that this establishment of six Regiments of Marines, and six other Regiments for Sea-Service, do commence and take place from the respective times of raising". "And our further pleasure is, that the order given by our dearest brother the late King, deceased, and such orders as are, or shall be, given by us, touching the pay or entertainment of our said forces, or any of them, or any charges thereunto belonging, shall be duly complied with, and that no new charge be added to this establishment without being communicated to our High Treasurer, or Commissioners of our Treasury for the time being. Given at our Court at St. James's, on the first day of June in the first year of our reign." By Her Majesty's Command.

It's interesting to note that the Marine Regiments had 2nd Lieutenants whilst those Regiments designated for sea service had Ensigns.

1702. Thursday 1st June. The allowances made to the respective ranks on the Staff of the Army, which was employed in Spain and Portugal, and in which officers of Marines shared, when upon this service, and when acting in any one of the undermentioned capacities, were arranged by her Majesty in Council, previous to the expedition.

General of the Horse and Commander in Chief per day £10-0-0

Three Aids de Camp, each 10s £1-10-0

Lieutenant General £4-0-0

Two Aids de Camp, each 10s £1-0-0

Two Major Generals, 2l each £4-0-0

One Aid de Camp to each, 10s £1-0-0

Three Brigadiers, each 1l 10s £4-10-0

Three Majors of Brigade, each 10s £1-10-0

Quarter-master General £0-10-0

Adjutant General £0-10-0

Judge Advocate £0-10-0

Pay-master £0-5-6

Secretary to Commander in Chief £0-10-0

Chaplain to Commander in Chief £0-6-8

Physician to Commander in Chief £0 10-0

Chirurgeon to Commander in Chief £0-10-0

Provost Marshall 5s and 6 men, each 3s £1-3-0

Waggon Master £0-3-0

.....................................\---------

..............Daily amount £32-8-2

....................................=======

And for Contingencies upon Account, the sum of £6000.

"By her Majesty's command,

"GODOLPHIN."

Established 1st June 1702.

(Taken from Chapter 8 'An Historical Review of the Royal marine Corps by Alexander Gillespie)

1702 \- 1713. 'Queen Anne's War' was fought mainly in North America was the second in a series of French and Indian Wars fought between France and England, for the control of the Americas. The war also involved numerous Native American tribes allied with each nation. At that time Spain was also allied with France.

1702. The 30th Regiment the 31st Regiment, and the 32nd Regiments were formed as Marine Corps, and were employed as such during the wars of the reign of Queen Anne.

1702. Saturday 1st July. Rules and Instructions for the better government of the Marine Regiments were issued by the authority of Her Majesty Queen Anne, in which it was directed, "That when on shore they were to be quartered in the vicinity of the dock yards, in order to guard them from embezzlement, or from any attempt that might be made on them by an enemy. Full instructions were also given as to their pay, subsistence, and clothing, which directed that the same deductions should be made for clothing as was usual in the land forces. Also, that one day's pay in every year be deducted from officers and soldiers for the Hospital. When on board ship they were to have an equal proportion of provisions with the seamen, without any deductions from their pay, the soldiers receiving short allowance money like the seamen. In order to render such portions of the Marine regiments as might be on shore, useful on all occasions when their services might be required, Her Majesty directed, that it should rest with herself, or with the Lord High Admiral, the Prince George of Denmark, to dispose of them at such places nearest to the several dock-yards as might be judged most convenient, and as there might be occasion for labourers to despatch necessary public works. Her Majesty empowered the High Admiral, or the Commissioners for executing that office, to cause to be employed in the dock yards so many of the Marine soldiers as might be judged fitting, and to make them such daily allowance for their labour, besides their ordinary pay, as should seem reasonable. The Marine forces being thus placed under the control of the Lord High Admiral, His Royal Highness was pleased to nominate Colonel William Seymour (of the fourth Regiment of Foot) to superintend the whole, with the rank of Brigadier General, whose peculiar duties were to observe, that the men were comfortably quartered, that the officers were attentive in their respective departments, and that the Marine soldiers, when embarked on board of ship, were supplied with proper sea-clothes and other suitable necessaries. When the Marines were serving afloat, they were to be under the command of the Naval Officers of the ships." (sic)

1702. The uniform of the Marines at that time consisted of high crowned leather caps, covered with cloth of the same colour as the facings of the Regiment, and ornamented with devices, the same as the caps worn by the grenadier's scarlet frock coat, buff waist belt, black pouch carried in front, with bayonet belt attached and buff gaiters.

1702. July. Colonel Villiers's Corps of Marines, now the Thirty First Regiment, soon after its formation was called upon to supply five Companies for embarkation for active service on board the fleet destined against Spain, these Companies embarked in the latter part of May from Plymouth, and proceeded to join the fleet at Portsmouth, from whence the expedition sailed to Cadiz during the month of July. The heavily armed fleet arrived off Cadiz on Saturday 12th August, and the Duke summoned the place, but his terms being refused, he landed on the Tuesday 15th at the Bay of Bulls, between Rota and Fort St. Catherine under great disadvantages and a well conducted opposition. He then marched upon Rota, where the horses and stores were disembarked. Two days later he advanced towards the town of St. Mary. Rota was retaken by a coup and the British garrison of 300 men were captured. However, the attempt on Cadiz eventually failed, and the troops were re-embarked, and sailed from Cadiz on the Saturday 30th September. In alluding to this expedition, Bishop Burnet remarks, "It is certain our Court had false accounts of the state the place was in, both with relation to the garrison, and to the fortifications, the garrison was much stronger. While the fortifications were in a better state, than was represented." 10,000 Marines and Foot Soldiers had been unsuccessfully in an attempt to capture Cadiz. (sic)

1702. Wednesday 16th August. The Battle off Portobello took place in the West Indies.

1702. Saturday 19th August (OS). The Action took place between an English squadron under the command of Vice Admiral John Benbow and a French under command of Admiral Jean du Casse, off Cape Santa Marta on the coast of present-day Colombia South America, a little to the east of the mouth of the Rio Magdalena, during the 'War of the Spanish Succession'. Benbow vigorously attacked the French squadron, but the refusal of most of his captains to support the action allowed du Casse to escape. Benbow lost a leg during the engagement and died of illness about two months later. While two of the captains were convicted of cowardice and shot. Benbow's determination to pursue the French, in what proved to be his last fight, proved irresistible to the public imagination. The events of the fight inspired a number of ballads, usually entitled Admiral Benbow or Brave Benbow, which were still favourites among British sailors more than a century later.

1702. Sunday 3rd September. The Prince of Hesse proposed an attack on Fort Monjouic, situate on a hill that commands the city: it was accordingly assaulted and taken, but with the loss of the gallant projector of the enterprise.

After this success, the siege was pushed with vigour; the trenches were opened on the 9th, and batteries raised for fifty guns and twenty mortars. The bomb-vessels and eight ships, under Sir Stafford Fairbone, cannonaded the town, while the batteries and forts continued their fire on shore. On the 28th the garrison capitulated; and the surrender of this city so strengthened King Charles's party, that the whole principality, Rosas only excepted, speedily submitted. King Charles remained shut up in Barcelona, which was invested by the army under Marshal Thesse, until the 6th of May 1706, when Sir John Leake, who had been joined by the Earl of Peterborough from Tarragona, arrived before the harbour. The king had been closely pressed, and Fort Monjouic retaken by the enemy; but this timely relief changed the position of affairs, and the siege was raised two days after their arrival. The next object of attack was Carthagena, which immediately submitted; and a garrison of Marines, under Major Hedges, was established for its defence. An attempt upon Alicant was then resolved upon, and the Marines ordered to be withdrawn from Carthagena. On the 21st of July, all the Marines of the fleet, with eight hundred seamen, were landed, and the bombardment commenced on the evening of the 22nd. A detachment of the seamen under Sir George Byng rendered very essential service, by destroying the enemy's batteries opposed to the sea, mounting 160 guns. On the 24th of July the Marines arrived from Carthagena and were immediately landed. The ships having made a practicable breach in the round tower, situated at the west end of the place, and another at the middle of the curtain, between the mole and the easternmost bastion, the troops advanced to the assault on the 29th, when an officer, with fifteen grenadiers, who had rashly pushed on against the breach in the town, were repulsed before they could be supported. Captain Evans of the Royal Oak, at the head of some boats' crews, was the first to mount in the breach and these gallant fellows were rapidly followed by the whole of the forces, who were soon in possession of every post of importance. Notwithstanding the preparations made for resistance, and the sharp fire kept up by the Spaniards from the houses, which had been loop-holed for their defence, our loss was inconsiderable, having only thirty killed and eighty wounded. General Mahoni, who had retired into the citadel with a garrison composed chiefly of Neapolitans, refused to capitulate until his defences had suffered considerably from the British squadron and bomb- vessels; but having sustained a heavy loss, he surrendered on the 25th of August. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1702. Wednesday 6th September. The fleet under Sir John Leake sailed from Altea Bay, and on the 9th anchored before Ivica, which immediately tendered its submission to King Charles III. The expedition then proceeded to Majorca; and after throwing a few shells into Palma, the inhabitants compelled the Viceroy to surrender. A captain and a lieutenant, with 100 marines, were placed in the garrison of Porto-Pin. - On the 5th of June 1707, Sir Cloudesley Shovel, having; joined Sir George Byng, anchored on the 28th between Nice and Antibes, about a league from the Var, with a fleet of forty-three men-of-war and fifty-seven transports. On the 29th an attack was made on the enemy's army, then entrenched upon that river, by 600 seamen and Marines, who drove them from their position so suddenly, that the enemy laid down their arms and fled with the utmost precipitation. The Duke of Savoy with the allied army, consisting of 35,000 men, proceeded to Toulon, while the fleet under Sir Cloudesley sailed for Hieres. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1702. Friday 15th September, It was not until the 15th that siege was laid to Toulon, and 100 pieces of cannon landed from the fleet. On the 4th of August the enemy made a vigorous sally, driving all the confederate troops from their works. On the 6th, the siege was raised, and the army withdrawn, having sustained a loss of upwards of 1000 men in killed and wounded. Sardinia was attacked on the 12th of August, and having been bombarded during the night, 1800 men including the whole of the Marines, under Major-general Wills, were landed to attack the city; but the Spanish governor rendered any further measures unnecessary, by coming to a speedy capitulation. The whole were re-embarked and proceeded to the attack of Mahon, where they arrived on the 25th of August.

At this period two of the marine regiments were drafted, and both officers and men incorporated with the other four, now engaged upon this service. All the Marines capable of duty were discharged from the ships about to return home and employed in the reduction of this island. Fort Fornelli, mounting twelve guns, surrendered after a few hours' cannonade by two of our ships; and Ciudadello, the capital, submitted without resistance, The batteries were opened on the works defending the town of Port Mahon on the 17th of September, and a lodgement having been effected under the walls of fort St. Philippe, the enemy capitulated on the following day.

Thus, was this strong fortress and important island gained by a force not exceeding 2400 men while the garrison consisted of more than 1000 soldiers, with upwards of 100 pieces of cannon mounted, and having every requisite for a long siege.

The city and castle of Alicant, which had been taken by the remarkable valour of British seamen and Marines, was at this time besieged by an army of 12,000 men.

The city is commanded by a strong castle, standing on a rock at a small distance from the sea. It now contained a formidable garrison under the command of Major-general Richards, who, after contending against the powerful army opposed to it, retired into the castle, which had hitherto been deemed impregnable. They sank three cisterns in the. solid rock, and then, with incredible labour, filled them with water. The troops forming the garrison, which consisted of Sir Charles Hotham's regiment, with that of Colonel Sibourg, composed principally of refugees, and according to Gillespie a great proportion of the force being Marines, exhibited the most heroic perseverance in maintaining the place. The besiegers attempted to undermine the rock upon which the castle stood; but this did not shake their resolution. A partial explosion, which destroyed about thirty persons, did not intimidate them, and they bravely continued to defend themselves until the arrival of the fleet under Sir George Byng on the 4th of April. General Stanhope with the troops on board then promptly attempted its relief; but a heavy gale coming on and being unable to gain any intelligence as to the state of the garrison, the commander-in-chief by a flag of truce proposed terms of surrender, which being acceded to, the brave remnants were re-embarked on board the fleet, which proceeded to Mahon, and afterwards to Barcelona. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1702. Sunday 24th September. A small squadron under Captain Martin arrived before the harbour of Port Royal, Nova Scotia, on the 24th of September; and on the 25th, Colonel Nicholson with a force of 2000 men, including 400 Marines, proceeded to the attack of the place, opposed by a heavy fire from the batteries. Colonel Vetch, with 500 men, so lined the shore on the north side, that he protected the landing of the cannon and ammunition. The bombvessel drifting up with the tide, rendered important service during the first two days, and was so spiritedly supported by the military exertions on shore, that the governor capitulated on the 1st of September, and a garrison of Marines was left in possession of the place, which was now named Annapolis Royal, in honour of her Majesty, under whose auspices it had been subdued. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1702. Wednesday 11th - 12th October. The Attack on the Treasure ships at Virgo, during the War of the Spanish Succession. The English and Dutch forces surprised and captured the Spanish defended harbour and shared part of the silver from a treasure fleet that was being unloaded. However, the Spanish sailors had already unloaded most of its cargo.

1703. Saturday 6th January. Seven companies of the Regiment were stationed at Plymouth, and on the Saturday 27th four companies were ordered for embarkation on board of the ships Suffolk and Grafton, which proceeded on service to the coast of Spain, to join the fleet under the command of Admiral Sir George Rooke, During December Colonel Villiers, who was in command of the Regiment on board of the fleet drowned. On Saturday 6th December he was succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Lutterell.

1703. February. Hovenden Walker at Guadaloupe.

1703. In order to pave the way for the cordial reception of King Charles the III. orders were sent to Sir Cloudesley Shovel, then commanding the British Fleet in the Mediterranean, to effect what he could by conciliation, or by conquest, amongst the different dependencies of the French and Spanish monarchies, previous to the arrival of the Royal Claimant. Throughout the whole of that Admiral's instructions, much dependence was placed upon the energies of the Marine Forces under his command, and they subsequently bore a conspicuous share of the mingled services that ensued, in the cause of the House of Austria. This circumstance may evince the very high estimation in which they were held as Soldiers, although nothing materially occurred either under the command of Sir Cloudesley Shovel, or during the currency of 1703.

After many delays the Archduke arrived at Lisbon, with Sir George Rooke, upon the 25th day of February 1704, in order to concert a plan of future operations with his ally, the King of Portugal. The Admiral was enjoined to attempt nothing without the suggestion and assent of Both.

The first enterprise was against Barcelona, whither they were invited by some deputies from Catalonia, and a few leading men in the city, who gave assurances that it would declare for Charles the III. if a shew of attack only was made. Here 1600 Marines were landed, at the request and under the command of the Prince of Hesse, upon the noon of the 19th of May. This force being inadequate for the purpose, it was next day re-embarked at the instance of his Highness. Listening to the wishes of their Majesties, in conformity with his instructions, the Admiral would have attempted Cadiz; but, upon deliberation, and that there was no army to co-operate, this idea was given up.

They accordingly turned their thoughts to Gibraltar, where the Prince of Hesse was landed in the afternoon of the 21st of July, with 1800 British and Dutch Marines. Proceeding upon the decision of a Council of War, his Highness was to cut off all communication with the main land, to bombard and cannonade the place, and to reduce it to the obedience of the King of Spain.

Having established his post at some mills then near the town, he sent a summons for the Governor to surrender; who answered, that all his garrison had taken an oath of allegiance to their lawful Sovereign, King Philip the V. and that as loyal and faithful subjects, they would die in its defence.

The Admiral having directed a strong force to proceed against the south mole, the enemy were driven from their guns. A number of boats manned and armed, were then detached under the gallant conduct of Capt. Whitaker, of the Navy, who soon obtained possession of the great platform; but about one hundred, whose impetuous bravery had carried them within the effects of a mine connected with the fort, were killed and wounded by its explosion. The rest, however, advancing most rapidly, gained a redoubt, half-way between the mole and the town.

This attack being made upon a Sunday, almost the whole of the women belonging to the garrison, were performing their devotions in a chapel about four miles distant; so that the besieging forces were between them and their husbands and families.

This circumstance hastened the fall of the place, for the citizens within strongly urged the Governor to capitulate; who being thus almost compelled to it, the Prince of Hesse, at the head of the Marines, marched in upon the evening of the 24th. The garrison, indeed, was only composed of two skeleton regiments; but the strength of the fortifications, the number of cannons mounted being upwards of 100 pieces towards the sea, and the two narrow passes of approach from the land, would have rendered it formidable to an enemy who possessed not the dash of enterprise. Our loss, in the attempt, was 61 killed, and 206 wounded.

In October of the same year, the Garrison, composed of Marines under the Prince of Hesse, sustained a siege by 7000 men. The purpose of the enemy was to have stormed from the south mole, united with the desperate attempt of a Spanish forlorn hope climbing the rock, and a general attack from the main land. Against very superior forces Gibraltar was maintained, until relieved by Sir John Leake, who reinforced the place with 2000 men.

This Fortress, seated upon the territories of our natural foe, has long stood a monument of our naval power, which has oftener than once been especially devoted to relieve its wants; and has also afforded to the world, a brilliant instance of military defence under the late Lord Heathfield.

Nothing worthy of notice occurred until the month of September 1705, when it was deemed essential by the Earl of Peterborough Commander in Chief, to attempt something worthy of our arms, and the service of the King.

At the desire of his Lordship, a large body of Seamen and Marines were landed at Barcelona, who were auxiliary in the reduction of that important place, at which his Majesty was present.

This city was destined to an attack from the enemy, early in 1706, whither Sir John Leake, having the Earl of Peterborough on board, proceeded in April.

His Majesty, King Charles, who was then within its walls, very strongly urged the immediate debarkation of all our forces; upon which, 1400 land troops, and the Marines of the fleet, were on the 9th of April, sent to his aid. Their appearance was well timed, as the French had made a practicable breach, which they would otherwise have stormed upon the following day. After repeated attempts they relaxed in their efforts, and many volunteers from the city, as well as peasants from the mountains pouring down in numbers, obliged them to raise the siege precipitately, upon the 11th. After ten at night the enemy began to retreat; but first setting fire to their magazines and placing matches to their mines. Many of the former, however, were preserved by the natives, and a number of the latter were extinguished by the soldiery. The morning's dawn presented their army retreating in disorder, and grievously harassed by our troops, and the enraged Catalans.

An eclipse of the sun, followed by a total darkness about nine, suspended for a while every operation, which, when dissipated, the slaughter was renewed, till prudence recalled them from the carnage. The enemy's camp, with 100 brass cannon and stores of every description, were the fruits of our efforts.

Having thus relieved this important place, the fleet sailed upon the 18th of May, and landed the forces of every description, upon the coast of Valencia on the 25th.

This was preparatory to the attack of Alicant, which was deemed almost impregnable. Having been apprized that it was reinforced, and that a regular siege alone could reduce it, the idea was dropped for a time, and they proceeded against Carthagena, which immediately submitted; and where a garrison of 600 Marines under Major Hedges, who was appointed Governor of it, was established for its defence.

An attempt upon Alicant was then resolved upon; but Brigadier Gorge having upon a close review of the place, and learning the resolute spirit of its Governor, Major General Mahoni, represented that not less than 3000 men were necessary to reduce it. Having with him not more than 1450 troops, and he of the opinion that no dependence could be placed in the Spanish Militia, it was determined to withdraw the garrison of Marines from Carthagena, in order to assist in these active operations, and to put another in its stead.

The fleet arrived off Alicant, upon the 26th of June, when a summons was forwarded to General Mahoni, who, like an Officer, answered, that he would hold out to the last. His force consisted of more than 1000 Soldiers, and many inhabitants of the town, who had volunteered in its defence.

Brigadier Gorge having moved from Elche upon the 21st of July, where he had remained waiting for reinforcements, to within a mile of Alicant, all the Marines of the fleet, with 800 Seamen, were landed upon that day, and the following morning, and the bombardment commenced in the evening of the 22d. A detachment of the Naval force under Sir George Byng, rendered very essential service, by dismounting many of the enemy's guns opposed to the sea, and driving the men from them.

Upon the 24th of July, the Marines arrived from Carthagena, and were immediately landed. Four days after, when the troops had gained possession of the suburbs, all the boats were manned and armed, in order to attack the town. On the 29th, the ships having made a practicable breach in the round tower, at the west end of the place, and another at the middle of the curtain, between the mole and the easternmost bastion, the Soldiers advanced to storm them. An Officer with fifteen Grenadiers rashly pushed on against the breach in the town but were repulsed before they could be supported. Upon this occasion there were particularly distinguished, Captains Evans, Passenger, and Watkins, of the Royal Navy. Capt. Evans, at the head of a few of the boats crews, was the first to mount into the breach, and they were rapidly seconded by the whole forces, who, upon reaching the town, secured every post, with but little loss; there being only 30 killed, and 80 wounded, although the Spaniards had prepared for this event, by forcing temporary loop holes in their houses, from which they kept up a sharp fire upon our men as they approached.

General Mahoni now retired into the Castle and was again summoned by Brigadier Gorge; his answer was such as became him, and what might have been expected from his character. At this time the detached squadron had dismounted many of his guns, beat down a part of the walls, and his Garrison was extremely annoyed by shells from the bomb vessels. Composed chiefly of Neapolitans, they at last compelled the brave Mahoni to yield, who, from this cause alone, surrendered his charge, after a heavy loss, upon the 25th of August.

Having adjusted everything, the fleet proceeded to the Island of Ivica, where it arrived upon the 9th day of September. The Governor instantly saluted, and tendered submission and obedience to King Charles the III. It was afterwards resolved to attack Majorca, to the Viceroy of which a summons was sent in, upon the 14th of September. He, with some others in the interest of the Duke of Anjou, appeared resolute to defend themselves; but when a few shells were thrown into Palma, the capital, the inhabitants obliged him to retire to his palace, and there enter into terms. A Garrison of one Captain, one Lieutenant, and 100 Marines was placed here, and all the disaffected to our cause, were withdrawn from the island.

Nothing farther, connected with my subject, appears on the face of the military transactions of this year. In the month of June 1707, an opportunity presented of co-operating with the Duke of Savoy and Prince Eugene in an intended attack upon Toulon. Towards the close of it, the fleet proceeded for the coast of Italy, where it anchored upon the 28th, between Nice and Antibes, about a league from the Var. A conference took place on the following day betwixt the Commanders in Chief, when it was decided, that a joint attack should be made upon a part of the enemy's army then entrenched upon that river, before they could be reinforced.

These works being exposed to the fire of the ships, as they could stand within little more than musket shot, were hastily evacuated, and in less than an hour they were occupied by 600 Seamen and Marines. The passage was now open for the Duke of Savoy to prosecute his destination, while frigates were stationed along the different parts of the sea coast, in order to keep up a mutual communication.

Having reached Toulon, every aid was afforded by the fleet both as to men and cannon, but the enemy daily augmenting his forces, and having made a successful sally, induced the raising of this siege upon the 10th of August, after a loss of more than a thousand men.

One happy result arose from this attempt however, which was, that the French, under a sudden dread of consequences, sunk a number of their largest men of war, which were ever after un-fit for service.

King Charles having often urged the reduction of Sardinia, with a view to open a passage for his troops in Naples to attack Sicily, as well as on account of its sources of supply of all kinds of provisions for his armies, of which they were much in want, a body of Marines was drawn from Tarragona, a strong sea port and Garrison in Catalonia, to assist in this enterprise. Upon the 1st day of August 1708, the whole arrived before Cagliari, the capital. Upon receiving a very equivocal answer to a summons sent in, the bombardment commenced that evening, and continued without intermission until next morning, when at the break of day, Major General Wills, and the whole of the Marines, with one Spanish regiment were landed. The place, in consequence, almost instantly surrendered.

The whole having been re-embarked, the fleet again set sail, upon the 18th of August, for Minorca, and arrived at Port Mahon upon the 25th.

At this period, two of the Marine Regiments were drafted, and both officers and men were incorporated with the other four, now employed upon this service. The measure was necessary, in order to supply the casualties that had occurred, and to render these corps effective. For this purpose, all the Marines capable of duty, were drawn from a number of the fleet about to return home, as well as to assist in the reduction of an island, which, every officer conceived, would make a spirited and tedious defence.

The first attack was against Fort Fornelle, which was cannonaded by two of the ships, and fell after a contest of four hours. A detachment having been pushed to Cittadello, the capital, it surrendered without resistance.

The batteries were opened on the works defending the town of Port Mahon, upon the 17th of September, when, after a short but brisk fire, and the loss of only six men, a lodgement was effected under the very walls of St. Philip's Castle; and next day the enemy capitulated.

Thus, was this strong fortress, and important island, gained by a force of only 2400 men, while the garrison consisted of more than one thousand Soldiers, with upwards of 100 pieces of cannon mounted, and having everything requisite for sustaining a long siege.

Sir George Byng arrived at Lisbon upon the 14th of October, having her Majesty the Queen of Portugal on board, but, although many other objects of service were in contemplation, nothing farther was attempted during 1708. (Taken from Chapter 3 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1703. Wednesday 7th March. The Battle and Siege of Guadeloupe in the Caribbean was a failed attempt by English forces led by Christopher Codrington to capture the French controlled isle, during the 'War of the Spanish Succession'. The English struggled to gain a foot hold owing to a shortage of supplies, while Guadeloupe's Governor Charles Auger received reinforcements from Martinique which contributed to the English eventually lifted the siege.

Colonel Codrington, Governor off H.M. Leeward Islands, came with the Land Force, under his command, on board a squadron of H.M. Ships, with divers Privateers, and other vessels, receiving several shots from the shore without doing any other mischief other than killing one man, and a boy. The Colonel stood off till the 10th March, waiting for the Maidstone and the other small vessels that carried the provisions and ammunition. On the 12th March, Colonel Byam with his own Regiment, and 200 of Coronel Whethan's men, landed at the break of day at a place called Les Petite. About nine in the morning Coronel Whetham landed in a bay to the Northwest of the town called Les Bailiff, where he met with a vigorous resistance from all the enemies forces in very good and advantageous fortifications. Yet not withstanding all their fire, the English marched up to their entrenchments, with their muskets shouldered, not firing a shot at them until they could lay the muzzles of the guns upon the enemy's breast works. The English had three Captains killed before they could make themselves masters of the enemy's entrenchments, which they did around noon, and an hour later of La Bayliffe, and of the Jacobine Church, which the enemy had fortified, with 10 of their Cannon.

About 2 pm the English took a platform with three of their Canon, and the Marines Regiment attacked the Jacobine plantation and Breast Work all along the Jacobine River, which the enemy quit upon the firing of two volleys off small arms upon them. The following day the English pressed on to the town of Basse Terre, where they sent parties ahead to burn and destroy the enemy's houses, works, Sugar Canes, and provisions, lying Siege to the Fort and Castle of the same place. However, after all their endeavours they had not been able to master the main Fort, which was both naturally and artificially very strong, they were forced to quit the whole island.

1703. Sunday 18th March. Montague engaged a French Squadron.

1703. Friday 27th July. Dilkes destroyed French ships off Graville.

1703. Friday 31th August. The Landing at Althea. The whole fleet came inside to Althaea in search of fresh water. HMS Flamborough was sent close to the shore to cover the descent of their Regiments of Marines, who landed without any manner of confusion, and were actually drawn up in Battalia on the shore, before half the fleet had come to anchor. Brigadier General Seymour landed with the first detachment and gave such orders that a more orderly descent could not have been made in an enemy country. This done they set up a camp, and the Spaniards upon seeing this brought plenty of provisions for them, for which they paid them. The fleet left without anybody on both sites being injured.

1703. Friday 16th November. The Great Storm, 13 men of war ships lost.

1703. Monday 26th November. HMS Oxford. HMS Warspite and HMS Lichfield captured the Hauardeux.

1704. A second attempt to Capture Cadiz was abandoned in favour of all Marines and Foot Soldiers being diverted and used to take the grand prize that of Gibraltar.

1704. February. The Thirty First Regiment at that time was a Marine Corps serving under Admiral Sir George Rooke. During February the fleet headed towards Lisbon, and from there it proceeded on to Barcelona, where the troops were landed under the Command of Major General the Prince of Hesse Darmstadt, on the Monday 19th May. However, the force being inadequate for the purpose intended, was re-embarked the following day.

1704. February. During the reign of Queen Anne (Friday 6th February 1665 - Wednesday 1st August 1714) certain Independent Companies of Marines were raised for the soul purpose of aiding in the defence of the British possessions in the West Indies. The first important service on which the Marine Corps were employed during her reign was on board the fleet Commanded by Admiral Sir Cloudesly Shovel. He was instructed to make every possible arrangement by conciliation or by conquest, among the dependencies of the French and Spanish monarchies. In order to ensure a cordial reception of the Archduke Charles of Austria in opposition to Philip, Duke of Anjou of France, to the throne of Spain. After some delays, the Archduke finally arrived at Lisbon under Admiral Sir George Rooke on the Monday 25th February in order devise a plan of future operations with his ally the King of Portugal.

1704. Friday 12 March. Rear-Admiral Dilkes captured three Spanish ships.

1704. April. Sir George Rooke, after cruising with his fleet along the coast of Portugal, returned to Lisbon and welcomed the Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt on board. Later on, Sunday 20th April they sailed towards Barcelona. Upon the arrival of the fleet, the Prince of Hesse sent a letter to Don Vclasco the Governor of Bar, requiring him to surrender the town, but he declined. Sixteen hundred Marines were landed under the command, of Major General the Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt, on Monday 19th May. This force, was found to be inadequate for the purpose, and was re-embarked the following day. The next object of attack was to be the Rock of Gibraltar where the Prince of Hesse landed during the afternoon of the Monday 21st July with 1800 British and Dutch Marines. Acting upon the decision of a council of war. His Highness proceeded to cut off all communication with the mainland, to bombard the place, and to reduce it to the obedience of Charles III King of Spain. The governor, on being summoned, refused to surrender, alleging that all the garrison had taken an oath of allegiance to King Philip V.

Admiral Sir George Rooke having directed a strong force to proceed against the South Mole, had driven the enemy from their guns, several boats manned and armed, were then detached under the command of Captain Whitaker, of the Navy, who soon obtained possession of the great platform. About one hundred of the besiegers, whose impetuous bravery had carried them within the effects of a mine connected with the fort, were killed or wounded by the explosion. The rest advancing rapidly, gained a redoubt half way between the mole and the town. The Governor at the urgent insistence of the inhabitants, was induced to capitulate, and the Prince of Hesse took possession of the garrison on the evening of Thursday 24th July. The loss in effecting the capture of this important fortress was Sixty one killed, and two hundred and six wounded. The attack of the seamen was one of the boldest and most difficult ever made, with them being obliged to climb up rocks and precipices. Thus, it was taken in three days, a fortress since made impregnable to all assaults. The loss of Gibraltar disconcerted the measures of Philip V, and of his grandfather Louis XIV. Eight thousand men, under the Marquis dc Villadarias, were immediately detached from the Spanish army to retake the fortress, and the French Admiral received orders to engage the British and Dutch fleets, and to cooperate in the recapture of Gibraltar. The hostile fleets engaged on the Sunday 24th August, about eleven leagues south of Malaga, after each had suffered severely, they were separated in the night. The enemy retired to Toulon, and Sir George Rooke sailed to Gibraltar. Once there and after having held a Council of War, it was determined to return home, and the confederate fleet sailed for England, arriving at Spithead on the Thursday 25th September. Sir John Leake and Admiral Vander-dussen were left at Lisbon to protect the coast of Portugal, and relieve Gibraltar, if it should be besieged as was anticipated.

The Marquis de Villadarias commenced the siege of Gibraltar on the Wednesday 22nd October, and the garrison, composed of Marines under the command of the Prince of Hesse, sustained a siege by seven thousand men. The purpose of the enemy was to have stormed from the South Mole, united with the desperate attempt of a Spanish forlorn hope climbing the rock, and a general attack from the mainland. The fortress was maintained against very superior numbers, and the fire power of the enemy's batteries having caused a lot of damaged. A body of men was landed from the fleet to assist in the defence. Brigadier Fox and several other officers and men, having been killed on the Friday 5th December, while aid was solicited from the army in Portugal. Admiral Sir John Leake accordingly sailed from Lisbon on the Wednesday 10th of December, with a fleet, having on board a battalion of the first and second foot guards, Barrymore's Regiment, now thirteenth foot, Donegal's Regiment, now thirty-fifth foot, the Dutch Regiment of Waes, and a Portuguese Regiment, amounting in all to upwards of three thousand men. On their passage they fell in with the enemy's squadron under Monsieur de Pointi, but they succeeded in arriving at Gibraltar, although some of the transports had separated. These Corps were safely landed on the Thursday 18th December, and the Prince, strengthened by this reinforcement, made a sortie on the Tuesday 23rd, and destroyed the lines, that had been erected within a hundred and sixty paces of the palisade.

1704. Sunday 24th August. The Battle of Malaga Southern Spain, was the largest naval battle during the 'War of the Spanish Succession'.

1704. Wednesday 29th October. Leake captured six French ships at Gibraltar.

1705. Monday 2nd February. Having received considerable reinforcements, placed at his disposal the Marquis de Villadarias made an attempt to storm the Bound Tower, to ascertain what might be effective by a larger force. Where upon on Saturday 7th February the enemy attacked with five hundred chosen Grenadiers, French and Walloons, Commanded by Lieut. General Thouy, supported by one thousand Spanish troops. They ascended the hill in perfect silence at daybreak, and again attempted to storm the Bound Tower, which was defended by Colonel Borr of the now thirty second Regiment. The assailants were throwing from above great stones and grenades on his men, at last obliged him to retire into that part of the works where the foot guards were posted. Flushed with success, they advanced too far, when they were gallantly charged by Colonel Moncall, of Barrymore's thirteenth Regiment, and driven from the Bound Tower. Colonel Rivett, of the Coldstream guards, having got up the rock on the right of the covered way with twenty grenadiers, favoured very much Colonel Moncalfs success. The garrison by this time had assembled and kept up so destructive a fire that although the enemy was obliged to make a precipitate retreat, losing seventy men killed on the spot, upwards of two hundred wounded, and one Captain, four Lieutenants, and forty men taken. The loss on the part of the garrison was twenty seven men killed, and one hundred and twenty wounded.

Marshal de Tcsse arrived with additional troops to carry on the siege, the garrison also received fresh reinforcements from Portugal, besides supplies of every description. Admiral Sir John Leake sailed from the Tagus on the Friday 6th March, and his arrival in the Bay of Gibraltar on the Tuesday 10th, was again so sudden, that he completely surprised the Baron de Pointi, together with the whole of his squadron, consisting of five ships of the line, three of which were captured, and two were driven on shore, and burnt by the enemy. After a siege of seven months the enemy retired, in April, giving up all hopes of being able to make any impression on the fortress, his efforts were then confined to a very feeble blockade. The fortress of Gibraltar, seated upon the territory of Spain, was thus rendered subject to the British. 1,900 British and 400 Dutch Marines prevented Spanish reinforcements from reaching the fortress. Later, British ships bombarded the city while Marines and seamen stormed the defences. After which they later withstood a nine month siege. Today the Royal Marines display only the battle honour Gibraltar on their badge, while their close relationship with the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps who fought alongside them continues to this day. (sic)

1705. Tuesday 10th March. Leake destroyed or took five French line-of-battle ships.

1705. Sunday 12th July. The Surrender and Capture of Carthagena, having been garrisoned by 600 Marines under Major Hedge, the town and castle of Alicant had also fallen.

1705. Wednesday 29th July. The Capture of Alicant.

1705. Wednesday 23rd September. Barcelona capitulated.

1706. Tuesday 23rd March – 30th April. The Defence of Barcelona.

1706. Tuesday 20th April. The Resolution burnt in the presence ot the French squadron.

1706. Monday 26th April. The relief of Barcelona.

1706. Friday 25th June. The capitulation of Ostend.

1706. Thursday 12th August. The Siege of Barcelona and its capitulation to.

1706. Tuesday 14th September. The Capture of Majorca.

1706. September. Leake at the Balearic Isles.

1706. December. HMS Romney cut out a French Ship at Malaga.

1706. Sunday 26th December. HMS Romney and consort destroyed Content.

1707. January. HMS Romney captured the Mercure.

1707. Saturday 15th January. The Battle off St. Estevan. The Marines had a considerable share in the Victory of St. Estevan. Colonel Wills and his Regiment and other English and Dutch troops, was attacked with a great superior force by the advanced guard of the French Army. Wills who was posted on high ground, repulsed his assailants, who were driven to the plain below in great confusion. The following day reinforcements came up under Lieutenant General Conyngham, who assumed command. The same day the French, who were commanded by the Chevalier D'Asfeldt, returned to the attack in still greater strength, having been also reinforced. However, again they suffered a most signal defeat, though the British had to mourn the loss of General Conyngham, who fell mortally wounded. St. Estevan was perhaps the most complete British Victory in the War.

1707. Saturday 15th January. Marines Caps and the Grenadiers March. An extract from the record of "George the First's Army," giving the official account of the battle of St. Estevan, in 1707, when Colonel Sir Charles Wills was in command of his Marine regiment, the First, states: - "Six companies of Marines were ordered to march up the hill in six columns, and to beat the Grenadiers' March, when in sight of the enemy. These orders were so well executed that at the same moment as our Dragoons entered the plain, killing the enemy's advanced sentinel, our infantry showed themselves and beat the 'Grenadiers, March' upon the hills. The enemy being unused to the uniforms of the Marines, mistook the six companies of Will's Marines for six companies of the Grenadiers, as the marines wore Grenadiers caps, and knowing there was only one company of Grenadiers in each British foot regiment, they naturally thought that there was a regiment of foot to every company of Grenadiers, and that we had six regiments in the background ready to attack them. Brigadier Wills had laid his trap for them." Referring to "The Grenadiers' March" it is stated in a curious old book called "Granger's Wonderful Museum," published in 1808, that "Thomas Marshall, aged 106 years, of Plymouth, a Drummer," died in 1755, and that he "had been ninety years in the Service, and was the first man to beat 'The Grenadiers' March." This famous March, by the way, was for many years the air to which the Royal Marines marched past. In a letter from the late Captain Portlock Dadson, R.M.L.I., he speaks of the Corps as he knew it as a young man, "when 'The British Grenadiers' was our Quick Step on all occasions." (Author Unknown)

1707. Sunday 1st May. The Scottish Parliament and the English Parliament each passed an Act of Parliament to simultaneously dissolve and form the new combined Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. The new Parliament would sit at the Palace of Westminster, the home of the old English Parliament. Previous attempts at union had been made, but this was the first time there was sufficient support on both sides to make it happen. Put simply, Scotland needed financial support from England, and the English wanted to ensure that Scotland would not choose a different monarch. It was not, however, a universal popular move and many teething troubles had to be overcome as the two different sets of traditions and practice were merged into one parliament. The few ships belonging to the Scottish Navy became British and the already blended national ensigns of the two counties were by proclamation of Friday 8th July ordered to be worn by the ships of all British subjects in the form of a cannon on a red flag, the Jack its self being reserved as the peculiar distinction of Queens ships. The union with Scotland revived an arrangement which had already existed for a short time under the Commonwealth but had ceased during Restoration.

1707. Monday 2nd May. A Portuguese convoy was defeated by Claude de Forbin.

1707. Tuesday 28th June. The Var. "The enemy had entrenched themselves very strongly on the other side of the Var, a river that was a league distant from Nice, by extending their Works above Four Miles from the shore, and these Intrenchments were guarded by 6 Battalions of Foot, and 800 horses, while Lieutenant General Dillion, an Irish man, was marching with all expedition to re-enforce them with 12 Fresh Battalions." "Sir Cloudsley Shovel commanded 4 British Men of War, and one Dutch, to sail into the Mouth of the Var, attended by 600 Seamen and Marines in open boats, under the conduct of Sir John Norris. The men of War came within Musket shot of the enemy's works, which lay so exposed to our fire, that their Cavalry and many of their Foot gave way. The Admiral himself followed Sir John Norris to the place of action, and observing the disorder of the enemy, commanded him to put to land, and flank them in their intrenchments. His men advanced in such an undaunted manner, and seemed so intrepid and fearless, by tossing up their hats in the air, and their loud Halloo's that the enemy had not courage enough to stay for them, but fearing to be surrounded, fled from their works and retired with great Precipitation." (sic)

1707. Friday July 29th - 21th August. The Battle of Toulon took place in France during the 'War of the Spanish Succession'. In which a French and Spanish force defeated one from Austria, the Dutch Republic, Savoy and Britain. Prince Eugene tried to take the French naval port of Toulon. Eugene had crossed the river Var although hampered by the negligence and inefficiency of Victor Amadeus II of Savoy, had reached Frejus. He was in touch with the British fleet under Admiral Shovell. However, Victor Amadeus' procrastination caused further delays, and gave time for the troops which the Duke of Berwick was sending home from Spain to reinforce Marshal René de Froulay de Tessé at Toulon before the arrival of the Allies. Tessé retook the crucial heights of Santa Catarina, which the Allies had stormed a week earlier; and Eugene, finding his retreat menaced and little chance of taking Toulon, had to abandon his attempt of Monday 22nd August, and fall back across the Var, having lost 10,000 men in this ill-fated attempt. Before Shovell evacuated he bombarded the French harbour and was able to sink two French ships of the line and severely damage two others. The campaign's only success was that, in order to prevent their ships falling into the enemy's hands, the French had sunk their whole squadron of more than forty six ships of between fifty and 110 guns in the harbour. King Louis XIV gave orders that they be sunk and later be re-floated. He was concerned that the Royal Navy would burn the ships, the three deckers would lie with only their upper decks showing above the water. However, much of the damage sustained was irreparable. It's believed that the French Navy lost 15 ships of the line during this operation.

1707. July. Part of a convoy from Baltic captured by Claude de Forbin.

1707. August. Four French ships captured off Newfoundland.

1707. Monday 10th October. The Cumberland, Ruby and Chester captured by Claude de Forbin.

1707. Sunday 23rd October. The loss of the Association, Eagle, Romney and Firebrand.

1708. Saturday 12th May. Leake's Fleet took a French frigate and convoy.

1708. Monday 28th May. Wager's action off Cartagena.

1708. Thursday 2nd August. The Capture of Cagliari the capital of Sardinia. Marines participated in the capture and occupation of Caliari in Sardinia, which surrendered after a night time bombardment.

1708. Friday 14th September. The Capture of Port Mahon. An Anglo-Dutch naval force under the command of Lieut. General James Stanhope landed on the island of Minorca and laid siege to the town of Mahon. Which was taken after a short investment, capitulating on the Tuesday 18th September.

1708. Tuesday 30th October. The surrender of fort Mahon.

1709. Early. A plan was formed to attack Port Royal in the province of Nova Scotia, at that time in possession of the French. For this purpose, a body of 400 Marines was embarked, and the expedition was entrusted to the joint conduct of Colonel Nicholson of the land forces, and Captain Martin of the navy. The squadron proceeded for Boston, where they were to be reinforced by some ships, and such provincial auxiliaries, as might be ready, or were necessary for this intended conquest.

Here a Council of War was held, which arranged the future operations of a body, now consisting of 2000 men. They reached their destination upon the 24th of September, and the proper ground for landing having been reconnoitred, the debarkation took place on the following day. The enemy opened a heavy fire upon the boats from their guns and mortars, but with little effect. A bomb-vessel drifting up with the tide of flood within reach of the Fort, rendered important service during the two first days, which was spiritedly aided by the military exertions on shore.

Upon the first day of October, the Governor of the Fortress having expressed an inclination to surrender upon terms, they were taken into consideration and agreed to. Here a Garrison of Marines was left. Having thus reduced the place, it was now named Annapolis Royal, in honour of her Majesty, under whose auspices it was conquered. (Chapter 4 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1709. Early. The British Nation, ever true to its Allies, often has had cause to complain of a want of this reciprocal honour. Limited in my scope, it belongs not to me to develop errors, and far less to expose such as have arisen from high causes. But, in vindication of the military fame of my country and my corps, I have to regret, that the zealous and gallant services of both should have been unavailingly exerted in the unprosperous views of King Charles upon the Spanish monarchy.

To the want of co-operation and unanimity must be ascribed the many chequered events, and reverses, that marked his royal efforts during this contest. Unsupported by his family, or his nation, whose immediate interests it must have been to place him effectively on that throne, he was exposed to many fatal disappointments when he could not remedy them and was thus often obliged to adopt the measures of necessitous expediency, when he should have been enabled to prosecute the objects of an arranged system.

Early in 1709, the town of Alicant became hard pressed, having sustained a long and obstinate siege against a very powerful force of the combined enemy. The garrison, composed in a great proportion of Marines, exhibited the most heroic perseverance in maintaining the place. Unable to reduce it, the besiegers attempted to undermine the rock upon which the Castle stood, of which they apprized its defenders; but this had no effect upon their resolution. A partial shock, which buried above twenty in its effects, did not intimidate them, and they bravely continued to defend themselves till the fleet, under Sir George Byng, appeared (I believe) on the 4th of April.

General Stanhope, with the troops on board, were to have attempted its relief, under cover of a squadron that was at the same time to have attacked the enemy's lines along the sea shore; but a heavy gale coming on, and many of the ships being in shallow water, it was judged proper to stand farther out into the road.

The weather continuing severe and being unable to gain any intelligence as to the state of the garrison, the Commanders in Chief dreading the worst, and in pity to their sufferings, by a flag of truce, proposed terms of surrender, which being agreed to, the brave remnants were embarked on board of the fleet, which now proceeded to Tarragona, Port Mahon, and afterwards to Barcelona.

During the remainder of this year, nothing farther was attempted by our squadrons, which, in their attached duties, were employed to harass the commerce of our foes, and to protect the convoys of provisions destined wherever necessary.

Upon the 13th of March 1710, Sir John Norris arrived at Port Mahon, as Commander in Chief of the Naval Forces. After having arranged everything, transporting troops to the different quarters, where required, and some inferior attacks upon the enemy, he reached Barcelona upon the 18th of June, in order to concert future operations with his Majesty.

An expedition was meditated against Cette, in the province of Languedoc, where the Troops and Marines were landed upon the 13th of July. The place made but a feeble resistance; and the fort, upon which eighteen pieces of cannon were mounted, surrendered the same day. Major General Seissau, then advancing against Adge with the regiment of Stanhope, and three hundred Marines, that town was delivered up without resistance.

The Isle of Cette, however, was shortly afterwards recovered by the French army stationed in the province under the Duke de Roquelaure; but all our soldiers were previously re-embarked.

Nothing further occurred in 1710, which is in any respect connected with my subject. (Chapter 5 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1709. Thursday 24th January. Sir George Rooke, one of Portsmouth's most famous Freemen, before he was made an Admiral, had served as Captain of Marines, and being quartered upon the coast of Essex, the ague made great havoc amongst his men; the Minister of the village where he lay was so harassed with his duty that he refused to bury any more of them without being paid his accustomed fees. The Captain made no words; but the next that died, he ordered the body to be conveyed to the Minister's house and laid upon the table in his great hall; this greatly embarrassed the poor clergyman, who in the fullness of his heart, sent the Captain word; "That if he would cause the dead man to be taken away, he would never more dispute it with him, but would readily bury him and his whole company for nothing."

1709. Saturday 2nd March. The Assurance and consorts engaged Duguay-Trouin.

1709. Monday 8th April. The Bristol captured by Duguay-Trouin.

1709. Tuesday 9th April. Lord Dursley defeated Duguay-Trouin and re-took the Bristol.

1709. Monday 6th May. HMS Portland re-captured HMS Coventry.

1709. Saturday 18th May. HMS Falmouth defended a convoy against 4 French vessels.

1709. June. The Fowey taken by two French Frigates.

1709. Monday 23rd September. HMS Plymouth captured the Adriadne.

1709. A plan was formed to attack Port Royal in the province of Nova Scotia, at that time in possession of the French. For this purpose, a body of 400 Marines was embarked, and the expedition was entrusted to the joint conduct of Colonel Nicholson of the land-forces, and Captain Martin of the navy. The squadron proceeded to Boston, where they were to be reinforced by some ships, and such provincial auxiliaries, as might be ready, or were necessary for this intended conquest. Here a Council of War was held, which arranged the future operations of a body, now consisting of 2000 men. They reached their destination upon the 24th of September, and the proper ground for landing having been reconnoitred, the debarkation took place on the following day. The enemy opened a heavy fire upon the boats from their guns and mortars, but with little effect. A bomb vessel drifting up with the tide of flood within reach of the Fort, rendered important service during the two first days, which was spiritedly aided by the military exertions on shore. Upon the first day of October, the Governor of the Fortress having expressed an inclination to surrender upon terms, they were taken into consideration and agreed to. Here a Garrison of Marines was left. Having thus reduced the place, it was now named Annapolis Royal, in honour of her Majesty, under whose auspices it was conquered.

1709. October. HMS Gloucester captured by Duguay-Trouin.

1709. December – Monday 7th April 1710. The Defence of Alicant.

1710. Saturday 3rd May. HMS Suffolk captured the Gaillard.

1710. Medals were very sparingly distributed, and there seem to have been no instance whatsoever of their having been officially given to sea men. For Rear Admiral Dilkes's destruction of the French shipping near Grandville in 1703 the Queen ordered gold medals to be struck for presentation to the Admiral and Officers, but this is almost the sole example of the kind.

1710. Sunday 13th July. An expedition was planned and executed against the Isle of Crete in the province of Languedoc and troops and Marines were landed. The enemy put up a feeble resistance and the fort upon which was mounted eighteen Cannons, surrendered the same day. The Regiment of Stanhope, and three hundred Marines later advanced against Adge, and the town surrender without resistance. The Isle of Crete was later recovered by the French Army under the Duke of Roquetaine, after the British troops had previously left.

1710. Tuesday 29th July. HMS Kent captured the Superbe.

1710. August. HMS Seven and HMS Portland destroyed French settlements in Newfoundland.

1710. Sunday 5th - Monday 13th October. The Siege of Port Royal also became known as the Conquest of Acadia. During the early part of the year a plan had been hatched to attack Port Royal in the province of Nova Scotia, at that time in possession of the French. Under the command of Daniel d'Auger de Subercase. For this purpose, a body of six hundred Marines were embarked, and the expedition was entrusted to the joint conduct of Colonel Nicholson of the Marine forces, and Captain Martin of the Navy. The squadron proceeded to Boston, where they were reinforced by some more ships, and provincial auxiliaries. For this intended conquest a council of war was held, and arrangements were made for the debarkation of a body consisting of two thousand five hundred men which took place on the Wednesday 24th September.

There followed a siege that lasted nine days, before the Governor finally surrendered the fortress, and a garrison of Marines took possession on the Sunday 13th October. The fortress was also re-named Annapolis Royal, in honour of Queen Anne in whose reign it was conquered. The siege was the third British attempt during 'Queen Anne's War' to capture the Acadian capital.

1710. Monday 29th December. HMS Pembroke and HMS Falcon taken by French Squadron.

1711. In the early part of the year it was agreed to make an attack on the town of Quebec, the capital of the French possessions in Canada, for which service Admiral Sir Hovenden Walker and Major General John Hill were appointed Commanders in Chief, a large fleet of ships of war formed part of the armament, which was to be further strengthened by troops from the American colonies, they were directed to proceed to Boston in New England, and to make arrangements for this undertaking. They reached Naerlaskel near Boston on the Wednesday 24th June, and having collected the provincial Corps, and withdrawn the Marines from Annapolis Royal, which had been occupied by these Corps since its surrender during 1709, they eventually sailed after many delays on Thursday 30th July. The expedition did not reach the St. Lawrence river until Friday 21st August, when it encountered storms, and being furnished with pilots who were unacquainted with the navigation of that river, eight transports, a store ship, and a sloop were lost by shipwreck, and upwards of eighty persons, including officers, soldiers, and women, principally belonging to Colonel Kane's fourth Regiment, and Colonel Clayton's thirty-seventh Regiment, perished in this fatal service. A scarcity of provisions had arisen, and it was then determined by a council of war that further operations should be abandoned. Some of the Corps proceeded to Annapolis Royal, and the squadron returned to England during October.

1711. Early. It was resolved to attempt the town of Quebec, the capital of the French dominions in Canada, for which service Sir adminadm Walker and General Hill were nominated as Commanders in Chief. A respectable force was appointed, and they were directed to proceed for Boston, in New England, there to arrange everything necessary for this undertaking. They reached Nantasket, near Boston, upon the 24th of June, and having prepared the Provincial Corps, and withdrawn the Marines who garrisoned Annapolis Royal since its surrender, they sailed for the object of their destination, after many delays, upon the 30th of July.

This attempt was rashly adopted, without examining the difficulties it involved. The urgent suggestions of the American Provinces first gave the idea, in order to get rid of a hostile and dangerous neighbour, but their energies were by no means adequate to the extent of their designs. A general ignorance of the navigation of the river St. Laurence very early exposed us to the loss of more than 800 brave men, who perished from this fatal cause, and these sad examples put a period to an expedition formed in misrepresentation and conducted by incapacity.

The whole squadron and forces returned to England on the 9th of October, after having left the provincial auxiliaries upon their own coast. (Taken from Chapter 6 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1711. Friday 20th March. Sir John Jennings arrived at Barcelona in order to assume the command of the British Fleet. To watch the enemies ports, to distress their trade, and to keep open the communication of intelligence and supplies for the detached forces and Allies, were all that he could now attempt in the tottering cause of King Charles. About this time Joseph Emperor of Germany died whose bequeath of all his dominions to the Royal Competitor compensated for past struggles and averted that blow to his pride which must soon have ensued from the desperate state of his affairs, by a total dereliction of his object. That event called upon him to fill the throne of his country; to obey which, his Majesty soon after embarked on board the English fleet, and was escorted to Italy, His Royal Consort still remained behind, with a view to inspire a motive for farther efforts, but the suspension of arms between Great Britain and France put a period to every active co-operation. The Empress, with her retinue, embarked at Barcelona, early in 1712, and landed at Genoa upon the 26th March, from where she pursued her journey towards the destined seat of her power.

After a tedious negotiation, the stages, and detailed terms, of peace was restored by the Treaty of Utrecht, on the 3lst March 1713. Britain retained possession of Gibraltar, Minorca, and Nova Scotia, each conquered during the war, and in effecting all of which the Marine forces, established during the reign of Queen Anne, very essentially contributed.

The extraordinary expenses of this long war, notwithstanding its duration, did not exceed forty-four millions, which, considering the immense forces kept on foot, and the subsidies granted to so many of the Continental Powers, appear but a small sum. (Taken from Chapter 7 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1711. Friday 27th March. HMS Exeter and HMS Lion re-captured HMS Pembroke.

1711. HMS Hampton Court captured the Toulouse.

1711. June. HMS Advice captured by privateers.

1711. Monday 27th July. Commodore Littleton captured a Spanish Galleon.

1711. Thursday 15th October. HMS Edgar blown up at Spithead.

1713. The Marines were reduced to three Regiments who were transferred to the line to become the 30th of Foot (a predecessor of the Royal Anglian Regiment), and the 32nd Foot. Only four Companies of Marine Invalids remained.

1713. Wednesday 1st March. Peace was restored between Britain and France after signing the treaty of Utrecht. By this treaty it was settled that Britain should retain possession of Gibraltar, Minorca, and Nova Scotia. However, the Marines which had been formed during the Reign of Queen Anne, were ordered to be disbanded. They were considered to be part of a war establishment, and a spirit of public economy was needed after the termination of hostilities. However, the consequence was that the whole of the Marine Regiments were disbanded by the end of the year.

1713. Friday 31st March. Peace was restored by the treaty of Utrecht on the 31st 01 March 1713, allowing England to retain possession of Gibraltar, Minorca, and Nova Scotia, which were the fruits of our conquests during the war; and in effecting which, the Marine regiments established during the reign of Queen Anne essentially contributed. 71. A great reduction of the forces took place during 1714, and the half-pay list for that year exhibits upon it the following regiments of Marines: Lieutenant-general Holl's, Major-general Wills's, Brigadier Barr's, and Lord Viscount Shannon's. In the first year of the government of George I., it was judged proper to grant a signal mark of royal favour, in consideration of the extensive and gallant services of the Marine regiments. Accordingly, all the officers attached to the corps of Lieutenant-general Holl, Major-general Wills, and Brigadier Barr, were restored to their rank and full pay, and were generally incorporated with the different corps of the line. Four invalid companies were also granted; but these regiments were again reduced, and it was not until 1739, when war was declared with Spain, that an order in Council of 12th December directed the immediate levy of six marine regiments, and the following colonels appointed to command them: 1st. Edward Wolfe, Esq. from 3rd Foot Guards; 2d. Wm. Robinson, Esq., Lieutenant-colonel from Handyside's regiment of Foot; 3rd. Anthony Lowther, Esq. from 2d Foot Guard; 4th. John Wynyard, Esq. from Colonel Tyrrell's regiment of Foot; 5th. Charles Douglas, Esq. from Colonel Howard's regiment of Foot; 6th. Lewis Ducie Morton, Esq. from 3rd Foot Guards. To render them immediately effective, and with a view to their perfect discipline, five men from each company of the regiments of Foot Guards were appointed as Serjeants and corporals; and to hasten their completion, a bounty of one pound ten shillings was tendered to the first 1800 men of our regular army who should volunteer for this service. Early in 1740 three additional regiments were raised in America, when the royal standard was displayed at New York, as the port to which every volunteer Marine was to repair.

It was supposed that the natives of that continent were better calculated for the service in that climate than the Europeans, and they were clothed in a manner well adated for their duties. The colonels, lieutenant-colonels, and other commissioned officers were appointed by the Crown, except the captains of companies, who were nominated by the American provinces. Their uniform was camlet coats, brown linen waistcoats, and canvas trovvsers. Colonel Spotiswood of Virginia, was colonel-commandant of the whole. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1713 \- 1739. It must be noted that during this time all sea, and land battles involved Marines.

1714. Saw the formation of four invalid companies under the establishment of the Army. Apart from these four Company's there was no Corps until the outbreak of hostility with Spain during 1739. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1715 \- 1719. The first Jacobite Rebellion was a political movement in Britain and Ireland that aimed to restore the Roman Catholic Stuart King James II of England and his heirs to the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland.

1715. HMS August and HMS Garland were wrecked in the Baltic.

1715. A number of officers, however, who drew this recompense from the public, most ingloriously joined the Pretender. The issue being unfortunate for them, they were all taken prisoners, and afterwards tried and executed by martial law; although they might have been capitally convicted as rebels, by the common law of the land.

The expense incurred by one regiment of this description, which will be a guide to the total charge for the whole of them.

One Company Per Day. Per Year.

FIELD and STAFF OFFICERS.

Colonel as Colonel £0-12-0 £219-0-0

Lieut. Col. as Lieut. Col. £0 -7 -0 £127-15-0

Major as Major £0 -5 -0 £91-5-0

Chaplain £0 -6 -8 £121-13-4

Adjutant £0 -4 -0 £73- 0-0

Quartermaster £0 -4 -0 £73-0-0

Chirurgeon £0 -4 -0 £73-0-0

One Mate to ditto £ 0-2-6 £45-12-6

................................................\-------- ----------

...............................................£2-5-2 £824-5-10

...........................................======== ==========

One Company per day. per year.

Captain £0-8-0 £146-0-0

First Lieutenant £0-4-0 £73-3-0

Second Lieutenant £0-3-0 54-15-0

2 Serjeants, each 1s-6d £0-3-0 54-15-0

3 Corporals, each 1s £0-3-0 54-15-0

2 Drummers, each 1s £0-2-0 36-10-0

59 Privates, each 8d £1-19-4 £717-16-8

...............................................\-------- .... ------------

..............................................£3-2-4 £1,137-11-8

...............................................===== =========

Pay of 10 Comp. more of the}

like number and same rates} £31-3-4 £11,375-16-8

..............................................\--------- -------------

..............................................£34-5-8 .. £12,513-8-4

..............................................====== =========

One Company of Grenadiers to complete this Regiment, as follows:

1 Captain £0-8-0 £146-0-0

1 First Lieutenant £0-4-0 £73-0-0

1 Second Lieutenant £0-4-0 £73-0-0

3 Serjeants, each 1s 6d £0-4 -6 £82-2-6

3 Corporals, each 1s £0-3-0 £54-15-0

59 Grenadiers, each 8d £1-19-4 £717-16-8

..................................................\---------- -------------

Total this Regiment £39-15-8 £14,520-18-4

.................................................====== ==========

Pay 5 Regiments more, at}

the same rates, &c.} £198-18-4 £72,604-11-8

.................................................\---------- -------------

Total for Marines £238-14-0 £87,125-10-0

...............................................======= =========

The six regiments of Foot for sea service were exactly the same numbers and same denominations, excepting as to officers, who among these corps, were detailed as Ensigns instead of Second Lieutenants. Classed under one general head, the twelve regiments cost the public £238-14-0 per day, and £174,251-0-0 per year.

The idea of this class of men being raised with a view of becoming a nursery for the Navy, seems to have been now relinquished, and the following articles for their government and conduct were framed, and adopted, by her Majesty in council, upon the 1st of July 1702.

1st. They were to be employed on board her Majesty's ships as there should be occasion, and quartered at, or as near as might be to the dock-yards, when on shore, to guard them from embezzlements, or any attempts of an enemy.

2nd. In all matters relating to their subsistence and clearings, when on board and on shore, they were to be paid in like manner as the land forces, and the same deductions to be made from them for clothing, and one day's pay, once a year, from each officer and soldier for the hospital.

3rd. They were to be allowed an equal proportion of provisions with the seamen, without any deductions from their pay for the same.

4th. And to have the same allowance for short provisions (when circumstances render the issue of full allowance imprudent) as the seamen, to be paid to themselves, or their assigns.

5th. Such regiments, or parts of them as should be on shore, were to be mustered by a commissary or commissaries in the same manner as the land forces, excepting in this case, that they, the said commissaries, were obliged to allow at each muster on his or their rolls, all such officers and soldiers as should appear to him or them by authentic vouchers, or certificates, to be put on board any of her Majesty's ships or vessels, and that such part of the aforesaid regiments as should be at sea, might be paid while they were so, it was directed, That the commanding Marine Officer with them should, every two months, return to the Commissary General of the Musters a perfect list of all the officers and soldiers on board each ship, signed by himself, and all the Marine Officers, expressing the times of entry, death, and discharge of each man, that so the Commissary might compare the said lists with the monthly books sent to the Navy Office, and allow such of the officers and soldiers as should appear to him fit to be so allowed.

6th. To prevent confusion, not less than fifteen Marine Soldiers, and with them an Officer, were to be put on board a ship, at any one time, unless in cases of necessity.

7th. And for the ease of the whole a particular Pay-master was appointed, with power to solicit the arrears of the regiments, and to receive all sums of money from the Treasurer of the Navy; and immediately upon the receipt thereof, to issue the same to the respective Colonels, or their Agents; he was also required, diligently and carefully to adjust all accounts relating to the regiments, according to such muster rolls as should be delivered to him by the Commissary, or Commissaries; and those muster rolls were to be allowed of, as sufficient vouchers for the charges in the accounts, and for making out debentures and warrants.8th. To enable the aforesaid Pay-master to keep an Office, and to defray the charge thereof, and of Clerks and other contingencies, he was allowed sixpence in the pound, pursuant to the subscription of the respective Colonels, which he had power to deduct out of all monies issued to him, in the same manner as the poundage was deducted from the land forces.

9th. For rendering such parts of the regiments as should be on shore the more useful, her Majesty declared it should be left to herself, or the High Admiral, to dispose of them at such places nearest to the several dock yards, as might be judged most convenient: And since there might be occasion for Labourers to dispatch necessary works, her Majesty empowered her High Admiral, or the Commissioners for executing that office, to cause to be employed in the aforesaid dock yards, so many of the Marine Soldiers as might be judged fitting, and to make them such daily allowance for the same, besides their ordinary pay, as to him or them should seem reasonable.

Thus, placed under the control of the Lord High Admiral, he was pleased to nominate Brigadier General Seymour to superintend the whole; whose peculiar duties were to observe, that the men were comfortably quartered, that the officers were attentive in their respective departments, and that the Marine Soldiers, when embarked on board of ship, were supplied with proper sea clothes, and other suitable necessaries.

During this reign also, a number of independent companies of Marines was raised for the express purpose of defending our different West India possessions, to which quarter they were sent, were embodied into three regiments, and where they remained many years. (Taken from Chapter 2 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1716. Operations against the Barary Corsairs.

1718 \- 1720. The War of the Quadruple Alliance was a result of the ambitions of King Philip V of Spain, his wife Elisabeth Farnese, and their chief minister Giulio Alberoni to retake lost territories in Italy and to claim the French throne. It saw the defeat of Spain by an alliance of Britain, France, Austria, and the Dutch Republic. Savoy later joined the coalition as the fifth ally. Although fighting began as early as 1717, war was not publicly declared until December 1718. It was brought to an end by the Treaty of the Hague during 1720.

1718. Thursday 11th August. Byng's Victory off Cape Passaro.

1719. October. The Seizure of Vigo.

1720's -1830's. Long Land Pattern Musket was standard issue for the British Empire's land forces.

1722. April. HMS Swallow destroyed Roberts Piratical vessels.

### Chapter 4

1725 – 1749

1726. Hosier in the West Indies.

1727. Wager's Relief of Gibraltar.

1729. The Dursley Galley took Guarda- Costa.

1731. The Episode of Jenkins Ear.

1733. Operations against the Barary Corsnirs.

1739 \- 1748. England declared war on Spain that became known as the War of Jenkins' Ear. A conflict between Britain and Spain that grew out of the commercial rivalry of the two powers and led to involvement in the larger War of the Austrian Succession. Its unusual name, is thought to have been coined by Thomas Carlyle 1858, and refers to an ear severed from Robert Jenkins Captain of a British merchant ship. The severed ear was subsequently exhibited before the British Parliament. The tale of the ear's separation from Jenkins following the boarding of his vessel by Spanish coast guards during 1731. Provided the impetus to war against the Spanish Empire, ostensibly to encourage the Spanish not to renege on the lucrative Asiento contract (permission to sell slaves in Spanish America).

1739. Marine Commissions were purchased and sold, although they always bore an inferior value to those of the Army. A perquisite arose to the Colonels from the disposal of the appointments of second Lieutenants, when their recommendations were approved of by his Majesty, and such commissions usually produced to those officers from £250 to £280, while ensigncies in the line sometimes yielded as much as £400. The great expense which had accrued in the maintenance of the land forces and Marines, led to the appointment of a committee of inquiry. In this investigation it appeared that the Colonel of a Marine Regiment had a greater emolument than an officer commanding a Regiment of the line, arising from the comparative superiority in their numbers, and the articles of clothing being of an inferior quality.

1739. Sunday 4th October. Marines landed on the peninsula of Quiberon and took possession of a fort mounting eighteen cannons. After destroying all the forts and guns, as well as those on the islands of Houat and Hedic, the army re-embarked, and the expedition sailed for Ireland. In the gradual increase of the army during the present war, the Marines became incorporated with the line, and the 44th Regiment was styled the 1st Marines.

1739. Tuesday 6th October. A French fleet of merchant men under Commodore Letendeur sailed from the Isle of Aix for the West Indies, under convoy of nine ships of the line and several frigates. On the 14th while off Cape Finisterre, they came upon a British squadron Commanded by Rear Admiral Hawke, of thirteen ships of the line, including two of fifty guns. The Commodore, finding it impossible to avoid an action, directed a sixty gun ship and the frigates to proceed with the convoy, and then formed his squadron in order of battle. The action commenced at noon, and was continued until night fall, by which time six sail of the line ships had surrendered. The Commodore on board HMS Tonnant of 80 guns, and HMS Intrepid of 74, made their escape. The British had 154 killed, and 558 wounded. The enemy's loss amounted to 800 killed and wounded. The order of the Bath was conferred on Rear Admiral Hawke, and the thanks of Parliament voted to the officers, seamen, and Marines of the squadron.

1739. Tuesday 17th November - Sunday 22nd November. Six Marine Regiments (1st to 6th Marines, 44th to 49th Foot) were raised for the War of Jenkins' Ear, with four more being raised later. One large Marine Regiment (Spotswood's Regiment later Gooch's Marines, the 61st Foot) was formed of American colonists and served alongside British Marines at the Battle of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia and Guantanamo, Cuba in the War of Jenkins' Ear (1741). Among its officers was Lawrence Washington, the half-brother of George Washington. In 1747, the remaining Regiments were transferred to the Admiralty and then disbanded in 1748. Many of the disbanded men were offered transportation to Nova Scotia and helped form the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

1739. Saturday 21st November. Vernon's capture of Porto Bello.

1739. Saturday12th December. After the declaration of war with Spain Council Orders were issued for augmenting the land forces, and also for forming six Regiments of Marines, each to consist of ten companies of seventy privates in each company, and to be commanded by 1st Colonel Edward Wolfe from the 3rd Foot Guards, 2nd Colonel W. Robinson from Handasyd's 22nd Regiment, 3rd Colonel Andrew Lowther from the 2nd Foot Guards, 4th, Colonel John Wynyard, from Tyrrell's Regiment; 5th Colonel Charles Douglas from Howard's Regiment, 6th Colonel Lucius Ducic Moreton, from the 3rd Foot Guards. In order to facilitate the speedy formation of these Corps, and to render them effective, five men from each company of the Regiments of foot-guards were appointed Sergeants and Corporals, and further that they might be rapidly completed, a bounty of thirty shillings per man was allowed to 1800 men who volunteered from the Regiments of Infantry to the Marine Corps by these energies, the whole of the Marine Regiments were soon raised and disciplined. On the prospect of the commencement of hostilities Admiral Vernon had sailed for Jamaica, where he arrived in October 1739, with a fleet of five ships, having 200 Marines on board, and proceeded to Porto Bello, the destined object of his attack, which was at that time the greater part for the wealthy commerce of Chili and Peru, the attempt was fraught with many difficulties.

1739. Upon the repetition of Spanish cruelties and aggression towards the industrious and defenceless subjects of Britain, that the system of Marine Regiments was renewed. The sword was again drawn upon the 19th October of that year, and an Order of Council of the 12th December, determined upon the immediate levy of six of this description. The Colonels who were nominated to command them was, 1. Edward Wolfe esq. from the 3rd Foot Guards. 2. William Robinson esq. Lieutenant Colonel from Handyside's Regiment of Foot. 3. Anthony Lowther esq. from 2nd. Foot Guards. 4. John Wynyard esq. from Colonel Tyrrel's Regiment of Foot. 5. Charles Douglas esq. from Colonel Howard's Regiment of Foot. 6. Lewis Ducie Morton esq. from the 3rd Foot Guards.

1739 \- 1740. The largest number of Marine Regiments was formed, when ten Regiments were raised for service. They ranked as the 44th to 53rd in seniority with the regular army regiments. They were all disbanded after the peace settlement in 1748.

1740. January. The six Regiments raised in late 1739 received an effective augmentation of 2,640 men.

1740. January. The six marine regiments received an augmentation of 2040 men, with one lieutenant to each company; twenty men were also added to each of the four companies of invalids, and another allowed to the retired Marine establishment.

When Admiral Vernon was about sailing for the West Indies, his honest zeal for the public service induced him to offer the following observations, in an address to the Duke of Newcastle, on the value of marine soldiers. " I could wish, indeed, we had each of us a company of regular troops sent on board of us, which would have strengthened us in numbers, as well as had their expertness in handling their arms, to have incited our seamen to the imitation of them. If we should come to a general war with France as well as Spain, I believe your Grace will have already perceived, from the difficulty of manning these ships as they are, the necessity there may be of converting most of our marching regiments into Marines; and if, as they become seamen, they were admitted to be discharged as such, that would make a good nursery for breeding them at a time we might probably find such a necessity for them." These ideas appear to have been drawn from the system which prevailed in the sea service, prior to the formation of marine regiments, in the reign of Queen Anne, when they were entirely devoted to naval purposes; and as each individual became qualified to act as a foremast man, which was universally encouraged, he was discharged from his regiment, and entered upon the books as a seaman. Even under the present regulation of the service, great advantages would result from an increase of Marines to the complement of each ship, instead of what is termed " landsmen and waisters." In case of emergency, a strong reinforcement might be embarked; and by the immediate equipment of ships, a powerful squadron could be sent to sea in perfect readiness to meet the enemy, with the advantage of having battalions well trained for both naval and military warfare, and capable of making a serious impression wherever their services might be required. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1740. An additional Regiment, of four Battalions, was authorised to be raised in America, and the Royal Standard was erected at New York. The field officers and subalterns were appointed by the King, and the captains of companies were nominated by the American provinces. Colonel Spotswood of Virginia, was appointed over all Colonel Commandant. It was believed that the natives of that continent, knowing the area and climate were better for service than Europeans. Their uniform was cumblet coats, brown linen waistcoats, and canvas trousers. This regiment, which was afterwards commanded by Colonel Gooche, was considered as the forty-third Regiment of infantry of the line.

1740.February. The town of Carthagena being the capital of an extensive and wealthy province in Terra Firma in South America was bombarded, and an attack was made upon a fort situate upon the mouth of a river of that name a little to the north-west of the Gulf of Darien. The latter surrendered, after a sharp contest, on Thursday 24th March, when the castle, situated on a rock, and the custom-house under its protection, were demolished and burnt to the ground.

1740. Sunday 6th - 9th March. Vernon bombarded Cartagena.

1740. Monday 18th April. HMS Lennox and consorts capture Princesa.

1740. June. Unsuccessful attempt on St. Augustine.

1740. Sunday 18th September. The departure of HMS Anson on voyage of circumnavigation.

1740. October. A large number of ships of war assembled at Spithead under the Command of Rear Admiral Sir Chalaoner Ogle, along with a large land force consisting of Harrison's 15th Regiment. Wentworth's 24th Regiment and part of Cavendish's 34th Regiment was collected in the Isle of White and held in readiness with six Regiments of Marines to be embarked for service under the orders of General Lord Cathcart, a nobleman of approved courage and experience. The fleet with a British armament consisting of one hundred and seventy ships sailed from St. Helen's heading for Jamaica. However, its progress was badly affected by server bad weather in the Bay of Biscay, the fleet was dispersed. The greater part of the vessels sort refuge by anchoring at the neutral island of Dominica, in order to obtain a supply of wood and water.

1740. Friday 16th December - 18th October 1748. The War of the Austrian Succession involved most of the European countries over the question of Maria Theresa's succession to the realms of the House of Habsburg. The war included King George's War in North America, the War of Jenkins' Ear, the First Carnatic War in India, and the First and Second Silesian Wars. It was fought between Britain, Austria and the Dutch Republic against. France and Germany. The war ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle signed in 1748.

1740 \- 1748. The Ten Regiments of Marines uniforms of the day. (taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI.)

1740 \- 1748. Ten Regiments of the line were detailed for Marine service as the 1st and 10th Regiments of Marines.

1740. While Commander in chief of the West Indies squadron, Admiral Vernon ordered his captains and surgeons to make recommendations regarding the rum issue. The resulting mixture is called grog after the nickname of the admiral, 'Old Grog'. In 1850 the ration was once again reduced to half gill.

1741. January. Admiral Sir Chalaoner Ogle's fleet eventually arrived in Jamaica and joined a force under Vice Admiral Vernon who was placed at the head of the most formidable fleet and army which were employed in the Caribbean. The fleet now consisted of twenty nine ships of the line, with nearly an equal number of Frigates, Fire Ships, and Bomb Ketches, well manned and with a plentifully supply of provisions, stores. The number of seamen amounted to 15,000. Plus, a land force that included the American Regiment of four battalions belonging to Colonel Spotswood and a body of Negroes enlisted at Jamaica, making a grand total of around 12,000 men. The whole force sailed from Irish Bay in Hispaniola and anchored on the evening of the Saturday 4th March in the Grande Playa, to the windward side of the town of Carthagena, the intending objective.

1741. Sunday 15th January. The expedition arrived at Jamaica from Hispaniola, where they received a reinforcement of 2000 Marines from England. It was then determined to make another attack on Porto Bello, and if successful, to march across the Isthmus of Darien, and take the rich town of Panama. After a delay of two months the troops embarked, and the whole fleet anchored in the harbour of Porto Bello on the evening of 28th March but to the surprise of the admiral, the land officers considered, that as the season was far advanced, their numbers diminished by sickness, and the separation of some of the transports, they deemed it impracticable to pursue further measures. As there remained more than 2000 effective men, an army more than sufficient to have secured the treasure of Panama, and as there was no force in the whole country capable of meeting them in the field, this contemptible timidity is unaccountable; for in case of repulse they might have returned, without the least apprehension of being harassed in their retreat. The whole fleet sailed from Porto Bello in the early part of April and arrived at Jamaica on the 15th of May. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1741. Thursday 9th March - 16th May. The Battle of Cartagena de Indias in Colombia. Was an amphibious military engagement between the forces of Britain under Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon and those of Spain under Admiral Blas de Lezo. It took place at the city of Cartagena de Indias, in present day Colombia. The battle was the most significant of the War of Jenkins' Ear and one of the largest naval campaigns in British history. The battle resulted in a major defeat for the British Navy and Army. The battle marked a turning point in South American history, as Spain preserved her military supremacy in that continent until the nineteenth century. The defeat caused heavy losses for the British, that included 50 ships lost, badly damaged or abandoned, and losses of 18,000 soldiers and sailors, mostly due to disease that also took a heavy toll among the Spanish forces, especially yellow fever.

According to Gillespie the casualties among the officers of the Marine Regiments at Cartagena amounted to 61, of whom 13 were killed in action, the remainder dying of wounds or disease. However, he does not apparently include Colonel Moore, Grant and Daniels, which brings the total up to 64. Who Colonel Moore was is not clear, unless it means Colonel Moreton, but Grant and Daniels were successively appointed to the 5th Marine from Cavendish's and Harrison's. No exact details are forth coming as to the casualties among the rank and file. However, of six Marines Regiments with an original strength of 1,000 apiece, must have landed at least landed 5,000 men, and yet only re-embarked 3,382, of whom 1,103 were sick or wounded, it is evident that they must have had a very heavy Butchers Bill.

1741. Wednesday 22nd March. General Wentworth opened a battery of twenty- four pounders on the castle; and on the following day Commodore Lestock, with five ships, attacked it by sea; and the Spaniards having remounted the guns in the fascine battery, it was a second time destroyed by the seamen. A breach being practicable in the castle of Boca Chica, it was entered by a detachment of grenadiers, without opposition; and the garrison of Fort St. Joseph also capitulated. Emboldened by this success and perceiving that the enemy were preparing to sink their ships, the British boarded the Spanish admiral's ship, the Gallicia, and having destroyed the boom and opened a free passage, the fleet entered the harbour without molestation: the fortress of Castillo Grande, mounting fifty-nine guns, which protected the entrance, was abandoned by the enemy as soon as the ships approached. On the 5th of April the troops landed at La Quinta, and General Wentworth pushed forward through a narrow defile to an open ground about a mile from St. Lazar, which fort entirely commanded the town of Carthegena, and was strongly fortified and defended by a numerous garrison. After much altercation between the two commanders, it was determined to storm this important fortress; and on the 9th, Brigadier-general Guise, with five hundred grenadiers and a thousand Marines, advanced against the enemy's lines in front of the fort, followed by a body of Americans, carrying woolpacks, scaling-ladders, and hand-grenades. The troops pushed forward to the attack with great gallantry, although exposed to a heavy and destructive flanking fire; and on reaching the enemy's line, they rushed into the intrenchments, driving the Spaniards into the fort, over the drawbridge which communi- cated with the lines. But few of the Americans came up with the materials for further operations; and after an abortive attempt to scale the walls of St. Lazar by a small detachment, who were all cut to pieces, a general confusion ensued, and the troops were compelled to retire, with the loss of six hundred men, killed and wounded. It was then decided, in a council of war, that a re-embarkation should take place; and after destroying Castillo Grande, Vice-admiral Vernon returned to Port Royal in Jamaica, where he arrived on the 19th of May. The loss sustained arose more from the effects of the climate, than in action with the enemy. Twenty-eight officers were killed, and seventy-seven died from disease and fatigue. Colonel Douglas, of the Marines, was among the slain; and Lieut.-colonel Cochran was promoted to the vacancy.

After the arrival of the troops at Jamaica, the mortality continued very great among them. Many changes took place between the regiments of foot and the Marines, and promotion was established by rotation in the whole line. Within a few weeks the corps, originally Douglas's, included amongst its casualties three colonels, two lieutenant-colonels, and two majors. The fleet, consisting of eight sail of the line and twelve frigates, with more than forty transports, having taken on board a newly raised corps of 1000 negroes, who with the troops amounted to 3400 land forces, sailed from Jamaica on the 1st of July, and on the 18th anchored in Walthenham Bay, in the island of Cuba, which was immediately named Cumberland, in honour of his Royal Highness the Duke. It was determined to attack the city of St. Jago, and the troops were accordingly landed: meeting with no opposition, they marched some miles up the country, and encamped on the banks of a navigable river. In the meantime, Admiral Vernon despatched part of his ships to blockade the port of St. Jago, and to watch the motions of the Spanish admiral, who was lying with twelve ships of the line at Havanna, a populous city on the west side of the island. But on the 9th of October, General Wentworth expressed his doubts of being able to proceed with the army, or to subsist much longer in the part they occupied. A council of war, held on the 9th, determined that it was impossible to proceed further into the country; and on the 7th of November another council, consisting of the land officers only, resolved on embarking the troops with all expedition. They were accordingly put on board the transports on the 20th, without any molestation from the enemy.

Thus, ended the conquest of Cuba, the inhabitants of which, from the incomprehensible conduct of the British troops, were almost persuaded that they landed without any hostile intentions; for St. Jago, which was no more than four days' march from Cumberland harbour, was weak in its defences on the land side, and might, therefore, have been easily surprised; and as there was no army in the country to oppose an enemy, it is difficult to conceive why it was not immediately attempted. After remaining four months on the island, the number of the British force was so decreased by disease, that probably in another month there would scarcely have been any left to bring home an account of this disastrous expedition.

The total loss of officers, at the close of the year, amounted to one commander of the land forces, five colonels, ten lieutenant-colonels, seven majors, fifty-five captains, one hundred and sixteen subalterns, and fourteen staff officers. Each of the marine regiments, which on leaving Europe consisted of more than 1000 men, were now so reduced, that, including the four battalions of Gooch's Americans, only 251 Serjeants, 244 corporals, 89 drummers, and 2073 privates, remained fit for duty. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1741. During the year 1741, the number of marine regiments was increased to ten, and the regulations of this establishment were very similar in their principles to those framed for the line: they were clothed by their colonels, who had the privilege of nominating officers for commissions. The number of men embarked on board the largest ships did not exceed one hundred, under a captain and three subalterns; and the smallest not less than twenty under an officer. The field-officers never embarked, unless the whole battalion was destined for a particular service. Officers commanding Marine detachments were required to make effective returns of them every two months, attested by the captains and pursers of each ship, in order to assist the numbers of the regimental companies, and to guide the recruiting service. The same deductions were made from them as in the army for clothing and Chelsea Hospital, whether embarked or not. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

When attached to any ship, marines were entitled to the same indulgences as the seamen, receiving their provisions without any deductions from their pay on that account; and they had short-allowance money, and the benefit of naval hospitals. When sent thither, either sick or wounded, they were deemed effective on their musters on shore, if producing a certificate from the surgeon of the ship, and another from their commanding officer at head-quarters.

The paymaster-general issued the pay to the colonels of regiments, or their agents, and the paymaster of each settled the accounts agreeably to the muster-rolls from the commissary general; which muster-rolls, and the colonel's receipts, were sufficient vouchers for passing the paymaster's accounts, &c.

When brigaded abroad, they were paid precisely in the same manner as the army; but the arrears of officers of Marines were longer withheld, and the captains of companies were exposed to peculiar hardships, particularly abroad, when they were often obliged to assign that portion of their pay at an enormous discount, in order to answer their temporary exigencies. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1741. Sunday 9th April. The Repulse at St. Lazar. At 4am in the morning a body of men consisting of 500 Grenadiers, supported by1,000 European Marines and Jamaican soldiers march towards the Enemy's lines by the Fort St. Lazar, and were followed at considerable distance by a large body of American, laden with wool packs, scaling ladders, and hand grenades. The enemy had entrenched themselves breast high under the walls of the fort, observing their advance, and fired upon them with great fury as soon as they came within reach of their small arms. Which was returned by brave Grenadiers with equal smartness, but as the Spanish had the advantage of cover, it was impossible for the advancing force to be as accurate. Therefore, it was resolved to push forwards up to the mouths of their pieces and storm their entrenchments, in doing so they suffered extremely. The assault failed with a loss of 600 casualties. The attack had been planned to help isolate Cartagena from the land side by an assault of Fort St. Lazar. The assault failed with a loss of 600 casualties.

1741. Tuesday 18th July. In consequence of the heavy losses sustained by Admiral Sir Chalaoner Ogle's fleet at Cartagena, and the mortality which continued to prevail after the troops returned to Jamaica, it was not until the beginning of July that the fleet and army were in a condition to renew their operations. It had always been the objective to proceed against the Island of Cuba, where they anchored on the 18th 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 Monday 24th consisting of nearly 4000 men, including1000 Negroes raised by the Island of Jamaica. They did not try to establish a foot hold on the country, although there were several treks to find food and water. After establishing a position on the side of a river nearly three leagues from the mouth of the harbour, the General pushed some detachments into the country, which beat back the out posts of the enemy, and in a few days returned back to the camp with plentiful provisions. Eventually the fleet returned to Jamaica. Upon which it was revealed that they had sustained a total loss of officer amounting to One Commander in Chief, five Colonels, ten Lieutenant Colonels, seven Majors, fifty five Captains and 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 survived.

1741. September. Admiral Vernon and General Wentworth were recalled; and thus, terminated this vast enterprise against the Spanish settlements in South America, in which enormous sums were expended, and 10,000 lives sacrificed without the least benefit to the nation. To the indecision of General Wentwortlfs character, and deficiency of that intrepid alacrity which inspires confidence in the soldier, may be attributed the cause of this inglorious issue. The naval commander was desirous to make the attack, but his contempt for his associate destroyed that cordiality which is so essential in all operations, and it abated the vigour which ought to have been exercised.

Previous to the departure of Vice-admiral Vernon from Jamaica, measures were taken to put that island in the best posture of defence, and for having the fleet efficiently supplied with Marines which arrangement required nearly all that remained fit for duty; consequently, the force was so reduced, that Sir Chaloner Ogle could only adopt a system of self-defence, as the Spanish squadron in the Havanna was now superior to his own. It having been represented to Sir Chaloner Ogle that the Spanish settlements of La Guyra and Porto Cavallo, on the coast of the Caraccas, were in a defenceless condition, the rear-admiral detached Captain Knowles with a small squadron to Antigua, where he was reinforced by some other ships; and 400 men of Dalzell's regiment, with 600 Marines, were embarked on board the squadron. So little caution had been used to conceal the destination of this armament, that the governor of the Caraccas had two months' notice of the intended expedition, and, consequently, the fortifications were strengthened with the utmost care. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1741. December. During 1741 the total loss of Officers, amounted to one Commander in Chief, five Colonels, ten Lieutenant Colonels, seven Majors, fifty five Captains, one hundred and sixteen Subalterns, and fourteen Staff Officers.

1741. Spotswood's Regiment was re-named Gooch's Marines, later becoming the 61st Foot (a predecessor of the Rifles) was raised from North American colonists.

1741. HMS Rupert captures four large Privateers.

1741. HMS Superb captured a galleon worth £200,000.

1741. The number of Marine Regiments was augmented to ten, and the sums voted to maintain them were £201,752 13s 0d. If the same force had been established before the peace of Utrecht, they would not have exceeded the estimate of £186,666 Is 8d, as the following indigenise were granted, and annual allowances made subsequent to that period. For servants allowed to Officers £7,786 13s 4d. Allowance to the Widows of Officers £2,433 6s 8d. To Colonels, for clothing lost by deserters £2,129 3s 4d. To Captains, for recruiting their Companies £1,825 0s 0d. To Agents of different Regiments £912 10s to £l5,086 13s 4d.

At this time the whole Half pay Establishment of Great Britain, including Horse, Dragoons, Foot, Invalids, and Marines, consisted of only five hundred and fifty one Officers, and the annual expenditure upon the whole was £34,492 10s, being at the rate of £94 10s per day, and so considerate and economical were the public measures, that the House of Commons addressed his Majesty, praying, that those upon this list, if fit for service, might be appointed to the first vacant commissions which occurred in the different Regiment?. But an ill judged parsimony, as to the number of Officers attached to Corps, seemed also to exist, and the same spirit was constantly urging the conversion of the Land (Forces into bodies of Marines.

The regulations for this establishment were nearly similar in their principles to those framed for the line. The Colonels of Marine Regiments clothed their respective Corps and had the liberty of recommending for commissions. Excepting that the whole battalion was destined for a particular service, none of the Field Officers were embarked. The greatest number of men on board the largest ships did not exceed one hundred under a Captain, three Subalterns, and the smallest was not less than twenty under an Officer.

The Commanders of Marine detachments were enjoined to forward effective returns of them every two months to the Commissary General of Marines, attested by the Captains and Pursers of each. This was necessary, in order to conduct the musters of the Regimental Companies, and to guide the recruiting service on shore. The same deductions were made from them as the Army, for clothing and the Chelsea Hospital, whether embarked or not.

When attached to any ship, their indigence's were equal to those of the Seamen, as to the receiving provisions without any deductions from their pay on that account, they had short allowance money, and the benefit of Naval Hospitals. When sent there, either sick or wounded, they were deemed effective in the musters ashore, if producing a certificate from the Surgeon of the Ship to which they belonged, and another from the Commanding Officer at head-quarters, when in Great Britain.

The Paymaster General of Marines issued the pay, upon receiving it, to the Colonels of Regiments, or their Agents, and the Pay master of each settled all their accounts agreeably to the muster rolls they had from the Commissary General.

These muster rolls, with the receipts of the different Colonels or their Agents, were esteemed sufficient vouchers for passing the Pay master's accounts, and for making out warrants or debentures for clearings, which terms shall undergo a more particular discussion, under the head of Examples.

When brigaded abroad, they were paid exactly in the same manner as the Army, but the arrears of Marine Officers were much longer withheld, and the Captains of Companies were exposed to very peculiar hardships, which will be explained more at length in a subsequent stage of the narrative. It is enough at present to remark, that the Officers of these Regiments, when abroad, were often obliged to assign that branch of their pay, at fifty per cent discount, in order to answer their temporary exigencies.

What a contrast does this sytem present to the reforms, which have been recently established, in favour of this class of men. (Taken from Chapter 9 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps by Alexander Gillespie)

1741. In consequence of the heavy losses sustained at Carthagena, and the mortality which still continued to rage after their arrival at Jamaica, the transit between the Regiments of Foot and Marines was rapid and immediate. Upon this service promotions were established by rotation in the whole line. Within the short period of five weeks, the Corps, originally Douglas's, numbered amongst its casualties, three Colonels, two Lieutenant Colonels, and two Majors.

It was not until the beginning of July that the fleet and army were in a state of readiness to renew their operations, when it was resolved to proceed against the Island of Cuba, where they anchored upon the 18th of July, in Walthenham Bay, immediately named Port Cumberland, in honour of his Royal Highness the Duke, about eighteen leagues to windward of St. Jago, the first object of their intended attack, and properly speaking, the Capital, although it was not then the seat of the Governor. The troops were all landed upon the 24th, consisting nearly of four thousand men, including one thousand chosen negroes, levied by the Island of Jamaica, with a view to sustain the laborious duties of this service. Having established a position upon the side of the river, nearly three leagues from the mouth of the harbour, the General on the 25th pushed some detachments into the country, which everywhere beat back the outposts of the enemy, and in a few days returned to the Camp, with plentiful supplies of provisions.

It was originally the intention of the Commanders in Chief to have made a joint attack upon St. Jago, but the want of unanimity which had sometime past, and now existed to a fatal degree, ruined every purpose. Contentious debates, and dilatory measures, took place of cordial co-operation and pushing enterprise, while the Country's interests and the lives of the Soldiery were daily sacrificed to the bitterest feuds.

About the middle of August, the General stated the impracticability of advancing into the interior country with his present force and expressed a wish to await the arrival of fresh levies from America, and the expected reinforcements from Europe, which now became essential to complete the skeleton Corps of his Army. The first resource was planned at the outset of the West India expedition, and instructions had been early given to the Commander in Chief to avail himself of it, when compelled by emergency.

Accordingly, recruiting parties were sent to New England to raise volunteers, and General Wentworth, by a personal appeal to the Governor of that province, urged the necessity of their being seconded with public spirit and public liberality. Similar steps were adopted in the State of New York, to fill up the American Regiments of Marines; and the Governors, by an impressive address to the Legislative Houses of both, strongly recommended their energies, not only on the ground of patriotism, but of political expediency. Bounties of forty shillings were offered to volunteers, and the alluring inducements of conquered territory. America then saw her interests in the subjugation of the Spanish dependencies in that quarter of the globe.

During a long interval nothing was attempted, even towards a partial reduction of Cuba, at the close of which, sickness, the never-failing result of total inactivity in these climes, began his ravages. It was therefore determined to evacuate the island, which was affected upon the 20th of November, when the regimental returns were as follow:

General Harrison's Foot 22 23 8 172.

Wentworth's ditto 22 17 8 172.

Colonel Wolfe's (Marines.) 20 23 6 132

Frazer's 22 21 6 109

Lowther's 22 24 8 183

Wynyard's 23 20 11 123

Cochran's 15 11 7 158

Cotterell's 24 26 10 151

First Battalion,

Gooch's (American.) 16 11 3 129

Second ditto 10 7 3 90

Third ditto 10 7 3 79

Fourth ditto 6 7 1 107

.....................................................\--------------------------------------

..................................................212 197 74 1610

Sick in all 39 47 15 .465

..................................................251 244 89 .2073

...............................................============================

The total loss of Officers, at the close of 1741, amounted to one Commander in Chief, five Colonels, ten Lieutenant Colonels, seven Majors, fifty-five Captains, one hundred and sixteen Subalterns, and fourteen Staff Officers.

The heavy casualties in the Marine Regiments may easily be known, when it is recollected, that upon their leaving Europe each consisted of more than one thousand men.

The transports, under a proper escort, returned to Jamaica upon the 29th of November, while the squadron continued at sea to meet the anxiously looked-for reinforcements. (Taken from Chapter 10 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps by Alexander Gillespie)

1742. Friday 5th January. Nearly 3000 men that included 2000 Marines arrived in Jamaica to replace the fleet's losses.

1742. Monday 15th January. It was not until the 15th of January 1742, that nearly three thousand men, including two thousand Marines, arrived at Jamaica. Another expedition was now meditated, which put to sea early in March, but adverse winds, the separation of transports having on board the working negroes, and the expectation of the periodical rains now nearly setting 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. This afforded another instance of unfortunate discord. The fleet arrived at Jamaica upon the 15th of May.

In order to give a specious appearance to things, and to compensate for the national expenditures and past miscarriages, it was now judged proper to detach a force to take possession of Rattan, an island in the Bay of Honduras, and a situation highly proper for maintaining a commercial intercourse with South America, as well as the trade in logwood.

An establishment there having been formed early in the year, it was determined in a Council 1742of War to send a force of fifty Marines and two hundred Americans, under Major Caulfield, in order to place the island in a state of military defence.

On the 23d of August, they reached Port Royal, on the south side of it, where they formed a camp and erected Fort George to defend the harbour, as well Fort Frederick, on the western part of it.

A great proportion of the American soldiers being papists, they formed a plot to render the settlement abortive, and to rise upon the Marines and the well-affected of their countrymen.

His Majesty's ship, Litchfield, then in the harbour, hearing the alarm guns, instantly landed her party of Marines, who with those on shore soon checked this daring mutiny, secured the delinquents, and preserved the settlement to his Majesty.

Nothing farther was done during the inauspicious commands of Admiral Vernon or General Wentworth, who both soon afterwards returned to Great Britain, excepting the detaching five hundred men of different descriptions to the aid of General Oglethorpe, in South Carolina, and repelling the menaces of the Spaniards against the infant colony of Georgia.

Orders of recall for both arrived at Jamaica upon the 23d of September, and the General was directed to provide the fleet with a number of commissioned Officers, and men, from the Marines, sufficient to supply its wants; to also fill up the vacancies in the eight Independent Companies raised for the defence of Jamaica.

For the former purpose, eleven hundred were required, which were nearly all that were now left and fit for duty. The supernumerary Officers and sick were sent home, and the American troops were invited to become volunteers for both.

Government, under the experience of past disasters, now vested the control of the Marines in Sir Chaloner Ogle, upon whom the naval command devolved after the departure of Admiral Vernon. Notwithstanding the personal animosities that had existed, this Officer bore his testimony to the zeal and distinguished bravery of the Soldiery, whose gallant efforts and patient endurance under the greatest privations, were uniformly conspicuous throughout a series of misfortunes.

Upwards of seven thousand Marines and nearly four thousand other troops were the lamentable victims to pestilence and disunion, but not to defeat. The objects which were accomplished, although not adequate to their country's hopes, were still distressing to the enemy. Their principal harbours were in a manner rendered defenceless, and the Spanish government experienced much embarrassment from nearly a total suspension of these pecuniary supplies, which could alone enable it to maintain the war with vigour and effect, while the distress pervaded every class of its subjects.

Our forces were ever after too feeble to undertake any enterprise of importance against the enemy in that quarter of the world. Self-defence was now the system adopted by Sir Chaloner Ogle, as the Spanish squadron at the Havannah was superior to his own, since the departure of Admiral Vernon.

The supplies which were voted for the year 1743 provided for a large levy of Marines to fill up their casualties--eleven thousand five hundred and fifty being the number decreed, and forty thousand seamen.

Nothing further, consistent with my subject, appears on the face of the public transactions of the year 1742. (Taken from Chapter 11 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps by Alexander Gillespie)

1742. Thursday 12th April. HMS Eltham and HMS Lively engaged three Spanish ships

1742. June. HMS Kingston and consorts destroyed five Spanish ships.

1743. Early. That an impression upon some part of the continent of South America being resolved on, the conduct of these operations was entrusted to Captain Knowles, of the Navy, having on board his squadron four hundred of the regiment of Dalzell, and about six hundred Marines. They were first ordered to rendezvous at Antigua, from which island they sailed upon the 12th of February, with a view upon La Guira, a town in the district of the Caraccas, in Terra Firma. The attack against it was commenced on the 18th, but owing to a very heavy swell, the men of war could not approach the shore, and in consequence, the troops were not landed. After a very heavy cannonade, which was only ended by the night, the ships withdrew from the combat. The town suffered extremely, many breaches were made in the fortifications, and the enemy sustained a loss of more than seven hundred men.

The Spaniards behaved well, as the squadron suffered very considerable damages, besides having nearly four hundred killed and wounded.

It proceeded to Curaccoa to refit, where they prepared for another attempt upon the sea-coast of Terra Firma. Having been reinforced by some Dutch Volunteers, Commodore Knowles sailed from this island upon the 20th of March, and shaped a course for Porto Cavallo, where there was a respectable force, and a town in the best state of defence.

Owing to strong lee currents, it was not until the 15th of April that the ships anchored under the keys of Barbarat, to the eastward of the place. Having reconnoitred the different points of opposition, which were everywhere formidable, two ships were ordered upon the 16th of April against Ponta Brava, to commence upon it a flanking fire, which its low situation, and the injudicious construction of the works, evidently permitted.

After they were silenced, it was agreed to land the troops of every description, in order to take possession, and to turn the guns against the Castle; their retreat being secured by a man of war within pistol shot of the shore. By sunset the ships had accomplished their object, and by dark a force of twelve hundred sailors, soldiers, and Dutch Volunteers were disembarked under the command of Major Lucas.

About eleven at night the Van gained one of the fascine batteries upon Ponta Brava, when a Spanish centinel discharged his musquet, and gave a general alarm.

Two guns being fired from the other battery, which was the next for capture, put into an unaccountable confusion nearly the whole of this mixed detachment, when under the influence of a panic they retreated to the ships with precipitation.

Upon the 21st it was resolved to wipe away the disgrace of the late miscarriage, by an attack of the squadron and forces against the Castle and fascine batteries. Four ships were destined to batter the former upon 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 a mutual obstinacy till nine at night, when after a short interval the firing was renewed. Some of the ships having now expended all their ammunition, and others being damaged, they were ordered to slip, and to anchor without the reach of the enemy's shot.

This attack being fruitless in its object, which was to land the troops, and fatal in its consequences, by a loss of more than two hundred men, it was now deemed impracticable to push any farther enterprise, and upon the 28th, in a general consultation, it was resolved to return to Jamaica.

The extended operations of our fleets in other quarters being marked with no events in which his Majesty's Marine forces were particularly called forth, no farther details connected with my narrative appear within the annals of 1743. (Taken from Chapter 12 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps byAlexander Gillespie)

1743. Tuesday 15th January. HMS Sapphire sank two Spanish Privateers and destroyed three.

1743. Monday 18th February. The attack upon La Guira a town in the area of Catacas was a second attempt by the British trying to capture some of the Spanish controlled parts of South America, along its east coast. Captain Knowles lead a squadron that included 1400 of Dalzels 34th Regiment and 100 Marines. Owing to a heavy swell, the ships could not approach the shore. Therefore, a heavy cannonade bombarded the town took place and was only ended by the onset of night. Eventually the British ships were forced to withdraw from the combat. While the town suffered extremely, with many breaches being made in their fortifications, and a loss of more than 700 men. The British squadron also suffered considerable damage to its ships and a loss of around 400 men killed and wounded.

1743. Monday 18th February. The squadron arrived off La Guyra on the 18th February, and about noon the attack commenced. Before one o'clock p. m. the ships had all anchored, and were warmly engaged with the batteries, which kept up a well-directed fire, and created great annoyance by their red-hot shot. The British had great prospect of success until the leading ship, the Burford, had her cable cut; being much disabled in her mast and rigging, she fell out of the line, and drifting on board the Norwich, obliged her, and also the Eltham, to quit their position, and with the strength of the current the three ships drove a great way to leeward. This disaster gave the enemy fresh spirits, and the cannonade continued until a shell fell into their principal battery and exploded the magazine. Night coming on, the firing ceased, when the squadron, having suffered considerably, drew off, and on the following morning the commodore proceeded to Curagoa to refit.

The service sustained a loss of one lieutenant and ninetytwo men killed; Captain Lushington of the Burford, mortally, and 308 wounded. The town was almost reduced to ruins, their fortifications were greatly injured, and the Spaniards had 700 men killed and wounded.

The squadron being refitted, and having received a reinforcement of Dutch volunteers, sailed on 20th March from Curae, to attack Porto Cavallo, and anchored under the Keys of Barbaret, on 15th April. The commodore perceiving that the enemy's batteries on Ponta Brava might be cannonaded with effect, directed the Lively and Eltham to anchor within pistol-shot; and before sunset these ships had effectually succeeded. The soldiers and Marines, supported by 400 seamen, were then landed, and proceeded to gain possession of the batteries; but some confusion taking place, the troops hastily retired to the beach. The commodore having determined to attack the place with his whole force, the ships on the morning of the 24th took their positions as follows: — Assistance, Burford, Suffolk, and Norwich, to batter the castle; and the Scarborough, Lively, and Eltham to cannonade the two fascine batteries. The firing continued until after dark, when the ships, being severely damaged, cut their cables and retired out of range of the enemy's guns. This fruitless attempt, with the loss of two hundred men in killed and wounded, led to a council of war on the 28th, when it was resolved to detach the ships belonging to the Leeward Island station, together with the detachment of Dalzell's regiment; and the rest of the squadron returned to Jamaica. In April his Majesty published a declaration for the encouragement of the officers and crews of his ships of war, privateers, and letters of marque; by which the property of all prizes taken by ships of war was declared to belong solely to the captors, and the two last-mentioned were. At this period, when the establishment of the Marines was 11,556 men, an order was issued by the Secretary -at-war for the ten regiments to recruit with expedition; and to render them speedily effective, impressed men were allotted to each: and this expedient was also extended to many regiments of the line. In the bill for recruiting, a clause was inserted that everyone who should voluntarily enlist in the land forces and marines, would be entitled to a bounty of £4, and might require his discharge from the service at the expiration of three years. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1743. Wednesday 20th March. Unable to restrain her views, France declared war, which was answered by a similar proclamation of the 31st March, on the part of England. Followed by the destruction of many of the French transports and troops at Dunkirk, while at sea they chased their covering fleet from the English coast.

1743. Monday 15th - 16th April. After a refit Captain Knowles ships set sail and anchored to the east-ward side of the town of Porto Brava. Two ships commenced a flanking fire and after the shore batteries were silenced, it was decided to land the troops in order to take possession, and to turn the guns towards the castle, their retreat being secured by a ship of war within a pistol shot of the shore. By sunset the ships had accomplished their objective, and by dusk a force of 1200 sailors, soldiers, and Dutch volunteers, was disembarked under the command of Major Lucas. About eleven at night they had gained one of the fascine batteries but the garrison having been pre-warned and prepared for the attack managed to push the British back to their boats.

1743. Saturday 20th April. HMS Centurion took the N.S. de Covadonga worth £4000.000.

1743. April. Knowle's unsuccessful attack on Porto Cavallo.

1743. Wednesday 8th of May. The Northumberland of 70 guns, Captain Watson, having chased from the fleet of Sir Charles Hardy, on the coast of Portugal, brought to action the Mars of 68, Content of 60, and Venus of 28 guns. After sustaining the fire of the Mars, Captain Watson bore down to the Content, then nearly a mile to leeward. This enabled the enemy to bring their whole force into action, as the Mars followed to support her consort. After a close engagement of upwards of three hours, the Northumberland being totally disabled, and Captain Watson mortally wounded, the master struck the colours before either of the lieutenants could get on deck to assume the command. The enemy had 130 men killed and wounded. The Northumberland was carried into Brest, having sustained a loss of 18 killed, and 30 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1743. Friday 23rd August. The occupation of the Island of Rattan.

1743. Thursday 3rd October. The Victory of 110 guns, commanded by Admiral Sir John Balchen, having separated in a heavy gale from the fleet cruising off Ushant, foundered on the Caskets, near Guernsey, and the admiral and all on board perished. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1743. Wednesday 27th November. The Parliament met and granted a vote of £206,253. -15s. to support an establishment of eleven thousand five hundred and fifty Marines during the ensuing twelve months.

1743. HMS Revenge and the Anne Gallery destroyed the San Yeidro.

1743. During the following three years the strength of the Marine Regiments was maintained at 11,550 men.

1743. Daily pay rates, which included a food and clothing allowance, ranged from £1.6.6 for a Major to 1/2d for a Marine private.

Although Great Britain, as a guarantee of the balance of continental power, had, during a past period, exerted her resources in the cause of her Allies, opposed to the interests of France, although his Majesty King George the Second, in quality of Elector of Hanover, had been highly distinguished in the field at the head of these armies, still a specious cordiality continued to exist between the two nations.

Since the declaration of hostilities against Spain, our restless and intriguing neighbours enjoyed all the advantages of war, without experiencing any of its evils.

At the outset of this year, however, their projects were developed by the equipment of powerful naval armaments in their ports, and the assembling of armies upon their sea-coasts; the avowed aim of which was against the Crown and Liberties of the British Empire.

A Prince, delegated by his Father, and drawn from his retreat in another country, mild in his temper, and amiable in his manners, was induced to renew their almost forgotten claims upon our monarchy, and to revive the quickly decaying prejudices within our land, in favour of his family and himself.

Unable now no longer to restrain her views, France declared war upon the 20th day of March, which was answered by a similar proclamation of the 31st, on the part of England. That Providence which has often so signally interposed for our country was now conspicuous. The elements were employed in the destruction of many of their transports and troops at Dunkirk, while our floating bulwarks chased their covering fleet from our coasts.

At this time the whole property of naval prizes was vested in the captors, his Majesty having generously relinquished that share which hitherto had pertained to the Crown.

The arrival of Commodore Anson from his expedition, which was originally intended to co-operate across the isthmus of Darien, with the fatal one conducted by Admiral Vernon, diffused a joy into the nation.

The specie which was gained by his enterprise, courage, and perseverance was immense; and although it was obtained antecedent to the royal grant, still it was divided amongst his squadron, unimpaired by claims.

About three hundred and thirty marines shared in the toils, and the many debarkations which took place in his tedious progress; having been drafted from the different regiments to fill up the complement of his ships, and to supply the place of a number of Invalids under Lieutenant Colonel Cracherode, who dreading their approaching hardships, deserted from the service.

Fleets were now detached to every quarter of the globe, and a force of eleven thousand five hundred and fifty-six Marines, was again the establishment of 1744.

It falls not within my scope to enlarge upon the wide and mingled events of this year. A partial affair in the month of May, occurred in the Mediterranean, in which the party of Marines disembarked from the Essex 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 a convoy to the latter, which were laden with powder, cannon, ordnance stores, and provisions. Thirteen having taken refuge in the Creek of Cassi, 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 soon 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, which was a material loss in its consequences.

Nothing further, that properly falls within my notice, appears within the period of this year: our numerous cruisers were peculiarly successful, and although few traits of achievement appear on the face of our public transactions during this limited era, still both the nation and the individual felt the benefit and the incitement that resulted from the liberal sacrifice recently made by their Sovereign, which, while it promoted a general activity and zeal amongst every class of his subjects, struck deep also into the commercial vitals of our enemies.

The ten Regiments of Marines, by order of the Secretary at War, were directed to recruit with expedition, and in order to render them speedily effective, a number of impressed men were allotted to each. This expedient was also adopted with regard to many Regiments of Infantry.

In the Bill for the more easily recruiting his Majesty's Land Forces and Marines, a clause was inserted, that everyone who should enter voluntarily would be entitled to a bounty of four pounds and might require his discharge from the service at the expiration of three years. (Taken from Chapter 15 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps by Alexander Gillespie)

1744. January. Hector Vaughan and his Forty Marines. The British 6th Regiment of Marines (49th Foot) Charleston. South Carolina in the USA. The first Marines to serve in South Carolina were the forerunners of the present Royal Marines of Great Britain. They formed a ship's detachment of the 6th Regiment of Marines (also known as the 49th Regiment of the line) under the command of Lieutenant Hector Vaughan.

Within one year, (1774), this detachment of Marines was shipwrecked, embattled, and ultimately enriched (monetarily). Lieutenant Vaughan and his detachment were stationed aboard the Royal Navy frigate, HMS Looe, which struck a reef in the Florida Keys on Saturday 5th February 1774. The ship could not be 'gotten off' the reef and the crew were ordered to abandon ship. Most of the crew were taken off on a French ship which had been captured a few days before. This ship reached Charleston, S.C. before the end of the month. The remainder of the crew were forced to trust to the Looe's barge and yawl. The two boats became separated, the barge being picked up by the sloop Providence and brought into Charleston soon after the captured French ship. The yawl, however, ran out of water and provisions and was forced to sail for the enemy port of Havanna. In the nick of time they were rescued, not far off the Cuban coast, by another British frigate, IINS Rose under the command of Captain Thomas Frankland. Some of these men were in poor condition from their ordeal and on arrival in Charleston, were put under the care of church parish authorities until they recovered.

On the Monday 21st of February, soon after his arrival, Lieutenant Vaughan presented himself before the Governor of the Province, James Glen, and the Council, to enquire how his men were to be provided for while in the province. The Governor proposed that they be added to the garrison of the city and sent Lieutenant Vaughan to Fort Johnson to find quarters for his detachment. In addition, Glen proposed allowing the Marines additional pay for their support while in South Carolina. Two days later, Lieutenant Vaughan reported to the Council that Fort Johnson did not have accommodations suitable for his 44 Marines but a place at Craven's Bastion at the Northeast corner of the city was lacking only a few boards and 'necessaries' to make it a convenient place for his men to stay. The Council duly ordered them to go there and directed Lieutenant Hunter, the gunner of Craven's Bastion, to receive them.

The Council Journal entry for Monday 2nd March 1744 contains the only written document from Lieutenant Hector Vaughan himself. Faced with a problem familiar to anyone stranded in a strange city, he wrote the Council as follows:

"As I have had the misfortune to be easy away in His Majesty's Ship the Looe, stationed for the service of this province, I am now obliged to continue here till such time as I receive orders how to dispose of the Marines under my command, and as my pay is too small to subsist me ashore, without the benefit of free quarters, as are allowed in Great Britain, I beg leave therefore to recommend myself to your excellency's favour for an allowance of quarters that I may thereby be enabled to subsist myself, till I am ordered for service. I am, Hector Vaughan". (sic)

The fate of the Looe, her importance to the defense of the colony, and the future employment of Vaughan and his stranded Marines were becoming entwined. Britain and her colonies had been at war with Spain in a rather desultory manner. But in the middle of 1744, France entered the conflict as an ally of Spain. French entry had been expected, especially when the French ship captured by the Looe before her wreck, had been found to be a spy ship, carrying both French and Spanish papers. The Looe under her Captain, Ashby Utting, late in the previous year, had crossed the bar into Port Royal Sound and shown that the passage was practicable for a large warship. Threats of a Spanish invasion, French belligerency, the loss of the only large frigate on station, the Looe, and an insufficiency of arms and men all coalesced into a full scale panic among the colonists. As the invasion threats grew more ominous, in June of 1744, Governor Glen sent a letter to Colonel Wigg in command of the provincial forces at Port Royal in response to an appeal for assistance and reinforcement. The letter detailed what munitions were to be sent and, as the only extra troops available, he offered to send Vaughan's detachment as follows:

"We have here 40 Marines, very good men which belonged to the Looe, which I shall immediately send down". (sic)

Lieutenant Vaughan and his Marines are not mentioned again in the Council Journals. It has not been shown that they ever actually went to Port Royal. If they did go there, however, the incident makes a nice play on History that they would have been sent to a place so familiar to modern Marines, the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island.

The invasion panic gradually evaporated and possibly in September of 1744, Vaughan's detachment was taken aboard another ship of the Royal Navy, the frigate HMS Rose, the same that had rescued part of the Looe's crew from the yawl. The Captain of the Rose, Thomas Frankland, was already something of a naval hero for his capture of a Spanish Guarda Costs, the Juan de Bautista, and its infamous (to the British) Captain. Don Juan de Leon Fandino. Fandino was notorious for having instigated the War of Jenkin's Ear by removing the said extremity from the head of one Robert Jenkins, and English merchant captain, in 1731.

Captain Frankland had been so successful in his pursuit of French and Spanish ships during his five years on station, that he felt it necessary to purchase a wharf at Charleston on which to store the prize goods from his captures. Frankland was apparently a very lucky man, an excellent commander, or more probably both. The fall cruise of the Rose was to prove financially fortuitous for Frankland and Lieutenant Vaughan's Marines.

Off the coast of Cuba, on December 1, 1744, the Rose fell in with a French treasure ship, the Conception, bound from Cartagena to Havanna. The Conception carried only 20 guns like the Rose, but had an oversized crew of soldiers and sailors, numbering 326 men. The chase began at 0500 and lasted two hours before the Rose closed with the Conception and the battle began in earnest.

The details of the fight are lost but the accounts mention that the action was carried on at times at less than pistol-shot range and at other times the bows and quarters of the two ships were so close that the guns were touching.

The presence of the extra Marines aboard the Rose may have gone some way to even the odds with the Conception. The small arms fire from the Rose was particularly mentioned in the accounts. " uninterrupted volleys; fore and aft" from the tops as well as the fire of swivel guns and hand grenades created carnage on the decks of the Conception. The fifty Marines firing small arms expended 900 rounds of ammunition, some of them firing 27 or 28 times during five and a half hour battle. The Conception struck her colors only after suffering heavy casualties including her captain, 116 men killed and 45 wounded according to the account. The Roseon the other hand lost but five men killed and seven wounded. The reason for the uneven distribution of casualties is not recorded, but it can be surmised that the small arms fire from the Rose's Marine detachment had a decided effect on the outcome. The South Carolina Gazette ran perhaps the longest feature article to date on the battle and had the following to say:

"Lieutenant Hector Vaughan, the Marines under his command, lately belonging to His Majesty's Ship Looe, and every man aboard the Rose behaved with undaunted bravery, worthy of the great example set with them by bravery and valiant commander". (sic)

A Mention in Dispatches was not to be their sole reward, however. The prize-money awarded for the capture of the Conception was in such large amounts and sufficiently heavy to necessitate its distribution in two separate payments and these paid out by weight to save the difficulty of counting it. The riches taken from the prize included: 800 bars of gold hidden in 'serons' or bales of cacao, 68 chests of silver coins containing 310,000 pieces of Eight, church plate, gold buckles and snuff boxes, a curious two-wheeled chaised of silver with wheels and axle of the same metal, a large quantity of diamonds, pearls, and other precious stones. It was impossible to give an exact accounting of the treasure aboard the Conception, since gold had been secreted in the knees, barricades, and other structural parts of the ship. The heels of the prisoner's shoes were found to be hollowed out and also filled with gold. In the face of such wealth, we should not be surprised to read that the officers and crew of the Rose, "unanimously resolved to present to Captain Frankland's Lady (the William Rhett) the silver chaise as a testimony of gratitude to that brave commander". (sic)

When her tour of duty on the Southern station ended, the Rose sailed from Charleston for the last time on Tuesday 1st June 1745, carrying 80,000 pounds sterling in gold and silver - and presumably, the now, very much enriched detachment of the 6th Marines under Lt. Hector Vaughan.

Notes:

The Sixth Regiment of Marines (49th Foot) was raised Sunday 22nd November 1739 by Colonel Lewis Ducie Moreton lately of the 3rd Foot Guards. The cadre for the regiment came from men of the Foot Guard regiments, appointed sergeants and corporals in the new unit. Colonel Moreton died during the Cartagena expedition during April 1741 and command of the Sixth went to Colonel John Cottrell, who Hector Vaughan identified as being his Colonel in his presentation before the S.C. Provincial Council in February 1744. Hector Vaughan appears in the pen and ink additions to the entry for the Sixth Marines on the 1740 Army List as a Second Lieutenant commissioned Tuesday 10th May 1740.

HMS Looe was the fourth British frigate so named. She was a fifth rate 44. 124 feet in length and 36 feet in the beam, built by Snelgrove at Limehouse in 1741 and commanded by Captain Ashby (Ashley?) Utting RN. TINS Rose sailed from Charleston Thursday 17th September 1744; she was a sixth rate 24. 448 bm. 106 feet long and 31 feet in the beam, built by Brid at Rotherhithe.

There is no account of the uniform worn by Lieutenant Vaughan's detachment, but it can be surmised that they would have worn one similar to that depicted in the 1742 'Clothing Book', as worn by the grenadiers of the period:

From George S. Saussy. (sic)

1744. Impressed men were allotted to each Regiment, and to those who entered voluntarily were given £4. Along with the power to claim their discharge at the end of three years.

1744. Tuesday 11th February. Mathew's engagement off Toulon.

1744. Saturday 22nd February. The third Naval Battle of Toulon took place in the Mediterranean off the coast of Toulon France. A combined Franco Spanish fleet fought off Britain's Mediterranean fleet. The French fleet, not officially at war with Britain, only joined the fighting late, when it was clear that the greatly outnumbered Spanish fleet had gained the advantage over its foe. With the French intervention, the British fleet was forced to withdraw. In Britain the battle was regarded as the most mortifying defeat. The Franco-Spanish fleet successfully ended the British blockade and inflicted considerably more damage to the British than they received, causing the British to withdraw to Minorca in need of heavy repairs.

1744. Thursday 9th - 11th April. Villefranche. Detachments of the 3rd, 4th, 7th and 9th Marines were landed to assist the Sardinians to defend their lines against the French and Spanish. Detachments were also landed from the 2nd, 7th, 10th, 29th and the 45th of the line who were serving as Marines on board the fleet. The detachments of the Royal Artillery from bomb vessels had been landed some days previously but had all been captured during the early hours of the 9th April.

1744. Wednesday 29th April. HMS Dreadnought and HMS Grampus captured the Medle.

1744. Friday 8th May. HMS Northumberland captured by a French Squadron.

1744. Sunday 4th October. The Loss of HMS Victory, along with Admiral Balchen and 1,100 men.

1744. Tuesday 20th October. Eight men- of-war wrecked off Jamaica.

1744. HMS Seaford, HMS Sole Bay and HMS Grampus captured by De Rochambcau.

1744. Parliament granted that the establishment of Marines be increased to 11,550 men.

1744. Impressed men were allotted to each regiment; and to those who entered voluntarily, £4 per man was given, with the power to claim his discharge at the end of three years. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1745. 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 58th Regiments of infantry of the line.

1745. Saturday 20th February. HMS Chester and HMS Sutherland captured the Elephant.

1745. Monday 5th April. Seven years after the last Marine Regiment had been disbanded, it was determined to raise a Marine force on a permanent basis. The order to raise the force was issued. With this in mind, fifty companies of Marines were authorised divided into three divisions based at Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth. The companies were known as Marine Forces. A Colonel Commandant commanded each division. The main staff officer was the Adjutant General.

1745. Friday 26th March. Admiral Martin captured the Panther and convoy of five sails.

1745. Thursday 22nd April. The Anglesea captured by the Apollen.

1745. Wednesday 19th May. Commodore Warren captured the Vigilante.

1745. Tuesday 1st June. The British Marines and American provincials succeeded in gaining an entrance into the harbour of Louisburg and they eventual capitulated, and with it the whole of Cape Breton. The British loss was about 100 men.

1745. Monday 28th June. The Capitulation of Louisbourg.

1745. Friday 9th July. 1745. Friday 9th July. The Lion of 50 guns, Captain Piercy Brett, cruising in the Bay of Biscay, sustained a very gallant action with the French 64-gun ship Elizabeth. After engaging from 5 a.m. until 10 a.m., the Lion, having her mizen-mast and most of her spars shot away, was totally incapable of making sail, and her opponent made off. The Lion had 55 men killed, and 107 wounded; among the latter, her captain, all the lieutenants, and the master. Of the enemy, the captain and 64 men were killed, and 140 wounded. Lieutenant Walter Graham of the Marines behaved so conspicuously, that, by the recommendation of the First Lord of the Admiralty, he was promoted to a troop in the 4th regiment of Dragoons. As soon as it was determined to make an attack on Louisbourg, Commodore Warren was directed to proceed to Canso from the Leeward Islands, to take command of the naval operations. On the 4th of April the levies from New England were encamped on Canso Hill, to await the arrival of the rest of the troops; while some ships of war, with several large privateers, continued off the harbour of Louisbourg, in order to cut off all supplies. On the 23rd of April, Commodore Warren, with the Superb 60 guns, Eltham 40, Launceston 40, and Mermaid 40, arrived at Canso, and after conferring with General Pepperell, the squadron proceeded off Louisbourg; and on the 29th the troops, amounting to 4000 provincials, and 800 seamen and marines, were conveyed to Garbarus Bay, about four miles distant. On the 30th, 2000 men landed, and beat back the enemy who had opposed their debarkation; and on the following day the commodore landed the remainder of the troops and the Marines from the ships, and they were formed into two separate encampments; one on the south side of the harbour to attack the city, and that on the northern against the grand battery. During the night of the 1st of May our picquets set fire to some storehouses; and the French, conceiving that the whole British force was advancing, retreated precipitately into the city. The enemy's works were quickly occupied by the British and continued to be held in defiance of all their efforts to regain them.

The force on the north side of the harbour had pushed their advances to within two hundred yards of the city by the 12th of May, and the cannonade was spiritedly maintained from some heavy ordnance on an eminence called the Green Hill, and a fascine battery mounting twenty-eight guns. The siege was carried on under great difficulties; but everything was well conducted, and some important captures by the squadron of ships bringing supplies from France, accelerated the fall of the colony of Cape Breton.

A force of 200 Marines and 300 Americans embarked in the boats to attack the island battery at midnight, on the 23rd of May; but owing to a dense fog, they failed in effecting a landing. On the 27th, another detachment, consisting of 150 Marines and 200 provincials, proceeded on this enterprise; but the enemy were prepared for their approach, and opened a heavy and destructive fire on the boats: nevertheless, the troops pushed gallantly ashore, and persevered in their efforts to scale the walls until sunrise; by which time they were so reduced in number, as to be compelled to surrender themse^es to the enemy. On the 12th of June, by great exertion, some cannon were planted on a cliff which commanded the platform of the island battery; and after forty-nine days of unceasing exertion, Louisbourg capitulated, and with it the whole dependency of Cape Breton, which was accomplished with the loss of about 100 men, while that of the enemy exceeded 300. The reduction of this settlement was of great importance to Great Britain, as well as to our North American possessions: it freed the northern colonies from a powerful neighbour, overawed the Indians of that country, and secured the possession of the province of Nova Scotia. At the same time, it distressed the French in their fishing and navigation, and removed all apprehension of encroachment or rivalship with our establishments on the coast of Newfoundland. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1744. Saturday 3rd October. The Victory of 110 guns, commanded by Admiral Sir John Balchen, having separated in a heavy gale from the fleet cruising off Ushant, foundered on the Caskets, near Guernsey, and the admiral and all on board perished. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1745. Sunday 31st October. Admiral Townsend took a great part of a large French convoy.

1745. HMS Rose captured Concepciogt. (spelling?)

1745. Sunday 19th December. The Clifton Moor Skirmish took place between forces of the British Hanoverian Government and Jacobite rebels. The Commander of the British forces, the Duke of Cumberland, was aware of the Jacobite presence in Derby. The Jacobite leader Prince Charles Edward Stuart decided to retreat north back towards Scotland.

1745. The men of the battalion companies of infantry ceased to carry swords.

1745. The following was the list and effective strength of the Marine Regiments.

Regiments. Number of effective men and Wanting to complete.

Churchill's 878 and 122.

Frazer's 864 snd 136.

Lowthers 884 and 152.

Byng's 797 and 203.

Cochran's 945 and 55.

Cotterell's 843 and 157.

Cornwall's 845 and 155.

Duncombs 784 and 216.

Powlett's 916 and 84.

Jeffrey's 882 and 118.

Total's 860 and 1398.

Besides 1,550 Commissioned and Non-commissioned Officers.

At this time, and indeed since their institution in 1739, Commissions were purchased and sold in the Regiments of Marines, although they always bore an inferior value to these in Old Corps. A perquisite frequently arose to the Colonels from the disposal of Second Lieutenancies, when his Majesty was pleased to accept of their recommendation. Such usually produced from £250 to £280, while Ensigncies in the Line sometimes yielded £400.

1745. Ever since the institution of the marine regiments in 1745 commissions were purchased and sold, although they always bore an inferior value to those of the army. A perquisite arose to the colonels from the disposal of the appointments of second-lieutenants, when their recommendations were approved of by his Majesty; and such commissions usually produced to those officers from £250 to £280 while ensigncies in the line sometimes yielded as much as £400. The great expense which had accrued in the maintenance of the land forces and marines, led to the appointment of a committee of inquiry. In this investigation it appeared that the colonel of a marine regiment had a greater emolument than an officer commanding a regiment of the line, arising from the comparative superiority in their numbers, and the articles of clothing being of an inferior quality.

A squadron of six sail of the line, under Admiral Lestock, with a fleet of transports conveying a military force of 5000 men under Lieutenant-general St. Clair, sailed from Plymouth on the 14th of September, destined to make an attack on the port of L'Orient. On the morning of the 20th, the troops landed in the bay of Quimperlay, about ten miles from Port Louis, without sustaining any loss. Early on the 21st the general began his march, leaving the corps of Marines, under Colonel Holmes, to assist in landing the stores and artillery. The army was divided into two columns; the first arrived at the windmill near L'Orient early in the evening and were shortly afterwards joined by the other division. Preparations were made for bombarding the town; and after a fruitless parley with a deputation from the inhabitants, who proposed terms for the surrender of the place, considerable damage was done by our artillery; but the enemy, taking advantage of the delay in our operations, assembled a formidable force, which induced the Lieutenant-general to withdraw his army, and the re-embarkation was effected, after sustaining a loss of 150 men killed and wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1746. Wednesday 9th February. HMS Portland captured the Auguste.

1746. Saturday 16th April. The Battle of Culloden was the final confrontation of the Jacobite Rising. The Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart fought loyalist troops commanded by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. The Hanoverian victory at Culloden decisively halted the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and restore the House of Stuart to the British throne, Charles Stuart never mounted any further attempts to challenge Hanoverian power in Great Britain.

1746. Friday 20th May - 3rd September. The Orkney Islands. Captain Benjamin Moodie sent with a detachment to Orkneys by Admiral Smith. S.N.O. Coast of Scotland "in search of rebels, and to secure those Islands, pursuant, to H.R.H. the Duke's orders." (sic)

1746. Saturday 25th June. Peyton engaged La Bourdonnais in East indies.

1746. Thursday 4th August. HMS Pembroke captured the Ferme.

1746. Tuesday 20th - 30th September. The Expedition against L'Orient. One hundred Marines landed at Quimperle bay. While the remainder that included three 3 pounder guns under Colonel Holmes marched with the rest of the army on to L'Orient. Seamen and Marines afterwards brought up two 12 pounders and furnace for red hot shot. 7 Marines drown during re-embarkation.

1746. Saturday 1st October. HMS Exeter and consorts captured and burnt the Ardent.

1746. Tuesday 4th of October. The troops landed on the peninsula of Quiberon and took possession of a fort mounting eighteen guns. After destroying all the forts and guns, as well as those on the islands of Houat and Hedic, the army re-embarked, and the expedition sailed for Ireland. In the gradual increase of the army during the present war, the Marines became incorporated with the line, and the 44th regiment was styled the 1st Marines.

The following is a detail of the field-officers of each corps, all of which were quartered in the vicinity of the principal seaports of Great Britain:

JVo. of Regiment.

44th or 1st Marines.

45th 2nd "

46th 3rd

47th 4th

48th 5th "

49th 6th

50th 7th

51st 8th "

52nd 9th "

53rd 10th "

Colonel.

G. Churchill.

Robt. Frazer.

C. H. Holmes.

C. George.

C. J. Cochran.

Laforey.

H. Cornwall.

J. Dimcombe.

C. Powlett.

Sir A. Agnew.

Lieut. -colonel.

N. Mitchell.

J. Leighton.

P. Damar.

P. Hutchinson.

C. Whiteford.

C. Gordon.

J. Paterson.

T. Cunningham.

G. Walsh.

C. Pawlett.

Major.

J. M'Donald.

T. Matthews.

W. Brown.

J. Eead.

J. Stuart.

C. Leighton.

Ft. Bendish.

J. Brewse.

C. Durand.

These regiments, when complete, were supposed to consist of 1000 rank and file, with ten companies in each battalion; and at this period, the whole of the forces upon the British military establishment amounted to 85,600 men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1746. Saturday 8th October. HMS Weazel Captured the Feantic and the Fortune.

1746. Tuesday 11th October. HMS Nottingham captured the Mars.

1746. October. The Destruction of Forts in Quiberon Bay.

1746. Friday 11th November. HMS Portland Captured the Subtile.

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. However, the investigation produced, the effect of a large balance in the hands of the Pay Master 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.

I746. A Committee was appointed to investigate the state and grievances of the Land Forces and Marines. A considerable increase of expense had accrued in the maintenance of both, which was one of the objects of this inquiry. Such as affected the Marine Regiments already detailed and assigned the causes of the additional charges in this establishment since the peace of Utrecht. The same are applicable to the Army at large, in the allowance which was made to Commission Officers in lieu of servants, in 1713, in a similar indulgence granted to the Quarter masters in marching Regiments in 1718, and the annuities to Officers Widows, to Colonels for clothing lost by deserters, to Captains for recruiting, and to the Agents of Corps, which were all the newly adopted establishments of the latter year. These additional grants, while they meliorated the situation of the Officer, cost the nation but little. It appears, in the course of this inquiry, that the perquisites of a Colonel, in clothing a Marine Regiment, exceeded those of the Foot, from the comparative superiority in their numbers, and the articles being of an inferior quality.

1746. The Marines gained the privilege of marching through the City of London with drums beating, Colours flying, and bayonets fixed, this privilege, shared with other certain regiments, stems from the formation of the first Maritime Regiments in 1664 from the Trained Bands of the City of London (from whom the Marines derive the nickname of Jollies).

1746. For their service nearly 12,000 Marines were included in the parliamentary vote of the military establishment.

1746. HMS Defence captured the Ambuscade.

1746. HMS Namur captured the Mercure.

1746. HMS Albany captured by the Caster.

1746. HMS Seven captured by M. de Conflane

1747. At that time the Marines strength was at 11,150, and the establishment for each ship fixed at the following numbers. Ships of 100 and of 90 guns, to have 100 Marines, of 80 guns to have 80 Marines, of 70 guns, to have 70 Marines, of 60 guns to have 60 Marines, of 40 guns to have 50 Marines, of 20 guns 30 Marines, and Sloops to have 20 Marines. It was proposed that the Marines Regiments should be placed altogether under the orders of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Although this arrangement was not finally adopted until the year 1763.

Notwithstanding the disasters of the last year in a projected expedition under Duke D'Anville, against Cape Breton, still the ministry of France persevered in their designs upon that important possession. Another object, more extensive in its nature and more fatal in its aim, formed also a part of their plan in the subsequent operations of the war, which was directed against the British dependencies upon the Coast of Coromandel.

These armaments equipped, under different destinations, set sail from France in united force, under the fond persuasion that no hostile interruption could stop their progress.

A happy genius appeared at this time to guide our Naval Councils. Early intelligence was obtained of the enemy's views, and adequate measures were soon taken to counteract them. The occasion afforded a fresh display of the zeal and intrepidity of Vice Admiral Anson, and Rear Admiral Warren, who with a superior force fell in with and captured, upon the 3d day of May, five sail of the line of battle, a large frigate, and four stout armed ships freighted on account of the French East India Company, with troops and stores.

Above £300,000 in money, which was intended to answer the contingencies of these expeditions, was found on board the Men of War, which altered its course to the Bank of England, and whither it was escorted by a party of Marines, in military procession, amidst the acclamations of the populace.

For this achievement the Vice Admiral was created a Peer of Great Britain, and Rear Admiral Warren was invested with the Order of the Bath. The whole Fleet received the cordial thanks of their Sovereign, through its Commander, in these words, and who became the organ of the Royal wish:

"Sir, you have done me a great service--I thank you, and desire you to thank, in my name, all the Officers and Private Men, for their bravery and conduct, with which I am well pleased."

Soon after the enemy sustained a heavy commercial loss in forty-eight sail of homeward bound West Indiamen.

The 14th of October, in this year, memorable for our naval successes, was another day of triumph.

Rear Admiral Hawke, whom the vigilance of our Ministry detached early in August to intercept a numerous convoy then collecting for the West Indies, continued upon his cruising ground until that morning, when their wished-for object was espied. After the most gallant defence, six ships of the line struck their colours, and were carried into Portsmouth. The Order of the Bath was the well-earned laurel of this victory to the Commander, and the legislative thanks of a grateful country were rendered to the subordinate Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the Squadron.

While victory thus crowned the British Flag, its Commerce also continued protected by the same guardian care. A few short months accomplished the conquest of the flower of the French Navy, the consequences of which were soon felt in the security of our trade and the increase of public credit. Those of the enemy were both fast on the decline, and a general despondency prevailed throughout their country, from which all their boasted victories upon the Continent could not revive the nation.

Towards the close of this year, Rear Admiral Boscawen sailed for the East Indies with a powerful squadron, having nearly two thousand troops on board, in order to reinforce our ships then inferior to the enemy upon that station, and to retrieve our affairs in that quarter of the globe. All our exertions during this era were employed on our proper element, in which the Marines bore a share, and they leave not to me a single detached incident for record.

In the early part of this year, his Majesty directed that the several Regiments of Marines which were then existing, or might afterwards be raised, should for the future obey such orders as they, from time to time, might receive from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, from which period our present Constitution may, in some degree, be dated. (Taken from Chapter 17 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1747. A French, persisting in their plan of operations, resolved to make another attempt to recover Cape Breton; and a squadron was equipped for that service, consisting of one ship of 74, one of 66, three of 52 guns, and four frigates, under commodore De la Jonquiere, with several transports, amounting altogether to thirty-eight sail. Admiral Anson, with eleven sail of the line and three ships of fifty guns, sailed from Plymouth on the 9th of April j and on the 3d of May fell in with the fleet of M. De la Jonquiere, off Cape Finisterre. After a smart action with the advanced ships of the british fleet, in which the enemy lost 700 men killed and wounded, five ships of the line and nine of the convoy were captured. The british loss amounted to 520 in killed and wounded.

On the 6th of October, a french fleet of merchant-men under commodore Letendeur sailed from the isle of Aix for the West Indies, under convoy of nine ships of the line and several frigates; and on the 14th, off Cape Finisterre, they fell in with a british squadron, commanded by rear-admiral Hawke, of thirteen ships of the line, including two of fifty guns. The commodore, finding it impossible to avoid an action, directed a sixty gun ship and the frigates to proceed with the convoy; and then formed his squadron in order of battle. The action commenced at noon and was continued with great spirit until night; by which time six sail of the line had surrendered. The commodore, in the Tonnant of 80 guns, and the Intrepid of 74, made their escape. The British had 154 killed, and 558 wounded. The enemy's loss amounted to 800 in killed and wounded. The order of the Bath was conferred on rear-admiral Hawke, and the thanks of parliament voted to the officers, seamen, and marines of the squadron. In the early part of this year, his Majesty directed that the several regiments of marines which were then existing, or might afterwards be raised, should for the future obey such orders as they, from time to time, might receive from the lords com missioners of the Admiralty. The present constitution of the corps may in some degree be dated from this period; but it was not until 1755, that the marines were embodied in companies, at the respective divisions, as will be presently shown. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1747. Hannah Snell (1723 - 1792) was a British woman who served in the Royal Marines as a man. Snell was born in Worcester, married in her late teens and gave birth to a daughter. While still an infant her daughter died, and her husband absconded, Snell borrowed some men's clothing and on Monday 23rd October 1747 enlisted in the Marines using the name James Gray. In 1748 Snell was deployed to India and later fought in the battle of Devicotta during June 1749. Where she saw heavy combat and received twelve wounds, to her arms and legs and one to her groin area. She either managed to treat her groin wound without revealing her sex or she may have used the services of a sympathetic local Indian nurse. Although legend has it that she extracted the ball herself, in order to prevent her sex being discovered. Snell's gender concealment is even more remarkable considering that she was flogged twice during her three years in the Marines and both times was stripped to the waist. In 1748 Snell was charged with dereliction of duty and publicly whipped in Carlisle. Snell later told biographers she avoided detection because her "breasts were but small". "Her arms were drawn up, the protuberance of her breasts was inconsiderable, and they were hid by her standing close to the gate upon which she was flogged." Snell received a second whipping on board a Royal Navy ship, where she prevented the discovery of her sex by tying a handkerchief around her neck and spreading it over her breasts. It's reported that during this second flogging Snell's breasts were spotted by the ship's bossun, who said "they were the most like a woman's he ever saw". However, he was not concerned enough to raise the alarm. Although with the use of hind sight this may have been added to the story at a later date, some somebody wanting to cash in on the story. On her return to England during 1750 and leaving the Marines Snell confessed her true gender. She was given an honourable discharge and, later, a military pension and went on to run a pub. During 1791 she developed a mental condition and was admitted to Bethlem Hospital on Saturday 20th August. She passed away on Wednesday 8th February 1792.

1747. An expedition that included 880 Marines, under the command of Admiral Boscawen attacked French controlled positions in the Indian Ocean. At Mauritius the French were too well emplaced so the British fleet moved to the Coromandel coast of India in preparation of laying a siege at Pondicherry.

1747. HMS Surprise and HMS Jamaica capture the Superbe.

1747. HMS Enterprise captured the Vestale, worth £15.000.

1747. Rear-Admiral Griffin destroyed the Neptune.

1747. Tuesday 28th of February. His Majesty King George II. directed, that the several Regiments of Marines, which were then existing, should be placed under the entire Command of the Lords Commissioners for executing the office of High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland.

1747. Wednesday 3th May. Admiral George Anson commanding 14 British ships of the line attacks a French 30 ship convoy commanded by Admiral de la Jonquière in what became known as the First Battle of Cape Finisterre, during the War of the Austrian Succession. The British captured 4 ships of the line, 2 frigates and 7 merchantmen, in a five hour battle in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Finisterre in northwest Spain. However, 1 French frigate, 1 French East India Company warship and the other merchantmen escaped. The British suffered 520 killed or wounded. While the French losses were 4 ships of the line, 4 frigates, 4 corvettes, 6 merchantmen captured, 800 killed or wounded, and 3000 captured.

1747. Sunday 14th May. Admiral George Anson commanding 14 British ships of the line attacks a French 30 ship convoy commanded by Admiral de la Jonquière in what became known as the First Battle of Cape Finisterre, during the War of the Austrian Succession. The British captured 4 ships of the line, 2 frigates and 7 merchantmen, in a five hour battle in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Finisterre in northwest Spain. However, 1 French frigate, 1 French East India Company warship and the other merchantmen escaped. The British suffered 520 killed or wounded. While the French losses were 4 ships of the line, 4 frigates, 4 corvettes, 6 merchantmen captured, 800 killed or wounded, 3000 captured.

1747. Friday 2nd June. HMS Fortune captured the Charon.

1747. Wednesday 21st June. Sir William Warren destroyed the L'Etoile.

1747. Wednesday 21st June. Captain Fox took 48 sail of a French Convoy.

1747. June. HMS Viper and HMS Hunter burnt 28 sail in to Sodiere Bay.

1747. Friday 14th July. HMS Warwick engaged the Glorioso.

1747. Wednesday 13th September. HMS Dover captured the Renommbe.

1747. Tuesday 8th August. An officer and 20 Marines were ordered from Maidstone to Goudhurst to protect it from a threatened attack by smugglers.

1747. Tuesday 8th August - October. The Siege of Pondicherry took place in India against the French East India Company garrison under the Command of Governor General Joseph François Dupleix at the Indian port of Pondicherry. It was the last major action of the First Carnatic War. The siege was lifted with the arrival of the monsoon rains. A sizable British army and fleet fail to capture the main French stronghold in southern India.

1747. Sunday 8th October. HMS Dartmouth blown up in action with the Glorioso.

1747. Monday 9th October. HMS Russell captured off Finisterre.

1747. Saturday 14th October. Rear Admiral Sir Edward Hawkes Victory over the French off Finisterre (the Second Battle of Cape Finisterre). A British fleet of fourteen ships of the line intercepted a French convoy protected by eight French ships of the line commanded by Admiral Desherbiers de l'Etenduère. The battle took place in the eastern Atlantic, roughly halfway between Ireland and Cape Finisterre in northwest Spain. It was a decisive British victory that has been described as 'the most brilliant naval action of the war'. It put an end to French naval operations for the remainder of the war, eliminating any threat of an invasion of Britain and threatening the very existence of France's empire overseas. The British captured 6 ships of the line, and 7 ships of the convoy, along with 4000 seamen while 800 were killed. Their own losses were 154 killed and 558 wounded.

1747. The fouled anchor, incorporated into the emblem during 1747, is the badge of the Lord High Admiral and shows that the Corps is part of the Naval Service.

1747. December. The following is the details of the Field Officers and Agents of each Corps, all of which were quartered in Great Britain, and in the vicinity of the principal sea ports, at the close of the year.

44th Regiment or First Marines.

Colonel George Churchill.

Lieutenant Colonel N. Mitchell.

Major James Macdonald.

J. Winter, Dartmouth-street Westminster, Agent.

45th Regiment or Second Marines.

Colonel Robert Frazer.

Lieutenant Colonel J. Leighton.

Major T. Mathews.

T. Paterson Conduit-street, Agent.

46th Regiment or Third Marines.

C. H. Holmes.

Colonel. P. Damar.

Lieutenant Colonel. W. Brown.

Major. T. Fisher.

Privy-gardens, Whitehall, Agent.

47th Regiment or Fourth Marines.

Coronel C. George Byng.

Lieutenant Colonel B. Hutchison.

Major J. Read.

T. Paterson, Conduit-street, Agent.

48th Regiment or Fifth Marines.

Colonel C. James Cochran.

Lieutenant Colonel C. Whiteford.

Major J. Stuart.

Maynard Guering, St. James's-park, Agent.

49th Regiment or Sixth Marines.

Colonel vacant?

Lieutenant Colonel C. Gordon.

Major C. Leighton.

William Adair, Pall-mall, Agent.

50th Regiment or Seventh Marines.

Colonel H. Cornwall.

Lieutenant Colonel J. Paterson.

Major R. Bendish.

T. Fisher, Privy-gardens, Whitehall, Agent.

51st Regiment or Eighth Marines.

Colonel J. Duncombe.

Lieutenant Colonel J. Cunningham.

Major J. Brewse.

Maynard Guering, St. James's-park, Agent.

52d Regiment or Ninth Marines.

Colonel C. Pawlett.

Lieutenant Colonel G. Walsh.

Major vacant??

Mr. Guering, Agent.

53d Regiment or Tenth Marines.

Colonel Sir Andrew Agnew.

Lieutenant Colonel C. Pawlett.

Major C. Durand.

Mr. Guering, Agent.

These Regiments, when complete, were supposed to consist of one thousand Rank and File each, and every battalion of ten Companies. At this period the whole forces upon the British Establishment amounted to eighty five thousand six hundred and eleven men.

1748. Cape Breton was restored to the French after the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle was settled. However, it was retaken in 1758 by Admiral Boscawen and General Sir Jeffery Amherst, and finally given back to Great Britain at the peace deal of 1763.

1748. Captain Pocock took 25 sail of Martinique.

1748. Unsuccessful attack on Pondicherry.

1748. Wednesday 31st January. HMS Nottingham and HMS Portland captured the Magnanime.

1748. Thursday 7th March. Captain Cotes captured 5 sail of a Spanish Convoy.

1748. Wednesday 8th May. Admiral Knowles reduced Port Louis.

1748. Tuesday 1st October. Admiral Knowles' Victory off Havana.

1748. Thursday 10th - 12th October. Mutinary re-captured HMS Chesterfield.

1748. Friday 18th October. After the signing of the Peace Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle by Great Britian, France, and the Dutch republic. Two follow up implementation treaties were also signed at Nice on Wednesday 4th December 1748 and Tuesday 21st January 1749 by Austria, Spain, Sardinia, Modena, and Genoa. After the signing all ten Marine Regiments were eventually disbanded.

1748. In consequence of the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, the marine force was totally disbanded at the close of the year. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1749. Sunday 2nd February. Peace having been proclaimed the liberal policy of Government was soon after conspicuous towards its disbanded servants.

The settlement of Nova Scotia, hitherto a neglected spot, presented itself to the enlightened mind of the Earl of Halifax as a proper field for improvement, and it readily occurred to him, as a fit occasion, for rendering useful to the State a body of men, that might have otherwise been let loose upon society.

Accordingly grants of land in that Province, were tendered to every rank of his Majesty's land and sea forces, and as a spur to immediate population, an extension of privilege and property was allowed to him, who should embark his family, in proportion to its numbers.

Some of the liberal professions, and mechanicks of different descriptions were also invited to become adventurers, under similar inducements, and the plan of a happy Civil Government emanating from a British fountain, was early framed for the permanent happiness of these military colonists.

Under such assurances above 4000 bid adieu to their native shore, and upon the 21st of June the whole anchored in the bay of Chebucto, upon the southern coast of the Province, where a town was quickly raised, fortified, and divided into lots, which was named Halifax; a monument of the liberal and humane views of its noble patron. The occasion merits many a reflection which I am not allowed to indulge.

While it is the wisdom, it is also the interest of every Country to frame employ for those who have served it faithfully in war. A distinction between the industrious and the profligate would soon be marked by Society, and the worthless wanderer roaming about unpitied, would be compelled to contribute to his own support, and thus promote the general good.

Every circumstance after the peace tended to shew that it was only a temporary expedient on the part of France.

Alternately they continued to inflame and negociate during nearly the whole interval of public repose, and by their extensive Naval preparations, which were not confined to their own Country, they obviously evinced the intention of renewing hostilities when they felt themselves in sufficient power.

Upwards of six years provocation and remonstrance had elapsed, when repeated insults aroused the Nation. Early in 1755 our armaments began, at which time a levy of 50 Companies of Marines, was ordered, and the following appointments of Officers to them appeared in the Gazette of the 5th of April:

Lieutenant Colonels.

James Patterson,

Thomas Drury,

Charles Gordon,

Majors.

Richard Bendyshe,

Charles Leighton,

James Burleigh.

Captains.

Hector Boisrond,

Gabriel Sediere,

John M'Kenzie,

Charles Repington,

Alexander Cumming,

Sir Robert Abercrombie,

Alexander Douglass,

Edward Rycaut,

John Wright,

Thomas Dawes,

John Tufton Mason,

Thomas Sheldon,

Thomas Moore,

John Gordon,

Richard Baker,

James Dundas,

George Maxwell,

James Robertson.

First Lieutenants.

Daniel Campbell,

Dudley Crofts,

George Langley,

James Hill,

Alexander Cathcart,

Francis Hay,

Donald M'Donald,

John Shuttie,

Edward Howarth,

Robert Duglass,

John Phillips,

John Brown,

Colin Campbell,

Robert Ewer,

Archibald Campbell,

George Ord,

Laucelor Willan,

William Fraizer,

Captains.

John Campbell,

Claud Hamilton,

John Bell,

John Dennis,

Thomas Dalton,

Thomas Whitwick,

James Hamilton,

Robert Barker,

John Groeme,

John Beaghan,

Samuel Prosser,

Patrick M'Donal,

Alexander Irons,

Charles Webb,

William Stacy,

Richard Brough,

Henry Smith,

John Johnston,

Leathes Johnston,

Christopher Gauntlett,

Tooker Collins,

Walter Canuthers,

John Vere,

William Picton,

Richard Shuckburgh,

Richard Hawkins,

First Lieutenants.

James Short,

George Bossuque,

James Mercer,

John Frazer,

W. Ayton Douglas,

Dennis Bond,

Thomas Backhouse,

Gerard Dennet,

Thomas Troy,

Edward Shyffin,

George Gulston,

Richard Dennison,

William Thompson,

John Elliot,

John Pitcairne,

James Perkins,

William Dennis,

Ralph Teasdale,

Pierce Deut,

Robert Shirley,

Daniel Campbell,

John Blinkhan,

William Lutman,

Thomas Wright,

William Rowley,

Thomas Stamper,

Captains

George Maddison,

Charles Grey,

Robert Burdet,

John Yeo,

Robert Packhurst,

Alexander Leslie,

First Lieutenants.

Thomas Airy,

Thomas Smith,

\---- Waller,

Charles Fletcher,

Benjamin Edwards,

Enoch Markham.

These, formed into three divisions, were placed at Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth, under the control of the Board of Admiralty, and an Act was passed for their regulation while on shore.

Some of the names detailed, still live, while others, like them, survived to hold distinguished rank, and to prove ornaments to their profession, and the British Army.

From this era the Marine Corps has ever constituted a branch of the peace establishment, the sale of Commissions was abolished, although a transit between the Army and it, was still kept up, which, from the casual introduction of men of influence, animated promotion. But this system was soon changed, by which reform all Officers rose in regular rotation, and what is the regulation of the present day. Every appointment in the Marine Corps was notified from the Admiralty and appeared in the London Gazette; a practice for reasons I know not, has been since discontinued.

Although no declaration of war had taken place, still hostilities of a serious nature had been committed in America and captures to an immense amount were made by our cruisers during 1755. Even since the signature of peace, indeed, the French maintained a spirit of inveteracy in the East, which aimed at universal dominion.

Preparations were at last commenced, and the country at large began to feel their wrongs. (Taken from Chapter 18 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps by Alexander Gillespie)

1749. Friday 12th April. Wreck of Namur and Pembroke.

### Chapter 5

1750 -1779

1750. Up to the 19th century. A Punishment of twelve lashes on board all naval ships was the maximum authorised for any one offence. However, for two offences the punishment was 24 lashes.

1750. The Rum Ration was once again reduced to half gill.

1754 \- 1763. The French and Indian War took place in North American. The war was fought between the colonies of Britain, America and New France, with both European sides supported by military units from their parent countries, as well as their Native American allies. At the start of the war, the French North American colonies had a population of roughly 60,000 European settlers, compared to 2 million in the British North American colonies. The war was also part of the world wide Seven Years' War that saw Great Britain, Hanover, Portugal, and Prussia fighting against Austria, France, Russia, Sweden, and Spain.

1755. Sunday 8th June. HMS Boscawen took the Alcide and the Lys.

1755. In the early part of this year, a levy of fifty companies of marines was ordered; they were now for the first time formed into three divisions, stationed at Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth, being under the immediate control of the Board of Admiralty, and an Act of Parliament was passed for their regulation while on shore.

From this period, the corps of marines has constituted a part of the military force on the peace establishment. The sale of commissions was abolished, yet the interchange of appointments in the army continued to take place; but this system was soon altered, and the promotion was confined to regular rotation, which regulation has been enforced ever since. Every appointment was notified from the Admiralty and appeared in the " London Gazette;" but the practice of its being thus officially announced was discontinued, and it is only within a short period that the publication of the promotions in the marines has been resumed. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1755. Upon the renewal of hostilities at the commencement of this year, a levy of fifty companies of marines was ordered, and they were for the first time formed into three divisions, stationed at Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth. This is also the first date of marine commissions not being purchased, and of the officers rising in regular rotation only. On its establishment, the corps consisted of 3 lieutenant-colonels, 3 majors, 50 captains, 50 first-lieutenants, and 100 second-lieutenants, who were taken from the line and former marine regiments. The field-officers were, major-generals Patterson and Drury, and colonel Gordon, to be lieutenant-colonels; and lieut.-colonel Bendy she, with majors Leighton and Burleigh, to be majors.

The intercourse by exchange to the army was open to the officers of marines, and in the course of a few years twelve of the first-appointed captains returned to the line; eight of whom were lieutenant-colonels, and four of them were majors, in 1766. Of that number were sir Robert Abercrombie, Alexander Leslie, William Picton, Henry Graeme, Charles Grey, and John Johnstone. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1755. Saturday 5th April. The Marines underwent another name change that of the Corps of Marines. At that time there were fifty Independent Companies divided into three Marine Divisions. With their headquartered at the major naval bases of Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth. An arrangement that became permanent for the Corps. This is also the first date of Marine Commissions not being purchased, and of the officers rising in regular rotation only. On its establishment, the Corps consisted of 3 Lieutenant Colonels, 3 Majors, 50 Captains, 50 first Lieutenants, and 100 second Lieutenants, who were taken from the line and former Marine Regiments. The field officers were, Major Generals Patterson and Drury, and Colonel Gordon, to be Lieutenant Colonels, and Lieutenant Colonel Bendyshe, with Majors Leighton and Burleigh, to be Majors. The intercourse by exchange to the army was open to the officers of Marines, and in the course of a few years twelve of the first appointed Captains returned to the line, eight of whom were Lieutenant Colonels, and four of them were Majors. Amongst that number were Sir Robert Abercrombie, Alexander Leslie, William Picton, Henry Orame, Charles Grey, and John Johnstone.

1755. Whenever the Marines serve with the army, they took precedence in seniority after the 49th Regiment of Foot. The Marine seniority is only calculated from its formation in 1755, and not by any previous service of the disbanded Marine Regiments.

1755. Friday 14th November. The Espirance was captured by the Orford.

1755. His Majesty's Marine Forces raised. The oldest predecessor to which the Royal Marines can trace a direct lineage.

1755. Plymouth (Uniform). Coats ordered to be worn always hooked up and white stockings to be worn by both Officers and men. The former when under arms were to wear Stiff topped buff coloured gloves.

1755. Marines came under the Naval Discipline Act whilst at sea and to conform to the ships' hierarchy it was rare to have a Marine officer above the rank of Captain aboard (equivalent to a naval First Lieutenant). However, in larger operations a number of ships' Marine detachments would form into a Battalion to be landed, and on these occasions a Marine officer with the commission of Major or Colonel would assume command ashore. (RMHS)

1755. HMS Mars lost off Halifax.

1755. HMS Blandford taken by the Duguay-Trouin.

1755. Not with standing flagrant acts of hostility, the court of London continued to receive assurances of the friendly disposition of the french government; but early in 1755, the british ministry were undeceived in their reliance on those professions of good faith, by certain information that a considerable fleet was preparing to sail for America from the different ports of France, with a formidable number of troops on board. The british minister, roused at this information, ordered an immediate equipment of men-of-war; and in the latter part of April, vice-admiral Boscawen, with eleven ships of the line, sailed for America, and was shortly afterwards followed by rear admiral Holburne, with six ships of the line and one frigate. The government had received subsequent intelligence that the french armament consisted of twenty-five ships of the line, sixteen sail of which, with troops on board, under the command of M. Bois de la Mothe, who having detached four of the line and two frigates for Louisbourg, the remainder proceeded to Quebec, where they safely arrived, with the exception of the Alcide 64, and the Lys of 20 guns, which were captured on the 8th of June, after a gallant resistance, by the Dunkirk and Defiance of 60 guns.

This action may be considered the commencement of the war, for as soon as it was known in Europe, the french ambassador left London, and orders were issued by the british government for making reprisals. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1755. On reformation of the Corps twenty Marine companies were allocated to Portsmouth, eighteen to Plymouth and twelve to Chatham. These were known as the Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham divisions and it was these divisions that the New South Wales detachment would volunteer 32 years later.

1755 \- 1770. The Marines uniform of the day. (Taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI.)

1755 \- 1802. There were fifty independent companies of Marines permanently in service.

I756. Early. The French collected a considerable force on the coast of the British Channel; and although these preparations excited great alarm in this country, they were made merely to divert our attention from the armaments in the Mediterranean: nevertheless, it was sufficient to cause so much excitement, that hessian and hanoverian troops were brought over to assist us. Amongst the additional reinforcements, 9138 marines were voted in Parliament; and in order to complete the establishment, thirty additional companies were ordered to be raised. The expedient of a land impress was resorted to, by passing an il Act for the more speedy and effectual recruiting his Majesty's land forces and marines." But it was suspended on the 13th of May by royal command. As it now became apparent that the French, in preparing an armament at Toulon, meditated an attack upon Minorca, it was deemed expedient to reinforce our garrison on that island. Admiral Byng was ordered to proceed with ten ships of the line to the Mediterranean for that purpose; and the 7th regiment of Fusileers being ordered to embark on board the squadron, the marines were sent on shore to make room for them. The expedition sailed from Spithead on the 6th of April, and arrived at Gibraltar on the 2nd of May, where it was joined 17r " by the squadron under captain Edgecumbe, who after landing a captain, two subalterns, and 110 marines, with 150 sailors, to assist in the defence of Minorca, had been driven away by the appearance of a french fleet of twelve ships of the line, under admiral De la Gallissionaire.

Admiral Byng having refitted his ships, and taking with him those under captain Edgecumbe, quitted Gibraltar on the 8th of May, and arrived off Minorca on the 18th, with the intention of throwing succour into the castle of St. Philip; but learning that the enemy's fleet was not far off, he considered it prudent, from the circumstance of having no marines on board the squadron, and the ships being but badly manned, to retain the troops ; consequently, the garrison was left to depend upon its own resources. The hostile squadron was shortly afterwards discovered by our look-out ships; but it was not until the 20th that both fleets formed their lines of battle, when the British bore down to the attack. The action was vigorously maintained by the rear division under rear-admiral West, until the Intrepid had her fore topmast shot away; the wreck falling on the foresail, the ship became ungovernable, and rendered it necessary for those astern of her to heave all aback. This accident caused an opening between the van and rear divisions, which exposed the former to the enemy's fire.

The ships a head were now directed to support the rear of our fleet, when the enemy, taking advantage of the confusion that prevailed, kept edging away, and being better sailers than the British, they avoided a renewal of the engagement. The number of ships engaged was equal, but those of the enemy were generally of larger dimensions, carried more guns and more men. Our loss amounted to 43 killed, 168 wounded. The enemy had 38 killed, and 181 wounded. The Defiance bore the brunt of the action, having her captain and 13 killed, and 45 wounded. Our ships suffered so much in their masts and rigging, that the admiral, after collecting his crippled ships, found it expedient to call a council of war; and on that decision the squadron proceeded to Gibraltar, leaving the brave defenders of Fort St. Philip to their fate. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1756. The Marines was augmented to 9,138 men, adding thirty companies to the establishment of the previous year. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1756. Thursday 12th February. Watson and Pocock took Geriah.

1756. HMS Warwick taken by a French Squadron off Marinique.

1756. Early. An unaccountable dread pervaded the nation, which the public measures certainly tended to heighten. In the early part of 1756 the enemy had collected immense forces upon their coasts with the avowed object of invading England. Foreign auxiliaries were called in, measures of precaution and defence were adopted, while the real objects of attack from all their mighty threats, were entirely forgotten and neglected. Amongst the additional forces voted during the present year, 9138 Marines were decreed by Parliament; in order to complete which 30 additional companies were ordered to be raised. The expedient of a land impress was resorted to, in the form of an "Act for the more speedy and effectual recruiting his Majesty's Land Forces and Marines," but which was suspended by a Royal Order upon the 1st of May, in consequence of the zealous and patriotic co-operations of the nobility and gentry, who, by their purses and their energies, rendered it unnecessary.

The real designs of the French having been developed in an expedition against Minorca, while they continued to amuse the nation by the terrors of an invasion, produced a declaration of war upon the 18th of May, against that power. Admiral Byng had been detached for its relief and had previously been ordered to disembark all the Marines from his ships, in order to take on board a number of land forces destined for the relief of that garrison.

Commodore Edgcumbe, who commanded the British squadron in the Mediterranean, foreseeing an attack upon the island, had landed 1 Captain, 2 Subalterns, 4 Serjeants, 4 Corporals, 3 Drummers, and 104 Rank and File, being nearly the whole of his Marines, to strengthen its defence, who shared in the fatigues and the glory of that distinguished siege under Lieutenant General Blakeney. Much spirit and determined bravery was evinced in the course of it.

After more than two months tedious approaches, the enemy stormed, upon the 25th of June, in different points, but with partial success. The firing had continued from ten at night until four upon the following morning, when Marshall Richelieu beat a parley in order to bury his dead. But he shamefully invaded the interval of suspension, by reinforcing the lodgements he had gained, which communicating by subterraneous passages, afforded easy access into the body of the place itself.

This led to its immediate fall, by capitulation, after seventy days contest, and is an instance of what little confidence should be placed in the French character, under every similar occasion.

The Nation, always too apt to despond from slight causes, most bitterly lamented this event, which was preceded by the very unwelcome tidings of a drawn battle between the hostile fleets.

Sir Edward Hawke succeeded the unfortunate Admiral, who became a victim to the strict letter of the law, and the general prejudices of his Country. From a vast superiority our commerce in those seas was well protected, while that of the enemy suffered extremely. The constant threats of descent appeared to paralyse every exertion but that of domestic security; while the enemy were carrying on their schemes of distant conquest under the panic which these had produced.

Towards the close of the year a new Ministry was formed, to which the Nation looked with confidence and hope.

In this administration that great and manly character, Mr. Pitt, was one. No farther details occur under the era of 1756. The Marines, in common with their brethren in the British Fleet, shared in the credit which was gained by some partial actions during the year. (Taken from Chapter 19 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1756. In the early part of May. The french fleet, of which we have just spoken, sailed from Toulon, and landed 15,000 troops on the island of Minorca. The siege of Fort St. Philip had lasted seventy days, during which the British endured excessive fatigue in defending such extensive fortifications with so inconsiderable a force. On the 25th the enemy stormed the works at several points, but with partial success; the firing continued from ten at night until four the next morning, when marshal De Richelieu beat a parley, for leave to bury the dead and remove the wounded. A suspension of arms was agreed upon, but the enemy took this opportunity to strengthen the lodgments they had made, by throwing a number of men into them; whence they communicated by subterraneous passages with all the other outworks, and even with the body of the place itself. This dastardly act of treachery, so unworthy of the character of a military nation, led to the immediate capitulation of the garrison, the whole force of which amounted to no more than 2760 men, and their loss was 93 killed, and 340 wounded.

Admiral Byng was recalled and tried for not doing his utmost to destroy the enem; on which charge he was found guilty and sentenced to be shot; but the court considered that his misconduct did not proceed from want of courage or disaffection, and they therefore most earnestly recommended him to his Majesty's clemency. Notwithstanding this humane consideration, the sentence was carried into execution at twelve o'clock on the 14th of March 1757, on board the Monarque, in Portsmouth harbour. (Taken from Chapter 19 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

Twenty companies were added to the establishment of the marines, to complete the parliamentary vote of 11,419 men. On the 8th of September admiral Hawke, with sixteen ships of the line, seven frigates, and fifty-five transports, conveying ten regiments of foot, two of marines, and a proportionate train of artillery, sailed from Portsmouth to make an attack on the port of Rochefort. Part of the fleet, which had been detached under vice-admiral Knowles, anchored in Basque Roads on the 23rd, and on the following morning this division, consisting of seven sail of the line, entered the roads of Aix. After an hour's cannonade the troops took possession of that island, which, though possessing fortifications planned by the celebrated Vauban, were so dilapidated as to be incapable of defence, and there were only six guns mounted in a battery, en barbette.

After several days, it was determined to make an effort to destroy the shipping and arsenal at Rochefort; but no sooner had the troops embarked in the boats to proceed on that service, than the attack was relinquished, and on the 29th the fleet returned to England.

A further augmentation this year of thirty companies, completed the establishment of marines to 14,845 men. On the 28th February the Monmouth of 64 guns, Captain Gardiner, having chased from a squadron under admiral Osborn when off Cape de Gat, brought to action the french 84-gun ship Fourdroyant ; and, notwithstanding the great disparity of force, maintained a gallant action, which lasted from nine in the morning until one in the afternoon ; when this powerful ship, after receiving a broadside from the Swiftsure, struck her colours, having lost her main and mizen masts, with 100 men killed, and 90 wounded. The Monmouth lost her captain, and 27 killed, and 79 wounded. The Fourdroyant mounted twenty-four and forty-two pounders, whilst the Monmouth had only twelves and twenty-fours. The marine officers of the Monmouth were captain James Austin, and lieutenant George Preston. (Taken from Chapter 19 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1756. Saturday 8th May – Monday 28th June. The Defence of Port St. Phillip. Minorca. A French force under the Command of the Duke de Richelieu landed on the island and besieged the British garrison at St. Philip's Castle manned by 110 Officers and Marines, forcing them to surrender after a lengthy siege. A British relief force under the Command of Admiral John Byng sailed with the purpose of saving the island, but after the naval Battle of Minorca Byng withdrew to Gibraltar, and the resistance of the garrison finally collapsed. Byng was later blamed for the loss of Minorca and executed by firing squad.

1756. Monday 17th May. HMS Colchester and HMS Lyme engaged the Aquilon and the Fidle.

1756. HMS Dunkirk destroyed Forts at Chausey.

1756. HMS Tartar took the Cerf, Grand Guidom, Heros, and the Rose.

1756. HMS Dispatch engaged the Prince de Soubiser.

1756. HMS Adventure captured by a French privateer.

1756. Thursday 20th May. Byng's action of Minorca with La Gullissoniere.

1756. Fortunatus Wright in the St. George with a xebec (?)

1756. Thursday 20th May. The following order was given that no man was to appear in the streets with his hat flapped, and that the Sergeants and Corporals of each Company to take care that the men all keep their.

1756. Thursday 20th May. Chatham (Uniform). Orders were given that No man was to appear in the streets with his hat Flapped, and that the Sergeants and Corporal of each Company were to take care that the men all keep their hats well cocked. Probably because the cloth Fusilier caps were not allowed to be worn when walking out.

1756. Monday 12th July. HMS Litchfield and HMS Warwick captured the Arc en Ciel.

1756. Tuesday 27th July. Holmes action off Louisbourg with De beauzier.

1756. Friday 3rd December. Plymouth (Uniform). Corporals ordered to wear Shoulder Knots.

1756. Thursday 23rd - 28th December. HMS Terrible, HMS Alexander and Vengrance.

1756. Autigallican captured the Due de Penthicure.

1756. Tuesday 28th December. Watson at Calcutta captured Forts.

1757. An addition of twenty companies was ordered early in the year 1757, to complete the parliamentary vote of eleven thousand four hundred and nineteen marines.

The happy change which had taken place in the councils of the nation seemed to extend its effects through every department. That vigor and unanimity was, however, again suspended by intrigue and faction, of which the enemy availed themselves, by detaching with impunity, reinforcements to their distant dominions.

A coalition of parties having been accomplished, re-animated the country, but nothing peculiarly interesting or falling within my scope, can be remarked within the current incidents of this year.

Some partial naval actions, which did honour to the leaders, and which reflected credit upon all the subordinates who had a share, were fought within this period. They evinced that our spirit was not extinguished, but that it only awaited the auspices of some guiding hand, and a higher occasion, to render it of substantial benefit to the public. (Taken from Chapter 20 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1757. January. HMS Tartar captured the Mont Ozier.

1757. Sunday 2nd January. Watson at Calcutar.

1757. February. HMS Tartar captured the Vicloire.

1757. Friday 4th March. Chatham (Uniform). The complement of necessaries of each man of the Division is three shirts, two pair of shoes, and three pairs of stockings.

1757. Monday 14th March. During the Seven Years War, Admiral Byng was charged with 'failing to do his utmost'. He was executed on board the Monarch on March 14th, 1757.

'The Shooting of Admiral Byng on board the Monarque'; artist unknown A quiet, shy man, the unfortunate John Byng was no coward - he faced his death with cool courage - but he seems to have been too cautious, passive and defeatist for command in the British navy. He went to sea at thirteen and rose up the ladder to captain at twenty-three and rear admiral at forty.

Aged fifty in 1756 when the Seven Years' War broke out, Byng, now a full admiral, sailed with ten ships of the line to Gibraltar. His orders were to prevent the French in Toulon from capturing the British stronghold of Fort St Philip on the island of Minorca, and to this end he was to carry a detachment of 700 men from the Gibraltar garrison to Port Mahon.

When Byng reached Gibraltar, however, he discovered that the French had already landed a sizeable force on Minorca and were besieging the fort. He and his council of war decided against landing more troops and he wrote to the Admiralty to explain that carrying out his orders would not stop the French and would be a needless waste of manpower.

The letter, which arrived at the end of May, aroused consternation and fury in London. George II said flatly: 'This man will not fight!' Then came news of an inconclusive encounter in June between the British fleet under Byng and the French, from which the French had sailed away scot free, and late in June Fort St Philip surrendered. Byng was summoned home and put under arrest on arrival. Mobs went about chanting 'Swing, swing Admiral Byng' and the court martial, which convened at the end of December, was reported in detail in all the newspapers. Byng was charged with 'failing to do his utmost'. He defended himself, but the court found against him and with the utmost reluctance sentenced him to death.

The government ignored the court's unanimous recommendation to mercy and George

I declined to use his prerogative to spare Byng. In a howling gale in Portsmouth harbour that March day a heavy coffin was hoisted on board the Monarch at 7am. It was already inscribed, 'The Hon. John Byng, Esqr. Died March 14th, 1757' The admiral himself followed and by 11am boats were bringing officers from every warship in the harbour and numerous other vessels were heaving up and down filled with eager spectators.

At noon Byng came out on deck in a light grey coat, white breeches and a big white wig. He had been persuaded with difficulty to be blindfolded, on the grounds that it would not be fair to the firing party to have to see his face. He was escorted out onto the quarter deck, 'with a stately pace and a composed countenance' according to the Evening Post, to see nine marines in their scarlet uniforms lined up in three rows. The rear row were in reserve. In front of him was a cushion and a heap of sawdust, sodden from the rain.

He knelt on the cushion, tied the blindfold round his head and held up a neatly folded white handkerchief in his right hand. After a few agonizing moments he dropped the handkerchief, the six marines fired, and the admiral fell gently on his side. He was fifty-two.

The rights and wrongs of the matter have been disputed ever since, but Byng was not a political victim and Voltaire's comment that he was shot 'to encourage the others' probably hit the nail on the head. (By Richard Cavendish | Published in History Today Volume: 5757 Issue: 3 2007)

1757. Friday 18th March. HMS Greenwich taken by a French Squadron off Domingo.

1757. Wednesday 23rd March. Watson at Chandernagore.

1757. Wednesday 30th March. Chatham (Uniform). The Officers are to observe the length of the mens shirts to be to the top of the knee pan.

1757. May. HMS Tartar took the Pentlope.

1757. Monday 25th July. HMS Southampton engaged five French Privateers.

1757. Thursday 22nd September. HMS Southampton captured the Emeraude.

1757. Friday 23rd September. Knowles attacked the Isle of Aix.

1757. Saturday 24th September. HMS Tilbury lost off Louisbourg.

1757. September. The Raid on the port of Rochefort (sometimes referred to as the Descent on Rochefort) was a British amphibious attempt to capture the French Atlantic port. An important but second rate military and naval base essential for the efficiency of Brest. The raid pioneered a new tactic of 'descents' on the French coast, championed by William Pitt 1st Earl of Chatham. Pitt is best known as the wartime political leader of Britain during the Seven Years War. Especially for his single minded devotion to victory over France, a victory which ultimately solidified Britain's dominance over world affairs. Although viewed as a failure positive lessons were learned about 'desents,' notably by Wolfe, who two years later captured Quebec. Desents, refer to climbing of rocks and cliffs.

1757. Friday 21st October. HMS Forrest engaged De Kersaint off Cape Francois.

1757. October. HMS Tartar took the Gramont.

1757. Wednesday 23rd November. HMS Hassar and HMS Dolphin destroyed the Alcvon.

1757. November. HMS Tartar captured the Milampe.

1757. Friday 16th December. HMS Augusta captured nine armed merchantmen.

1757. Twenty companies were added to the Corps, making 110 companies, and the total number of men established at 11,419.

1757. The alleged scalping of British Soldiers by the Rebels (America). General Amherst forwarded the following intimidation to Montcalm the Governor of Canada: "No scouting party or others in the Army are to scalp women and children belonging to the enemy. They are, if possible to take them prisoners, but not to injure them on any account. The General being determined, should the enemy continue to murder and scalp women and children, who are the subjects of the King of Great Britain, to revenge it by death of two men of the enemy for every woman or child murdered by them. C. V. F. Townsend 7th Fusiliers and formally of the R.M.L.I. reports that: "Warfare in this part of the world between the English and French was carried on in a revolting cruel and bloody manner, but the French were the worst offenders. Scalps were taken even by regular soldiers on both sides following the example of their Indian allies." The Canadians threw in their lot with the French, sending in men and supplies, and scalping without mercy all the English stragglers who fell into their hands. General Wolf sent a letter to Montcalm, to stop this, but he either could not, or would not, because it continued. Therefore, Wolf was obliged to retaliate, and accordingly the following order was issued to the troops: "The General strictly forbids the inhuman practice of scalping, except when the enemy are Indians, or Canadians dressed like Indians. (sic)

1757. HMS Unicorn took Invincible and Comtesse de Nosailles.

1757. HMS Unicorn took the Hermione.

1757. HMS Chichester took the Bien Acquis.

1757. HMS Eagle and HMS Medway took the Due d' Aquitaine.

1757. HMS Antelope destroyed the Aquilon.

1757. HMS Happy took the Infernal.

1757. HMS Defiance captured the Prlvst de Paris (?)

1757. HMS Ambuscade captured the Vainqueur.

1757. HMS Experiment captured the Telemagne.

1757. HMS Fortune captured a French ship.

1758. The Marines were further increased to 140 companies, amounting to 14,845 men, which force was continued until 1760, when the marines amounted to 18,355, being more than one fourth of the naval force. In consequence of a representation from the commandants of divisions, that more fieldofficers were required for the better discipline of the service, three naval captains were appointed colonels of marines, with forty shillings per diem; and the only marine colonel, general Patterson, was placed on the retirement with £700 per annum thus banishing all hopes of higher preferment than the rank of lieutenant-colonel. This arrangement created such dissatisfaction in the corps, that a memorial, expressive of their deep sense of the injustice, in placing officers over them so perfectly incapable to command troops in the field, or conducting the details of military discipline on shore, was presented to the lords commissioners of the Admiralty, (Appendix 9). In addition to this humiliating measure, the circumscribed establishment on the peace of 1763 produced so much discontent, that many officers, seeing their prospects thus destroyed, quitted the marines and entered the army, where some rose to the highest rank. The appointment of lord Hood to the command of the Chatham division is dated 26th of March 1763; and we have given insertion to two documents, to show that his lordship actually exercised the duties of that office, (Appendix 2. and 3). It soon became evident that this anomaly could not exist without great detriment to the public service; and on the 26th of April lord Howe wrote to colonel Bendyshe, "that as he is appointed a lord of the Admiralty, his (lord Howe's) attendance at the marine head- quarters is to be dispensed with." From that period, no naval officer was permitted to interfere with the military duties of the divisions; but despite of the earnest memorials that were presented, complaining of this degrading infliction, the nominal colonels of marines retained their forty shillings per diem; admiral Boscawen, general of marines, his £2000 per annum; and sir C. Saunders, lieut.-gen., his £1200; and shortly afterwards a naval major-general was added to the establishment. From the assurances given by the Board of Admiralty, on the formation of the corps in 1 755, that they should receive every advantage with regard to their individual promotion, the marines had a right to expect protection and encouragement; and it was not therefore surprising, that on finding their remonstrance disregarded, and their hopes of preferment destroyed, a vast number withdrew from the service. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1758. Sunday 1st January. HMS Adventure captured the Machault.

1758. Sunday 8th January. HMS Hussar captured the Vengeance.

1758. Sunday 19th February. HMS Invincible lost on the Owers.

1758. Tuesday 28th February. HMS Revenge captured the Orphce (?)

1758. Tuesday 28th February. HMS Monmouth captured the Foudroyant.

1758. Tuesday 28th February. HMS Monarque and HMS Monmouth destroyed the Oriflmme.

1758. Thursday 9th March. A small squadron under the command of captain Marsh, which sailed from Plymouth, having on board 200 marines under major Mason, and a detachment of artillery commanded by captain Walker, arrived off the entrance of the Senegal river on 24th April. The governor of Fort Louis endeavoured to oppose their passing the bar; but the French were beaten back, and a landing of the troops speedily effected. Preparation was made for attacking the fort, which is situated on a small island about twelve miles up the river; but proposals were submitted by the governor to surrender the colony. On the 2nd May, major Monson, with his marines, took possession of the fort, in which was a garrison of 240 soldiers, with 90 pieces of cannon. The squadron then proceeded to attack the island of Goree; but their force proving insufficient, the attempt miscarried.

Admiral Boscawen, with twenty-three ships of the line, several frigates, and a fleet of transports, conveying 12,000 troops under major-general Amherst, sailed from Spithead on the 18th of February, and arrived at Halifax on the 9th of May, whence he sailed on the 28th and this fleet, numbering together 157 sail, anchored on the 2nd of June in Gabareuse Bay, about two leagues westward of Louisbourg. Chevalier Drucour had taken every possible precaution to prevent a surprise, by throwing up entrenchments and having batteries along the coast. In the harbour were five ships of the line and five frigates, three of which were sunk at the entrance during the siege. The garrison consisted of 2500 troops, besides 600 armed inhabitants. For several days the surf ran so high, as to render it impossible to land the troops; but on the 8th the weather became more moderate, and the soldiers were in the boats at break of day. Under cover of the fire from the frigates and smaller vessels, they moved towards the shore in three divisions. The enemy reserved their fire until the boats were close to the shore; but the calmness and intrepidity of the British overcame all obstacles, although the surf was so great that many of the boats were destroyed. Brigadier-general Wolfe jumped into the sea, and being followed by his whole division, who were instantly formed into line, they drove the enemy at the point of the bayonet. The other two divisions following their gallant example, the French fled in great confusion, leaving seventeen pieces of cannon and two mortars, with their ammunition, in the hands of the British; and before night the whole army, with its cannon and stores, were landed, and the town regularly invested. The governor destroyed his out-posts, with all the buildings within two miles of the ramparts and prepared for a resolute defence. On the 12th general Wolfe, with 1200 men, was ordered to march round to the north-east harbour, where he erected a powerful battery, which silenced the fire from the island. On the 25th the marines were landed, and being formed into a battalion, took post at Kennington Cove; and on the 30th they were successfully engaged with the enemy. On the 28th the French sank a ship of the line and three frigates at the mouth of the harbour, to prevent the entrance of our squadron. The army underwent great fatigue in carrying on the approaches, which were con siderably advanced, when an accident afforded them an unlooked-for relief, and greatly distressed the enemy: on the 21st of July a shell from the light-house battery having set fire to the 74-gun ship Entreprenant, she immediately blew up, and the Capricieux and Celebre of 64 guns taking fire, they were also destroyed. In the night of the 25th of July 600 seamen, under captains Laforey and Balfour, pulled into the harbour, and boarded the Prudent 74 and the Bienfaisant of 64 guns, and carried them, without much resistance: the former having taken the ground was destroyed, but the Bienfaisant was brought triumphantly away. On the 26th of July the garrison of Louisbourg capitulated, and the islands of St. John and Cape Breton were ceded to his britannic Majesty. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1758. Wednesday 3rd April. In order to frustrate the intentions of the french government, in the equipment of armaments to relieve their American colonies, admiral Hawke, with seven ships of the line, was despatched to Basque Roads, where he arrived on 3rd April, and anchored inside the isle of Aix. The enemy's squadron of five ships of the line cut their cables and ran ashore; but they were afterwards by great exertion dragged through the mud and got into the Charente. On the 5th, the admiral sent 150 marines, under captain Ewer, to demolish the new works which the enemy had erected on the isle of Aix; which service being effected, he re-embarked in perfect order. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1758. Wednesday 5th April. Hawke at Isle of Aix.

1758. HMS Essex and HMS Pluto capture the Galathle.

1758. Thursday 13th April. The burning of HMS Prince George.

1758. HMS St, Albans and HMS Favorite took Loire.

1758. HMS Monmouth and HMS Lyme destroyed the Rose.

1758. The Boreas took the Diane.

1758. Friday 28th April. HMS Triton and HMS Bridgewater were destroyed by a French Squadon.

1758. Saturday 29th April. Pocock and D'Ache in the East Indies.

1758. Tuesday 2nd May. The Capture of Fort Louis in Senegal. A small British squadron under the Command of Captain Henry Marsh sailed from Plymouth, despatched against the French settlements in West Africa. On Sunday 30th April Marsh landed 700 Marines, and a detachment of 25 Artillerymen with 10 guns and 8 mortars under Captain Walker to attack Fort Louis. A French deputation soon surrendered the fort which was garrisoned by 232 French officers and soldiers. However, the actual handing over of the Fort was delayed, owing to the action of the local natives, who, not thinking that their interests had been sufficiently secured, blockaded the French. The expedition is reported to have cost roughly a million pounds.

1758. Friday 26th May. HMS Dolphin and HMS Solebay with Marechal de Belleisle.

1758. Monday 26th May. HMS Dorsetshire and HMS Achilles captured the Raisonnable.

1758. Tuesday 6th June. Howe at St. Malo.

1758. Sunday 25th June - 26th July. The Siege of Louisburg was a pivotal Battle of the 'Seven Years War that ended the French colonial era in Canada and led directly to the loss of Quebec in 1759. On Sunday 25th June 500 Marines landed and took up a position at Kennington Cove.

1758. Thursday 29th June. HMS Renown captured the Guirlande.

1758. Sunday 2nd July. 100 Marines sent ashore to join General Wolfe's Army.

1758. Wednesday. 5th July. General Orders. As soon as it is dark the Highlanders are to draw the 2 Light 6 pounders and place them in a battery prepare for them upon the right redan. One of the Artillery and some Marines are to serve those two pieces, and their ammunition is to be deposited the redan. The Colhorn Mortars are not to play any more at the shipping, but the 5 Royals may be employed a day or two in the redoubt constructed by Anstruthers and Marines. The Marines are to do their duty with the Corps of Artillery, by that means they will be able to keep their own batteries in constant repair.

1758. Saturday 15th July. A Sergeant of Marines was taken prisoner by the Light Infantry, he was some distance from his post without arms.

1758. Tuesday 25th July. The Prudente was set on fire and the Bienfuissant towed off to the North East Harbour by the boats of the fleet which carried about 450 seamen and Marines, commanded by Captains Laforey and Balfour, boarded the ships without opposition from them, but from the town, who, having the services, fired Grape and Musketry, did not kill above seven and wounded as many. The Prudente being on ground they were obliged to set fire to her, eleven officers, mostly Marines and about 122 sailors out of the two were made prisoners.

1758. Thursday 3rd August. Pocock and D'Ache together in their second action.

1758. Monday 7th August - Wednesday 16th August. A raid on Cherbourg took place during the 'Seven Years War' during which a British force was landed on the coast of France by the Royal Navy with the intention of attacking the town of Cherbourg as part of the British government's policy of 'Descents' on the French Coast.

1758. Tuseday 15th August. Howe destroyed the Cherbourg.

1758. Saturday 2nd September. HMS Shrewsbury destroyed the Calypso.

1758. Wednesday 27th September. Disaster at St. Malo.

1758. Monday 2nd October. HMS Lizard captured the Due d' Hanovre.

1758. HMS Torbay captured the Rostan.

1758. Tuesday 31st October. HMS Antelope captured the Belliqucnxr. (?)

1758. Friday 3rd November. Buckingham and Floristssant.

1758. Wednesday 24th November. Plymouth (Uniform). Brown linen Spatterdashes ordered for the Guard.

1758. Tuesday 28th November. HMS Lichfield was lost.

1758. Tuesday 12th December - 16th February 1759. The Siege and Defence of Madras was part of the 'Third Carnatic War' against the French. The British garrison was able to hold out until it was relieved. The British are reported to have fired 26,554 cannon balls and more than 200,000 cartridge rounds in defence of the town. The failure to take Madras was a huge disappointment for the French and a big setback to their campaign in India. The French also lost 1200 men.

1758. Sunday 24th Decemnber. A squadron of four ships of the line, two frigates, with 600 troops, sailed from Cork on the 9th of November, and anchored in the road of Goree on the 24th of December. On either side of the bay was a small fort, with several batteries extending along the shore, mounting in the whole 100 pieces of cannon; and the garrison consisted of 300 regulars, and about the same number of negro inhabitants. On the morning of the 28th, the troops were ordered into the boats, ready for landing; and the ships having taken their stations, opened a heavy fire, which was returned by the enemy with great spirit. After this cannonade had been maintained for several hours, the governor surrendered at discretion; upon which Keppel landed all the marines of the squadron and took possession of the island.

In November, the Buckingham of 64 guns, captain Tyrrel, accompanied by the Weazle sloop, being near Guadaloupe, discovered a fleet of nineteen sail, under convoy of the french 74-gun ship Florissant and two frigates. After a running fight, in which the Buckingham was annoyed by the frigates, captain Tyrrel closed with the Florissant, and the action was maintained with great determination on both sides. Captain Tyrrel received a wound which compelled him to resign the command to lieutenant, Marshall, who fell gloriously, and the second-lieutenant continued the engagement until the french colours were hauled down. The Florissant had 180 men killed, and 300 wounded; whilst the Buckingham had only 7 killed, and 17 dangerously wounded. The. british ship was so much disabled in her masts and rigging, that the Florissant escaped during the night. Captain Tyrrel thus speaks of the conduct of the marines: — " Captain Troy, at the head of the marines, performed the service of a brave and gallant officer, cleared the poop and quarter-deck of the enemy, and drove her men like sheep down the main-deck." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1758. Wednesday 20th December. The Capture of Goree.

1758. The Corps was further increased to 140 companies, amounting to 14,845 men.

1758. A Battalion of 24 Officers, 1 Surgeon 21 Drummers and 540 Marines left Plymouth to assist in the Capture of Quebec in Canada.

1758 \- 1761. The 'Anglo Cherokee War' was a conflict between British forces in North America and Cherokee Indian tribes during the French and Indian War. The British and the Cherokee had been allies at the start of the war, but each party had suspected the other of betrayals. Tensions between British American settlers and the Cherokee increased during the 1750s, culminating in open hostilities during 1758.

1759. Fourteen thousand eight hundred and forty-five Marines formed the Establishment of 1759.

The manly, daring, and enlightened mind of him who guided the public measures, was never more conspicuous than in the extensive plans which directed the operations of the present year. Superior to the menaces of invasion, though still not despising them, he did not limit the national energies to a system of self-defence but resolved upon carrying war and conquest against the distant territories of our enemy. The spirit of Englishmen, thus roused, kept pace with the bold views of Mr. Pitt, and while it has convinced the world how invincible we are when knit together in the bonds of union, let us imitate the examples of this happy period, upon every return of public danger!

One of the most gallant single actions with which this contest was marked, occurred in the West Indies, towards the close of 1758. It is narrated by Captain Tyrrell, of the Buckingham, who fought it, in all the honest simplicity of a British Seaman, and bears high testimony to the gallant conduct of those under his command. This gratifying tribute, when merited, should never be withheld from the meanest, and it must ever honourably characterize the man who bestows it. Falling in with the Florissant, of 74 guns, and two heavy frigates, in his Majesty's Ship Buckingham, of 70, he bravely engaged them and obliged the first to strike; but night coming on, she availed herself of its darkness, made sail, and escaped from her disabled antagonist. Speaking of my Corps, Capt. Tyrrell's words are, "Capt. Troy, at the head of his Marines, performed the service of a brave and gallant Officer, cleared the poop and quarter-deck of the enemy, and drove her men like sheep down the main deck."

The defenceless state of the French Carribee Islands, induced an expedition against them, which sailed from Europe towards the end of November 1758, under General Hopson and Commodore Hughes, and arrived at Barbadoes upon the 3d of January following. This Squadron, consisting of seven sail of the line, one of fifty guns, besides frigates, had on board nearly eight hundred Marines, headed by Brevet Col. Rycaut, of the Portsmouth Division, which were intended to form a battalion, to co-operate with the army; but Commodore Moore assuming the command of our Naval Forces in these seas, after this junction, cancelled that plan, and adopted the idea of landing each party in detachment, when necessary. By this measure the public character of Colonel Rycaut was suspended, and that regular system of discipline, which must ever result from the union of many under one form, was sacrificed. This leads me to notice, that the Marine Soldier is peculiarly exposed to a great disadvantage upon every service of combined operation. Constantly employed in small detachments, it is frequently his lot, at a short notice, to enter the field against the well-trained legions of his enemies, and to unite his energies with the Regular and Brigaded Forces of his country. He, in this new scene, perhaps, knows not his file leader, and is probably a stranger to his officer.

As the predominant duties of this class of men are on board our navy, where military evolutions can only be performed upon a narrow scale; considering that a sudden and unforeseen emergency may place them in the situation I have described, it might be a means of rousing an emulous zeal between each, and of fixing that intimacy which is requisite to promote a mutual confidence, to form the detachments in every Fleet, or Squadron, into one battalion, or more; which being constantly maintained in a state of arrangement, would be better prepared for these momentary calls. The benefit which must arise would far counter balance any trifling expense that might be incurred in the different necessary appendages to such establishments and would afford opportunities by which to recompence the meritorious individuals of a Corps, whose hopes cannot now aspire above one uniform level.

The whole of this armament sailed against Martinico on the 13th day of January; the land forces, having been already reduced by the fever and small pox.

During the night of the 15th the squadron beat up into the Bay of Port Royal, and on the following morning his Majesty's ship Bristol attacked and silenced Fort Negro, a strong battery of seven guns. Her Marines, as well as those of the Rippon, were immediately landed, who, with fixed bayonets, climbed up the rocks and entered the embrazures, without resistance, as the enemy had abandoned the works. The British colours were hoisted at ten, and the army was afterwards disembarked in the neighbourhood of that post, where they slept on their arms.

Next day a Council of War determined to change the attack against St. Pierre's, when the troops returned on board, and the guns were destroyed. After some consideration this idea was also relinquished, and it was resolved to proceed against Guadaloupe.

Having made that island upon the morning of the 23d, a disposition of attack, against Basseterre and the Forts, was given out, which commenced at nine, and continued, without an interval, until night, when the whole were silenced.

The loss was confined in this long and heavy cannonade, to Lieutenant Roberts, of Marines, in the Norfolk, killed; Captain Trelawney, of the Lyon, Lieutenants Curle and Chaudy, of Marines, on board that ship and the Rippon, wounded; with 30 of different

descriptions killed and 60 wounded. The town was unhappily set on fire, which irritated the flying inhabitants to a more vigorous defence of the island.

Upon the 24th the troops were landed, when the French abandoned the works they had begun on the rising ground behind Basseterre, without opposition. Our army took possession of them and halted there during the night. Next morning the enemy also deserted the citadel, retiring towards the mountains with the resolution of resting their future defence upon the chance of sickness gaining ground amongst our troops, and of succours from Europe. The 61st regiment, under Major Teesdale, was directed to occupy the town and citadel. This detachment owed their salvation to a Genoese deserter, who informed the Commanding Officer, when on the eve of entering the latter, of their impending danger from the explosion of a mine to which the train had been laid, and that was to have been fired by a Negro, who, unaware of the hazard to himself, was bribed to this duty. By pushing rapidly into the citadel, the train was found, and timely swept away, as the dark coloured emissary was advancing, with drunken and staggering steps, to have executed the diabolical design.

Upon the 25th the field pieces, and every necessary implement were landed, and the ground marked out for the different regiments, in such a manner as to co-operate instantly when required. A corps of Light Infantry, drawn from the several Battalions, was also formed and placed under the command of Major (now General) Melville, which rendered very essential services.

The French Commandant, Mons. Nadau, took post in a deep cleft of the mountains, which commanded his supplies from Cape Terres, by far the best cultivated quarter of the island. Every approach to this recess was also guarded by intrenchments. Upon the 26th a summons was sent him, which he modestly but firmly rejected.

Some trifling skirmishes, that involved nothing except a loss of men took place, instead of that active system of enterprize, which should, if possible, be ever followed in a West India warfare.

The enemy gathered spirit from our inactivity, and in their turn harassed and insulted the Citadel itself, and the relief of our Guards. This error, however, afforded an opportunity of distinguishing the 61st Regiment, which was successfully employed in dislodging the enemy from the grounds they occupied.

An attack being meditated against Fort Louis, upon the Grande Terre, or North East side of the Island, a Squadron was ordered, under Captain Harman, of the Berwick, with some Companies of the Highland Regiment, under Major Campbell, of the Marines; he having also a considerable detachment of his own Corps. The whole proceeded to execute this service upon the 6th of February, from which day, till the 13th, the ketches continued a brisk bombardment. The Squadron advanced to the contest early on that morning, and after five hours cannonade, silenced the Fort and its numerous dependant batteries. During this attack, the Highlanders and Marines were in the flat-bottomed boats, ready to seize upon the first favourable moment for debarkation; and on this signal being made they bravely pushed ashore, under a heavy resumed fire from every point of the enemy's defence. Major Campbell, upon this occasion, allowed them no breathing time; for finding that the ammunition was generally injured by landing at an improper place, he resolutely pushed on with fixed bayonets, and after a severe action carried the Fort, with, all the batteries. This was not accomplished without a considerable loss.

An unhappy plan of procrastinated operation continued to mark our progress in the neighbourhood of Basseterre, which assumed, however, a more active form under Gen. Barrington, who succeeded to the command of the Army, after the death of General Hopson, on the 27th of February. Resolving to change the plan of operation, he withdrew his forces from Basseterre, leaving a garrison in Fort Royal, and blowing up the other works.

The whole now directed their course to Fort Louis on the 7th of March, where the transports did not arrive until the 20th, owing to the prevalence of strong lee currents. Intelligence being received of a powerful French Squadron having reached Martinique, induced the Commodore to leave the Army at this critical period to their own energies, and to proceed whither he might be enabled to counteract its future schemes. Accordingly, the Marines were withdrawn from the shore, and distributed amongst their proper ships; but such was their reduced state in consequence of this service, that detachments were also necessarily solicited from the General to supply the heavy casualties which had occurred to them.

After a tedious, fatiguing, and spirited train of operation, upon which I am now precluded from remark, General Barrington effected the conquest of Guadaloupe on the 2d of May, and with it the neighbouring islands of Marigalante, Deseada, and The Saintes.

Everyone conversant in the military obstacles which present in that inhospitable country, cannot restrain his applause of the distinguished perseverance of the Commander in Chief, and the gallant Subordinates during the whole course of their arduous duties. It exhibits a powerful example of what may be achieved by the talents and active spirit of one man; but they are inherent in that noble family, whose virtues I cannot enhance by any panegyric of mine.

Wherever we cast an eye the most glorious achievements appear before us. The conquest of Canada and its Capital, was a most conspicuous event, but it was dearly purchased with the life of one man whose exalted genius and patriotic soul were fitted to turn the scale of Empires. The Plains of Abraham will be a lasting memorial of the superior steadiness and valour of British Soldiers, when led by courage and ability. The fatigues and services of the navy throughout the whole of this campaign were severe and highly honorable.

This leads me to notice a very ludicrous circumstance that occurred on the morning of the 13th of September, previous to that battle which decided the fate of Quebec. A number of Tars who had been employed in dragging the cannon to the heights upon which they were planted, when returning to their ships, observed the army drawn up in battle array, instead of continuing their route, they fell into the ranks with the Soldiers, some having cutlasses, others sticks, and a few having nothing in their hands. General Wolfe remarking their zeal, addressed them with that complacency which was so familiar to him, thanked them for their well-meant spirit, urged them to go on board, and pointed out the probable bad consequences from their mingling with the soldiery at so critical a moment. To this request some of them answered, "God bless your Honour, pray let us stay and see fair play between the English and French."

The General could not help smiling at these brave but thoughtless fellows, and again repeated his wish for them to withdraw. With this some complied, but others swore, immediately on turning his back, "that the Soldiers should not have all the fighting to themselves, but that they would come in for a share of it some way or other."

It appears that a number actually continued in the ranks during the progress of the day, and whenever a Soldier dropped they alternately put on his accoutrements, charged, and fired with perfect coolness.

Nothing peculiarly active fell to the lot of the Marines, excepting an affair of diversion on the 12th of September, with a view to aid the more material operations of the army.

Upon the evening of that day the Admiral ordered the flat bottomed boats, below the town, to assemble astern of one of the frigates.

Into these all the Marines which could consistently be spared, were embarked, and at the break of day of the 13th stood over towards the Beaufort shore as if to make a descent, while the ships of war that escorted them were ordered to cannonade the French lines. This feint obliged the enemy to retain a greater force at those works, than they would otherwise have done, and it was in some degree instrumental towards the success of that glorious day.

In the summer of the present year orders were given for each ship of the line, upon the home station, to take on board a double complement of Marines, to co-operate in the descents which might be attempted by the army.

Discomfited in every quarter, the enemy now confined their designs to domestic preparations, which aimed at a general but connected invasion of this island. Of these our Cabinet was fully apprized, and well knew how to frustrate them. Admiral De La Clue, with a considerable force, having put to sea from Toulon, in order to effect a junction with their grand armament at Brest, was soon after observed by Admiral Boscawen, and defeated with a loss of five of his ships, while the remains took shelter in the port of Cadiz, where they were blocked up by an English squadron. This reverse was little expected by the French Ministry, who could not conceive that our energies were everywhere.

The enemy defended themselves with bravery, and they had set them, by their Chief, a most heroic example. Such as might have been expected was given by Admiral Boscawen to his fleet.

Rear Admiral Rodney destroyed a link of that chain of preparation by the bombardment of Havre de Grace, where a large collection of boats had been formed, denominated Prames. These were flat bottomed, were about 100 feet long, 24 broad, and 10 in depth, each mounted two heavy cannon, had one mast, could sail or row when most convenient, and was capable of transporting 280 troops, or nearly 50 cavalry complete. Our good friends, the Dutch, ever ready to supply all parties, suffered a heavy loss during the blockade of Havre, in naval and military stores, with which their avarice had prompted them to supply our purposed invaders.

The honour of our arms was this year most gallantly supported by Vice Admiral Pocock, in the East Indies, who was opposed to very superior forces, but still afforded that general protection to our territory and our commerce, which must ever constitute the most predominant objects of our naval efforts. A sharp action was fought, which, as might have been anticipated, ended in a drawn conflict.

At this moment of public danger, the protection of our coasts was confided to Sir Edward Hawke, who shewed himself worthy of the trust. Taking his station off Brest he detached to every quarter within his limits, to reconnoitre and to destroy. Captain Harvey very highly distinguished himself by a train of activity upon his post, which was close to the mouth of that harbour. Some boats, seconded by his flying squadron, achieved the capture of several neutral vessels laden with naval stores, in the Bay of Camaret, which Mons. Conflans determined to resent. He accordingly employed a very superior force to gratify his spleen, which, however, did not stagger Captain Harvey's resolution, who, on the contrary, advanced to meet them. In turn he became the pursuer, which ended with the exchange of some distant shot, and the French ships taking shelter under their batteries.

The consequences that were averted by this seemingly unimportant affair, were great, as the enemy had in view, after driving this squadron from its ground, to have proceeded to the Morbihan, another part of the coast of Britanny, where we had a small blockading force stationed; after destroying which, they were to return to Brest with the numerous land forces that were then ready for embarkation. With such material objects before them, it is a stigma upon their naval spirit, in not having persevered.

The repeated enterprises of this vigilant Officer derive a peculiar merit from the time and manner in which they were performed. When the enemy were everywhere proclaiming their threats, Capt. Harvey landed his Marines from the Monmouth, upon the little island of Molines, and exacted from its inhabitants a small supply of cattle, stock, and vegetables.

The priest upon this spot stepped forth, as the organ of his flock, who, he said, were poor. Captain Harvey's reply was, "that he regretted to distress the wretched; but what he now did was merely to shew the enemy and all Europe, that the French could not protect their people within their own sight, much less dare the invasion of England!" He afterwards, in his own barge, being seconded by some other boats, brought off the tender of Admiral Conflans, from a small bay close to the harbour of Brest, within sight of their fleet, under a prodigious cannonade of guns and mortars, and an extensive line of musquetry. This brave man felt for the dignity of his country, and he maintained it.

The enemy, everywhere ready to catch a favourable moment, only awaited the time when our blockading Fleets should be driven from their coasts, in order to carry their long-boasted threats into effect. A heavy gale upon the 9th of November not only forced Sir Edward Hawke from his station but brought into Brest Monsieur Bompart and his Squadron from the West Indies in safety. This circumstance very much strengthened the ships of Conflans with prime seamen, who sailed on the 14th, and steered for Quiberon Bay, with a view to annihilate Commodore Duff's detachment, to bring out his transports with troops, and finally to attempt the invasion of our isles.

But Sir Edward Hawke anticipating his schemes, also put to sea; and notwithstanding that contending elements, for a while, opposed his wishes, still, by perseverance, he arrived in time to save our Flying Squadron, just on the eve of being captured, and to give a death blow to all their mighty hopes.

The victory of the 20th of November must ever stand as one of the most brilliant upon our naval annals, not so much from the extent of its success in captured ships, as the dangerous circumstances under which it was achieved, and the happy consequences that were its immediate results. Our loss upon this signal occasion was only fifty killed, and two hundred and forty-eight Seaman and Marines wounded.

Thus, foiled in every quarter, their commerce cut off by the conquest of their most valuable colonies, expensive preparations sacrificed, without the attainment of a single object, a partial bankruptcy took place in the national funds of France. At this trying period, however, the sufferings of its monarch, and of the public, were alleviated by the substantial tenders of loyalty and patriotism. Numerous were the individuals who manfully stepped forth to heal the wounded pride of their Sovereign, and to revive the drooping cause of their country. It is grateful to record such instances of public virtue from whatever source they flow.

In the greater part of these events, so productive of glory and good, the Corps of Marines bore a share, as well as in the many inferior but distinguished Naval contests that took place in 1759. During its progress, the Fleet of our enemy acknowledges a diminution of thirty-five Ships of the Line and an equal number of Frigates. There are many names which still survive, and others that have not long since closed useful and honourable lives, who were at this period familiar to the public ear, by their gallant deeds. To particularize all, would carry me beyond my limits, and I would not be partial to survivors alone.

His Majesty, in consideration of the very signal services rendered by Admirals Boscawen and Sir Charles Saunders, towards the close of this year, instituted a new Establishment of Marine Officers, intituled, "General and Lieutenant-General of Marines," to which soon after there were added three Colonels, nominated from Post-Captains in the Royal Navy, who had been conspicuous by their good conduct.

The Gentlemen who first occupied these appointments were,

Admiral Boscawen General of Marines £2,000

Sir Charles Saunders K. B. Lieutenant-General £1,200

Sir Piercy Brett, Bart. Col. of Portsmouth Division £800

Hon. Augustus Keppel Col. of Plymouth Division £800

Lord Viscount Howe Col. of Chatham Division £800

This establishment has subsequently been enlarged by the attachment of a Major-General, nd in this form it now exists.

Disclaiming every prejudice, I am led to ask how far either policy or justice can sanction the transmission of such an institution to posterity? They were originally the benevolent grants of a grateful Monarch, to distinguished individuals. As such, indeed, they have continued to be; but experience has shown, that Field Officers are the very life of discipline, and that if so respectable an addition were unalienated from the active members of the Corps, this principle would be still more animated. A man who suppresses his feelings upon any occasion that demands them, is unworthy of the name. How degrading is the thought, that the Marine Veteran, who ascends by the rules of slow gradation, can never reach the summit of his profession! God forbid that any reform should affect the living. Those who now enjoy this mark of favour are highly worthy of it. But confining such appointments to the corps would be gratifying to all, for I am sure that the Naval and Marine Officer are so united in their interests and their duties, that an accession of consequence, or benefit to either, would be warmly felt by both. (Taken from Chapter 22 'An Historical review of the Royal marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1759. Monday 22nd January - May. The Capture of Guadalupe from the French. It was part of the 'Seven Years War'. A large British force had arrived in the West Indies, intending to seize French possessions. After a six-month long battle to capture Guadeloupe they finally received the formal surrender of the island, just days before a large French relief force arrived under Admiral Maximin de Bompart.

1759. Wednesday 21st February. HMS Vestal took the Bellone.

1759. Tuesday 27th February. When was the death of general Hopson changed the plan of operations; for his successor, major-general Barrington, re-embarked the troops, after leaving a garrison in Fort Royal and blowing up the other works. On the 7th of March the fleet sailed for Fort Louis, on the Grand-terre side of the island, where the whole had arrived by the 20th. The commodore receiving information of the arrival of a french squadron of eight ships of the line, under M. de Bompart, the army was left to its own energies, and the marines returned to their respective ships.

As their numbers were much reduced, a detachment of troops was added to their strength, and on the 13th of April the squadron sailed for Prince Rupert's bay. On the 1st of May Guadaloupe capitulated, and the example was followed by Desirade, Saintes, and Petite-terre; and on the 26th of May, Mariegalante likewise surrendered.

A fleet of twelve sail of the line, under M. de la Clue, sailed from Toulon in the early part of August, and five of these, with five frigates, soon afterwards separated. On the 18th, the squadron fell in with a british fleet of fourteen sail of the line, two of 50 guns, and several frigates, under admiral Boscawen, who immediately made the signal to chase and engage in line of battle a-head.

The advanced ships commenced firing upon the enemy at 2 h. 30 m. p. m., and closing with the Centaur of 74 guns, compelled that ship to surrender, with the loss of 200 men killed and wounded. The pursuit continued during the night, under favour of which two of the enemy escaped, and at day-light only four were to be seen, about five leagues distant from Lagos bay. The Ocean of 80 guns, and Redoutable 74, ran on the rocks, and were destroyed; but the Temeraire 74, and Modeste 64, were brought away. M. de la Clue died of his wounds and was buried at Lagos. The British sustained a loss of 56 men killed, and 196 wounded.

The fleet under sir Edward Hawke having taken refuge in Torbay during the heavy westerly gales, admiral Conflans took the earliest opportunity to put to sea with the french fleet, from Brest. On the same day the british admiral sailed from Toropt out bay, directing his course towards Quiberon, and on the 20th of November the enemy's fleet was discovered by our look-out ships. At this time, it was blowing hard, with a heavy sea; and although the shoals and rocks on the coast were imperfectly known to the english pilots, sir Edward Hawke zealously persevered in his endeavours to bring the enemy to action. The british fleet consisted of twenty-three ships of the line and ten frigates; that of the enemy, twenty-one of the line and five frigates. At 3 h. 30 m. p. m., the van of the British began engaging the enemy's rear, as their advanced ships led round the Cardinal rocks.

About 4 p. m., the Formidable, bearing the flag of rearadmiral Verger, after a gallant defence, struck her colours. The Thesee foundered in consequence of shipping a heavy sea in her lower deck, and the Superbe shared the same fate. The Heros surrendered and came to anchor, but it was blowing so hard that no boat could be sent to take possession. Darkness coming on, the enemy fled towards their own coast; seven of their line of battle ships, after throwing their guns overboard, got into the river Vilaine, whilst the British anchored under the island of Dumet. When morning appeared, the ship of the french admiral was discovered to be on shore, and she was soon afterwards burnt by her own crew. The Essex and Resolution ran on the Four-reef and were wrecked, but most of their crew were saved. Our total loss in this memorable battle was no more than one lieutenant and 39 seamen and marines killed, and 222 wounded.

In the East Indies the british arms were equally triumphant. A french squadron of eleven ships of the line, under M. d'Ache, appearing on the Coromandel coast, vice-admiral Pocock, with seven of the line, immediately proceeded thither; and on the 2nd of September the french ships were discovered, but it was not until the 10th that they were brought to action. Although nothing decisive resulted from this contest, our loss amounted to no less than 118 killed, — 66 mortally, 122 dangerously, and 263 slightly wounded. Among the killed was 17 captain C. Michie of the Newcastle, captain Gore and lieutenant Redshaw of the marines, and lieutenant Elliott of the Tyger.

Extensive preparations were now making in all the french ports for the invasion of Great Britain, and several men-of-war, transports, and flat-bottomed boats were getting ready in all the ports. Havre-de-Grace, and the other harbours on the coast of Normandy, prepared for the expedition against England, whilst another division of the flotilla was to proceed from Dunkirk, and make an attempt on the coast of Scotland; and a third embarkation, destined for Ireland, was to be made at Vannes, in Brittany, The duke D'Aiguillon had the command of the land forces, and a powerful squadron, under admiral Conflans, was to secure their landing. To counteract these machinations, admiral Havvke with a large fleet cruised before Brest, leaving a detached force to watch the bay of Audierne, and a squadron under commodore Boyce was stationed before Dunkirk. In the month of July, rear-admiral Rodney bombarded Havre with great success, setting fire to the town in several places, and he destroyed all their preparations for the invasion of England.

In this year, twenty-seven sail of the line and thirty-one frigates were captured from the French, and eight ships of the line and four frigates destroyed; whilst England, during the various operations, lost no more than seven ships of the line and five frigates. In addition to these reverses, the commerce of France was seriously reduced by the loss of Quebec and Guadaloupe.

In consideration of the signal services rendered by admirals Boscawen and sir Charles Saunders, his Majesty instituted a new establishment of marine officers, entitled " General and Lieutenant-general of Marines;" and shortly afterwards three post-captains in the navy were selected for the rank of colonel.

The following officers were the first who held those appointments: — PER ANN.

Admiral Boscawen. General of Marines. £2000

Sir Chas. Saunders, K.B. Lieut.- General. 1200

Sir Piercy Brett, Bart. Col. of Portsmouth Div. 800

Hon. Augustus Keppel. Col. of Plymouth Div. 800

Viscount Howe. Col. of Chatham Div. 800

The appointment of a major-general was subsequently added to the establishment.

This arrangement, at once humiliating and disrespectful to a corps which had ever supported its military character with credit and honour, created universal dissatisfaction. It was a wound that rankled at the very heart of the service; and it con- tinued to be so sensibly felt as a mark of reproach, that in 1777 the corps resolved to memorial the lords commissioners of the Admiralty, respecting the injustice of placing officers of the navy over them; and justly remarking upon the incompetency of naval officers to take command of troops in the field. This remonstrance was forwarded by colonel Mackenzie, with a strong letter addressed to the earl of Sandwich; but neither that application, nor the many subsequent expressions of discontent, could obtain redress. The emoluments of thse appointments continued to be enjoyed by naval officers until the year 1833, when this degrading system of sinecures was abolished; but even then, the entire advantage did not revert to the corps, and but an inadequate proportion of the amount fell to their lot in the distribution of the good-service pensions.

In this year the british navy amounted to one hundred and twenty ships of the line: seventeen of that number were in the East Indies, twenty for the protection of our West India islands, twelve in North America, ten in the Mediterranean, and sixtyone on the home station. The establishment of marines was increased to one hundred and thirty companies, amounting to 18,365 men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1759. Monday 19th March. Aiolus took Mignone.

1759. Thursday 27th March. HMS Winsor took the Due de Chartres.

1759. Friday 28th March. HMS Southampton and HMS Milampe captured the Danal.

1759. Wednesday 4th April. HMS Achilles captured the St. Florentine.

1759. Wednesday 15th April. HMS Favorite captured the Valeur.

1759. Tuseday 1st May. The Capture of Guadaloupe.

1759. Friday 18th May. HMS Thames and HMS Venus took the Arithuse.

1759. An expedition, under commodore Moore, sailed from England in the latter part of the preceding year, consisting of nine ships of the line, a frigate, four bombs, with sixty transports containing six regiments of foot. 800 marines were embarked in the squadron, commanded by brevet-colonel Rycaut, of the Portsmouth division, and it was intended that they should have been formed into a battalion to co-operate with the land forces, but the commodore altered this arrangement, and landed the detachments as it became necessary; consequently, the services of colonel Rycaut were dispensed with. Dr. Beatson remarks, that " Colonel Rycaut, of the marines, was deprived of all command, whereby that useful corps was never permitted to land and act with the land forces, which was a very great loss to the army."

1759. June - September. Sanders at Quebec.

1759. Tuesday 3rd July. They arrived at Barbadoes on the 3rd of January 1759, whence they sailed on the 13th, and entered the bay of Fort Royal, Martinico, on the 15th. Early on the following morning, the Bristol and Ripon attacked a battery of seven guns on Negro Point, which they soon silenced, and the marines from both ships were landed; who, climbing up the rocks, entered the fort and hoisted the british colours. At four o'clock, the signal being made for disembarking the troops, they were immediately conveyed to the shore, under cover of the fire from the ships, and landed without much opposition; but finding it impracticable to bring the cannon sufficiently near for attacking the town, the forces re-embarked, in order to proceed to St. Pierre. When they arrived before that place, new difficulties arose, which occasioned a council of war. The commodore had no doubt of being able to reduce the town; but as the troops had suffered greatly by disease, and the probability of the ships being so disabled in the attack as to prevent them from availing themselves of their success to undertake further operations, he recommended that they should proceed against Guadaloupe.

The fleet arrived on the 23rd of January before the town of Basseterre, the capital of the island, a place of considerable extent, defended by strong batteries towards the sea; and on an eminence to the southward of the town stands Fort Royal, mounting forty-seven pieces of cannon. The chief engineer was of opinion that this fortress, from its elevation, was impregnable to the squadron; yet a council of war determined on the attack, and the ships took up their positions at nine a. m. on the 23rd, — the Lion 74 abreast of a battery of nine guns; St. George 90, Norfolk 74, and Cambridge 80 opposite the citadel, and kept up an incessant cannonade until five p. m., when the fort ceased firing. At ten a. m., the Panther 50 brought up close to the royal battery in the town, of twelve guns, and continued engaging for several hours, unassisted by the Burford 70, who was to have supported her; but owing to some accident she did not reach her station, nor take any part in the action.

The Rippon 60 ran so close to the shore, that she grounded and in consequence of the Berwick 64 relinquishing her station on the approach of some vessels on fire, she became exposed to the battery of St. Nicholas, of seven guns, as well as that of Morne Rouge, mounting six guns en barbette. The Rippon having suffered considerably from an explosion, which blew up the poop and set the ship on fire, made the signal for assistance: on which the Bristol 50 ran down, and took a position between her and the St. Nicholas battery; the marines at the same time taking the militia in the trenches in flank, soon dispersed them. In the evening the bomb-vessels threw shells into the town, which set it on fire, and the magazines blew up with a terrible explosion. The only officer killed was lieutenant Roberts of the marines, on board the Norfolk and among the wounded, captain Trelawney of the Lion, lieutenant Curies of the marines of the same ship, and lieutenant Chandy of the marines of the Rippon; with a total of 30 killed, and 60 wounded.

On the 24th the troops landed without opposition, took possession of the heights, and, the 61st regiment having marched into the citadel, hoisted the british colours. The country was far from being reduced to submission; it abounded in mountains and defiles, and the inhabitants were determined to defend their possessions to the last extremity. The french commandant, M. Nadau d'Etreuil, posted himself in a deep cleft in the mountains, which entirely commanded the passage into the Capesterres, the richest and best cultivated part of the island, which was very difficult of access, the whole environs being intersected by deep ravines. On the 26th a summons was sent by the British, which the commandant rejected with firmness.

Some skirmishes took place, in which the 61st regiment had an opportunity of distinguishing itself, in attacking the enemy's entrenchments.

It being resolved to reduce Fort Louis on the Grand-terre side of the island, the squadron, under captain Harman of the Berwick, moved on to the attack on the 13th February. The cannonade lasted five hours, during which every house was burnt, a breach made in the walls, and the batteries silenced along the shore. The troops then got into the boats, and major Campbell with his marines, and some companies of the royal highland regiment, with great difficulty landed. Finding that their ammunition was mostly destroyed, they drove the enemy at the point of the bayonet, and after a severe struggle carried the fort, with all the batteries. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1759. Wednesday 1st August. The Battle of Minden in North Germany. Anglo Hanoverian forces under the Command of Ferdinand of Brunswick defeat the French army lead by Duc de Broglie, but due to the disobedience of the English cavalry Commander Lord George Sackville, the French were able to withdraw unmolested.

1759. Monday 13th August. HMS Crescent took the Berkeley.

1759. HMS Dreadnought took the Hermione.

1759. Saturday 18th August - Sunday 19th August 1759. A Naval Battle off Lagos between Britain and France took place, during the 'Seven Years War' off the coasts of Spain and Portugal and is named after Lagos in Portugal. It ended in a victory for the British led by Sir Edward Boscawens While the he French lost 2 ships of the line that were destroyed and a further 3 were captured.

1759. Saturday 18th August. Boscawen and De la Clue.

1759. Sunday 2nd September. Pocock and D'Ache, third action.

1759. Thursday 13th September. The Capture of Quebec from the French. The British lead by General James Wolfe (1727 - 1759) achieved a dramatic victory when they scaled the cliffs overlooking the city of Quebec, defeating the French forces under the command of Louis Joseph de Montcalm. During the battle, which lasted less than an hour, Wolfe was fatally wounded. Montcalm was also wounded and died the next day. However, Wolfes Victory ensured British supremacy in Canada. During the operations the Marines were encamped at Point Levi on the south side of the St. Lawrence, but on the 26th July, two companies of them were sent over to General Wolf's camp, at Montmorenci, as a reinforcement. Later 600 men of the Marines and Major Hardy's Corps were sent over to defend the Island of Orleans in the middle of the river between Montmorenci and Point Levi. Some of those must have been sent from the ships as the Battalion was only 540 strong or was entirely a ships battalion. When the real attack on Quebec took place the line of battle ships which lay in the river below Quebec made a demonstration in front of the French lines to the north east of the city in order to divert attention from the landing at Sillery to the west of Quebec. They stood in as close to the shore as the depth of the water would allow. They then lowered the boats and filled them with Marines to deceive the enemy into expecting a landing at this point. The British lost 58 killed and 600 wounded. While the French had 116 killed and the same as the British 600 wounded. It's also worth noting that Wolf used what was known in those days as 'Descents' to approach the city from what was thought to be impregnatable cliffs. Something he had witnessed a few years earlier while a junior Officer at the Raid on Rochefort.

1759. Tuesday 20th November. The Battle of Quibecon Bay of the Coast of France near St. Nazaire. The British Admiral Sir Edward Hawke along with 24 ships of the line caught up with a French fleet with 21 ships of the line under the Command of Marshal de Conflans and, after some hard fighting, sank, captured, or forced aground six of them and dispersed the rest, giving the Royal Navy one of its greatest Victories to date.

1759. Wednesday 5th December.The french squadron under Thurot, which had sailed from Dunkirk and taken refuge in the harbour of Gottenburg, in Sweden, and which originally consisted of five frigates, having on board 1200 soldiers, sailed from that port for Bergen; and on the 5th of December, having parted company with one of the squadron, they directed their course towards Ireland. It was ot until the 21st of February that Thurot effected a landing at Carrickfergus with 600 men and made the garrison under colonel Jennings prisoners; but learning the defeat of the fleet of Conflans and finding that a body of regular troops was approaching, they re-embarked and immediately sailed for France. A [ew hours after quitting the british coast, three ships were seen bearing down upon them; which were the english frigates jEoIus 36, captain Elliott, with the Pallas and Brilliant of 32 guns, captains Clement and Logie. An action was maintained with great spirit for an hour and a half, when the Marechal de Belleisle, of 44 guns, was boarded and captured by the Eolus, the gallant Thurot having fallen in the action. The other ships were also captured and taken into the English ports. The British loss was only 5 killed, and 41 wounded; that of the enemy 300 killed and wounded.

Shortly after the victory gained by colonel Coote over general Lally at Wandewash, a squadron of six ships of the line under rear-admiral Cornish, reached Madras; and as the french squadron under M. d'Ache" had not appeared on the coast, the admiral was at liberty to assist in reducing the french settlements. Colonel Coote with the army marched to attack Waldour, and block up Pondicherry, whilst the squadron proceeded to form the siege of Carical, where it arrived on the 28th of March. At five in the morning major Monson, with 300 marines and 50 pioneers, landed about four miles from the place, and marching directly up to it, took possession of the town early on the following day. Finding themselves annoyed by the redoubt of Fort Dauphin, ome shells were thrown by the British, which induced the enemy immediately to abandon it, and retire to Fort Louis. Reinforcements from Trichinopoly having arrived, the place was invested on the 3rd, and the British erected several batteries. On the 5th, major Monson, learning that the garrison was likely to obtain relief from Chilanbrun, summoned the commandant to surrender: the proposition was acceded to, and the french troops surrendered as prisoners of war. The marines, after assisting at the reduction of two other posts, were re-embarked in the early part of May. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1759. Later part of the year. An expedition, under commodore Moore, sailed from England in the latter part of the preceding year, consisting of nine ships of the line, a frigate, four bombs, with sixty transports containing six regiments of foot. 800 marines were embarked in the squadron, commanded by brevet-colonel Rycaut, of the Portsmouth division, and it was intended that they should have been formed into a battalion to co-operate with the land forces, but the commodore altered this arrangement, and landed the detachments as it became necessary; consequently, the services of colonel Rycaut were dispensed with. Dr. Beatson remarks, that " Colonel Rycaut, of the marines, was deprived of all command, whereby that useful corps was never permitted to land and act with the land forces, which was a very great loss to the army."

1760. Thursday 3rd January. They arrived at Barbadoes on the 3rd of January 1760, whence they sailed on the 13th, and entered the bay of Fort Royal, Martinico, on the 15th. Early on the following morning, the Bristol and Ripon attacked a battery of seven guns on Negro Point, which they soon silenced, and the marines from both ships were landed; who, climbing up the rocks, entered the fort and hoisted the british colours. At four o'clock, the signal being made for disembarking the troops, they were immediately conveyed to the shore, under cover of the fire from the ships, and landed without much opposition; but finding it impracticable to bring the cannon sufficiently near for attacking the town, the forces re-embarked, in order to proceed to St. Pierre. When they arrived before that place, new difficulties arose, which occasioned a council of war. The commodore had no doubt of being able to reduce the town; but as the troops had suffered greatly by disease, and the probability of the ships being so disabled in the attack as to prevent them from availing themselves of their success to undertake further operations, he recommended that they should proceed against Guadaloupe.

The fleet arrived on the 23rd of January before the town of Basseterre, the capital of the island, a place of considerable extent, defended by strong batteries towards the sea; and on an eminence to the southward of the town stands Fort Royal, mounting forty-seven pieces of cannon. The chief engineer was of opinion that this fortress, from its elevation, was impregnable to the squadron; yet a council of war determined on the attack, and the ships took up their positions at nine a. m. on the 23rd, — the Lion 74 abreast of a battery of nine guns; St. George 90, Norfolk 74, and Cambridge 80 opposite the citadel, and kept up an incessant cannonade until five p. m., when the fort ceased firing. At ten a. m., the Panther 50 brought up close to the royal battery in the town, of twelve guns, and continued engaging for several hours, unassisted by the Burford 70, who was to have supported her; but owing to some accident she did not reach her station, nor take any part in the action.

The Rippon 60 ran so close to the shore, that she grounded and in consequence of the Berwick 64 relinquishing her station on the approach of some vessels on fire, she became exposed to the battery of St. Nicholas, of seven guns, as well as that of Morne Rouge, mounting six guns en barbette. The Rippon having suffered considerably from an explosion, which blew up the poop and set the ship on fire, made the signal for assistance: on which the Bristol 50 ran down, and took a position between her and the St. Nicholas battery; the marines at the same time taking the militia in the trenches in flank, soon dispersed them. In the evening the bomb-vessels threw shells into the town, which set it on fire, and the magazines blew up with a terrible explosion. The only officer killed was lieutenant Roberts of the marines, on board the Norfolk and among the wounded, captain Trelawney of the Lion, lieutenant Curies of the marines of the same ship, and lieutenant Chandy of the marines of the Rippon; with a total of 30 killed, and 60 wounded.

On the 24th the troops landed without opposition, took possession of the heights, and, the 61st regiment having marched into the citadel, hoisted the british colours. The country was far from being reduced to submission; it abounded in mountains and defiles, and the inhabitants were determined to defend their possessions to the last extremity. The french commandant, M. Nadau d'Etreuil, posted himself in a deep cleft in the mountains, which entirely commanded the passage into the Capesterres, the richest and best cultivated part of the island, which was very difficult of access, the whole environs being intersected by deep ravines. On the 26th a summons was sent by the British, which the commandant rejected with firmness. Some skirmishes took place, in which the 61st regiment had an opportunity of distinguishing itself, in attacking the enemy's entrenchments.

It being resolved to reduce Fort Louis on the Grand-terre side of the island, the squadron, under captain Harman of the Berwick, moved on to the attack on the 13th February. The cannonade lasted five hours, during which every house was burnt, a breach made in the walls, and the batteries silenced along the shore. The troops then got into the boats, and major Campbell with his marines, and some companies of the royal highland regiment, with great difficulty landed. Finding that their ammunition was mostly destroyed, they drove the enemy at the point of the bayonet, and after a severe struggle carried the fort, with all the batteries.

1759. Tuesady 27th February. Was when the death of general Hopson changed the plan of opera tions; for his successor, major-general Barrington, re-embarked the troops, after leaving a garrison in Fort Royal and blowing up the other works. On the 7th of March the fleet sailed for Fort Louis, on the Grand-terre side of the island, where the whole had arrived by the 20th. The commodore receiving information of the arrival of a french squadron of eight ships of the line, under M. de Bompart, the army was left to its own energies, and the marines returned to their respective ships.

As their numbers were much reduced, a detachment of troops was added to their strength, and on the 13th of April the squadron sailed for Prince Rupert's bay. On the 1st of May Guadaloupe capitulated, and the example was followed by Desirade, Saintes, and Petite-terre; and on the 26th of May, Mariegalante likewise surrendered.

A fleet of twelve sail of the line, under M. de la Clue, sailed from Toulon in the early part of August, and five of these, with five frigates, soon afterwards separated. On the 18th, the squadron fell in with a british fleet of fourteen sail of the line, two of 50 guns, and several frigates, under admiral Boscawen, who immediately made the signal to chase and engage in line of battle a-head.

The advanced ships commenced firing upon the enemy at 2 h. 30 m. p. m., and closing with the Centaur of 74 guns, compelled that ship to surrender, with the loss of 200 men killed and wounded. The pursuit continued during the night, under favour of which two of the enemy escaped, and at day-light only four were to be seen, about five leagues distant from Lagos bay. The Ocean of 80 guns, and Redoutable 74, ran on the rocks, and were destroyed; but the Temeraire 74, and Modeste 64, were brought away. M. de la Clue died of his wounds and was buried at Lagos. The British sustained a loss of 56 men killed, and 196 wounded.

The fleet under sir Edward Hawke having taken refuge in Torbay during the heavy westerly gales, admiral Conflans took the earliest opportunity to put to sea with the french fleet, from Brest. On the same day the british admiral sailed from Toropt out bay, directing his course towards Quiberon, and on the 20th of November the enemy's fleet was discovered by our look-out ships. At this time, it was blowing hard, with a heavy sea; and although the shoals and rocks on the coast were imperfectly known to the english pilots, sir Edward Hawke zealously persevered in his endeavours to bring the enemy to action. The british fleet consisted of twenty-three ships of the line and ten frigates; that of the enemy, twenty-one of the line and five frigates. At 3 h. 30 m. p. m., the van of the British began engaging the enemy's rear, as their advanced ships led round the Cardinal rocks.

About 4 p. m., the Formidable, bearing the flag of rearadmiral Verger, after a gallant defence, struck her colours. The Thesee foundered in consequence of shipping a heavy sea in her lower deck, and the Superbe shared the same fate. The Heros surrendered and came to anchor, but it was blowing so hard that no boat could be sent to take possession. Darkness coming on, the enemy fled towards their own coast; seven of their line of battle ships, after throwing their guns overboard, got into the river Vilaine, whilst the British anchored under the island of Dumet. When morning appeared, the ship of the french admiral was discovered to be on shore, and she was soon afterwards burnt by her own crew. The Essex and Resolution ran on the Four-reef and were wrecked, but most of their crew were saved. Our total loss in this memorable battle was no more than one lieutenant and 39 seamen and marines killed, and 222 wounded.

In the East Indies the british arms were equally triumphant. A french squadron of eleven ships of the line, under M. d'Ache, appearing on the Coromandel coast, vice-admiral Pocock, with seven of the line, immediately proceeded thither; and on the 2nd of September the french ships were discovered, but it was not until the 10th that they were brought to action. Although nothing decisive resulted from this contest, our loss amounted to no less than 118 killed, — 66 mortally, 122 dangerously, and 263 slightly wounded. Among the killed was 17 captain C. Michie of the Newcastle, captain Gore and lieutenant Redshaw of the marines, and lieutenant Elliott of the Tyger. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

Extensive preparations were now making in all the french ports for the invasion of Great Britain, and several men-of-war, transports, and flat-bottomed boats were getting ready in all the ports. Havre-de-Grace, and the other harbours on the coast of Normandy, prepared for the expedition against England, whilst another division of the flotilla was to proceed from Dunkirk, and make an attempt on the coast of Scotland; and a third embarkation, destined for Ireland, was to be made at Vannes, in Brittany, The duke D'Aiguillon had the command of the land forces, and a powerful squadron, under admiral Conflans, was to secure their landing. To counteract these machinations, admiral Havvke with a large fleet cruised before Brest, leaving a detached force to watch the bay of Audierne, and a squadron under commodore Boyce was stationed before Dunkirk. In the month of July, rear-admiral Rodney bombarded Havre with great success, setting fire to the town in several places, and he destroyed all their preparations for the invasion of England.

In this year, twenty-seven sail of the line and thirty-one frigates were captured from the French, and eight ships of the line and four frigates destroyed; whilst England, during the various operations, lost no more than seven ships of the line and five frigates. In addition to these reverses, the commerce of France was seriously reduced by the loss of Quebec and Guadaloupe.

In consideration of the signal services rendered by admirals Boscawen and sir Charles Saunders, his Majesty instituted a new establishment of marine officers, entitled " General and Lieutenant-general of Marines;" and shortly afterwards three post-captains in the navy were selected for the rank of colonel.

The following officers were the first who held those appointments: — PER ANN.

Admiral Boscawen. General of Marines. £2000

Sir Chas. Saunders, K.B. Lieut.- General. 1200

Sir Piercy Brett, Bart. Col. of Portsmouth Div. 800

Hon. Augustus Keppel. Col. of Plymouth Div. 800

Viscount Howe. Col. of Chatham Div. 800

The appointment of a major-general was subsequently added to the establishment.

This arrangement, at once humiliating and disrespectful to a corps which had ever supported its military character with credit and honour, created universal dissatisfaction. It was a wound that rankled at the very heart of the service; and it continued to be so sensibly felt as a mark of reproach, that in 1777 the corps resolved to memorial the lords commissioners of the Admiralty, respecting the injustice of placing officers of the navy over them; and justly remarking upon the incompetency of naval officers to take command of troops in the field. This remonstrance was forwarded by colonel Mackenzie, with a strong letter addressed to the earl of Sandwich; but neither that application, nor the many subsequent expressions of discontent, could obtain redress. The emoluments of thse appointments continued to be enjoyed by naval officers until the year 1833, when this degrading system of sinecures was abolished; but even then, the entire advantage did not revert to the corps, and but an inadequate proportion of the amount fell to their lot in the distribution of the good-service pensions.

In this year the british navy amounted to one hundred and twenty ships of the line: seventeen of that number were in the East Indies, twenty for the protection of our West India islands, twelve in North America, ten in the Mediterranean, and sixtyone on the home station. The establishment of marines was increased to one hundred and thirty companies, amounting to 18,365 men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1759. Rear-admiral Stevens, having assumed the command of the fleet, landed the marines at Cuddalore on the 29th of August, and on the following day they joined the army. Colonel Coote was superseded in his command by the promotion of major Monson; but the latter was so severely wounded, that colonel Coote resumed his office, and continued to direct the operations against Pondicherry until its surrender on 16th January 1761.

A very gallant action between the Biddeford and Flamborough of 20 guns, captains Skinner and Kennedy, and the french frigates Malicieuse of 36, and Opale of 32 guns, was fought on the 4 th of April near Oporto. The enemy, perceiving the inferiority of the british ships, bore down upon them at about seven in the evening, and a close action continued until nine o'clock, when the enemy shot a-head. The firing was renewed as soon as the ships had repaired their rigging, and it was maintained until eleven; when the french frigates made sail and escaped, leaving the british ships so much disabled as to be incapable of pursuit. The Biddeford had her captain and 8 men killed, her lieutenant and 25 wounded. After the death of captain Skinner, lieutenant Knollis fought the ship until he was mortally wounded, and the master gallantly continued the action until the enemy made off. On board the Flamborough lieutenant Price of the marines and 5 men were killed, and 10 wounded.

Rear-admiral Rodney continued very actively employed on his station off Havre-de-Grace, keeping the enemy's coast in a constant state of alarm, and attacking their convoys whenever they dared to venture out of their ports. Admiral Boscawen was stationed with a strong squadron in the Bay of Biscay, and so effectually blockaded the harbours of Brest and Rochefort, that the French were unable to reinforce their possessions in North America. Sir Edward Hawke, who relieved admiral Boscawen in September, pursued the same plan of operations, and maintained the proud pre-eminence of our naval power. A secret expedition, commanded by major-general (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1759. Wednesday 5th December.The french squadron under Thurot, which had sailed from Dunkirk and taken refuge in the harbour of Gottenburg, in Sweden, and which originally consisted of five frigates, having on board 1200 soldiers, sailed from that port for Bergen; and on the 5th of December, having parted company with one of the squadron, they directed their course towards Ireland. It was ot until the 21st of February that Thurot effected a landing at Carrickfergus with 600 men and made the garrison under colonel Jennings prisoners; but learning the defeat of the fleet of Conflans and finding that a body of regular troops was approaching, they re-embarked and immediately sailed for France. A [ew hours after quitting the british coast, three ships were seen bearing down upon them; which were the english frigates jEoIus 36, captain Elliott, with the Pallas and Brilliant of 32 guns, captains Clement and Logie. An action was maintained with great spirit for an hour and a half, when the Marechal de Belleisle, of 44 guns, was boarded and captured by the Eolus, the gallant Thurot having fallen in the action. The other ships were also captured and taken into the English ports. The British loss was only 5 killed, and 41 wounded; that of the enemy 300 killed and wounded.

Shortly after the victory gained by colonel Coote over general Lally at Wandewash, a squadron of six ships of the line under rear-admiral Cornish, reached Madras; and as the french squadron under M. d'Ache" had not appeared on the coast, the admiral was at liberty to assist in reducing the french settlements. Colonel Coote with the army marched to attack Waldour, and block up Pondicherry, whilst the squadron proceeded to form the siege of Carical, where it arrived on the 28th of March. At five in the morning major Monson, with 300 marines and 50 pioneers, landed about four miles from the place, and marching directly up to it, took possession of the town early on the following day. Finding themselves annoyed by the redoubt of Fort Dauphin, ome shells were thrown by the British, which induced the enemy immediately to abandon it, and retire to Fort Louis. Reinforcements from Trichinopoly having arrived, the place was invested on the 3rd, and the British erected several batteries. On the 5th, major Monson, learning that the garrison was likely to obtain relief from Chilanbrun, summoned the commandant to surrender: the proposition was acceded to, and the french troops surrendered as prisoners of war. The marines, after assisting at the reduction of two other posts, were re-embarked in the early part of May. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1759. Friday 28th December. The Battle and Capture of Goree in West Africa. After having made a short stay at Santa Cruz, in the Canary Isles, a British squadron led by Augustus Keppel approached Goree, and at 3:00 pm anchored in about 18 fathoms of water just outside the bay. The transports containing the troops were sent into the bay between Point Goree and Point Barrabas. Early on 29th December the troops were disembarked in to boats in readiness to land on the island upon a signal being made by the Commodore. Most of the ships gradually took up their assigned positions to the west or leeward side of Goree and moored head and stern under a heavy fire: At 9:00 am, the attack was begun by the HMS Prince Edward. However, the cannonade was not general until about noon, while some of the vessels experiencing difficulty in taking up their stations. The bombardment was then rapidly effective. In a few hours, the British ships silenced the French batteries and created havoc within the garrison. At nightfall, M. de Saint Jean surrendered the fortress and the island. Keppel landed his Marines to take possession. The garrison consisting of about 300 men, many of them Africans became prisoners of war. 110 guns and mortars were captured, while British losses were very low.

1760. A large augmentation to the Marine corps was voted for the year 1760, which amounted to 130 companies, comprising in all 18,355; being more than one fourth of our naval forces.

Their merits and usefulness became conspicuous by the most zealous and spirited services, on either element, to which their mingled duties called them. It was the happy destiny of Captain Elliot to deliver his country from the remaining terrors of invasion, kept alive by the adventurous and enterprising squadron of Thurot.

After having accomplished everything within the power of a mortal, for the good of his Nation, this Commander outlived not his defeat, but fell gloriously; leaving behind him a name equally revered for humanity as valour.

The enfeebled state of France, unable to extend support to the distant members of her Empire, exposed them as easy and alternate conquests to our successful arms. Although but few naval achievements occur through this year, still the spirit of our seamen continued the same, in every instance that presented for their efforts.

This era first brought into public and deserved notice, the great military talents of Colonel, afterwards General Sir Eyre Coote. To him may be chiefly attributed the recovery of our drooping interests in the East, at one time nearly annihilated by the bold and vindictive genius of Monsieur Lally.

Soon after the decisive battle obtained by Colonel Coote over that General at Wandewash, Admiral Cornish reached Madras with a reinforcement of six ships of the line. The French squadron not appearing on the coast, enabled our joint forces to prosecute future schemes of conquest. The first step was the advance of Colonel Coote against Waldour, and the united blockade of Pondicherry by sea and land. Major Monson, the second in command, was destined to attack Carical, and accordingly embarked on board the squadron with that view. The forces which he was to head consisted of 300 Marines, to be afterwards joined by a small body of Artillery, some Europeans, and a considerable number of Seapoys from Trichinopoly.

Admiral Cornish having arrived in the road of Carical upon the 28th of March, Major Monson was landed with the Marines and some native pioneers, at five in the evening, where they halted during the night, and advanced against the town early on the following morning, which they gained with a trifling loss. Being annoyed by Fort Dauphin, the enemy were also driven from it into Fort Louis, by a few shells.

Upon the 3d of April all the expected reinforcements arrived, by which the latter was immediately invested.

Learning on the 5th that the garrison had a prospect of relief and having already done considerable damage to the enemy's works, the Commandant was summoned to surrender, to which he agreed; the whole being considered as prisoners of war. The Seamen were meritoriously active in landing the necessary stores during the night-time.

By the successive operations of this force, the French were deprived of many important possessions, and Monsieur Lally, with an army, which a little while ago were the dread of that quarter, became shut up in Pondicherry, at the commencement of May.

These material services having been effected, the Marines were reimbarked on board their respective ships, and honoured by the thanks of him who had led them. In the meantime, Colonel Coote had carried his object, and had advanced within four miles of Pondicherry, towards which he threw up redoubts.

Rear-Admiral Stevens having assumed the command of the British Fleet, proceeded off that place, and at the instance of the Governor and Council of Madras, as well as of Colonel Coote, landed the Marines at Cuddalore, upon the 29th of August, in order to accelerate matters before the setting in of the rains. They immediately joined the Army and were materially assisting in the many active and tedious services that ensued.

Major Monson having received a superior commission to that of Colonel Coote, this respectable Officer, for a while, relinquished these bustling scenes; but the former being wounded most severely in a successful enterprize, which he conducted with great gallantry against the enemy's batteries, was in turn compelled to resign the command of the Army. Recent experience had convinced the public of the value of him who had been superseded, and the highest testimony that could have been yielded to an Officer, was recalling him to fill the important situation he had held.

The high-spirited Lally, jealous only of his own honour, but unfeeling towards the unsurpassed sufferings of those beneath him, persevered in defending Pondicherry, while a glimpse of hope remained. A dreadful disaster to our Fleet had nearly realized his deliverance; but the steady seamanship of our Officers, amidst one of the greatest hurricanes that ever blew, preserved a valuable remains for the service of their Country, which soon resumed the blockade of that important Capital.

It was not until the middle of January of the ensuing year that it fell, and with its conquest became involved the ruin of the French East India Company, with all their dependencies on the coast of Coromandel.

Such were the happy commercial results, as well as territorial acquisitions, that were obtained by our successful arms; in accomplishing which the Corps of Marines was in some degree instrumental.

On a retrospective view, a great s are of credit is justly due to Vice-Admiral Pocock, who, with very inferior numbers, was in three battles opposed to Monsieur D'Ache; in every one of which he supported the honour of the British Flag, while he afforded both a countenance and co-operation to the enterprises of our Army.

The plan of completely conquering the province of Canada was this year carried into effect; it was well arranged, was executed with spirit, and exhibited high military talents in Sir Jeffery Amherst, who commanded in Chief.

Some of our Naval Officers contributed much to the general success, from their intimate knowledge of the local navigation, and their active zeal in conducting the necessary and numberless duties of landing and re-embarking the troops.

The reduced state of the French Marine did not allow of many opportunities to signalize our Fleet during this year; but whenever they occurred, our superiority was uniformly conspicuous. From the protection which it gave to an important branch of our commerce, the gallant action between the Flamborough and Biddeford, both 20 gunships, with two heavy French frigates, deserves notice. These had been detached on purpose to intercept our outward-bound for Oporto and Lisbon, which they learnt was under convoy of a small sloop of war. Fortunately for this valuable Fleet, our ships got sight of La Malicieuse and L'Opale, of 36 guns each, upon the morning of the 4th of April, and gave them chace. It was not until

seven in the evening, when observing our vast inferiority, the enemy seemed willing for the combat. At this hour they closed, and continued engaging till nine, when a short respite enabled both to renew the battle, which continued till midnight.

That intrepid perseverance which so strongly marks the British character, and in a comparative sense so peculiarly distinguishes the British Seaman, at last prevailed, and compelled this very superior enemy to seek safety in flight; while the disabled state of our little ships, from the heavy metal to which they had been exposed, precluded the idea of pursuit.

Captain Skinner and the Hon. Lieutenant Knollis, of the Biddeford, fell upon this occasion; but their loss was nobly compensated by the unremitting good example of Mr. Stacey, the Master, who succeeded to the command.

Lieutenant Price, of the Marines, was also killed on board the Flamborough.

The events of this action were of much greater moment than such as frequently arise from the vindictive conflicts of greater numbers, as it preserved a large convoy from falling into the hands of the enemy, which would have otherwise been its fate, upon the very day it was fought.

Admiral Rodney was very active with his flying squadron, while our Grand Fleet, by its vigilance and occasional descents, entirely cut up the enemy's commerce, and kept their sea-coasts in a state of constant alarm, under the successive commands of Admirals Boscawen and Hawke.

The nation had to deplore the loss of its Sovereign on the morning of the 25th of October, who died alike beloved and regretted by every class of his subjects.

Upon the noon of the following day, his present Majesty was proclaimed King of these Realms, and very early afforded the most impressive earnests of predilection for his native Land, its glory, and its happiness.

The magnanimous benevolence of Englishmen was at this period highly conspicuous to their distressed fellow-countrymen, who were prisoners in France, and whose sufferings from penury and nakedness were of a kind the most extreme.

Sympathizing with their distresses, subscriptions were set on foot, and it was not long ere they were relieved by the most liberal supplies. The public generosity was not confined within the pale of its own kindred, but was stretched forth even towards our captive foes, whose wants were most imperious, but from which their nation was unable to deliver them.

When we reflect upon such noble acts of fellow-feeling, the man who is insensible to the reciprocal duties of fidelity and gratitude, deserves not the virtuous title of a Briton. The world also must cease to wonder at the many signal instances of Divine interposition in favour of this little island, when it considers that Providence is thus vindicating his own ways, in behalf of a people, who are uniformly guided by the sacred precepts, and godlike impulse, "of forgiving, and doing good to their enemies." (Taken from Chapter 23 'An Historical review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1760. Friday 4th January – 15 January 1761. The Siege and Capture of Pondicherry, part of the 'Third Carnatic War'. British land and naval forces besieged and eventually compelled the French forces defending the French colonial outpost of Pondicherry to surrender. 422 Marines were involved.

1760. The Navy of Spain was now reduced to twenty-two ships of the line, and that of France to thirty-one; whilst the navy of Great Britain amounted to 126 sail of the line and 75 frigates. Admiral Boscawen, who had sailed from England the previous November with a squadron of four ships of the line and two fifties, left the Cape of Good Hope on the 18th of May, having been reinforced by 400 dutch troops, and arrived at the island of Mauritius on the 23d of June. Finding the enemy fully prepared at every point and considering that the dangers of approaching the land would probably involve a great sacrifice of men, the admiral determined on proceeding to the coast of Coromandel, to undertake the siege of Pondicherry; and he arrived at Fort St. David's on the 29th of July, where he was joined by the squadron under vice-admiral Griffin. The united force amounted to six sail of the line and four ships of fifty guns, with several Company's ships well-armed, exhibiting the greatest marine force that had ever been seen in India, with an army of 5220 men, of which 880 were marines belonging to the squadron. The troops landed and were put in motion on the 8th of August, and on the 11th they met some opposition from an advanced corps of the enemy; but nothing of importance occurred, until it was deemed essential to carry the fort of Arian Coupan, which appeared a mere outwork, but was fatally found to be of considerable strength, being fortified with a cavalier at each of the angles, with a deep dry ditch full of pit-falls, and a covered way. The attack was made by 700 men, composed of the grenadiers and picquets of the army, who were met by such a heavy discharge of grape and musketry, and a galling fire from two batteries on the opposite side of the river, that they were compelled to retreat. By this timek they felt, as he was the person on whom the admiral relied for conducting the operations against Pondicherry. This repulse did not deter the British from making another attempt: 1100 sailors landed and brought up battering cannon, and on the 17th a battery of four guns opened on the fort; but the distance was too great, and whilst the British were occupied in constructing another battery, a desperate attack was made on their entrenchments. Although at first it was attended with some success, the French were eventually driven back, and their commanding officer taken prisoner. Regular approaches were carried on for some days, when an accident happened to the enemy on the 30th, by means of which, possession was gained of the place. A large quantity of powder having exploded, blew up the fort, and killed upwards of 100 men; and the enemy consequently destroyed the remainder of the fortifications, and retreated to Pondicherry.

The british troops were employed repairing the fortifications, and endeavouring to render the place tenable, until the 25th, when the army advanced, and encamped within two miles of Pondicherry. The operations were now carried on at the north-west side of the town, and communication being opened with the ships to the northward of it, everything requisite for maintaining the siege was landed. Early in the morning, the advanced guard of about 100 men, and consisting principally of marines, was attacked by very superior numbers, headed by their principal engineer, M. de Paradis, who was mortally wounded, and the enemy repulsed with the loss of 120 men.

It is related that a woman fought in the ranks as a marine, who was named Hannah Snell, a native of Worcester. She enlisted at Portsmouth in colonel Fraser's regiment, and embarked on board the Swallow, one of the squadron under admiral Boscawen, when she behaved with distinguished courage, and received a ball in the groin, which she herself extracted two days afterwards. Eleven other wounds in both legs rendered her removal to the hospital at Cuddalore absolutely necessary, and having returned home in the Eltham frigate, her sex was not discovered until she obtained her discharge. She afterwards wore the marine dress and having presented a petition to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, obtained a pension of thirty pounds a-year for life. It was not until the 26th of September that the batteries were completed; but they were so inferior to those of the enemy, that two ships were warped nearer to the shore. The water being too shallow to admit of their producing much effect, they were withdrawn on the 28th, with the loss of captain Adams, of the Harwich, and one seaman. The approaches had now reached within 800 yards of the covered way, but on account of an inundation, they could advance no further on that side. Some new batteries were erected by the British, whilst the army having greatly increased their fire, had dismounted nine pieces of cannon.

The admiral perceiving that little impression had been made on the defences of the place, and that the troops were becoming sickly, called a council of war on the 30th of September ; which, taking into consideration that when the rains set in, the low country would be overflowed, and apprehensive of difficulty in removing the artillery and stores, combined with the danger likely to arise to the fleet if they remained on the coast, were of opinion that the siege ought to be immediately raised, especially as there were 700 men on the sick list. Several days were occupied in destroying the batteries, embarking the cannon, and removing the sick and wounded to the hospital-ships. This being completed, the army began its retreat, which was much impeded by the rains that had already set in, and which it would have been almost impossible to accomplish had it been deferred two days longer. The loss sustained in this expedition amounted to 757 soldiers, 43 artillery men, and 265 sailors: in all, 1 065 Europeans.

The garrison of Pondicherry consisted of 1800 Europeans, and 3000 Sepoys; their total loss did not exceed 250 men. The failure was attributable to the delay in advancing on Pondicherry, and the ill-advised measures that were pursued. Had the attack been directed against the north side, they could have carried on their operations even to the foot of the glacis, there being no inundation to stop them; and the camp might have been placed at a due distance from the batteries, and so close to the shore, that the supplies from the fleet might have been landed under their protection. The miscarriage of the british be- fore Pondicherry tended to lower the nation in the estimation of all the powers in Hindostan, and the French were in consequence considered of the highest military reputation.

On the West India station, rear-admiral Knowles embarked 240 men of Trelawney's regiment on board the squadron, with an intention of making an attack on St. Jago de Cuba, and sailed from Port Royal, in Jamaica, on 13th of February; but the northerly wind blowing unusually strong, the ships could not reach their destination. It was therefore determined to attempt the french settlement of Port Louis, on the south side of Hispaniola. The british squadron, consisting of seven sail of the line, and one of fifty guns, arrived off this place on the 8th of March, and immediately proceeded to cannonade the fort, mounting seventy-eight guns, with a garrison of 600 men. The ships moored in a close line a-head, within pistol-shot of the walls and after an uninterrupted fire of three hours, the place surrendered, when major Scott, with the troops and marines, landed and took possession. Our loss amounted to 70 men, killed and wounded; among the former were captains Rentone and Cust of the navy. After destroying the fort, the whole force re-embarked.

On the 29th September 1760, the same squadron, when near the Havanna, fell in with six Spanish ships of the line from Vera Cruz. After an engagement of several hours, in which the British had 59 men killed and 120 wounded, and the enemy 86 killed, and 197 wounded, the Conquestadore of 64 guns was captured, and the Africa 74 subsequently destroyed. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1760. The navies of France and Spain were now so reduced as to be no longer formidable, and this may be truly said to have been the only advantage gained by the war; for by the treaty of peace, concluded in the present year at Aix-la-Chapelle, all the conquests made by Great Britain from France and Spain were to be restored. So that after a long and sanguinary contest of nearly ten years' continuance, and increasing the national debt to eighty millions sterling, the condition of Great Britain was little better than when hostilities commenced; and that important matter which had been the occasion of this expensive war, — the right of british ships to navigate the american seas without being searched, was not even mentioned. Our claim to the province of Nova Scotia was to be left to the discussion of commissioners to be named for that purpose; and this last article, not being properly settled, was mainly the cause of another war.

A bill was introduced into Parliament by the minister, " For reducing into one act the laws relating to the navy;" by which the half-pay officers were to be rendered subject to martial law. The sea-officers presented a petition to the House of Commons, requesting to be heard by counsel; and although the minister mustered sufficient strength to reject the petition, he thought proper to relinquish this unconstitutional attempt. Amongst the many reductions that took place during this, and the early part of the ensuing year, was the total extinction of the regiments of marines, the officers of which were placed on half-pay. At this time the comparative rank between the navy and army was established; and an order was issued for an exact conformity of dress throughout the naval service.

The Earl of Halifax, who presided at the Board of Trade, formed a design for establishing a colony in Nova Scotia, and grants of land in that province were offered to every rank in his Majesty's land and sea forces, with an extension of privilege and property to those taking their families with them.

This project was so much approved of, that 4000 adventurers sailed from England under the protection of colonel Cornwallis, who landed in the harbour of Chebuctou on the 21st of June, in the neighbourhood of which they built a town that was named Halifax, in commemoration of their liberal and humane patron. The French were displeased with this assertion of our right; and by way of counterbalance, they attempted to form a settlement on the island of Tobago, in the West Indies. In consequence of a firm remonstrance to the court of Versailles, the measure was abandoned; yet they continued to assert their claim to St. Lucia, Tobago, and other neutral islands. In North America their encroachments were so offensive, that the british subjects bordering on the French settlements were loud in their complaints to the government. After repeated remonstrances by our ambassador at Paris, commissioners were appointed by each nation in 1750, to settle the limits of Acadia, or Nova Scotia. These functionaries met in Paris, and continued their conference until 1753, during which time the Indians bordering on the british dominions in North America, were instigated by the French to commit acts of violence on the inhabitants of our back settlements; and in 1752 the Spaniards resumed their practice of interrupting our navigation in the West Indies. In 1753 the French erected a chain of forts along the lakes of Erie and Ontario, so as to connect their settlements on the Mississippi with Canada and at length, having crossed Lake Champlain, they built a fort at Crown Point, in the province of New York. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1760. Wednesday 6th January. 422 Marines along with other Europeans and Native Troops finally Captured Pondicherry the largest French strong hold in India.

1760. Friday 15th February. The loss of HMS Ramillies.

1760. Thursday 28th February. Elliot and Thurot off the Isle of Man.

1760. Friday 28th March. HMS Penguin taken by the Malicieus and the Opale.

1760. Saturday 5th April. The Capture of Carical in the East Indies, involving Major Manson and 300 Marines.

1760. Friday 16th May. Swanton at Quebec.

1760. Destruction of Pontone and the Atalante.

1760. The loss of HMS Lowestoft.

1760. The Marines strength was 18,355 men, being more than one fourth of the naval force. In consequence of a representation from the Commandants of divisions, that more field officers were required for the better discipline of the service, three naval Captains were appointed Colonels of Marines, with forty shillings per day, and the only Marine Colonel General Patterson, was placed on retirement with £700 per annum, thus banishing all hopes of higher preferment than the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. This arrangement created such dissatisfaction in the Corps that a memorial, expressive of their deep sense of the injustice, in placing officers over them so perfectly incapable to command troops in the field, or conducting the details of military discipline on shore, was presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. In addition to this humiliating measure, the circumscribed establishment on the peace of 1763 produced so much discontent, that many officers, seeing their prospects thus destroyed, quit the Marines and entered the army, where some rose to a higher rank.

1760. Friday 4th July. Fire at Portsmouth Dockyard.

1760. Tuesday 8th July. HMS Byron in the Bay of Chaleur.

1760. Monday 8th September. The Capture of Montreal or the Fall of Montreal as it's sometimes known, took place when the British occupied Montreal the largest remaining centre of French Canada effectively completing their Conquest of Canada. Under the overall direction of Jeffrey Amherst British forces converged on the settlement from three separate directions closing in on the outnumbered French garrison. The French military commander Francis de Gaston, Chevalier de Levis was resolved to make a last stand at Montreal despite the apparently overwhelming odds. However, he was over ruled by Pierre François de Rigaud, Marquis de Vaudreuil Cavagnal the French civilian Governor who persuaded Levis to surrender. Levis tried to negotiate a surrender with the Honours of War. Although the British refused to accept it, and the French were forced to make an unconditional surrender. As they had at Quebec, the British offered generous terms in regard to the French Canadians which were later to become enshrined by law in the Proclamation of 1763 and the Quebec Act.

1760. Thursday 16th October. HMS Borcas captured the Sirine.

1760. Saturday 18th October. HMS Lively captured the Valeur.

1760. December. The loss of HMS Cumberland.

1760 \- 1832. John Herbert. Born London. Served in the Marines as a private. Convicted at Exeter Lent Assizes on Saturday 14th March 1785.

Landed Sydney Cove on Monday 26th January 1788.

At Sydney Cove Wednesday 2nd April 1788 married Deborah Ellam.

Debrah Ellam - place and date of trial at the Session of Chester held at Chester in the County of Chester on Monday 30th August 1784 before Richard Pepper and David Barrington, Justices.

Debrah Ellam, single woman, stealing clothing to the value of one pence and twelve shillings, the goods and chattels of one Elizabeth Jackson in the dwelling home of one Henry Byram. Guilty. Transferred beyond the seas for the term of seven years. Transport Prince of Wales.

On the Friday 5th December 1788 complained that John Herbert her husband had assaulted her - found that she had provoked him.

Complaint was considered trivial - she received 25 lashes and ordered to return to her husband. She had seven children. She died at Parramatta, Thursday 3rd June 1819 aged 52 years.

Herbert given a grant of 70 acres at Prospect Hill.

On the Thursday 21st October 1819 he married Ann Dudley, convict Transport Friendship.

Herbert owned several houses in Campbell Street, Parramatta.

Herbert died on Sunday 1st April 1832 - he was buried beside his first wife at St John's Parramatta.

For a man sentenced to death in 1765, Herbert prospered in the Colony of New South Wales.

Unfortunately, I am not in possession of Herbert's service in the Marines. So, this completes the picture of those four who were convicted of Highway robbery: (Sic)

Major J B Tiernan MBE AMM. United Service Institute Brisbane.

1761. Eighteen thousand three hundred and fifty-five Marines were again voted as the establishment for 1761.

A secret expedition was prepared early in this year, which was committed to the joint conduct of Major-General Hodgson and Commodore Keppel and was subsequently directed against the island of Belleisle.

Eleven battalions of Foot, four troops of the 16th Light Dragoons, under Lieutenant-Colonel Burgoyne, a detachment of the Royal Artillery, and a corps of 1000 Marines formed into two battalions, commanded by Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel John Mackenzie, amounting nearly to 10,000 men, composed the strength of the Army upon this service. The whole were escorted and spiritedly seconded by ten ships of the line, eight frigates, three bomb ketches, and two fire ships; which set sail upon the 29th of March from St. Helens but did not gain sight of their wished for object until the 6th of April. This force was afterwards augmented by troops and men of war.

In addition to the natural strength of this island, no means of defence had been neglected by the enemy, who, aware of the attack, had constructed works, and placed guns on every spot, that afforded a possibility of descent.

Upon the 7th the Fleet stood along the South end of Belleisle, with a view to reconnoitre its strength, and to ascertain a proper quarter for debarkation. Coming to anchor in the road of Palais on the noon of that day, the principal Officers of both services, accompanied by some of the Engineers, proceeded to the Northward, in order to finish their observations upon the general state of the coast. The final result convinced all, that great obstacles were to be surmounted everywhere, and that the sacrifice of many lives was unavoidable in attaining the first object of their views.

After mature deliberation, it was resolved to effect a landing early in the morning of the 8th of April, for which purpose the flat-bottomed boats were hoisted out, and the troops placed in them ready to advance towards Port Andro, on a signal being made. They were preceded by his Majesty's ships Dragon and Achilles, commanded by the Hon. Captains Harvey and Barrington, whose orders were to silence the battery, which protected the entrance into this Bay.

These gallant Officers soon accomplished the duty, and intimated that no opposition to the landing of our forces was to be dreaded from that point of defence.

The boats having proceeded under the immediate superintendance of Commodore Keppel, who had shifted his pennant from the Valiant into the Prince of Orange, were then ordered to row towards the shore, arranged in three divisions, under the direction of Captain Barton, of the Royal Navy. Notwithstanding a prodigious fire of musquetry, our brave Soldiers made good their landing, and evinced a series of valour that must have conquered anything within the power of man.

The French were intrenched to the chin on a steep hill, the base of which they had cut into a perpendicular form, which prevented our gallant fellows from ascending their works without scaling-ladders, of which there were unfortunately none. After a heavy loss, and a contest which did them honour, a retreat became the only alternative.

On this trying occasion, the distinguished courage and coolness of Generals Crawford and Carleton, were very highly conspicuous; the latter was wounded.

One boat landed sixty of Erskine's Grenadiers, under Captain Osborne, who were unobserved by the rest of our force, and not being supported, fell victims, excepting twenty, to very superior numbers, after the most noble resistance. Their brave leader was classed among the unfortunate. The fire from the ships was opened to cover the return of our troops, who sustained a loss of nearly 500 men.

A diversion was carrying on in another quarter during these operations, in order to aid them, by attracting the enemy's force from the real object of attack, towards Saucon. This was composed of the 96th and 97th Regiments, and the Marines; but nothing could avert the disaster.

A dreadful gale coming on after the return of the boats, occasioned the loss of many of them, which was felt extremely; and the transports were also very considerably damaged. After it ceased, the attention of the whole Fleet was turned to repair these accidents.

Having obtained some reinforcements, and after a second very minute review of the island, it was determined to make another descent at Fort D'Arsic, to be supported by two separate attacks, in order to distract the enemy, near St. Foy, and at Saucon.

The last, which was intended merely as a feint, was composed of the four troops of Light Dragoons under Lieutenant-Colonel Burgoyne; which being distributed amongst a number of transports, and escorted by a large Naval Force, appeared the most formidable of the whole. Ships of war were allotted to co-operate with the other two, headed by Major-General Crawford and Brigadier Lambert, in covering their debarkation and silencing the different batteries.

Early on the morning of the 22d of April, the men of war having accomplished this latter object, the troops were ordered by signal to advance, in two divisions, in close order, till abreast of their respective points of attack.

The enemy, suspecting that the principal impression would be directed against Fort D'Arsic, overlooked the defence of these stupendous rocks, which offered natural obstacles, sufficient to deter the most daring invader.

Brigadier Lambert's division to which the Marines under Colonel Mackenzie were attached, approached under this high coast, when it appeared to this gallant Officer, that a fit opportunity for enterprise presented itself. He accordingly moved onwards unperceived, and with a rapid resolution, Captain Paterson, at the head of the Grenadiers of the 19th Regiment, quickly supported by Captain Murray, with a company of Marines, landed and climbed the rocks. Soon afterwards other troops followed their intrepid example, when having reached the summit, the whole formed upon it.

The French were amazed at the attempt but pushed on a veteran Corps of 300 men to atone for their want of precaution.

Contiguous to the ground occupied by our troops, there was a wall, which suggested itself as an eligible post of defence. This enabled our inadequate numbers to oppose the enemy, until they were farther reinforced by Brigadier Lambert, at the head of the Grenadiers of the 30th, and the rest of the Marines under Colonel Mackenzie. The tables were now turned, when the Regiment of Bigorre was beat back to the rising ground from which it had advanced.

Captain Sir Thomas Stanhope, whose duty it was to co-operate with this brigade, had watched these spirited efforts with an anxious zeal. He instantly manned and armed all the boats of his squadron, which rowed ashore as a farther support, while the force that had proceeded against Fort D'Arsic, observing this unexpected success, also pushed on to unite with Brigadier Lambert. Thus strengthened, that active Officer allowed no interval, but moved against the enemy upon the hill, whom he drove to their main body, taking their field-pieces, and some prisoners.

Captain Paterson, of Beauclerck's regiment, Colonel Mackenzie and Captain Murray of the Marines, were wounded; all of whom were much distinguished during the whole course of this short, but sharp service, which did not exceed the space of two hours. About five in the evening the debarkation was completed, the Army was pushed upwards of three miles into the country and took post upon an eminence through the night.

The enemy, during the day, had withdrawn all their detachments from their extensive batteries on the coast, blown up their magazines, and united all their forces under the command of General de St. Croix.

On the morning of the 23d, the British Army was in motion against the town and citadel of Palais, while that of the French occasionally seeming determined to dispute our progress, at last retired without a conflict, into that strong fortress, and its dependant works.

Some days of boisterous weather prevented the landing of our battering cannon and other necessary stores, that were essential for commencing operations against Palais, of which General St. Croix availed himself, by constructing six different redoubts; all of which were to be carried before breaking ground in front of the town and citadel.

The English Commander also profited himself of this interval, by dispersing assurances of protection to the laws, religion, and property of the natives, who should submit themselves; which were not without their effect. A short time, however, enabled General Hodgson to employ more convincing arguments, by opening his batteries upon the 2d of May. The brave St. Croix answer to a summons was, that he would defend his charge to the last extremity.

The enemy attempted a sortie on the night of the 3d against our most advanced works, which they carried, killing a number of our troops, and making General Crawford and both his Aids-de-Camp prisoners. Following up this success, they advanced against the trenches, when a sharp action commenced that remained doubtful, until a party of Marines, under Captain Hepburn, arrived, who charged the enemy and forced them to retire with considerable loss.

In order to facilitate our approaches, the Engineers pronounced that it was absolutely necessary to carry one of the intervening redoubts. Accordingly, a detachment of 200 men composed of a part of Loudon's regiment, and Marines, under Captain Carruthers, of the latter corps, were warned, upon the evening of the 12th, for this duty. A heavy fire, of shot and shells, was kept up during the night upon that object, with a view to make some breach, and to harass the enemy. Soon after the dawn of day, those assailants advanced against the works with fixed bayonets, when, after a very spirited contest, they soon carried the redoubt, and maintained it.

Captain Carruthers, with a ready promptitude, observing the panic amongst the French, did not permit it to subside, but instantly pushed on against two others, which were successively evacuated by their defenders, who retreated with precipitation into the Citadel.

This party becoming reinforced by 370 of the 69th Regiment, under Major Nesbit, achieved the conquest of the whole of the French Redoubts, and with an impetuous persevering ardor entered the town of Palais, pell mell, with the flying enemy.

The gallantry exhibited by all who fought on this memorable day, very justly immortalized the military fame of every individual, which extended its honorable influence to those corps at large, from whom they were detached.

Very distinguished encomiums were bestowed by the enemy upon "Les Petites Grenadiers;" a title derived from the caps worn by the Marine Soldiers.

Thus, was every obstacle removed, which prevented the close investment of the Citadel of Palais; a fortress that had been planned and raised under the superintending genius of the celebrated Vauban.

During this period the fleet rendered very material services, by their stopping supplies from the Continent; and their vigilance during the subsequent continuance of the siege was highly meritorious.

The conduct of the French Commander reflected honour upon himself and the French arms. From the 16th of May until the 7th of June he persevered in maintaining his post against an unceasing fire from 44 heavy cannon, 50 mortars and howitzers, besides field pieces, which, in many places, ruined the works, killed numbers, and from which there was no safe retreat but within the casemates.

This interval afforded the display of many instances of bold intrepidity, amongst the individuals of the line and of my corps, from the many sallies which were attempted by the active St. Croix, during the course of it. One of these being aimed against a post occupied by Captain Wright, of Marines, having under him three Companies of his Corps, which was of peculiar importance, this brave Officer, notwithstanding orders were given to retreat from it, assumed a personal responsibility, and, well knowing its consequence in the future operations of the Army, determined to maintain it. He repulsed the enemy, and received the flattering sanction of Brigadier General Howe, who, in the course of duty, afterwards visited it, for has very resolute conduct.

Another conspicuous instance of this kind occurred in Lieutenant Lachlan Cuthbert, of the Army, who evinced the greatest personal courage, and though abandoned by his men, pointed and fired the guns of a battery at which he commanded. Being soon supported, the enemy were forced to retire with loss.

After an incessant cannonade, which had effected a large breach sufficiently practicable to encourage a storm, preparations for it were accordingly made; observing which, General St. Croix proposed to capitulate, after a loss of 922 men within the walls of the Citadel, upon the 7th of June.

In consequence of their gallant defence, honorable terms were granted to the garrison, which was immediately shipped for France.

During the whole of this service, so highly creditable to our Army, and to the corps of Marines, we have to recount 34 Officers, 30 Serjeants, 8 Drummers, and 710 Rank and File killed and wounded.

General Howe was amongst the latter, as well as Brigadier Carleton, already mentioned.

Much unanimity between the naval and land forces prevailed, and the nation had to look with equal gratitude, to both, for the happy issue.

Major General Crawford being appointed Governor, and everything arranged, the troops that could be spared were afterwards embarked for more distant duties.

The following orders were given out by the Commander in Chief to the Army, sometime after the complete surrender of Belleisle:

"General Hodgson has the greatest pleasure to acquaint the Officers and Soldiers under his command, with his Majesty's satisfaction in the spirit, patience, and cheerfulness with which they have sustained the fatigues of this siege."

Commodore Keppel in his public letter to the Right Honorable Mr. Pitt, says, respecting the corps of Marines, "Major General Hodgson by his constant approbation of the battalion of Marines landed from the ships, and put under his command, gives me the pleasing satisfaction of acquainting you of it, that his Majesty may be informed of the goodness and spirited behaviour of that corps."

During the summer of this year, the Fleet and Army, under Sir James Douglas, and Lord Rollo, reduced the island of Dominica, which had maintained the assumed name of neutral, but had evinced the most marked partiality for France; after a conference between these joint Commanders, and the principal Natives, who at first appeared much inclined to capitulate, the islanders, urged on by the artifices of Mons. Longprie, the Governor, seemed resolved to defend themselves.

The Ships soon moved close to the land, and, after a heavy cannonade, silenced all the batteries, when the troops were pushed ashore.

A successful and uninterrupted train of attack continued through the whole day of the 6th of June, with but little loss on our part, in which Lieutenant Colonel Melville, who led the grenadiers of the Army, was much distinguished for promptitude and spirit. The capture of the entire island, upon the 7th, was the effect of such active energies.

Nothing farther was achieved during this year, that falls properly under my review, in the light of conquests.

Numerous were the gallant single actions that were fought at sea. One of the most prominent for daring spirit, and steady perseverance occurred upon the 23d of January, between the Minerva, commanded by Captain Alexander Hood, (now Lord Bridport), of 32 guns, and the Warwick, formerly a British ship of 60, but with only 34 mounted.

Military exploits often derive their chief merit from the bold ideas in which they originate. Such an application may well be advanced on the present occasion, for the immense superiority of the enemy, must have been early apparent to a seaman's eye. Captain Hood was not intimidated at the view of a two decker, but continued the chase, until he got close alongside. The Frenchman soon sustained damage, which was succeeded by a much greater on the part of the Minerva, in the serious loss of her bowsprit and foremast.

These being quickly cleared away, this zealous Officer moved once more against the Warwick, and towards the close of day renewed the combat. His brave exertions were crowned with success and with honour; a share of which his modest recital, diffused amongst his Officers, his Seamen, and Marines.

Another instance endeared to their Country, Captains Faulkener and Logie, by a well fought engagement, which terminated in the capture of the Courageux of 74 guns. The Bellona and Brilliant putting into Lisbon to land the wounded, and to discharge their prisoners, these unfortunate men applied to the Consul of France for relief, but he would grant them none. The occasion called forth British humanity, and they were relieved by those who had conquered them.

It would not have been so with the Seamen of England, who kindly anticipates, and provides for the wants of those her valuable servants, in every port, and in every clime.

Our Commerce was also well protected, when we consider its vast extent in every quarter of the globe.

This year carried within it a happy event, by the espousal of our beloved Monarch to our most gracious Queen. It has fixed a long train of succession to his throne, in a numerous and amiable family, who yield to none of his Majesty's subjects in patriotism, and high talents for the mingled duties of the Cabinet, the Ocean, and the Camp.

France had shewn, apparently, a cordial wish for peace, but it appeared principally from a motive to distract our Councils, and to involve their Spanish Allies in the sad calamities of war. In both she succeeded, for the Country lost one of her most faithful and zealous servants in the Right Honourable Mr. Pitt, who resigned all his employments, and early in the following year we had to combat an additional foe.

At the close of 1761 the Field Officers upon the Marine Establishment were Lieutenant Colonels Theo. Drury, Richard Bendyshe, James Burleigh; Majors, Hector Boisrond, John Mackenzie, John Pincell Kempe, Samuel Boucher, Edward Rycaut, John Tufton Mason. There were also Majors by Brevet, John Campbell, Claud Hamilton, John Bell, Thomas Weightwick, Arthur Tooker Collins. (Taken from Chapter 24 ' An Historical review of the Royal marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1761. Thursday 1st January. The loss of HMS Newcastle and HMS Queenborough in the East Indies.

1761. Thursday 8th January. HMS Unicorn captured the Vestale (re-named HMS Flora)

1761. Wednesday 14th January. The Capture of Pondicherry.

1761. Friday 23rd January. HMS Richmond captured the Felicite.

1761. Friday 23rd January. Minerva took Warwick.

1761. Friday 30th January. HMS Venus and HMS Juno captured the Brune.

1761. Tuseday 10th February. The Mahe surrendered.

1761. Friday 13th March. HMS Vengeance captured the Entreprenant.

1761. Wednesday 1st April. HMS Isis captured the Oriflamme.

1761. April. 'A British Amphibious Expedition'. The Southern Secretary of England, William Pitt, was the originator of the expedition against the French, island of Belle-lsle. He pushed ahead for an allout assault despite widespread doubt, and opposition against his decision, while there was talk of peace.

In 1756, after initial clashes in North America, Britain and France had formally gone to war; which was to last for seven years. The French began the war successfully by capturing Minorca a British island in the Mediterranean.

After this Britain gained the initiative at sea and began a series of naval descents on the French coast such as the Raid on Rochefort in 1757, and the Raid on Cherbourg, all pioneered by the Southern Secretary William Pitt.

While the practical success of these raids was limited, they did cause serious alarm throughout all of France and forced the French government to move large numbers of troops from Germany, to guard against further British raids.

From 1757, the British had launched a series of attacks on French colonies all around the globe, leading to many of them being captured.

Pitt suspended the descents late in 1758, following an unsuccessful landing, but remained open to the idea of further operations against other vulnerable parts of the French coast.

A French Attack on Britain

In 1759, France attempted to launch a major invasion of Britain, but following the naval defeats at Lagos and Quiberon Bay, and a near continuous British blockade of the French ports, this idea had to be abandoned, because of British Naval supremacy. For much of the remainder of the war the French fleets had to remain in harbour at anchor.

The Conquest of Canada in 1759-60, left Britain in control of a large area of French territory. Pitt anticipated that this would lead to a peace agreement, as many in Paris sought to bring to an end the costly war.

Pitt had planned to send an expedition to capture Mauritius, a major French naval base in the Indian Ocean. However, with the likelihood of peace fast approaching he wanted something more immediate battle of bell and tangible.

He wanted something which could be exchanged for captured British or German territory, rather than Mauritius, which would take a long time to capture and the news of its capture would take even longer; many months to reach Europe.

He was also aware of Spain's potential entry into the war, which would also make it prudent to keep ships closer to home to protect against a possible united invasion.

Pitt had decided to switch the focus of his expeditions to the French coast. The island of Belle-Isle was his first choice, located close to Lorient; it was the major naval centre of Brittany, and the main French staging post, of which offered command of the Bay of Biscay.

He now advocated that it should be seized and turned into a British military base which could then be used as a British staging point for further attacks on the French mainland.

Pitt had originally proposed an attack on Belle-Îsle in October 1760, but it was strongly opposed by the Duke of Newcastle and vetoed by King George II, on the grounds that more focus should be given to the ongoing campaign in Germany.

Pitt Revived the Project

Helped by the fact that the old King had died and had now been succeeded by his grandson. Both Lord Anson and Sir Edward Hawke, were opposed to such an expedition, but Pitt was not put off by the opposition of two of Britain's most respected admirals.

On 25th March 1761, George III, signed secret orders allowing the capture of Belle Isle, to be the target. The command of the army was to be given to General Studholme Hodgson while Admiral Augustus Keppel, already experienced in amphibious operations from his role in the Capture of Goree; he was to command the naval elements.

First Landing of Belle-Isle

The area around the city Le Palais on Belle Isle was expected to be well defended. The expedition was gathered quickly and was assembled at Plymouth and then sailed on 29th March 1761. It arrived off Belle Îsle, after being delayed by bad weather, on 6th April.

After an initial reconnaissance of the southern end of the island it was decided to try the area around Port Andro on the south of Belle Isle.

A force was landed under General Studholme Hodgson which attempted to make a landing. A feint was made to the north with two battalions of infantry and a contingent of ship's Royal Marines, in the hope of diverting attention from Hodgson.

Hodgson's forces encountered much heavier opposition than had been expected. The French were well-entrenched, and their fire took a heavy toll on the British attackers.

Realising that they had lost any chance of surprise, and faced with little prospect of success, Hodgson abandoned the attempt and withdrew his troops back to the ships.

A violent storm then blew up wrecking many of the craft for landing, which were vital for the operation's purpose. The other expedition's commanders believed a further attempt was not practicable, without further reconnaissance.

They wrote home to Pitt suggesting that no assault was now possible, because of the damaged craft for landing the troops. Raising in their opinion the likelihood that the force should sail for home.

Dismay and Alarm

The immediate results of the attack resulted in dismay in both Paris and London. The French court were infuriated by the fact that Pitt had pressed ahead with the operation in spite of the ongoing peace talks, which they regarded as an act of bad faith.

In Britain the failure of the assault was met with much alarm by opponents of the expedition, but Pitt stressed it had not been approached in the correct manner and pushed ahead with a second attempt.

Troop transports carrying forces to take part in the attack on Martinique were diverted to join Keppel along with significant reinforcements. Pitt was determined to secure the island as a principal objective in the global war.

Second Landing

Augustus Keppel, the British naval commander, who was now reinforced, set about a second landing; which was planned by Keppel and Hodgson. After a lengthy examination of the island's defences it was decided that the best chance of success was another attack at Port Andro.

This time there would be two diversionary attacks first; they were planned to draw most of the attention away from the main effort. One would be in the west against Sauzon, and the other in the north in the region of St Foy.

Early On 22nd April, the attack against Sauzon, failed to make any impression against the well-entrenched French garrison. But the fighting continued with heavy casualties inflicted on the attackers.

Presuming all was going well, at mid-day General Studholme Hodgson, led the attack at Port Andro, this was met with equally heavy opposition as it had the last time and the assault was soon stalling.

Meanwhile the diversionary attack to the north led by Brigadier Hamilton Lambart was gaining a foothold, His troops had discovered that a stretch of coast close to St. Foy, was undefended by enemy troops.

The French had believed that the high cliffs were a strong enough defence against an enemy attack. Lambart had decided that they might be scaled and deployed a detachment of Royal Marines who successfully gained a position on top of the ridge.

There they beat off a counter-attack from approaching French troops, arriving from St. Hoy. Receiving support with more detachments and fire from Royal Navy ships close to the shore they were able to hold on.

The Attack on Port Andro Abandoned.

Realising his assault was failing, Hodgson, abandoned his attack and took his troops via boat around to assist Lambart. On arrival sensing success the British commanders poured in their reinforcements to secure the vital beachhead.

By nightfall the whole British force was ashore. According to a pre-arranged signal the French forces and inhabitants withdrew into the main fortification at Le Palais leaving the rest of the island to the invaders.

The British gained access to the island's defenceless ports allowing them to ship in fresh supplies; then began the besiege of Le Palais, which was to last six weeks.

The French commander on the island, the Chevalier Sainte Croix, hoped that he would be able to resist the British at Le Palais long enough for some relief to reach him from mainland Brittany.

The French Governor of Brittany, the Duc d'Aiguillon had gathered a force at Vannes with the intention of coming to the aid of Belle Isle, but British frigates kept a vigilant watch of the coast, and the British dominance of the surrounding seas made any chance of a crossing unlikely.

The French government moved fresh reinforcements to mainland Brittany, fearing that this would be the next target of the British.

Trapped Unable to Move

A French attempt to ready a small fleet by activating seven ships-of-the-line at Rochefort and eight at Brest was encountered by an even more vigorous blockade mounted by Keppel.

Then on 8th June, after more than a month's siege of Le Palais, Sainte Croix acknowledged he was unlikely to receive any rescue and he agreed to capitulate.

Sainte Croix was allowed, through convention, to march his men out through the breach with the honours of war and his force was then repatriated to nearby Lorient.

The initial French reaction to the island's fall was to tell the British they could keep it if they wanted but could expect no compensation if they handed it back.

It was soon realised that this was not a plausible stance, because the island could be used as a staging post for privateers and the Royal Navy.

Ultimately after two years of occupation the island was handed back to France in the wake of the Treaty of Paris 1763, and the ending of the seven years of war. Belle Isle was exchanged directly for the return of Minorca to Britain.

The Laurel Wreath on the Badge of the Royal Marines is believed to have been granted for gallantry at the Capture of Belle Isle. It is still worn today by every serving Royal Marine. Later the Marines were allowed the honour of featuring a 'Laurel Wreath' around their Badge. (Author unknown)

Attack made by the British Fleet at Port André on the Island of Belle Isle (8th April 1761) Author Short R. Dessinateur du modele, Smith, J. Graveur.

1761. Monday 6th April. Hodgson and commodore Keppel, consisting of twelve battalions of infantry, two battalions of marines, and a train of artillery, amounting to nearly 10,000 men, sailed from St. Helen's on the 29th of March, escorted by ten ships of the line, eight frigates, three bombs, and two fire-ships; and this fleet arrived in sight of Belleisle on the 6th of April. The island had been put into the best state of defence, batteries were erected at every position that afforded a practicable place for landing, and a strong garrison occupied the citadel, under the command of the chevalier de St. Croix. Early in the morning of the 7th, the fleet passed the south end of the island so near the shore, as to afford an opportunity of reconnoitring the coast and fix on a proper quarter for landing. The ships anchored at noon in the roads of Palais, and the principal officers of both services proceeded to the northward, to make further observations; but they found the enemy so extremely on the alert and well prepared at every point, that it was difficult to decide where a landing could be effected without great risk and sacrifice of lives. Early in the morning of the 8th, dispositions were made for debarking the troops; and the Dragon and Achilles, with two bombs, sailed round to the bay of Port Andeo at the southeast end of the island, followed by the commodore in the Prince of Orange, with the troops in the flat-bottomed boats.

A battery, which opened upon them from the point at the entrance, was soon silenced, and the boats pulled towards the shore in three divisions, conducted by captain Barton of the navy. The enemy was posted on the sides of a steep hill, the base of which was cut away to prevent the possibility of at- tempting the works without scaling-ladders. The troops made good their landing; but all their efforts to ascend the hill proving unavailing, a retreat was the only alternative.

On this occasion generals Crawford and Carleton were con- spicuous for the gallantry they displayed in leading their divisions to the attack, and the latter was wounded in the thigh. One of the boats landed at some distance from the rest, with a company of grenadiers under captain Erskine; who, from not being supported, was driven back with great loss, after a determined resistance, in which their gallant leader lost his life. The fire from the ships effectually covered the retreat of the troops; but the weather became so tempestuous, that the transports got foul of each other, and many boats were destroyed. The loss sustained in this attack amounted to nearly 500 in killed, wounded, and prisoners. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

During these operations, a diversion was made by sir Thomas Stanhope at Saucon, in order to draw the enemy's attention from the main attack. This detachment consisted of the 96th and 97th regiments, and the battalions of marines. As soon as the weather became moderated, the utmost diligence was used to repair the damages the fleet had sustained; and a reinforcement having arrived, it was determined to make another descent at Fort d' Arsic, under the direction of major-general Crawford. In order to second these operations, two separate attacks were to be made; the first by brigadier-general Lambert, near St. Foy, and the other at Saucon by the force which had recently arrived. Early on the morning of the 22nd, the ships of the line took their stations to cover the landing; and having silenced the batteries, the boats with the troops advanced in two divisions, in close order, until abreast of their respective points of attack. The enemy, supposing that Fort d' Arsic would be first attempted, did not adopt measures for the defence of the stupendous rocks, which offered such natural obstacles to the invaders. Brigadier Lambert's division, to which the battalions of marines under colonel Mackenzie were attached, advanced under this high coast, and captain Patterson at the head of the grenadiers of the 19th regiment, immediately supported by captain Murray with a company of marines, climbed these rocks unperceived by the enemy. Other troops soon followed their intrepid example ; and reaching the summit, they formed upon it, and were soon attacked by a regiment of infantry.Contiguous to the ground occupied by our men, there was a wall that offered an eligible post of defence ; whence the small force of the British, by keeping up a steady fire, checked the enemy, until they were reinforced by brigadier Lambert at the head of the grenadiers of the 30th regiment, and the remainder of the marines under colonel Mackenzie, who immediately attacked the enemy, and drove them back to the top of the hill, where they had some field-pieces. Captain Sir Thomas Stan- hope, perceiving the successful efforts of this detachment, in- stantly supported them with all the armed boats of his squadron: at the same time the division of troops designed to attack Fort d'Arsic, pushed on to unite with those under brigadier Lambert; who finding himself thus reinforced, moved up the hill, drove the enemy back upon their main body, and captured three field-pieces, with some prisoners.

Our loss did not exceed thirty men: captain Patteson of Beauclerc's regiment, colonel Mackenzie and captain Murray of the marines, were wounded. By five in the evening the troops were all on shore; and the army, after advancing three miles into the country, took post on an eminence during the night. In order to retard the march of the troops, the enemy broke up the roads, destroyed the bridges, and after withdrawing from the batteries along the coast, blew up their magazine. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1761. Early on Thursday 23rd April. General Hodgson moved the army towards the town and citadel of Palais; and although the French had evinced an intention to dispute our progress, they fell back without further resistance, and shut themselves up in the redoubts and citadel. The weather being very unfavourable for landing the cannon, and the stores essential for the attack ol the place, general St. Croix availed himself of the delay by constructing six redoubts, which it would be necessary to possess before the approaches could be carried on against the fortress. On the 2d of May our batteries opened, and their effect was soon apparent. During the following night the enemy made a sortie with 400 men, carried one of our advanced works, and made general Crawford with his two aides-de-camp prisoners. Following up their success, they advanced against the trenches, which they attacked with much vigour; and the contest remained doubtful until the arrival of a party of marines under captain David Hepburn, who drove them with the bayonet, and forced them to retire with considerable loss. As it was found necessary to carry one of the enemy's redoubts which impeded the approaches, a heavy fire of shot and shells was kept up during the night; and on the morning of the 13th a detachment of 200 men, composed of Loudon's regiment and marines under captain Carruthers, advanced upon the enemy, and after a sharp contest again drove them with the bayonet. Observing the panic which ensued, captain Carruthers pushed forward and took possession of two other redoubts, which the French abandoned, and fled into the citadel. Major Nesbitt of the 69th regiment, having reinforced our detachment with 370 men, they were soon masters, of the whole of the redoubts, the enemy abandoning them on the approach of our troops.

In this attack, major Nesbitt and nine men were wounded, and four killed. The enemy suffered severely in killed and wounded, and 100 men were taken prisoners. Following up these successes, general Hodgson made a lodgment in the town, and compelled the enemy to withdraw into the citadel, from which all communication was cut off from the continent by the exertions of the squadron: the place was now so closely invested, that there was no longer a doubt of the surrender of the garrison. Nevertheless, M. de St. Croix resolved to defend the place until the last, and his conduct throughout, reflected the highest honour upon himself and the french arms. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1761. Tuesday 7th April - Monday 8th June. Among the surgeons attending the military wounded and dying at the Battle of Belle lsle was the soon to be famous John Hunter who made several medical discoveries including the treatment of battle shock by not attempting any treatment until the victim had been allowed some time to recover. He also attempted to instigate a system of non-treatment for minor bullet and shrapnel injuries and so laid the foundations for modern day treatments for such trauma injuries. Mentioned in 'Brother Surgeons' by Garet Rogers and 'The Knife Man' by Wendy Moore.

1761. Thursday 16th April. The batteries were completed, and the citadel played upon by the unremitting discharge of 40 mortars, 10 howitzers, 1 thirty-two-pounders, 20 twenty-four-pounders, and 10 twelve-pounders; besides field-pieces to clear the enemy's work by ricochet firing.

From this period until the 7th of June the approaches made rapid progress, and a breach having been reported practicable, preparations were making to storm, when M. de St. Croix proposed to capitulate. Terms were agreed upon, and on the 8th the citadel was taken possession of by the british troops: the garrison marched out with the honours of war and were conveyed to the nearest port in France. When the place was first invested, their strength amounted to 2600 men, but it was now reduced to 1678; by which it appears their loss was 922 men. The british army consisted of 13,000 men, and of that number 1000 were marines.

The loss sustained, between the 22nd of April and the 7th of June, was 13 officers and 300 rank and file killed; 21 officers and 480 wounded: among the latter, brigadier-general Howe. During the siege there were many instances of intrepidity and courage deserving of notice: — Captain Wright, having under him three companies of marines, held a post of great consequence, from which he received orders to retreat; but this gallant officer, knowing the importance of maintaining his position, took upon himself the responsibility of remaining, and by resolutely holding his ground he repulsed the enemy. Another instance of the kind is recited of lieutenant Lachlan Cuthbert, of the army, who had charge of a battery, and though abandoned by his men, continued firing the guns until supported; and he then compelled the enemy to retire with considerable loss. The following orders were issued sometime after the surrender of the island: " General Hodgson has the greatest pleasure to acquaint the officers and soldiers under his command with his Majesty's satisfaction in the spirit, patience, and cheerfulness with which they have sustained the fatigues of this siege." Commodore Keppel, in his public letter to the right-honourable Mr. Pitt, says, "Major General Hodgson, by his constant approbation of the battalion of marines landed from the ships and put under his command, gives me the pleasing satisfaction of acquainting you of it, that his Majesty may be informed of the goodness and spirited behaviour of that corps." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1761. At this period the marines wore caps similar to those of the fusileer regiments; and from that circumstance the French, in describing the troops whose valour had been most conspicuous, designated the battalions of marines " les petits grenadiers." Their gallant conduct elicited the most flattering encomiums from both commanders-in-chief; and the british government, to commemorate their distinguished services during these operations, authorized the corps to adopt the proud emblem which now encircles the globe emblazoned on the colours of the royal marines." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1761. Thursday 4th June. The Capture of Dominica.

1761. Thursday 4th June. A squadron of four ships of the line, under the command of commodore sir James Douglas, sailed from Basseterre, Guadaloupe, on the 4th of June, having a division of troops on board, commanded by Lord Rollo. They arrived at Roseau, the capital of Dominica, on the 6th, and finding the inhabitants opposed to their landing, the ships anchored and silenced the batteries. The troops then landed under cover of the fire of the squadron, and formed in excellent order on the beach, while a detachment moved forward and took possession of the town. Lieutenant-Colonel Melvill, at the head of the grenadiers, seized a flanking battery, which the enemy abandoned on his approach; and following up his success, that gallant officer led the troops in driving the enemy from all their positions. The governor, M. Longprie, with the second in command, were made prisoners, and the island submitted on the following day. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1761. Friday 5th June. Holmes captured St. Anne.

1761. Monday 8th June. After more than a month's siege of Le Palais, Sainte Croix acknowledged he was unlikely to receive any rescue and he agreed to capitulate. Sainte Croix was allowed, through the British lines, to march his men out through the breach with the honours of war. His men were then repatriated to nearby Lorient. The British occupied the island for two years before returning it to France during 1763 following the Treaty of Paris.

1761. Monday 15th June. Chatham (Uniform). Captain Davidson, First Lieutenant Davis and 2nd Lieutenant Davidson to appear in their uniform Fuzees, Sashes, Corselets and Boots. The rest of the Officers in their Uniforms with White Stockings.

1761. July. Parker destroyed fortifications at Aix.

1761. Thursday 16th July. HMS Thunderer and HMS Thetis took Achelle and Bouffon.

1761. Friday 7th August. Lord Anson in Royal Charlotte yacht hoisted the Unicn flag.

1761. Thursday 13th August. HMS Bellona captured the Coutageux.

1761. Tuesday 20th October. According to the Annual Register. A young woman dressed in men's clothes was impressed at Plymouth and sent to Captain Toby in the town. On arrival she was committed to Prison, but not liking confinement, she disclosed her sex and was discharged. She gives the following account of herself. "That her name was Hanna Witney that she was born in Ireland, had been on board different ships upwards of five years, and would not have disclosed herself is she had been allowed her liberty.

1761. Tuesday 20th October. Female Marines. Many believe that Hannah Snell was the only female to join our Corps, this was far from true.

According to the "Annual Register," October 20th, 1761- "A young woman dressed in men's clothes was impressed at Plymouth and sent to Captain Toby in this town. On arrival she was committed to prison, but not liking confinement, she disclosed her sex and was discharged. She gives the following account of herself- that her name was Hannah Witney, that she was born in Ireland, had been a Marine on board different ships for upwards of five years, and would not have disclosed herself if she had been allowed her liberty."

Jane Meace, another lady who attempted to enlist as a Marine in 1762, was not so fortunate as Hannah Snell in evading discovery of her sex as will be seen by the following account published in "Lloyd's Evening Post and British Chronicle," of 1st December 1972 :- "Uttoxeter, Nov 25.- On Thursday 12th, in the evening, a young girl, in men's clothes came to a recruiting party of Marines at the 'Plume of Feathers' and enlisted; she wanted the whole bounty-money in hand, but being in want of clothing and other necessaries, they give her only one shilling till morning, but had the bowl of punch in, and the point of war beat; the party lay that night in one bed with her; and in the morning, one of the men laying hold of her coat over the breasts, to see how it fitted, her sex ws discovered. She enlisted by the name of John Meace, but her proper name is Jane Meace, and is well known in this country."

This lady may very well have heard of Hannah Snell and wished to emulate her military and naval performances, but from the fact that she was so anxious to get the bounty paid over to her at once, it is just as probable that she intended to make off with it at the first opportunity and had no intention of actually serving.

A still earlier case was the following taken from an old Liverpool record-

May 20th 1757 :- "A young person, five feet high, aged about nineteen, who entered in January last on board the Resolution privateer, Captain Barber, under the name of Arthur Douglas, proceeded with the ship from London to this port, went aloft to furl the sails, etc., when called upon, was frequently mustered amongst the Marines at the time they exercised the small arms, and in short executed the office of a landsman in all shapes with alacrity, was on Saturday last discovered to be a woman by one of her mess-mates. 'Tis to be said that he found out her sex on the passage, and that she, to prevent a discovery, then promised to permit him to keep her company when they arrived here; but as soon as they came into port refused his addresses. The officers in general give her a very modest character and say by her behaviour that she must have had a genteel education. She has changed her clothes but will not satisfy any of them with her name or quality; only that she left home on account of a breach of promise of her lover. 'Tis remarkable that during their passage down, on the appearance of a sail, she was eager to be fighting, and no ways affected with fear of sea sickness." (Sic)

1761. HMS Albany captured the Faisan.

1761. HMS Blonde took a large French ship.

1761. The coppering of ships bottoms was first introducrd.

1761. The Loss of Faisan (re-named Pheasant), along with all hands.

1762. The corps was augmented to 19,061 men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. Monday 4th January War was declared against Spain, which was reciprocal on the part of that Power on the 18th and realized the acute forebodings of Mr. Pitt.

A treaty framed for consolidating the interests and ambitious views of the House of Bourbon, and evidently levelled against the existence of our Empire, accelerated this event. So accustomed had the Nation been to victory, however, that it beheld this mighty Family Compact without dismay.

The public energies kept pace with the imperious occasion, and 70,000 Seamen, including 19,061 Marines, comprised in 135 companies, formed the naval establishment of the year.

A plan for the reduction of Martinico, digested by the late Minister, was now carried into effect by the forces from North America, who had finished a successful career upon that Continent, by four battalions drawn from Belleisle, with strong detachments of Seamen and Marines from the Fleet.

Sixteen sail of the line, and many ships of an inferior rate, composed the escort which set sail from Barbadoes on the 5th of January, and anchored in St. Anne's Bay on the 8th. The batteries here were soon silenced by the ships, when Rear-Admiral Rodney detached a squadron, with two brigades, to the Bay of Petite Ance, having orders to debark and take post there, under the direction of Generals Haviland and Grant; they were afterwards reinforced by Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, with a Corps of Light Infantry.

Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, proceeded against the Grande Ance, landed a few Seamen and all his Marines, who, by a combined attack, carried the battery, and occupied it, till relieved by a body of 800 men, under Lieutenant-Colonel Melville.

After destroying the works in St. Anne's Bay, the Admiral and General Monckton, seeing the difficulties of extending their operations from that quarter, followed to leeward, and reconnoitring the coast, resolved upon landing the whole forces between Point Negro and the Cas de Pilote. A squadron having cannonaded the line of batteries, secured this object, when the Army was disembarked upon the evening and morning of the 16th and 17th of January.

Nine hundred Marines, formed into two battalions, were united with the troops attached to the Brigade of General Rufane, and had an active share in the subsequent duties allotted to all.

The whole encamped on the heights above the Case de Navires, from which the General employed detachments to throw up such works as were necessary for covering the passage of the troops over some intervening gullies, between them and the enemy on Morne Tartenson.

The disposition of attack being made, Brigadier Grant began it with the French advanced posts, at dawn on the morning of the 24th, while Brigadier Rufane advanced against their redoubts along the sea coast upon the right, seconded by 1000 Seamen in flat-bottomed boats, keeping pace with it.

Lord Rollo's Brigade supported the Grenadiers, and General Walsh with his, the Corps of Light Infantry, under Colonel Scott, who was ordered to make a circuit, with a view to flank or get behind the enemy. This essentially contributed to the success of the day, as that body gained their left, and continued to incommode it, while the Grenadiers were carrying everything before them.

Brigadier Rufane performed his part with rapid and impetuous success, being aided most spiritedly by the Seamen.

The final result of the day was gaining Morne Tartenson, other subordinate works having many cannon, and driving the fugitive enemy across a deep ravine, into the town of Fort Royal and Morne Garnier.

General Haviland, with his Brigade, and two Battalions of Highlanders, with a few Light Infantry, under Major Leland, were directed to effect a passage over this gully, considerably to the left, and cut off a detached force of the French from their main body. Insurmountable difficulties, however, prevented this well-designed combination; but they did not check their reaching in time to support the Light Infantry, under Colonel Scott, in a very important post which they had gained opposite to Morne Garnier; while an upper plantation of consequence was occupied by Walsh's brigade, and the Grenadiers. The space between these two was filled by the Marines.

Batteries were opened on the 25th against the Citadel of Fort Royal, which being much annoyed by the guns from Morne Garnier, it was judged expedient to attack it on the left, where the Light Infantry and Haviland's brigade were. Here cannon were opened against it, in order to harass the enemy, and to ensure the future passage of the ravine.

An attempt of the French on the evening of the 27th, signalized this British outpost, which drove them back, not only across the gully, but followed them and gained possession of their batteries, where they established themselves; having been gallantly seconded by the brigades of Walsh and Grant. Before nine at night the enemy had abandoned this strong ground, and so precipitate was their retreat, that they left behind them some serviceable ordnance and ammunition, which were felt by the Citadel early next morning.

General Monckton, finding his batteries on Morne Tartenson at too great a distance to produce material effect, resolved to push on to Morne Capuchin, little more than 400 yards from the Citadel.

Observing this meditated essay, the enemy beat the chamade on the evening of the 3d of February, and terms were signed on the 4th.

The testimonies of the Commanders in Chief to the respective Corps were strong and animated. As usual, the services of the Seamen were arduous in transporting cannon, and fearless amidst dangers.

Monsieur De La Touche, the Governor General, who had fallen back upon St. Pierre, with an intent of holding out, soon after surrendered, and the extensive dependencies of that valuable island, very early availed themselves of the benign and faithful tenders of British protection.

The final consent of La Touche was much hastened by the detaching Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, to the harbour of La Trinité, where he landed some Seamen and his Marines, who maintained their ground, and convinced the enemy how unavailing would be their farther obstinacy.

This conquest, which added so much to the lustre of our arms, was obtained at the expence of 7 Officers, 3 Serjeants, and 86 rank and file killed, and 32 Officers, 20 Serjeants, and 337 rank and file wounded.

The enemy experienced a loss of nearly 1000 men.

St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada, fell soon after, under our dominion, and added to the commercial wealth of the Nation.

Solid were the results that accrued from the repeated triumphs of our Fleets and Armies, during this active year. The Revenue was improved, while the individual became enriched by the conquered territory, and the spoils of our enemies.

The rupture with Spain suggested immediate enterprize against her distant and wealthy Colonies. In this plan, no little or inferior views controuled our Councils, which boldly directed our force at once, against the vitals, and the strong hold of her South American Empire.

Lord Anson having submitted his ideas upon the accomplishment of this great object, they were readily embraced upon the present occasion, and adopted throughout.

The Fleet and Army which were destined to execute these designs, were committed to Admiral Pococke, and the Earl of Albemarle, who sailed from Portsmouth on the 5th day of March. They took only a small force from England, as they were to be joined by those troops who had achieved the conquest of the French Caribbee Islands, to be reinforced by auxiliaries from Jamaica and North America; which, with the Marines of the Fleet that were subsequently landed, constituted an Army little short of 15,000 men.

Admiral Pococke reached Martinique on the 26th of April, where everything was arranged, fascines made, the troops brigaded, and 500 Negroes collected to perform the rough parts of these laborious duties that were before them.

On the 6th of May the whole put to sea, and, on their passage to leeward, were successively joined by the squadrons under Captain Harvey and Sir James Douglas.

It was now that the superior talents and solicitous zeal of Admiral Pococke appeared conspicuous. From the very advanced season of the year no time could be sacrificed in fulfilling his instructions, as dilatory measures might have proved ruinous, from the setting in of the rains. Two alternatives were before him a tedious and circuitous navigation round the Island of Cuba, or a dangerous passage through the Old Straits of Bahama, hitherto avoided by single ships, and at no period of the world explored by so large a Fleet. The latter he chose, and it was crowned with success.

On the 6th of June the Admiral brought to about five leagues to the Eastward of the Havannah, to issue instructions; when having confided the superintendance of disembarking the troops to Commodore Keppel, he bore away for the mouth of the harbour.

The Marines were ordered into the boats early on the morning of the 7th, as a feint, while the whole Army, under the Earl of Albemarle, landed without opposition between the rivers Boca Nao and Coximar, the latter of which was also passed, after Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, had silenced a castle, that commanded it.

Having a large garrison, headed by the most gallant Officers, the enemy, though but recently apprised of this expedition, prepared for the most vigorous defence.

Lord Albemarle, after some skirmishing in his progress, having intimated, on the 10th, to the Admiral, his purpose of attacking the Cavannos, situated on the east side of the harbour, and commanding part of the Moro Fort, as well as the whole of the north east of the City, with the strong works in that vicinity, Captain Knight, in the Belleisle, was ordered against the Castle of Chorera, to facilitate the enterprize, while the Marines were embarked in boats to attract the enemy's attention towards the Havannah quarter.

This service was ably performed by Colonel Carleton, on the noon of the 11th, at the head of the Grenadiers and Light Infantry.

The Spaniards were not only driven into the Moro, but they also abandoned the Castle of Chorera; which allowed our immediately breaking ground on the advantageous site of the Cavannos. Never were greater obstacles encountered and overcome, than through the whole series of this siege. The Seamen were highly active in landing the cannon, manning the batteries, and supplying the Army with water, on a spot that yielded not a drop. Much harmony prevailed throughout these fatigues between the services. On the 13th, 800 Marines were landed, formed into two Battalions, under Majors Campbell and Collins, and attached to the command of Colonel and Adjutant General William Howe, upon the Chorera side.

Owing to the thinness of soil upon the Cavannos it was not until the 29th of June that our batteries could open against the Moro.

In order to obtain a superiority of fire on shore, Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, having under him two other ships, volunteered to place them against that Castle, which he did, in the most gallant stile, upon the morning of the 1st of July. By this diversion the object was gained, but with the loss of Captain Coostrey of the Cambridge, and 161 killed and wounded.

The labour of many days was destroyed by a fire that broke out from the dryness of the fascines, and the cannonade kept up, upon the 2d, which was not extinguished until the night of the 5th.

Such an unfortunate casualty depressed, but did not conquer the spirits of our men, who were additionally exposed to the most extreme fatigue, a scanty supply of water, and unwholesome provisions. They had also to encounter an enemy in Don Velasco, worthy of his important trust.

Fortunately, Sir James Douglas arrived from Jamaica with some reinforcements, which were soon followed by others from North America.

It falls not within my scope to enter minutely into the protracted events of this siege, which was carried on and sustained by both sides, with unexampled perseverance, and steady valour.

About one o'clock in the afternoon of the 30th of July, by the explosion of one of our advanced mines, a practicable breach for one file in front was effected, which was soon noticed, and assaulted by our troops, at the head of which was Lieutenant Forbes, of the Royal Scotch. Many of the Spanish Soldiers were within the casemates, and little anticipated so bold an attempt, but they were soon under arms, and encouraged to their duty by their brave Chiefs Don Velasco, and the Marquis Gonzales. Both these Gentlemen fell on the occasion; the former surviving only for a short time, the effects of a mortal wound. The Moro was soon carried, which led to the final conquest of the Havannah, and its dependencies upon the 13th of August. Twelve sail of the line, and a large treasure, were its immediate fruits.

Although nothing peculiarly brilliant fell to the lot of the corps of Marines co-operating in the fatigues of this arduous campaign, still their zeal and discipline kept pace with the other classes of his Majesty's servants, and justly entitled them to a share of that gratitude, bestowed in general terms to all, by their Leaders and their Country.

A predatory attempt against Newfoundland, by a squadron that stole out of Brest, under Mons. Ternay, having on board two regiments, was the only offensive operation on the part of the French during the year 1762.
This Officer might have tried his fortune in a manner far more suitable to the interests and dignity of his Country by aiming a blow at our East, West India, and North American convoys, protected by a very inferior force to his, instead of prosecuting a relentless fury against the insignificant garrison of St. John, and the tackle and stages of our poor, but industrious fishermen.

Captain (afterwards Vice Admiral) Joshua Rowley, in the Superbe of 74 guns, the Gosport of 44, Captain Jervis, (now Earl St.

Vincent), and the Danae of 38, Captain Henry Martin, having charge of these valuable fleets, were chaced by Mons. Ternay, on the 11th of May, having under him two line of battleships, two heavy frigates, and a bomb-ketch. The steady countenance of Commodore Rowley, who formed into order of battle, convinced the Frenchman that he must wade through a bloody and perhaps a successless conflict, before he could reach his object. The precarious issue induced Mons. Ternay to be off, and to pursue his course for less dangerous game.

As might have been expected, the garrison of St. John, with a number of contiguous posts in no state to make resistance fell without a contest on the 25th of June. Captain (afterwards Lord), Greaves who was then at Placentia, on the South East part of the island, landed his Marines from the Antelope and prepared for defence; at the same time, he apprized our Commanders at Halifax and New York of his situation, and solicited immediate support.

Lord Colville soon joined him, when, after disembarking a number of Marines as a farther reinforcement, with his very inferior squadron, he went out to meet the enemy on the 22d of August and proceeded off St. John's to give him battle.

The French having adopted a system of plunder and destruction along the coast, wherever they could with impunity, his Lordship detached an Officer and 30 Marines to the Island of Boys, which spot, that party had the honour to defend for his Majesty. During this period the works at St. John's had been much strengthened.

In consequence of the invasion and intelligence of it reaching North America, a force was detached under Lieutenant Colonel Amherst, which reached the coast of Newfoundland upon the 11th of September.

After a train of sharp and active services, on the part of the Army, in which the Navy co-operated, St. John's was recovered upon the 18th, and the whole island was freed from those freebooters, who, in turn, became prisoners.

A friendly fog which had covered Mons. Ternay's departure from France, was also auspicious in his escape from that harbour. His conduct through the whole of this expedition was marked alike by cautious timidity, in the sight of his enemies, as by oppressive inhumanity over those he had conquered.

The acute observations, and active talents of Sir William Draper, not only laid the foundation, but were highly conducive towards the success of one of the boldest designs, that was ever patronised by a British Ministry. That Officer, after the most approved good conduct, during the siege of Madrass, had leave to retire to Canton in China, on account of extreme bad health. It was here that his enquiries commenced about the state of the Spanish Philippine Islands, and he had complete intelligence both as to their commercial importance, and military defence. This he treasured up for his Country, against the day of emergency, by whom he was amply recompenced for such early zeal, by his suggestions being eagerly embraced, and he employed to execute them.

A disclosure of such a nature, however, would not have been received, but spurned at, by our Cabinet during a period of tranquillity with Spain. The whole continued dormant within the breast of Sir William Draper, till hostilities were inevitable, when he was dispatched in the Argo, for the East Indies, with the most liberal powers to carry this object into effect.

Arriving towards the close of June, he lost not a moment in arranging everything for the expedition against Manilla. The whole set sail on the 1st of August, consisting of a mixed force of nearly 1330 men. As so small a number could only look for success in the unprepared state of the enemy, hitherto confident in their security, and in the promptest measures, a ship of war was detached into the entrance of the Chinese Sea, in order to stop all communication of our project.

The Fleet reached Malacca on the 27th of August, where they watered, finished a number of gabions for the future operations of the Army, and finally anchored in Manilla Bay on the 23d of Sept.

Admiral Cornish had appointed 550 Seamen, and 300 Marines, to co-operate with the Land Forces, which were formed into separate battalions.

After an ineffectual summons sent to the town, and the coast reconnoitred, no time was to be lost in keeping up that surprise which had apparently struck the enemy.

A proper spot, two miles to the southward of Manilla, having been selected for the debarkation, the 79th Regiment, all the Marines, and the Artillery, with some field pieces, and one howitzer, were formed into three divisions, under the sterns of three frigates, which were ordered to cover the landing.

Captains Parker, Kempenfelt, and Brereton, of the Royal Navy, were entrusted with the conduct of each of them, who discharged the duty with much ability.

Numbers of the Spanish Indians having assembled to dispute our descent, the ships of war opened their fire, which compelled them to retire. A violent surf dashed many of the boats to pieces, and injured the musquets, but the troops established themselves at a village named Malata, little more than a mile from the enemy's works, during the night of the 24th.

On the 25th a detachment was advanced to occupy a fort which was abandoned, called Polverista, and Major Monson was pushed forward to take possession of Hermita Church, a small distance from the City, of much local consequence, both as to natural strength, and as a shelter from the heavy rains that had already set in. The 79th Regiment was farther ordered to reinforce this post.

Much praise was due to the Seamen for their unparalleled exertions in landing the remaining troops, cannon, and stores, amidst a most dreadful surf, and the heaviest rains.

The Marines were left at the first posts, the Malata and the Polverista, with a view to secure the retreat of the advanced forces, if necessary; to preserve a mutual communication with the ships, and to guard the stores and heavy artillery. "They," says Sir William Draper, "from the good conduct an example of their Officers, behaved very well, and were of great use upon all occasions."

Considering the strength of Manilla, and the numbers employed against it, no regular siege could be undertaken, or could an observance of the systematic rules of approach be followed. The Spaniards were extremely languid in every effort of defence, while our united forces evinced the most undaunted spirit and unshaken perseverance, during a series of attacks from the native Indians, and of laborious toils amidst winds and rain.

After having made a practicable breach, it was resolved to storm the place upon the 6th of October, and it was executed with that bold ardour which is the native birth-right of Englishmen.

Were my limits to allow, with pleasure would I particularize such exertions, and the gallant actors in them. I can only say, that through the whole the Soldier and Sailor felt no jealousy but that of being foremost in danger and in discipline.

Humanity mingled with policy, influenced the Commanders in Chief to avert from the City the calamity of promiscuous plunder, by a pecuniary compromise for its protection. The laws of war sanctioned this vengeance, from its having fallen by storm. The conquerors here, became ennobled by compassion, and they stipulated to save the property of unoffending individuals, while they at the same time consulted their Country's honour and her interests.

To the eternal disgrace of the Spanish Nation, this generous compact continues unfulfilled.

The Port of Cavite, with the other dependencies of Manilla, were included in the capitulation, and Captain Champion, with 100 Marines, and some Seapoys, were detached as a garrison to the former.

Our total loss upon this brilliant service was 4 Officers, 1 Serjeant, and 29 Privates killed; 1 Lieutenant drowned; and 6 Officers, 3 Serjeants, and 102 rank and file wounded. Among the first were 5 Marines, and the latter, Lieutenant Spearing, besides 6 Privates.

The East India Company, in consequence of the aids they had afforded, was entitled to one third of the settled ransom, which was four millions of dollars; and the acquired conquest was given up to its servants in trust for his Majesty.

Such united harmony existed between the naval and land services, that they agreed to share their fortunes mutually, afloat and ashore.

From the intelligence gained at Manilla, the Admiral detached a force to intercept the annual galleon. The Panther and Argo overtook the ship which had sailed from that place, on the 1st of August, much to their surprize, instead of the one that had been expected there. Nearly three millions of dollars were on board the Sanctissima Trinidad, which were defended with much obstinacy, but she was at last compelled to strike.

Both Commanders, upon the Manilla expedition, very meritedly received the public thanks of their Country, and the honourable marks of a Sovereign's gratitude.

Immense captures were made at sea, and repeated were the occasions which displayed the British naval character during this year, so fertile in momentous events.

Amongst these may be reckoned the Hermione, worth one million sterling, the treasure of which enriched the crews of two sloops of war and was carried in proud triumph through the streets of London, the very hour in which the Heir Apparent to the British Throne was ushered into the world. A Marine shared upwards of 500 l. from this capture.

The enemy, discomfited in every quarter, were not ashamed to own their weakness, and they were the first to sue for peace.

A few short months had alienated or destroyed a great portion of the Spanish Navy, had given a deep wound to their Commerce, which would have been most sensibly felt under a continuance of hostilities, and had convinced Europe and the World, that the resources of Britain could only be estimated amidst accumulating dangers, and that her native spirit could only be known amidst increasing difficulties.

During the whole of this memorable war, the Marine Soldier not only shared in the everlasting glory of our Fleets, but carried with him, through all the mingled destinies of his profession, a steady discipline, combined with a well-regulated valour. Excepting the drawn battle off Minorca, not a naval action was fought in which he did not bear a part, and there were but few of our widely extended conquests that do not, in their detail, recognize his name.

The preliminaries of a peace, which are not my business to discuss, upon the 3d of November, and ratified in February of the following year, closed the military services of the Marine Corps for a long period, until they were again drawn forth into action by an enlightened patron, who had marked their conduct, and who resolved to avail himself of their animated zeal and spirit, upon the earliest emergency that his Country required them. (Taken from Chapter 25 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1762. Wednesday 6th January. HMS Venus captured the Boulogne.

1762. Friday 8th January. The Unicorn of 32 guns, captain Hunt, when cruising off the Penmanks, captured the Vestale of 32 guns, after an action of two hours, in which she had 5 killed and 10 wounded; among the latter, captain Hunt, mortally. Captain Bois Bertelot, of the Vestale, was also mortally wounded. First-lieutenant Charles Shearer, and second-lieutenant Thomas Phillips, were on board the Unicorn. The Seahorse of 20 guns, captain James Smith, when off the Start, sustained a very spirited action on the 10th of January with the french frigate Aigrette of 34 guns, which lasted an hour and a half within pistol-shot. The Seahorse had 1 1 killed, and 38 wounded. On the Unicorn making her appearance, the french ship made sail and escaped. Lieutenant of marines, Evan Cameron, was on board the Seahorse. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. Sunday 24th January. The Richmond 32 guns, captain Elphinstone fell in with the french frigate Felicite of 32 guns, captain Donnel, off the Hague, and brought her to action. Both ships took the ground and continued to engage until the enemy fled from their quarters and escaped to the shore. The Felicite had nearly 100 in killed and wounded\; among the former, her captain. The Richmond, 3 killed, 13 wounded. The Felicite was destroyed on the following day. The officers of marines were first-lieutenant William Spann, and second lieutenant John McCulloch.

On the 23rd of January, the Minerva of 32 guns, captain Alexander Hood, when off Cape Penas, captured the french sixty-gun ship Warwick, (having only 34 mounted,) captain Le Verger de Belais, after a gallant action of four hours. The Minerva lost her foremast and bowsprit, and her loss amounted to 14 men killed, and 34 wounded. The enemy had her fore and rnain-top masts shot away, and lost 14 men killed, and 32 wounded. Shortly after the action, the other masts of the Minerva went by the board. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. Saturday 30th January. The Venus 36 guns, captain Harrison, and Juno 32, captain Philips, captured the french frigate Brune, of 36 guns. The Venus was engaged with the enemy's ship upwards of two hours, and had 4 men killed, and 18 wounded. On the Juno coming up and firing a few guns, the Brune struck her colours; having 19 killed, and 39 wounded. Lieutenant John Evins of the marines, was serving on board the Venus. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. Tuesday 16th February. The Capture of the Redoubts on Morne Tortenson (Port Royal) Martinique, from the French. Britain captured the island during the 'Seven Years War', holding it from 1762 to 1763. The Marines of the expedition had previously landed and with the aid of a few seamen captured a fort at Grand Ance, and held it till relieved by a Line Battalion, landing again with the rest of the Army in Cas de Navires Bay. The Marines formed in two battalions of 450 men each, took part in three days of fighting which resulted in the capture of the Redoubts, on Morne Tortenson, Mone Garnier, and the attack on the Citadel of Port Royal. On the fall of this place the Marines of the fleet, with 500 seamen were landed, and the whole Island of Martinique submitted to the British Crown.

Following Britain's Victory in the war there was a strong possibility the island would be annexed by them. However, the sugar trade made the island so valuable to the Royal French Government that at the Treaty of Paris signed during 1763, which ended the 'Seven Years War', they gave up all of Canada in order to regain Martinique as well as the neighbouring island of Guadeloupe.

1762. Tuesday 7th March. HMS Milford captured the Gloire.

1762. Saturday 13th March, the Vengeance of 26 guns, (nine and four-pounders,) captain Nightingale, after an action of five hours, captured the french 40-gun frigate Entreprenant, mounting 26 guns, (twelve and nine-pounders,) with a loss of 5 killed and 24 wounded. Second-lieutenant David Coutts was" serving on board the Vengeance. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. May. The loss of HMS Hussar.

1762. Friday 21st May. HMS Active and HMS Favorite capture the Hermoine Spanish treasure ship was taken off Cadiz by the 28 gun frigate and 18 gun sloop Favourite. The ships net proceeds of its cargo were valued at £519,705 -1s - 6d, the prize to each Private Marine amounted to £484.

1762. Wednesday 2nd June. HMS Alarm and HMS Echo took the Thitis and the Phenix.

1762. Monday 7th June - 13th August. The Siege and Capture of Havana was a military action that took place during the 'Seven Years War'. When British forces besieged and captured the city. At the time it was an important Spanish naval base in the Caribbean. Its capture dealt a serious blow to the Spanish navy located in that area. Havana was subsequently returned to Spain under the 1763 Treaty of Paris that ended the war between them. The Marines were placed in the boats and made to look like they were going to land 4 miles to the westward of the city, while the remainder of the army effected its disembarkation without opposition between The Rivers Boca Nao and Coximar some way to the East. Being checked at the latter river by a castle at its mouth, the army halted while the Dragon stood in and silence its guns in about an hour, after which her Marines went on shore and took possession of it. On the evening of the 10th the Marines were in the boats again while the Belleisle, Cerberus, Bonetta, Mercury, and Lurcher bombarded the castle of Chorea at the entrance to the river of the name on the East side of the city. The Castle and adjoining batteries were taken on the 11th, and some of the Marines landed for its security.

During this time the Marines who were about 800 strong and were formed into two Battalions and placed under the Command of Majors Campbell and Collins. On the 15th June they were landed and encamped near Chorea under the command of Colonel the Hon. William Howe. The main attack was directed against the Morro Castle, the Citadel of Havannah which occupied a high and steep rock on the East side of the entrance to the harbour. For a long time, it defied all the effort of the besiegers while disease decimated the ranks. On the 5th and 6th July it was found necessary to draw on the Marines for reinforcements, and during these two days 400 of them were transferred in the front of Morro. A portion of them were employed in the mining operations which were very difficult to carry out on account of an immense ditch cut in the solid rock,80 feet deep and 40 wide. However, on the 20th July the miners totally uncovered and managed to cross the ditch by a narrow ridge of rock which had been left to cover it towards the sea, and soon buried themselves in the wall. On the 30th the mines were sprung, breaching the wall and partially filling in the ditch, and the British stormers soon made themselves masters of the Citadel. Its fall was very shortly followed by that of Havannah itself, and the Marines, who it is reported, had proved very serviceable, were re-embarked. Much booty fell to the victors including a great deal of gold and silver pieces which arrival in London was conducted to the Tower in Eleven wagons, each guarded by 4 Marines and surmounted by a Union Jack flying above a Spanish Ensign. Each Private soldier's prize money amounted to £4 1s. 8d. while the total amount was valued at £368 11s. 6d.

1762. Saturday 24th July. The loss of HMS Chesterfield.

1762. Friday 13th August. Havana capitulated.

1762. Friday 13th August. The Bellona 74 guns, captain Robert Faulknor, and the Brilliant 36 guns, captain Loggie, off Vigo, sustained an action with the french ships Courageux of 74 guns, captain D. Lambert, and the Malicieuse and Hermione of 32 guns. After a contest, which lasted from twenty-five minutes past six until seven in the morning, the Courageux surendered, with the loss of 200 killed, her captain mortally, and 110 wounded. The frigates made their escape as soon as they saw the fate of their commodore; but they had both been sharply engaged with the Brilliant, which ship had 5 men killed, and 16 wounded. Captain James Sabine, and first-lieutenant Nathaniel English, were serving on board the Bellona, whose loss amounted to no more than 6 men killed, and 25 wounded.

The prospect of a war with Spain roused the british nation to make vigorous preparations; and the Parliament in November 1761, voted for the following year 70,000 seamen, including 19,061 marines, comprised in 135 companies. The failure of the expedition against Martinique in 1759, did not discourage the minister from making a further attempt for the reduction of that colony, which still furnished a consi- derable resource to the declining commerce of France. The plan for prosecuting this important conquest had been laid down by Mr. Pitt, and the succeeding administration maintained the same project. Eleven battalions having been ordered from New York, they sailed for Barbadoes the end of October 1761, under convoy of a squadron commanded by captain Darby, of the Devonshire; and in December, rear-admiral Rodney, with several ships, united with this force. On the 14th four battalions arrived from Belieisle under brigadier Rufane, and on the 24th the troops, commanded by general Monckton and Lord Rollo, arrived in Carlisle bay. The armaent now consisted of 14,000 land forces and a fleet of 16 ships of the line, with several frigates and 4 bombs. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. Wednesday 1st September. HMS Lion captured the Zephyre.

1762. Sunday 2nd September. Aeolus destroyed the St. Joseph.

1762. Wednesday 15th September. The Battle of Signal Hill was the last battle of the North American theatre of the 'Seven Years War'. The British commanded by Lieutenant Colonel William Amherst forced the French to surrender St. John's, which they had seized earlier that year in a surprise attack. During 1762 France and Britain had been fighting for eight years, and both were now contemplating a peace agreement. Britain's long blockade of the French coast had forced the French economy into a decline and had prevented the French navy from going to the aid of France's colonies around the globe, leading to a large number being captured. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. September. Dianna and Chester with Dutch frigate.

1762. The Corps strength at that time was 19,061 men.

1762. Tuesday 5th October. The Capture Manila in the Philippines from the Spanish. A small Military expedition under the Command of Colonel Sir William Draper was transported in a squadron under Admiral Cornish that anchored in Malilla Bay on the 23rd September. The Admiral contributed 500 seamen and 270 (some say 300) Marines to the landing force. After sending in an ineffectual summons to the town, and reconnoitring the coast, no time was lost in commencing operations. The ideal spot, was located two miles to the south of Manilla. It having been pre-selected for the debarkation of the 79th Regiment of Marines and the Artillery. Along with a howitzer and a few fields' pieces that were placed in the boats which were formed in 3 divisions, under the sterns of 3 frigates which had been detailed to cover the landing. A numbers of Spanish Indians had assembled on the shores to dispute our landing, the men of war opened fire, which compelled them to retire. In spite of a violent surf which dashed many of the boats to pieces, and wet and damaged the muskets, the troops effected their landing. During the night of the 24th they succeeded in establishing themselves in a village called Malata, little more than a mile from the enemy's works. The day following, they pushed forward to occupy Fort Polverista which had been abandoned by the enemy. While Major Monsoon along with the Marines advanced and took possession of the Hermita Church which was close to the city and of considerable strategical importance. Moreover, the rainy season having set in, it was necessary to get under protective cover. This point was further reinforced by the 79th Regiment. The Marines garrisoned Forts Polverista and that at Malata which protected the line of communications with the squadron and to guard the stores and heavy Artillery. The Port of Cavite with other dependencies of Manilla were included in the Capitulation, and Captain Champion with 100 Marines and a party of Sepoys were sent as garrison to the former. The total loss was 4 Officers, 2 Sergeant and 25 Privates killed, 1 Lieutenant drowned. 6 Officers, 3 Sergeants and 102 Rank and file were wounded. Among the first were 5 Marines, while Lieutenant Spearing and 6 Private Marines were wounded during these operations. Captain Richard Bishop of the Marines distinguished himself by his bravery and professionalism that Sir William Draper appointed him Governor of the Town of Cavite.

1762. Saturday 23rd October. The Brune took the Oiscau.

1762. Sunday 31st October. The Panther and Argo took the Saintissima Trinidada.

1762. Jane Mace was another lady who attempted to enlist for a Marine. However, she was not as fortunate as Hannah Snell in evading discovery of her sex. Its reported that a lady wearing men's clothes went to a recruiting party at the 'Plume and Feathers' public house and enlisted, she wanted the whole bounty money in hand, but being in want of clothing and other necessaries, they would give her only one shilling till morning, but had a few more drinks and they all ended up in bed. Awaking the next morning she was seen without wearing top clothes. Her correct name was Jane Meace and was well known in the area.

1762. Terpsichore took the Marquise de Marigny.

1762. The loss of HMS Raisonnable.

1762. The loss of HMS Temple and HMS Marlborough.

1762. Forvey took the Ventura.

1762. There were 135 companies of Marines, which were drastically reduced to 70 companies after the peace in 1763. Reaching 146 companies in 1782, by 1784 the establishment of the Marine force had again been quickly reduced. These companies served at sea and on land in the Seven Years War 1755-1763 and the American Revolution 1775-1783, sometimes as individual companies and sometimes as ad hoc battalions. In 1791 an invalid establishment was created, and officers allowed to retire from active service. Whenever the Royal Marines serve with the army, they take precedence in seniority after the 49th Regiment of Foot. Royal Marine seniority is only calculated from its formation in 1755 and not by any previous service of the disbanded Marine Regiments.

When Great Britain found itself at war again on 1 February 1793, it meant that for the next twenty-three years, the Royal Marines were in action around the globe.

1763. The era of peace was marked, as usual, by a general reduction of his Majesty's servants.

In the course of the year 1763, a very considerable and impolitic diminution took place in the effective force of Marines; but as it is a narrow system, which experience, and their acknowledged utility have subverted, at the period I now write, any discussion upon its erroneous principle would be superfluous and unbecoming.

As I have already noticed that the Field Officers of my Corps are peculiarly calculated for maintaining discipline and good order throughout, it is a matter of surprize that the establishment should have been so very low at this time, and that their situations should have been more generally considered as posts of sinecure than of active duty.

The meritorious services of the Marine Corps, during the late brilliant contest, well entitled it to some solid_ marks of public recompence, as well as of public applause.

With this view, and striking home to the national gratitude, as yet unallayed by time, the following proposals for increasing the number of established Marine Field Officers were ushered in to the Board of Admiralty in 1763:

"Proposals for increasing the number of established Marine Field Officers from six to fifteen, at a very inconsiderable additional expence to the public. The Field Officers to have Companies, and to serve on their present pay until six Companies become vacant; those Companies to be given to the six senior Field Officers; the nine junior Field Officers have Companies already. The fifteen senior First Lieutenants to have Brevets as Captains, or to be appointed Captain Lieutenants, and to do all duties as Captains on their present pay.

"This plan will cause no present additional expence, and but a very trifling one after the whole is completed, as will appear from the following scheme:

Present Establishment. Proposed Establishment.

PER DIEM. ...PER DIEM.

3 Lieut. Colonels £2-11-0 3 Colonels £3-12-0

3 Majors £2-5-0 6 Lieut. Colonels £5-2-0

9 Brevet Captains £4-10-0 6 Majors £4-10-0

...................................------- --------

.....................Total £9-6-0 Total £13-4-0

................................======= ========

.........Difference .................. £3-18-0

Deducted pay of six Captains fewer on the proposed establishment, £3-0-0

Additional expence when the establishment is completed £0-18-0

The above would have been a moderate number of Field Officers to regulate the divisional duties, and to superintend the discipline of 70 Companies, consisting of 4287 men; to which the corps was reduced by a legislative vote at the close of 1763. Whether from dissent as to the expediency, or a non-compliance with the object of these suggestions, is immaterial, but they were unnoticed, although their propriety and justice did not escape the discriminating and liberal mind of Earl Sandwich, whose distinguished talents introduced him to the naval councils of his Country, and whose elevated rank in them, enabled him to control those necessary reforms at a subsequent era.

A commendable but limited policy, in providing for the discharged servants of the state, prevailed at the close of this war, by holding out the inducements of land in the ceded province of Canada, to such Officers, Sailors, and Soldiers only who had aided in its subjection.

When we contemplate the connection that exists, in the events of war, how much local conquests are often promoted by the use of extraordinary energies in quarters distant from the scene of good fortune, like the judicious diversions and stratagems of an active Officer, to promote his real designs, no principle ought to restrain such national grants to the partial few who have been the happy agents of success.

It is an old axiom that America was subdued in Germany. (Taken from Chapter 26 'An Historical review of the Royal Marines Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1763. The peace establishment reduced the Marines to 4,287 men, at which it continued until 1771, when colonels of marines were appointed commandants of divisions. In this year, the marines discharged from the service obtained the right of following their trade in any town in the kingdom, except the universities.

The earl of Sandwich succeeded to the office of first lord of the Admiralty, and his ready attention to the memorials of the marines (Appendix 4), by reviving their hopes of promotion, restored that spirit of discipline which characterized the battalions sent by his lordship to America, in 1776, when the establishment amounted to 10,129 men.

1777, 11,829

1778, 17,389

1779, 18,779

1780, 20,308

1781, 21,305

1782, 25,291

1783, 25,291 (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1763. Saturday 8th January. A division of the fleet silenced the batteries in St. Anne's bay, and part of the army landed ; but finding it impossible to reach Fort Royal from this spot, it was determined to remove the ships with the army to St. Lucie, on the opposite side of the island, thence march across the isthmus to Gross Point, so as to be able to reach Pigeon Island, and thus enable the ships to anchor on the east side of Fort Royal, and assail the citadel ; but from the difficulty that presented itself in transporting cannon and stores, the plan was relinquished. It was, however, determined to attempt the reduction of Pigeon Island from the east side; and the squadron having silenced the batteries, two brigades of foot under generals Haviland and Grant, and a corps of light infantry commanded by lieutenant-colonel Scott, landed at Ance d'Arlet, and marched to the heights opposite Pigeon Island. On the 10th, captain Harvey in the Dragon proceeded against Grand Ance, and having silenced the battery, landed a few seamen with all his marines, who carried the fort, and held it until relieved by a battalion under lieutenant-colonel Melville. After destroying the works in St. Anne's bay, the commanders of the expedition, finding it difficult to extend the operations in that quarter, proceeded to Ance d'Arlet, and, uniting with brigadier-general Haviland, they directed their course to the bay of Fort Royal, where the fleet came to an anchor. Early in the morning of the 16th, the ships moved to their respective stations, and having silenced the batteries, the troops pushed for the shore, and made good their landing in Cas de Navieres bay. Early on the 17th, the remainder of the army disembarked, together with the marines, who were formed into two battalions of 450 men each and attached to the brigade of general Rufane. The army encamped upon the heights above Le Cas des Navieres, and detachments were employed in throwing up works for protecting the passage of the troops through the intervening ravines, in their advance upon the entrenchments at Morne Tortenson. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1763. Monday 24th January. At day-break, the troops moved forward under cover of the batteries, the grenadiers under brigadier-general Grant taking the lead; whilst brigadier Rufane on the right, with his brigade and the marines, were ordered to attack the redoubts along the sea-coast, supported by 1000 seamen in flatbottomed boats. Lord Rollo's brigade supported the grenadiers, and general Walsh, with his force, assisted the movements of lieutenant-colonel Scott with the light infantry in his endeavour to get round the flank of the enemy, which he effected, whilst the grenadiers drove them from post to post until they arrived upon their left flank, and the enemy was finally driven from their position. By nine o'clock our troops were in possession of the several redoubts on Morne Tortenson, the enemy retiring in great confusion to Morne Gamier, a still higher hill, and separated from Morne Tortenson by a deep ravine, which post was strongly fortified, and considered to be of great importance. General Haviland, with his brigade and two battalions of Highlanders, with some light infantry under major Leland, were directed to make a passage through the ravine, and cut off a detached corps of the French. They soon drove the enemy, and the light infantry possessed themselves of a post opposite to Morne Gamier; while the division of grenadiers and Walsh's brigade kept possession of an upper plantation, and the marines, which general Monckton had taken from brigadier Rufane, were posted to cover the road between the two plantations. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1763. Tuesday 25thJanuary. The batteries on Morne Tortenson opened against the citadel of Fort Royal; and the tire from Morne Gamier was so annoying, that it became expedient to attack this post. On the 27th the enemy, in force, moved out under cover of their batteries, and attacked the two corps of light infantry and Haviland's brigade; but they were received with firmness, and repulsed. The ardour of the british troops led them to pursue the enemy across the ravine, and seize their batteries, where they took post, and were presently reinforced by the brigade of general Walsh and the division of grenadiers under brigadier Grant. Before nine that night, the light infantry under major Leland were in possession of Morne Gamier, which completely commanded the citadel. On the 30th of January, the batteries on Morne Tortenson were opened upon the citadel; but finding that the distance was too great, it became necessary to possess Morne Capuchin, which was within four hundred yards of the place. Whilst preparations were making to carry this into effect, the french garrison proposed to capitulate, and terms having been agreed upon for the conveyance of the troops to France, the garrison, consisting of 800 men, marched out with the honours of war on the morning of the 5th of February. The governor-general, M. de la Touche, had fallen back upon St. Pierre, with an intention of holding out, but he soon surrendered; and captain Harvey having landed the marines from the squadron, with 500 seamen, in the har- bour of Trinite, the whole island submitted to the british crown. This conquest, which added so much lustre to our arms, was obtained at the expense of 7 officers, 3 Serjeants, and 86 rank and file killed; and 32 officers, 20 Serjeants, and 337 rank and file wounded; while the loss of the enemy exceeded 1000 men. The islands of St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada, fell soon after the surrender of Martinique, and by these acquisitions the colonies of Antigua, St. Christopher's, and Nevis were secured from any hostile intention of the enemy. Great Britain thus became quietly possessed of that chain of islands, extending from the eastern point of Hispaniola, almost to the continent of South America.

An expedition, consisting of five ships of the line and fifty transports, under admiral Pocock, for the reduction of the island of Cuba, sailed from Spithead on the 5th of March, and arrived at Barbadoes on the 20th of April, whence it proceeded to Martinique, and on the 26th anchored in the bay of Cas de Navieres. The army, after receiving reinforcements, was divided into five brigades, and the necessary arrangements being completed, the expedition took its departure on the 6th of May. Between that period and the 23rd, it was joined by the squadrons of captains Harvey and sir James Douglas; and on the 27th the fleet, now amounting to 200 sail, bore away for the old straits of Bahama, and arrived off the Havanna on the 6th of June. At this time the garrison of the Havanna consisted of 4610 regular troops, 9000 sailors and marines of the twelve ships of the line in the harbour, with 14,000 militia and people of colour, forming a total of 20,610 men.

The army having effected a landing about six miles to the eastward of the Moro without opposition, moved towards the Havanna; but a considerable force showing a disposition to dispute the passage of the Coximar river, the fort was silenced by the fire of the Dragon, and the troops passed unmolested. During this time sir George Pocock made a feint with the marines on the Havanna side, in order to divert the enemy's attention. On the 10th the Belleisle, captain Knight, was ordered against the Chorera castle; and on the following day colonel Carleton carried the redoubt which defended the Cavannos. On the 13th, colonel Home, with 300 light infantry, and two battalions of marines under majors Campbell and Collins, landed at the Chorera, to secure a footing and engage the enemy's attention on that side.

Owing to the thinness of the soil upon the Cavannos, the approaches against the Moro went on so slowly, that it was not until the 29th that our batteries could open upon the Moro and the shipping. In order to lessen the fire on the land side, the admiral ordered captain Harvey, with the Dragon, Cambridge, and Marlborough, to attack the Moro castle. On the 13th of July they took their stations, and the cannonade was kept up without intermission from eight in the morning until two in the afternoon. The Cambridge was so much cut up, that it became necessary to order her to withdraw: her captain, William Goostrey, and 23 men were killed, and 95 wounded. The Dragon was soon rendered incapable of keeping her station: her loss amounted to 16 killed, and 37 wounded; and the Marlborough had 2 killed, and 8 wounded. The Moro, from its elevated situation on a steep rock, had great advantage over the ships, and they also suffered from the galling fire of the Punta, as well as the other batteries. Although this bold attempt had little effect on the fortifications, it nevertheless diverted the enemy's attention from our operations on the land side; but as soon as the cannonade ceased on board the ships, the enemy returned our fire with increased vigour. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1763. Saturday 26th March. Lord Hood was appointed Commander of the Chatham division of Marines.

1763. April. Marine Soldiers obtained the right of following their trades in any town of Great Britain (except those having Universities) after their discharge from the service.

1763. April. Marine Soldiers obtained the right of following their trades in any town of Great Britain (except those having Universities) after their discharge from the service. This remains the same.

It is to be observed, for the guidance of legal heirs to prize-money, which may be due to any deceased Marine Soldier, that if they do not exhibit their claims within three years after notice has been given by the Agent or Agents, of its being in course of payment, such goes into the funds of Greenwich Hospital. This shews the absolute necessity of every family or kindred maintaining a constant correspondence with their distant military friends, and as the life of a Soldier is ever precarious, he should not fail to report, by letter, the circumstantial particulars of each fortunate capture at sea, in which he may have an interest, in order that his legal or designed heirs may meet with little difficulty in tracing out where his property lays, in the event of death. As the Country wisely permits the Marine, in common with all the subordinate servants of his Majesty, an economical communication with his dear and remote friends, by the abolition of every postage excepting the payment of one penny, no occasion should be lost of availing himself of this valuable privilege. From this item being lodged with each letter into the office from whence it is dispatched, I am afraid, however, it often happens, when on the eve of putting to sea, that those poor fellows, in the hurry of the occasion, entrust their money and their secrets to unprincipled watermen, who may be tempted to pocket the one, and destroy the other without a chance of detection. Were the receivers of each letter obliged to pay this little impost, correspondence might be more regular, such frauds prevented, and the revenue continue unaltered. (Taken from the Appendix 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1763. Saturday 2nd July. Our batteries renewed the attack with great success, but they were somewhat impeded by a fire break- ing out, occasioned by the dryness of the fascines; nevertheless, before the evening the enemy's batteries had suffered so considerably, as to be only capable of making a return from two guns. On the 3rd the fire broke out afresh, and continued until the 5th, destroying in a few hours what the labours of five or six hundred men had produced during the seventeen days. This misfortune was severely felt, for the hardships of the siege were grown almost insupportable: sickness and fatigue had reduced the army to half its original number; and no less than 5000 soldiers and 3000 seamen were incapable of duty. The scarcity of provisions and water aggravated all their other sufferings, but the timely arrival of sir James Douglas on the 12th, with reinforcements from Jamaica, and brigadier- general Burton on the 28th, with the first division of troops from North America, re-animated the gallant fellows who had endured so much privation and fatigue. On the 30th of July, about two o'clock in the afternoon, two mines were sprung, and a breach made in the bastion, which being deemed practicable, the troops, led by lieutenant Charles Forbes of the Royals, ascended to the assault with the greatest resolution, and soon drove the enemy from every part of the ramparts. The Spanish governor, don Louis de Velasco, exerted himself to the last in defending the fortress, and in his endeavours to rally his men he was mortally wounded. The loss of the enemy amounted to 130 killed; 400 threw down their arms and were made prisoners. The marquis Gonzales, second in command in the Moro, was killed in his gallant though ineffectual efforts to defend his post.

The possession of this fort, after a hard struggle of forty-four days, gave great satisfaction to the troops, who had so cheerfully borne the fatigues of this protracted siege, and whose labours did not relax until the capitulation of the enemy on the 12th. The fortifications were mounted with 250 iron, and 104 brass ordnance, besides 12 mortars. Exclusive of the three ships of the line sunk at the entrance of the harbour, there were nine in an effective state, and two on the stocks.

In the distribution of prize-money for the capture of the Havanna, the commander-in-chief received £122,697. 10s. 6d. next in command, £24,539. 10s. \d.; major-gen., £68 16. 10s. 6d. field-officer, £564. 14s. 6d; captain, £184. 4s. Id.; subaltern, £116. 3s. whilst the private soldier had only £4. Is. 8c? Total amount, £368,092. lis. 6d.

A squadron, under M. de Ternay, of two ships of the line and two frigates conveying 1500 infantry, which sailed from Brest in the month of April to make an attempt on our settle- ment at Newfoundland, reached their destination on the 24th of June. The troops were landed in the bay of Bulls, and having summoned the officer commanding Fort William, the chief defence of St. John's, its feeble garrison surrendered. A detachment was sent to take possession of Trinity and the island of Carbonera, but their conquest extended no further; for captain Graves, who was then at Placentia, in the Antelope, imraernediately landed his marines, at the same time apprizing the commanders at New York and Halifax of his situation and requesting their support.

Lord Colville soon arrived with some ships from Halifax, and after disembarking his marines, as a further reinforcement, he sailed in search of M. de Ternay; but previously sent an officer and thirty marines from the Syren, to the island of Boys, which prevented it from falling into the enemy's hands. During this period, the works of St. John's had been much strengthened by the exertions of the french garrison, who took the precaution of laying a boom across the entrance of the harbour, to prevent any ship of force entering it. As soon as the intelligence of the French being in possession of St. John's reached America, general Amherst detached a force, which arrived on the coast of Newfoundland on the 11th of September, and landed in two battalions, under the direction of lieutenant-colonel Amherst, who, after several days skirmishing with the out-posts of the enemy, invested St. John's on the 16th; on which day the dense fog that prevailed enabled M. de Ternay, with his squadron, to steal out of the harbour unobserved. On the 17th, colonel Amherst opened a mortar battery against the fort, and on the 18th the garrison of St. John's capitulated.

The expedition against the Philippine Islands, suggested by colonel William Draper, was one of the boldest and most important of our successes during the war. The Spaniards in this colony, confiding in their remote distance from Europe, persuaded themselves that no attack would ever be deemed practicable; and lulled by this security, they entirely neglected keeping up a regular military force for their own protection.

The Philippines, or Manillas, form a principal division of that immense Indian archipelago, which consists of above twelve hundred islands, extending from the nineteenth degree of north latitude, to the shores of New Guinea and the great southern continent. The Philippines, which form the northern-most cluster of these islands, are some of the largest and richest in the world and were most happily situated for commercial intercourse with Asia and America; receiving European goods by the way of the Cape of Good Hope, and connecting the traffic of China, Japan, and the Spice Islands with that of Europe and America. The principal island is Manilla, or Luconia, which is three hundred miles in length, and ninety in breadth. The capital is Manilla, having a spacious harbour on the south-east of the island, where the galleons used to arrive annually, and sail for Acapulco in America, with treasure and valuable merchandise. On the declaration of the war with Spain, colonel Draper was despatched to India in the Argo frigate, with instructions to take command of the land forces to be employed against Manilla, having rank of brigadier-general, and he arrived at Madras in the latter part of June.

The troops consisted of the 79th regiment, a company of artillery, 600 sepoys, and about 300 other native troops; to which were added 700 seamen, with 19 officers and 319 rank and file of marines, forming a total of 2330 men. The squadron under vice-admiral Cornish, consisting of eight ships of the line and three frigates, with two large transports conveying this force, sailed on the 12th of August, arrived at Malacca on the 19th, quitted that place on the 27th, and arrived at Manilla harbour on the 23rd of September. After an ineffectual summons, preparations were made for the debarkation of the troops; and about six in the evening of the 24th the boats, in three divisions under the direction of captains Parker, Kempenfelt, and Brereton, pulled for the shore, covered by the fire of the frigates, which dispersed the enemy that had assembled on the beach. The violence of the surf destroyed many of the boats, and damaged the ammunition, but no lives were lost; and the troops, having formed upon the beach, moved forward and took possession of the village of Malata, distant about a mile from the enemy's works.

On the 25th a detachment occupied the fort of Pulverista, which the Spaniards had abandoned; whilst colonel Monson pushed forward with 200 men, and possessed himself of the church of Hermita, situated near the city. This post was of much consequence, both from its strength and the shelter it afforded from the heavy rains that had already set in, and the 79th regiment, under major Moore, was therefore ordered to reinforce it. The seamen were indefatigable in their exertions in landing the stores and artillery through the dangerous surf, in which lieutenant Hardwick was unfortunately drowned.

The marines were left at the Malata, in the neighbourhood of the Pulveiista, preserving a communication with the advanced forces; at the same time, whilst securing a retreat, they protected the stores and artillery, and, to use the words of colonel Draper, " the men, from the good conduct an example of their officers, behaved very well, and were of great use upon all occasions." The battalion of seamen was stationed between the 79th regiment and the marines; a detachment advancing within three hundred yards of the town, who maintained themselves in the church of St. J ago. On the 26th of September the Spaniards made a sally from the garrison; and 400 men under chevalier de la Fayette, having with them two field-pieces, with which they occupied a church on the right of the British, then commenced a cannonade upon their flank; but colonel Monson with the picquets, reinforced by a small party of seamen, attacked them so sharply that they were driven back into the town, and their retreat was so precipitate that they left one of their guns on the glacis. A summons was sent to the governor; but he returned a spirited answer, expressive of his determination to defend his trust as became him. Had the valour of the garrison corresponded with the declaration of their leader, the town would have had nothing to apprehend from an enemy, whose operations, from their inferiority of numbers, were confined to one corner of the place, leaving two-thirds of it open to all manner of supplies. The front attacked was 74 enemy's sortie repulsed. Defended by the bastions of St. Diego and St. Andrew, with a ravelin which covered the royal gate; and there was a wet ditch, covered way, and glacis. These bastions were in good order, mounting a great number of brass cannon; but the ravelin was not armed, and the covered way out of repair; the ditch did not extend round the bastion of St. Diego, and the glacis was much too low.

By great exertions three batteries were raised, which opened on the town with some effect; and on the 29th the Elizabeth and Falmouth took positions as near as the depth of water would permit, to second the operations of the army by enfilading the enemy's front.

On the 1st of October the weather grew so tempestuous, that the whole squadron was in great danger, and all communi- cation was cut off with the army; but notwithstanding the heavy rains, the troops and seamen continued their exertions so effectually in completing the battery for the twenty-four pounders and a mortar, that all the guns were mounted by the 2nd. On the 3rd a fire was opened upon the left face of St. Diego's bastion with such effect, that in a few hours the twelve pieces of cannon on it were silenced, and the enemy compelled to retire. The Spaniards, finding that their fortifications were no longer tenable, projected a sortie, and before day-light on the 4th a 1000 Indians, armed with bows and arrows, and lances, attacked the cantonment of the seamen with great fury; but they were met with such determined firmness, that on the arrival of a reinforcement of the 79th regiment, the enemy was driven back with the loss of 300 men. A second attack was made by another body of Indians, supported by a strong detachment of the Spanish garrison, who attacked the church of St. Jago and drove the sepoys; but the European troops maintained their post with great firmness, and at length defeated the assailants. This was the enemy's last effort: only 1800 of the Indians continued their assistance to the besieged, the remainder returning to their homes. Our batteries kept up their fire with renewed spirit, which was but weakly retained from three or four embrasures in the curtain, and before night these defences were in ruins.

A little after day-break on the 6th, the different corps had taken their stations for storming the place, and under cover of our artillery they rushed on to the assalt. Lieutenant Russell of the 79th, with 60 volunteers, led the way, supported by the grenadiers of that regiment. Next to the pioneers came the battalion of seamen, sustained by two grand divisions of the 79th regiment, and the troops of the East India Company formed the rear. Thus disposed, the assailants, to the number of 2000 men, mounted the breach with great rapidity; the enemy giving way, and offering no opposition until they arrived at the gate of the town, where a resistance was made by 100 men, who were all put to the sword. The governor, with his officers, retired to the citadel, but were glad to surrender at discretion, as that place was incapable of defence. The port of Cavite, and the other dependencies of Manilla, were surrendered to the British, and captain Champion, with 100 marines and as many sepoys, was ordered to take possession of the citadel.

Throughout the whole of these operations the greatest cordiality prevailed between the two services, and no conjunct expedition was ever conducted with more resolution and professional skill, than the conquest of the Philippine islands. The loss sustained during the siege was less than could have been expected from the nature of the service. It amounted to one naval officer, and three of the army killed; one Company's officer drowned; 13 seamen and marines, 75 soldiers killed, and 6 wounded 1 officer of the navy, 3 officers of the troops, 20 sailors or marines, and 87 soldiers wounded: lieutenant Spearing of the marines among the latter. Commodore Siddeman, in attempting to enter the river in his barge on the morning after the capitulation of Manilla, was unfortunately drowned, with five of his people.

Admiral Cornish created a baronet of Great Britain, and the thanks of Parliament were voted to those officers and their subordinates who were concerned in the conquest of Manilla.

On the 21st of May, the Active and Favourite sloops, cruising off Cadiz, captured the Spanish treasure-ship Hermione, from Lima, with a cargo which, with the value of the ship, amounted to £544,648. Is. 6d; the share of the treasure gave the cap- tains each £65,053. 13s. 9cL; lieutenants, £39,014. 2s. 3d.; and a private marine, £484. 2s. 5d.

On the 29th of August, the Eolus of 32 guns, captain Hotham, chased two ships into Aviles bay, near Cape Penas, and on the 2nd of September stood in to attack them. On rounding the point, the largest ship, mounting 32 guns, opened her fire, supported by a battery of three guns, situated on an eminence within the point. At 3 p.m., the iEolus anchored with a spring on her cable, and directing her fire both on the ship and battery, soon drove them from their guns: the crew, taking to their boats, abandoned the ship, which having ran aground, was destroyed. The battery continuing to annoy the frigate, lieutenant Campbell with his party of marines landed, drove out the enemy and spiked the guns. The other ship having removed higher up the bay in shoal water, captain Hotham stood out from the anchorage without sustaining any loss.

We have not space to relate the various naval exploits of 1762, in the course of which year the British captured upwards of one hundred and twenty considerable prizes, and this success gave frequent occasions for the display of our professional superiority. Since Spain had undertaken this fatal war, she had lost twelve ships of the line, besides frigates. Eighteen of the line and thirty-six frigates were captured from the French, and fourteen ships of the line and thirteen frigates destroyed. On the other hand, two british frigates were captured by the French, and three destroyed by the enemy; whilst thirteen sail of the line, with fourteen frigates, were accidentally lost; but no english ship of the line fell into the enemy's hands. During this memorable war, the marines took part in every exploit of honour and danger, and they served in every naval action, except the drawn battle of Minorca. On all occasions their discipline and firmness was a subject of the highest commendation, and they never failed to maintain a subordination worthy of imitation.

The preliminaries' of peace, which were signed on the 3rd of November, and ratified in February of the following year, closed the services of the marines for a long period; and a very considerable reduction took place, for in 1763 only 16,000 men were voted for the sea service, including 4287 marines. This circumscribed establishment produced so much discontent in the corps, that it gave rise to numerous memorials to the Board of Admiralty; but those remonstrances met with so little success, that many officers were induced to quit the service and enter the army, where some obtained the highest rank.

In 1770 affairs of a very serious aspect called the attention of the british government to the disturbed state of her american colonies, in consequence of a real or pretended right on the part of Great Britain to impose internal taxes. The stamp-act was so exceedingly unpopular, that its repeal was absolutely necessary to appease the people; and the tax on tea imported into America was so obnoxious, that every means of opposition to the measure was resorted to.

In October, ships laden with tea having arrived at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charlestown, and Rhode Island, conveying altogether 2200 chests, the people assembled at different places to concert measures that would prevent the importation, and to compel the consignees, at the risk of their lives and property, to relinquish their employments. In these assemblies, resolutions were passed derogatory to the legislative power of Great Britain; and on the 18th of December a number of armed men, under the disguise of Mohawk Indians, boarded the ships, and threw their valuable cargoes into the sea; but at New York the tea was landed under the protection of the men-of-war. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1763. Colonels of Marines received forty shillings per day.

1763. By this time all of France's allies in Europe had either made a separate peace deal with Prussia or had been defeated. In addition, Spanish attempts to aid France in the Americas had failed, and France also suffered defeats against British forces in India.

1763. Because of the peace the establishment of the Marines were reduce to a force of 4,287 men.

1763. It is to be observed, for the guidance of legal heirs to prize-money, which may be due to any deceased Marine Soldier, that if they do not exhibit their claims within three years after notice has been given by the Agent or Agents, of its being in course of payment, such goes into the funds of Greenwich Hospital. This shews the absolute necessity of every family or kindred maintaining a constant correspondence with their distant military friends, and as the life of a Soldier is ever precarious, he should not fail to report, by letter, the circumstantial particulars of each fortunate capture at sea, in which he may have an interest, in order that his legal or designed heirs may meet with little difficulty in tracing out where his property lays, in the event of death.

1763. As the Country wisely permits the Marine, in common with all the subordinate servants of his Majesty, an economical communication with his dear and remote friends, by the abolition of every postage excepting the payment of one penny, no occasion should be lost of availing himself of this valuable privilege. From this item being lodged with each letter into the office from whence it is dispatched, I am afraid, however, it often happens, when on the eve of putting to sea, that those poor fellows, in the hurry of the occasion, entrust their money and their secrets to unprincipled watermen, who may be tempted to pocket the one, and destroy the other without a chance of detection. Were the receivers of each letter obliged to pay this little impost, correspondence might be more regular, such frauds prevented, and the revenue continue unaltered.

1763. All enquiries concerning the situation or destinies of distant relatives serving in the Royal Marines when embarked on board of ship, should be preferred to the Navy Board, Somerset Place, London, and through its present Secretary, (R. A. Nelson,) or whoever may succeed him, as the returns of ships are transmitted to that office, in which the Marines are included. In order to identify the Soldier, about whom an enquiry is made it is necessary to hand, at the same time, the number of his divisional company, as well as that of his allotment ticket, if he has granted one. Successful reference may also be had to the division, where he is attached, by addressing a letter, "On his Majesty's service," to the Adjutant of it; always remarking the number of his Company.

1763. Any Marine dying on board intestate upon information of his decease reaching his friends, he who is entitled to his effects must give in a petition to the Inspector of Wills, (J. Bedingfield, Esq.) Somerset Place, London, or whoever may be his successor, stating the name of such Marine, to what part of the King's dominions he belonged, the name of the ship or ships in which he served, the applicant's own name, at full length, his relation to, or connexion with the defunct, what other kindred the deceased may have alive to the best of the petitioner's knowledge, and where resident. This must be certified by two respectable housekeepers of the parish, town, or place where the applicant dwells, who must aver that they believe such account to be true, which is also to be attested by the Minister and Church Wardens, that those subscribing witnesses live in the parish, and are of honest repute. Upon a petition and a certificate, executed agreeable to such prescribed forms, being transmitted to the Inspector of Wills, he will enquire into the truth of all, and when satisfied that no will of the deceased remains with him, he will send or deliver to the claimants an abstract of his petition, with a note or ticket signed by himself and subjoined, marked by his stamp, representing that such statement of the claimant appears just, and that the person so petitioning may have letters of administration to the deceased, provided he is otherwise entitled by law, which will be addressed to a Proctor in Doctor's Commons, that letters may pass in favour of the applicant, while the original petition and certificate are preserved on the records of the Treasurer of the Navy and kept by him, and the letters of administration must be lodged and registered in the same manner as the probates of wills, with the Inspector, who must give a cheque signed and stamped by him, or his representative, to the Administrators or their Attorneys, which will be sufficient for either to demand payment of all sums due to them on account of the deceased. Proctors are liable to a penalty of 500l. if aiding to procure probates or letters of administration to empower any to receive pay, prize-money, &c. for service in the fleet, without having first obtained a certificate from the Inspector of Wills and powers of Attorney, and they will, moreover, be incapacitated from acting in any Ecclesiastical Court of Great Britain or Ireland.

1763. Non-Commissioned Officers and Private Marines should be cautious to execute latter wills and powers exactly conformable to the prescribed rules, for if not attended to, they will be of no effect, besides the testator or executor being subject to a penalty.

The stated fees of Proctors are as follow, and with them I shall close an Appendix, which, I humbly trust, will prove of general benefit. Every remark which it contains is alike applicable in pursuing the interests of the heirs of Seamen as well as of Marines.

1764. The genius of discovery, and commerce, began to supersede that of war in 1764 and many ensuing years. Circumstances, however, very early occurred within the North American Provinces, which developed the genuine spirit of the people, and afforded the presage of future broils.

Gratitude to a Mother Country, who had delivered those Colonists from the terrors of a hostile and restless neighbour, had scarcely cooled throughout that Continent, when the example of New England, long famed for a bias to republican principles, began to evince an opposition to the laws of a parent, by whom they had been so long protected, and under which they continued to flourish.

Happy had it been for Britain, if, at this period of lurking danger, her councils had been guided by a purer consistency, and a more elevated dignity; but a fatal irritation, succeeded by concession, were but injudicious means to subdue, or to appease a spirit that began to cherish the ideas of future emancipation.

Political discussions fall not within my pro ince, but as being introductory to that issue which compels an appeal to the sword. The events of 1765, led to the American rebellion, and as but very few incidents appear at all connected with my subject, my review, upon this interval of time being uninteresting, must of course be concise.

The Marine Soldier was naturally a companion in these dangers and hardships which marked the progress of those scientific characters, who were employed by an enlightened Country, in fixing the intercourse between man and man, in exploring regions hitherto unknown, and in extending the dominions and the commerce of their native island.

Sometimes, indeed, he was obliged reluctantly to draw the trigger against the uncivilized savage, but it was his duty, and only in self-defence.

It was not until the year 1771 that the Corps of Marines felt the fostering influence of a patron and a friend.

Earl Sandwich, placed at the head of the Admiralty, was now enabled to realize a system he had long entertained in his thoughts; he beheld us orphans, and he adopted us as his children.

From him originated the Colonels Commandant of Divisions, and many of these interior regulations, which, for their economy and wisdom, do honour to the establishment.

His Lordship, by a Memorial to the Throne, soon after his accession to power, obtained an order of Council to enlarge the number of Field Officers.

These happy reforms held out a hope to the veteran, from which he had till now been precluded, that of being at the head of a Division.

By a train of considerate attentions, the Corps was placed on a respectable footing, its discipline became much improved, and his Lordship soon saw those objects of his tender care, surpassed by no troops in the world, for subordination, intrepidity, and cool valour.

Nothing farther which attaches to my detail appears on the face of public events, until Britain again unsheathed the sword, to assert the rights of supremacy over her North American Colonies. (Taken from Chapter 27 ' An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1764. From the era of 1764, we may date the fatal American rebellion, and those revolutionary principles which have long continued, and what still menace the quiet and independence of Europe, and the World.

Political topics, from that period, were predominant amongst the Colonists, and all who know how easy it is to sway popular prejudices, will readily allow it is as little difficult to give them action.

Grievances, whether real or imaginary, which is not my business to decide, unceasingly agitated the public mind, weaned by degrees every filial affection, and from their tedious speculative existence, they implanted within the breasts of many, the lurking sentiments of jealous rancour. Such in their progress became principles, and those men, very early, either filled the Armies of North America, or guided her Councils.

A public character, much respected for his private as well as military virtues, was placed at Boston. General Gage, from a long residence upon the Continent, was well qualified to allay the general ferment; but it was too deeply rooted, and the duty he owed his King, was soon necessarily paramount to every other consideration.

In the year 1774 an assemblage of troops, under that Officer, gave umbrage not only to the Bostonians, but to their surrounding neighbours, and the placing of a guard at the Neck, which is the narrow isthmus that joins the Peninsula to the Continent, afforded an additional cause of suspicion.

At this time, and from a very trifling circumstance, a spirit of military union, and also of hostility, was peculiarly apparent among the New Englanders. A report, very industriously propagated, and seemingly with a view to probe the general feelings, gained ground, that the British had occupied the Neck, had cut off all communication with the Continent, in order to compel the inhabitants of Boston into the unlimited assent of every measure.

This being spread abroad, the adjacent country assembled, intimated to the people within the town their readiness to assist them; but that if they should sacrifice their liberties, such an inglorious compact would extend no farther.

They moreover avowed their intentions of combining together in what manner and form they chose for mutual security.

Everything foreboding hostile events, General Gage fortified the Neck at Boston, and as precautionary steps he also seized upon the provincial arsenal at Cambridge, and the powder lodged in the magazines of Charlestown.

These measures were sufficient to rouse the popular indignation, in no want of inflammatory materials; but although they might not have been political, they were still, however, expedient, under existing circumstances.

To ascertain the views and opinions of so many provinces, different in their manners, and in some respects opposite in their interests, a general Congress was held at Philadelphia, on the 5th of September 1774, by deputies from the whole. Their proceedings were marked by moderation, but by firmness.

The terms of conciliation arising from them having been rejected by the mother country, his Majesty communicated a message, recommending the augmentation of his forces, by sea and land.

The union which pervaded America, sufficiently proves how widely popular had been the resolves of their deputies. These were almost everywhere the political creed of the Colonies, and the crowd.

Things arrived at such a crisis early in 1775, that the die could not be long suspended. A trivial affair, upon the 26th of February, shewed by what a slender thread the tranquillity of the Empire hung, and although it was not accompanied by any act of hostility, still it tended to ground a mutual antipathy between the Soldier and the Native.

General Gage having learned that some brass guns had been collected in the town of Salem, sent a detachment in order to bring them to Boston. Landing at Marblehead, they continued their march towards the place of destination, but not finding the cannon, which had been removed, they penetrated farther into the country in quest of them.

In the course of their route there was a draw-bridge, which the numerous populace on the other side had taken up, on purpose to stop the passage of the troops. An order from the Commanding Officer to let it down was disobeyed, who attempted to seize on a boat, in order to get possession of the bridge. A scuffle ensued, but nothing occurred which could be denominated sanguinary force.

This was owing to the address of a neighbouring Clergyman, who, while he consulted the feelings of an Officer in prosecuting his instructions, also expostulated with him who headed the detachment, upon the endless and calamitous results if blood was spilt.

Appealing to the people also, he invoked them to concede their point, which, for a short time, delayed the awful quarrel.

This party returned without success, but without mischief.

A body of Marines was at Boston, under Major Pitcairne, whose personal destiny it was to be employed in the first hostile act, which eventually involved the separation of Britain and America.

At the town of Concord, where the provincial Congress was held, a quantity of military stores having been collected, the Commander in Chief ordered the Grenadiers and Light Infantry of the Army, under Lieut. Col. Smith, and Major Pitcairne, to destroy them.

They embarked during the night of the 18th of April, and proceeding up Charles River, landed at Phipp's Farm, from whence they advanced, with silent rapidity, towards Concord. The country, however, was alarmed before the dawn of day, and on the arrival of the British at Lexington, the Militia of that town was assembled, under arms, at five in the morning.

An English Officer, in the van, called out, "Disperse, you rebels;" when our soldiery, firing a few partial shots, a general discharge followed, by which some were both killed and wounded. A mutual recrimination upon the score of first aggression, was afterwards agitated, which, instead of staying, only tended to stimulate the spirit of war.

Colonel Smith having pushed forward some Companies of Light Infantry, before his arrival at Concord, in order to secure two bridges, by which the Provincials might carry off the stores, another body of Militia that appeared on a hill in their route, retired at the approach of the British troops, across one of them, who soon after possessed themselves of both.

The main body were, in the meantime, employed in destroying every military article within the town.

The American Militia, observing some conflagration of houses in Concord, immediately returned to one of the bridges they had recently passed, when the Light Infantry occupied the side of the river towards that place. On the approach of the Provincials the former fired, which was soon returned.

After a skirmish, the English detachment fell back, with the loss of some killed and wounded, besides one Lieutenant and a few other prisoners.

About this time the whole country was in one state of alarm, which compelled an immediate retreat to Lexington. This was effected under the disagreeable circumstances of a hot day, and an incessant fire from the hourly collecting numbers in the rear of the troops, and from houses, walls, and every hidden place of defence, in their front and flanks.

Lord Percy had most judiciously been detached from Boston very early in the morning of the 19th, with a reinforcement of sixteen Companies, and a body of Marines. This force arrived at Lexington just in time to afford a respite to Colonel Smith's detachment, now much harassed by fatigue and overpowered by very superior numbers.

Having two field pieces, they kept the rebels in awe, until the British resumed their march towards Boston. Major Pitcairne's horse was twice wounded very severely, and he made some narrow escapes during these tumultuous attacks.

Lord Percy, who had advanced to Lexington, by the way of Cambridge, with a penetration and foresight that reflected high honour upon his military talents, determined upon returning to Boston by a different route. The numerous hordes of Americans who had collected on the expected line of his retrograde march, were by this foiled in their hopes of blood, as his Lordship most judiciously turned off towards Charlestown, where he was not looked for, and gained the heights of Bunker's Hill, whither they durst not follow him. To this happy manœuvre the whole detachment owed its salvation, and Boston also may acknowledge his Lordship as its preserver at that early and important crisis.

Throughout the whole of this toilsome service, our loss was by no means equal to the seeming dangers, being only 65 killed, 2 Lieutenants and 20 men taken prisoners, and Colonel Smith, besides some other Officers, and about 174 wounded. Thus, was the fatal torch lighted, and it never was extinguished but with American independence.

The whole Country was now roused to arms, and General Gage, with his little army, became invested, within the works of Boston.

Earl Sandwich, who presided at the Board of Admiralty, sensible of the high state of discipline, to which the corps of Marines had reached, pushed them early into the American War. Their conduct upon every duty, reflected credit upon his Lordship's discernment.

In addition to those under Major Pitcairne, who were attached to Lord Percy's Brigade, a farther reinforcement arrived at Boston in the month of May, commanded by Major Short.

It is a tribute justly due to those Officers who so very gallantly supported their Country's honour, and their own, to detail their names, and battalions, agreeably to the arrangement issued in public orders, at Boston, upon the 20th of May.

Battalion orders,

"The Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having directed a reinforcement of Marines to serve under Major Pitcairne, in General Gage's Army, consisting of the following number: 2 Majors, 10 Captains, 27 Subalterns, 2 Adjutants, 1 Surgeon, 2 Surgeon's Mates, 28 Serjeants, 25 Corporals, 20 Drummers, 600 Privates.

"The Commanding Officer finds it necessary, for the good of the service, to form the whole under his command, into two Battalions.

Officers in 1st Battalion. Officers in 2nd Battalion.

GRENADIERS.

Thos. Avarne, Capt. Geo. Logan, Capt.

Wm. Finney, 1st Lieut. Alex. Brisbane, 1st Lieut.

Geo. Vevers, 1st Lieut. Francis Gardner, 1st Lieut.

1st COMPANY. 1st COMPANY.

Stawel Chudleigh, Capt. Hon. John Maitland, Capt.

Rich. Shea, 1st Lieut. Jesse Adair, 1st Lieut.

Hewes, 1st Lieut. Roland Carter, 1st Lieut.

2nd COMPANY. 2nd COMPANY.

Stephen Ellis, Capt. Chas. Chandless, Capt.

James Robertson, 1st Lieut. Fenton Griffiths, 1st Lieut.

P. D. Robertson, 2d Lieut. Henry D'Oyley, 2d Lieut.

3rd COMPANY. 3rd COMPANY.

Thos. Lindsay, Capt. Thos. Groves, Capt.

Wm. Lycett, 1st Lieut. John Hadden, 1st Lieut.

David Collins, 2d Lieut. Titus Conyers, 1st Lieut.

4th COMPANY. 4th COMPANY.

Wm. Forster, Capt. Samuel Davys, Capt.

Wm. Graham, 1st Lieut. Walter Nugent, 1st Lieut.

Isaac Potter, 2d Lieut. Robt. Carey, 2d. Lieut.

5th COMPANY. 5th COMPANY.

Robt. Ross, Capt. Edw. Henvill, Capt.

Chas. Steward, 1st Lieut. Thos. Biggs, 1st Lieut.

Onas Mathews, 1st Lieut. James Lewis, 2d Lieut.

6th COMPANY. 6th COMPANY.

Wm. Sabine, Capt. Geo. Elliott, Capt.

B. M'Donald, 2d Lieut. Alex. M'Donald, 1st Lieut.

Henry Tantum, 2d Lieut. John France, 1st Lieut.

7th COMPANY. 7th COMPANY.

J. H. Branson, Capt. Arthur Walker, Capt.

Wm. Creswell, 1st Lieut. James Anderson, 1st Lieut.

Thos. Trollope, 2d Lieut. Robt. Moore, 2d Lieut.

8th COMPANY. 8th COMPANY.

John Perceval, Capt. John M'Fie, Capt.

Aaron Eustace, 1st Lieut. Sir John Dalston, Bart. 1st Lieut.

Thos. Woodcock, 2d Lieut. Francis Dogherty, 1st Lieut.

LIGHT INFANTRY. LIGHT INFANTRY.

Wm. Souter, Capt. Arch. Campbell, Capt.

Wm. Pitcairne, 1st Lieut. John Dyer, 2d Lieut.

Philip Howe, 2d Lieut. N. Harris Nicholas, 2d Lieut.

1st Lieut. John Waller, Adjutant. 1st Lieut. John Fielding, Adjut.

1st Lieut. J. Pitcairne, Qr. Master. Thos. Smith, Quarter Master.

Captain David Johnston, Superintendant Adjutant, and Deputy Paymaster to the 2d Battalion. Hill, Surgeon to the 2d Battalion, Wm. Tervant, Surgeon's Mate, Silver, Surgeon's Mate.

Thus, united with the Army in garrison at Boston, these Battalions continued to contribute their proportion to its incidental duties; in discharging which, they received the uniform commendation of their superiors, for their regularity, discipline, and subordination. In the Battalion_ orders, of the 3d of June, the following regulations for the payment of Companies were notified.

"The Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having directed, by their letter to Major Pitcairne of the 2d of March last, that the Captains of Marines commanding Companies on shore at Boston, should pay their Companies in the same manner as practised by the Land Forces, the Captains or commanding Officers of Companies, will receive from Captain Johnstone, Deputy Paymaster, one month's subsistence for the non-commissioned Officers and private men of their respective Companies, deducting £0 1s. 5½d. per week each, for provisions and the usual stoppages as directed by the Admiralty, viz.

For one Serjeant per week £0-0-2

For one Corporal or Drummer £0-0-1½

For one Private Man £0-0-1

Dollars to be taken at £0-4-8

"Captains are to give the Deputy Paymaster compleat monthly Pay Rolls; accounting for the subsistence distributed to their Companies and specifying every particular casualty that has happened in each Company during the preceding month, and to commence this day." A few trivial affairs occurred in the Bay of Boston, which only tended to excite a mutual irritation, and led to no important consequences. Many resolutions and measures were adopted by the

Colonists, that aimed at the dissolution of every united tie, and even at independance.

General Gage, also, issued a Proclamation in his Majesty's name, extending the offers of pardon to all who should return to their allegiance, excepting Messrs. Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Little hope of reconciliation being entertained, both sides began to prepare in right earnest, for hostilities.

The rebels wishing to anticipate the Royal troops, in the possession of Charlestown, hitherto unoccupied by either, pushed a large body of men, on the evening of the 16th of

June, to erect works upon Bunker's Hill. During the night they raised entrenchments, and a breast work, with a strong redoubt, sufficiently formidable to excite the jealousy of General Gage. A heavy fire opened upon their working parties early on the morning of the 17th of June, who, however, persevered in their labours with much firmness.

It appearing highly necessary to dislodge the Americans from so very important a post, the Commander in Chief, at noon, detached ten Companies of Grenadiers, an equal number of Light Infantry, with the 5th, 38th, 43d, and 52d regiments, under Major Gen. Howe and Brigadier Pigot, with that view, which being embarked, landed and formed on the Peninsula, without opposition, under cover of the ships of war.

The position of the rebels was strong indeed. A small but well contrived redoubt, besides some other works full of soldiers, and defended with cannon, as well as numbers of rifle men placed in the houses of Charlestown, covered their right flank; their centre and left were protected by a breast work, partly gun proof, which reached from the redoubt, to the Medford River.

Major General Howe, upon examining this powerful state of defence, and observing fresh columns pouring in to the enemy's works, solicited a reinforcement, which soon joined him, consisting of some Companies of Grenadiers and Light Infantry, the 47th regiment, and the first battalion of Marines.

Having been formed in two lines, they advanced with slow but steady steps to the conflict. Majors Pitcairne, Tupper, and Short, led my corps upon this distinguished day.

The roar of cannon and howitzers, on the part of the British, occasionally halting to yield them effect, marked their progress towards the rebel works. Not a shot was returned by the enemy, until our troops had nearly reached their entrenchments, when a tremendous and destructive fire was opened, which, it must be confessed, somewhat staggered our men. The awful occasion exhibited General Howe most conspicuously for the valuable resources of coolness and reflection amidst danger. It also afforded an opportunity of signalizing the discipline and intrepidity of the Battalion of Marines, which dealt destruction and carnage around them.

Brigadier General Pigot, who was destined to attack the redoubt and lines, that covered the American right flank, was likewise exposed to a hot fire from the houses in Charlestown. His loss was severe, but his exertions were animated, and displayed the most brilliant courage, as well as talents.

General Clinton, who had crossed from Boston during the action, attached to himself the merit of rallying the troops, whom he led against the rebel works with fixed bayonets, and with that daring impetuosity which so strongly characterizes the British Soldier.

They soon forced them, and drove the Provincials across the neck of Charlestown, who were also much harassed by the cannon of his Majesty's ship Glasgow, in their retreat.

The Glory of the Army, upon this day, was great, but it was dearly earned. Their total loss amounted to 1 Lieutenant Colonel, 2 Majors, 7 Captains, and 9 Subalterns of the land forces and Marines killed; besides 70, of different descriptions in both, wounded. Two hundred and seven Non-commissioned and rank and file also fell, and 828 were wounded.

Amongst the slain was Major Pitcairne, of the Marines, whose death was alike deplored by his Corps and his Country. Major Short also left behind him a reputation sufficiently worthy of deep regret.

The Marine Battalion sustained fully more than its proportional share of casualties, and its gallant conduct upon the 17th of June, demands, from the whole of our Establishment, its commemorative and indelible gratitude, when each of us casts an eye upon that laurel which now encircles his button, and reflects that it was purchased by their valour.

The following appeared in the General Orders of the 19th of June 1775:

"The Commander in Chief returns his most grateful thanks to Major-General Howe, for the extraordinary exertion of his military abilities on the 17th instant. He returns his thanks also to Major-General Clinton, and Brigadier Pigot, for the share they took in the success of the day, as well as to Lieutenant-Colonels Nesbitt, Abercromby, Gunning, and Clarke; Majors Butler, Williams, Bruce, Tupper, Spenlove, Small, and Mitchel, and the rest of the Officers and Soldiers, who, by remarkable efforts of courage and gallantry, overcame every disadvantage, and drove the rebels from the redoubt and strong holds on the heights of Charlestown, and gained a complete victory."

By the return of Major Tupper to Europe, and the fatal events of the 17th of June, the command of the Marines soon after devolved upon Major (now Lieutenant-General) Souter.

Bunker's Hill was fortified, and our troops retained the Peninsula, which rendered their duties very severe. The Americans prevented every supply from the interior, and compelled our Army to subsist upon salt, and indifferent provisions. Cut off from the Continent, their sufferings were great, when sickness became prevalent.

The Provincials having constructed works upon a hill opposite Bunker's, completed the blockade of the Peninsula, which they gradually extended close to the fortifications on Boston Neck.

Some predatory enterprizes were attempted by them, by no means deficient in spirit or success. In one of these they burnt the light-house at the entrance of the harbour, communicating with it by some whale boats from which they carried off, or killed, the whole of a small detachment of Marines, who protected the carpenters in erecting a new one. Thus, matters continued for some time, and the situation of a brave Army, cooped up and unable to act, was rendered both distressing and degrading.

In the orders of the 27th of September, the Royal thanks were tendered to the forces, for their intrepid conduct upon the 17th of June, in the following terms:

"The King has been pleased to order the Commander in Chief, to express his Majesty's thanks, both to the Officers and Soldiers, for the resolution and gallantry with which they attacked and defeated the rebels on the 17th of June last, who had every advantage of numbers and situation; and more especially expressed to the Generals Howe and Clinton, and to Brigadier General Pigot, the sense his Majesty entertains of the spirit, resolution, and conduct by which they distinguished themselves, to their honour, upon that day."

The Battalion Orders of that day, also contained the annexed communications:

The King has been pleased to make the following promotions in his Marine Forces, serving in North America:

Captain William Souter, Major vice Short, killed.

Capt. Lieut. Francis Lindsay, Capt. Campbell, ditto.

Robert Ross, Capt. Ellis, ditto.

David Johnson, Capt. Souter, promoted.

1st Lieut. Jesse Adair, Capt. Lieut. Lindsay, ditto.

Sir John Dalston, Ditto Walker, returned home.

Sir John Hadden, Ditto Ross, promoted.

Wm. Pitcairne, Ditto Johnstone, ditto.

2d Lieut. James Lewis, 1st Lieut. Shea, killed.

Robert Moore, Ditto Finnie, ditto.

Thos. Woodcock, Ditto Gardener, ditto.

Isaac Polder, Ditto Adair, promoted.

Robert Carey, Ditto Dalston, ditto.

Ronald M'Donald, Ditto Hadden, ditto.

Philip Howe, Ditto

Henry Tantum, Ditto Pitcairne, ditto.

David Collins, Ditto Spencer, dead.

Volunteer Samuel Davys Bowman Lewis, promoted."

In consequence of these new arrangements a change took place, in the 2d Battalion, which became commanded by the undermentioned Officers:

1st COMPANY. Captain M'Fie,

1st Lieut. Griffiths.

2d COMPANY. Captain Henvill,

1st Lieut. Lewis,

2d Lieut. Hale.

3d COMPANY. Captain Elliott,

1st Lieut. France,

2d Lieut. Walker.

4th COMPANY. Captain Dalston,

1st Lieut. Moore.

5th COMPANY. Captain Stretch,

1st Lieut. Nugent,

2d Lieut. D'Oyley.

6th COMPANY. Captain Davys,

1st Lieut. Carey,

2d Lieut. Bowman.

7th COMPANY. Captain Adair,

1st Lieut. Carter,

2d Lieut. Ellis.

8th COMPANY. Captain Groves,

1st Lieut. Dogherty,

2d Lieut. F. Lewis.

GRENADIERS. Captain Logan,

1st Lieut. Brisbane,

2d Lieut. Ragg.

LIGHT INFANTRY. Captain Pitcairne,

2d. Lieut. Dyer,

2d. Lieut. Nicholas.

It was farther intimated upon the same day, "That in consequence of the application of Major Pitcairne to have the same allowance for paying the Companies of the 1st and 2d Battalions of Marines, serving on shore in North America, as the Army have, and that the Captains should be answerable for the debts, &c.

"The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, ever ready to give every reasonable mark of their indulgence, were pleased to consent that each Captain, commanding a Company, should be allowed after the rate of 1s. per day; being equal to the pay of two men per Company, during their continuance on shore, as is practised in the Army; and the Deputy Paymaster is authorized to issue the same.

"The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have been pleased to approve Major Pitcairne's appointing Mr. Smith Quarter-Master to the 2d Battalion of Marines."

General Washington having been appointed to command the Armies of America, he, in company with Major General Lee, reached the camp before Boston, in order to animate them in the general pursuit of continental independence.

Their military spirit had arrived at such a height, that the younger branches of Quaker families at Philadelphia, waiving their principles, associated themselves in arms.

Boston continued to be blockaded during the year, with but little variety.

The rebels did not confine their hostile views to this object alone. A number of partizan adventurers sprung up, whose rapid motions and unknown existence under Colonels Easton, and Ethan Allen, were the means of achieving some conquests of much importance to their infant cause. Their intermediate object was to seize upon the passes on the great lakes, which command the intercourse between Canada and the British Colonies, until their Government, (for so I now call it,) was enabled to advance a force sufficiently adequate to conquer that Province. This they effected by surprizing the garrisons of Ticonderoga and Crown Point.

The American Congress, with the notes of conciliation and peace ever sounding within the walls of their House, had taken early pains to interest the Canadians in the destinies of their neighbours, by inflammatory addresses, and by artful and apposite inferences drawn from the immortal writings of Montesquieu, their Countryman, suited to their prejudices and their political feelings. Having thus placed the train to a deep design, those wily Continentals trusted to time in accomplishing its intended effects.

America soon availed herself of that enthusiasm which pervaded her Citizens, to turn it to a purpose. Already had she disseminated her doctrines over Canada, which she was determined to follow up with her arms. Generals Montgomery and Schuyler headed the troops which were destined to invade that Colony, who found many of the natives either wavering or friendly to the infatuating name of Liberty.

After a series of successes in the capture of Forts Chamblee and St. John's, the defeat of General Carleton, at Longueil, and the surrender of Montreal, all in the Upper Province, the only hope that remained of preserving Canada for the British Crown, centered in the town of Quebec.

Within the defenceless walls of Montreal, was that brave and valuable Officer, General Carleton, now Lord Dorchester. Feeling the weight of his duties, and also conscious of his own importance, at so perilous a crisis, he resolved upon escaping from its impending surrender, which would have deprived his Country of his services. The impulse was patriotically great, and the event was happy. Committing himself, in the night, to a boat, with muffled paddles, he escaped the vigilance of the rebel guards, and reached the seat of his Government. Here he arrived in the hour of danger.

A co-operating expedition, under Mr. Arnold, against the Lower Province of Canada, unequalled in military annals, for the originality of plan, and boldness of execution, had threatened the Capital, in the absence of its Governor. Without a distinct object of reference, it would be useless attempting to delineate the progressive advances of these daring invaders, from New England.

It is enough to say, that a body of Soldiers, ultimately formidable, with their arms and other necessaries, traversed a path, in many places hitherto untrodden by human steps, of upwards

170 miles, interspersed with thickets, precipices, and swamps, and often obliged to carry, on their shoulders, the numerous bateaux attached to their little Army. Such were their sufferings, that many returned, but those, whom constancy supported in following their Chief up to the walls of Quebec, merit the highest encomiums which can be rendered to man for undaunted perseverance and steady idelity.

We may often derive the most impressive examples from our enemy, and they ought never to be rejected. A British Soldier only needs the recital of any deed, in order to rival it.

Self-interest obtained what patriotism and natural duty could not stimulate in the souls of the inhabitants within the town of Quebec. For some time, discord, and even disaffection were prevalent, both of which fiendly passions were absorbed in the venal virtue of defending their property, now threatened by the approach of General Arnold and his magic troops. All united in the cause of their King, and some Sailors and Marines, were landed from the ships in the river, to second their energies. Feeling himself unequal to a siege or a storm, Arnold fell back, and awaited the cast of better fortune.

It was soon after this that General Carleton arrived, who quickly adopted those measures which were worthy of himself and the imperious emergency.

One company of the 7th regiment, might be termed the only regular force under his command, his chief strength being in M'Lean's newly raised corps of Scotch Emigrants, and the associated bodies of English and French Volunteers.

To these a valuable addition was given of all the Marines belonging to the ships of war, and upwards of 400 Seamen, who had claims to a great share of merit for their steadiness and spirit through the whole train of this defensive service.

The works had scarcely been repaired, in the best manner that was possible, when General Montgomery, united to Arnold, having subdued, with little difficulty, the other fortresses of Canada, appeared in the sanguine and immediate hope of consummating his glory by also carrying its Capital.

His personal zeal, and the endurance of his troops during the bitter frosts of winter, were only equalled by a similar vigour in their comparative opponents.

Temporizing measures being but ill adapted for the season, or the occasion, and little suited to the intrepid genius of Montgomery, he followed its dictates, which were to rest the issue upon a general assault.

It was the last day of the year 1775, and the last of his life, that this brave man, ambitious of fame, and true to the interests he had espoused, advanced against Quebec, in four divisions, to execute his daring purpose; reserving to himself the chief post of honour and of danger, which was directed against the Lower Town at Aunce de Mere, while another, almost equally bold, was allotted to

Arnold and his hardy followers, which was aimed at another part named "the Saut au Matelot." The two others were devoted to puzzle the garrison by false attempts upon their very extensive lines, and to succour where necessary.

Under cover of a snow storm, the whole moved towards the towns. The British were alarmed, and at their stations. Montgomery had to encounter many natural difficulties, but success for a while attended him. Having gained the first barrier, he pushed on to the second, from which issued forth a tremendous fire of grape shot and musquetry, which closed his days, and the hopes of his detachment; who, strange to say, under the conduct of _A Campbell, retreated without making one effort to avenge his fall.

Soldiers who have been conspicuous for discipline, will most assuredly be ever distinguished by courage when it is called forth.

Those faithful fellows who had accompanied Arnold through the desert, without a murmur, followed him to battle and through all its reverses with an unsurpassed bravery.

They, too, were early deprived of their leader, by a shot which shattered his leg; when he was carried from the field.

But this did not appal them. The garrison, now freed from their distracted duties, levelled their united force against this impetuous detachment, who had advanced too far to retreat with safety, and which became endangered by accumulating difficulties on every side. Their dilemma did not escape the keen eye of the Governor, who pushed a considerable force in their rear. Upwards of three hours did they withstand the unequal combat, when they were at last compelled to surrender prisoners of war.

That tribute which justice stretches forth to an enemy must reflect its rays upon those who have had the honour to contend with them.

I cannot superadd a higher testimony to the British General and his Garrison, than by thus appreciating the foe whom they had to encounter. It yields me a proud retrospect that the corps of Marines had their proportion of desert in defending Quebec, and by it, maintaining this remnant of America to our Empire.

United by the feelings of sympathy, I would remark the spirit of Mr. Vivion, then Purser, I believe, of a small sloop, and now of his Majesty's ship Robust, who most patriotically stepped into the ranks, and served as a private during the whole siege. He too produced a son who yielded not to his father in honourable deeds, whose subsequent fall in the cause of his country and in bravely advancing the glory of his corps, was sensibly deplored by my brethren, and by me.

General Carleton sealed and ennobled his gallant defence, by acts of humanity and mercy to the vanquished. A cool prudence in not hazarding his acquired success to the contingencies of fortune, enabled him to preserve the fruits of it for the solid interests of his King.

The besiegers retired, but he did not follow them; after which, all their attention was devoted to the interception of supplies for Quebec.

Arnold, who now succeeded to the command of the rebels, evinced that resolute mind and ready expediency by which his conduct had been hitherto marked.

During the course of this year may be noticed the active duties of some small parties of Marines, in supporting the legal authority of Lord Dunmore in the Province of Virginia, which had not yet disavowed its allegiance. The spirit of rebellion beginning to shew itself, the Governor, after having sent off his family, entrusted his personal safety to the detachment from his Majesty's sloop Fowey, who fortified his house at Williamsburgh, planted artillery, and from which he issued all his proclamations, and, as long as was prudent, continued to exercise in it, his official functions. It was at last judged proper, under this escort of Marines, to proceed on board the Fowey, from whence his Lordship still corresponded with the Province.

The political discussions that ensued, are foreign to my review. His Lordship's military exertions to reclaim or to conquer the disaffected, were fatal in their issue, from being impotent in the means. By the combined attack, however, of a few ships of war, and two parties of Sailors and Marines which were disembarked, the town of Norfolk, first in rank for commercial wealth, was set on fire and reduced to ashes, upon the New Year's Day of 1776.

Many other hostile measures against the sea coasts of America, and her different interior Provinces, spread widely the calamities of war and the mutual desire of retaliation.

Amongst the augmentation to his Majesty's forces, 6665 Marines were voted for the year 1776; being an additional number of 2378.

FOOTNOTE:

[1] Charlestown is separated from Boston by Charles River; a distance little more than that which divides London and the Borough, between which there is also a similar connexion. Bunker's Hill is situated just within the neck of land that joins the Peninsula of Charlestown to the Continent. (Taken from Chapter 28 'An Historical Review of the Royal marines Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

The sufferings of the troops in cantonments at Boston were uncommonly great, from the want of fuel and other supplies, while these of the regiments and Marines upon Bunker's Hill, exposed in tents to all the storms of winter, and necessarily for ever on the alert, in the vicinity of a superior enemy, were proportionally still more severe. Military enterprize, however, fell asleep on both sides, and it did not awaken but with the return of spring. A dread of famine floating in the minds of many, superadded to their temporary evils.

During these existing hardships, a detachment of Marines, under the escort of an armed ship, was sent to Savannah, in Georgia, with a view to procure provisions, either by purchase or by force.

The Militia assembled to oppose their landing, and after some unpleasant discussions, erected batteries along the shores of the river so named. Proceeding to extremities, a short contest ensued, which terminated in burning seven vessels deeply laden, and the loss of a few lives; after which the party returned to Boston.

A few arrivals from Europe tended to alleviate the wants of the garrison, who often beheld the humiliating sight of the triumphs of little rebel privateers, in capturing their most important aids, without our ships of war having in their power either to retaliate or to prevent them.

Some Parliamentary decrees, which left but little hope of the renewal of friendship, having reached America, its Congress strongly urged General Washington to push the siege of Boston with vigour, in order that their forces might be enabled to oppose those dangers, which they anticipated in other quarters of the Continent.

Accordingly, a cannonade and bombardment began from Phipp's Farm on the evening of the 2d of March, that continued during some successive nights, and, on the morning of the 5th, another battery from the heights of Dorchester Point, on the other side of the town, which had been constructed with unexampled secrecy and dispatch, also opened. These fired some houses and occasioned other losses.

General Howe felt indignant in being thus cooped up.

His communication with the other part of his Army, at Boston Neck, becoming endangered, and foreseeing that the rebels would still extend their works to those heights which command the town and harbour, he resolved upon dislodging them from such as they held.

Hazardous was the attempt, and it was only prevented by an intervening storm on the night of the 5th of March, when the troops destined for the attack were on the eve of embarkation. All who know how to appreciate the military character of that gallant officer, will readily sympathize with him in his feelings upon so degrading an occasion, when his high talents could avail nothing, and the energies of as fine a body as ever entered the field were stayed by the hand of prudence. Thus situated, he lamented in common with the meanest Soldier, a total suspension of their services.

An instant alternative of engaging a very superior Army strongly entrenched, or evacuating the place, became hourly more and more imperiously urgent. The former expedient held out but little hope of surmounting their difficulties, in balance with many disastrous consequences in the event of defeat; while the latter let loose an inactive corps against a more vulnerable, or in co-operation with a more loyal Province of America.

This the Commander in Chief adopted, but it teemed with many obstacles and dangers, calculated to try the strongest soul.

He had not the safety of his Army alone to consider, in this retreat, but the lives and property of numerous followers, whose allegiance to their King no misfortunes could subdue.

The duty was sacred, and it was discharged with that humane care which characterizes our nation, and him who performed it.

Upon the 17th of March the rear-guard of the British troops embarked without molestation, when General Washington marched in proud triumph into the town of Boston.

The Army reached Halifax, after some delays, early in April, but it was now diminished, by hardships, to about 9000 effective men.

The battalions of Marines were landed, and did duty under the command of Major Tupper [2], in garrison there, with much credit to themselves and their corps. These testimonials, which were the honorable results of their uniform good conduct, more usefully fall under a future detail.

In the early part of 1776, General Arnold continued the blockade of Quebec, under the greatest pressures, while its garrison, cut off from every supply, and exposed to many bitter privations, was equally conspicuous for a resolute firmness.

Some attempts to burn the British ships of war in the harbour, in order to favour an escalade of the town during the existing confusion, worthy of the inventive resources of Arnold, were made, but they were counteracted by the vigilance and spirit of General Carleton. Small Pox, dreaded, by the Americans, as the most fatal plague, began to make its appearance, and dispirited their troops.

Discipline and good order were soon supplanted by imaginary fears, and the precautionary cares of all to ward off that contaminating evil. Murmurs succeeded, which, as must ever be the case, paralyzed every noble effort.

By the indefatigible zeal and activity of that highly respected name, Sir Charles Douglas, his Majesty's ship Isis, with two frigates, having penetrated the ice, hove in sight, and reached Quebec on the 5th of May. The situation of the enemy's investing force was now critical. Having landed the few troops brought from Europe, these ships also disembarked their Marines, with which, in addition to those of the garrison, the General instantly advanced against the American camp.

A very precipitate fight ensued, which ended in a trifling carnage, taking some prisoners, and all the rebel artillery and stores. Many of their sick and wounded took refuge in the woods, or concealed themselves in the hamlets, towards whom General Carleton extended, not only the generous tender of oblivion, but of protection. This benevolent act which proceeded from the instantaneous impulse of his own breast, casts a bright lustre upon the military virtues of that great man, and is alone sufficient to immortalize his character.

Having been afterwards reinforced, a train of successful operation, extraneous from my subject, soon took place, which expelled the rebels from the Province.

Thus, a second time, were the partial efforts of the Marine corps exerted most usefully upon Canadian ground.

A naval and military expedition, against the Southern Colonies, having sailed from England, they did not reach the first object of their instructions until the beginning of June. The squadron under Sir Peter Parker, after passing the bar, moved against a newly raised Fort on the South West point of Sullivan's island, which was deemed the key to Charlestown, while the Army, under Sir Henry Clinton, advancing against it by land, and crossing a supposed shallow creek on the North Eastern extremity, was to make a combined attack.

Upon the noon of the 28th of June, the ships took their stations, and commenced a furious cannonade, which was returned with equal spirit and much effect from the fort.

Erroneous intelligence, as to the depth of water, it appears, prevented General Clinton from approaching, as well as the very formidable state of the provincial redoubts at the end of Sullivan's island.

After one of the hottest conflicts that almost ever occurred, in which the cool valour of British Seamen was eminently conspicuous, the squadron withdrew with the loss of a frigate, and upwards of 200 Seamen and Marines killed and wounded.

Captains Morris and Scott, of the Bristol and Experiment, were both considered as mortally wounded, after extraordinary displays of personal courage. Commodore Sir Peter Parker approved himself a brave man upon this trying service.

During the summer of 1776, the Congress of America, unwilling to attach to itself the responsibility of an arbitrary declaration of independance, published a circular address to every Colony, in order to ascertain their general sentiments, upon so eventful a topic.

The 4th of July must long stand as a memorable day on our political epochs, as having been marked by their formal renunciation of allegiance to the British Crown.

General Howe continued at Halifax upwards of two months waiting farther reinforcements, which was but ill-suited to his disposition, or his military opinions. Wearied out, he at last put to sea, under the escort of Lord Shuldham's fleet, and arrived at Sandy-hook at the close of June. After gaining information of the strength of New York and Long Islands, he judged it most advisable to occupy Staten Island, where he landed without opposition, and was soon joined by a number of loyalists.

It was a considerable time before the different reinforcements from England reached Halifax, which immediately proceeded to join the main Army, and enabled General Howe to undertake duties more extensive in their aim, and more congenial to his wishes.

Upon that range of continental services which followed, I am precluded from remark, as the battalions of my corps were restrained from much active participation in them, by their having been allotted for the defence of Nova Scotia.

A Parliamentary Vote of 10,129 Marines passed in November, which involved an augmentation of many companies to the Establishment for the service of 1777.

FOOTNOTE:

[2] An error occurred under the details of 1775, which mentions, that in consequence of the casualties of Bunker's Hill, and the return of Major Tupper to Europe, the command of the Marines devolved on Major Souter, instead of suppressing entirely the departure of Major Tupper, which did not happen till sometime after their arrival at Halifax. The command at Boston was in Major Tupper after Major Pitcairne's fall. (Taken from Chapter 29 ' An Historical Review of the Royal marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

Lord Howe, who had arrived in America during the last year as Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Naval Forces, was united with his brother in a civil, as well as a military commission. Exerting the conciliatory influence of the former, they proclaimed to the deluded, these tenders of forgiveness which emanated from their power. The term "guilty," however, was not understood by the Americans, who, from the era of general independance, qualified every individual action as proceeding under the sanction of a Free Government. of course, these well-meant offers produced but little effect.

After many battles and skirmishes between the contending parties, in which British valour was ever conspicuous, and the resources of General Washington uniformly great, Long Island, New York, and Rhode Island, were subjected to the Royal dominion, and the Jerseys over run by our forces. They in turn, however, met with reverses, which must always be expected in war. To follow all those movements is not within my range.

General Howe having used every means of the most consummate Officer to bring the enemy to a decisive battle, was as often eluded by caution.

He accordingly aimed a blow at another quarter, and with this view embarked a very powerful force, headed by himself. This eventually proved against Philadelphia, which fell, after several conflicts of the most brilliant kind, but particularly that of Brandy-wine.

Soon after, having gained that place, the rebels moved the Delaware frigate of 32 guns, a number of gallies, gondolas, and other armed vessels, to incommode the construction of the different batteries that were carrying on for the protection of the town. That ship anchored within 500 yards, but the tide falling she grounded, when the British troops brought their field pieces against her, which compelled her to strike. Captain, now General Averne, a gallant Officer, and one of the worthiest of men, at the head of his company, immediately took possession of her. The Grenadiers of both the Marine Battalions had been incorporated with those of the Army, previous to leaving Halifax, had hitherto been united in their duties, and formed a part of that force, which, under Lord Cornwallis, entered Philadelphia.

Lord Howe, upon learning these successes, judged it proper to move his fleet and the transports, to concur in any future operations, and to give the supplies of which the Army stood in need, by means of the river Delaware. The progress of such a number of shipping through so dangerous a navigation, was highly difficult, but it was carried on under his Lordship's immediate auspices, and with superior ability as well as skill. Owing to the numerous batteries constructed by the rebels, the passage to Philadelphia could not be attempted, which obliged the whole fleet to anchor from Reedy Island to Newcastle, along the Pennsylvania shore. Independent of the most formidable works, they had sunk within the reach of their guns, machines of the strongest kind, similar to chevaux de frize_, as pointing in every direction, and those headed with iron.

No attempt, however, could be made to remove them, until their batteries were gained on both shores of the river.

At the urgency of Captain, now Sir Andrew Snape Hammond, who had reached the Delaware before Lord Howe, the Provincials were driven from Billing's Fort, where they were raising works, and preparing obstacles against the passage of the squadron. Captain Hammond was peculiarly active in removing every hindrance, though opposed by the enemy's Marine force.

As the supplies of the Army depended upon an intercourse with the fleet, it became incumbent to carry Mud Fort Island, properly so called, from its having been an accumulated mass of mud and sand, a flat marshy spot, near to the junction of the river Schuylkill.

It was necessary also to attack Red Bank, on the opposite shore of New Jersey, where the enemy had constructed a very strong redoubt, filled with heavy artillery.

In co-operation with a powerful fire against Mud Fort, from some guns planted on the Western, or Pennsylvania side, an attack upon it and the rebel craft was resolved on. For this service, the Augusta, of 64 guns, and Merlin sloop were allotted.

Owing to the navigation of the Channel being altered by the sunken obstacles which everywhere presented in deep water, both ran aground, as the bed of the river was also affected by them. This did not restrain Captain Reynolds, now Lord Ducie, from maintaining a heavy cannonade against the American works and vessels, or from successfully combating the effects of some fire-ships that approached for his destruction.

The Augusta, either from a red hot shot, or her own wadding, was, after a warm contest, in flames, which suspended every hostile effort, and turned the attention of most to their own preservation.

Amidst the awful conflagration, and an incessant discharge from the rebels, Captain Reynolds retained his intrinsic coolness. After each had consulted his own safety, and no hope remained of stifling the flames, he continued alone, alternately took off his coat, waistcoat, and stock, placed them on the gangway, and committed himself to the deep. Heaven interposed at this perilous moment, and preserved a life, which was subsequently marked by the most gallant deeds, and is still prolonged to justify the goodness of Providence, by the display of every virtue that can adorn human nature. Captain, at present Major General Barclay, of Marines, was a companion in this trying scene, and was much distinguished for his steady conduct. The Merlin was also destroyed.

This fatal attempt by sea, was alike disastrous on the part of the Army. A well-concerted and bold attack upon Red Bank, by a large Corps of Hessians, terminated in repulse and a heavy loss.

Unfortunate as was the issue of both, still each department well merited a sprig of the laurel.

From the importance of the object, the views of our Commanders were renewed against these strong posts. The exertions of the Officers and Seamen of the Fleet were great, and toilsome in transporting cannon and stores to a small morassy spot, named Province Island, which would effectually disturb the enemy. Having opened fire from it, and a fair breeze springing up, a well-digested plan of naval attack was carried into effect.

Proceeding by different channels, the ships were brought against various points of Mud Fort, and other branches of defence, upon the 15th of November, when, after a long destructive cannonade, the rebels deserted it in the night. Captain Cornwallis, in the Isis, shewed much judgment and spirit upon this occasion.

A detachment from the Army having been also directed against Red Bank, the Americans hastily withdrew, after partly destroying the works, but leaving their artillery and stores. They also set fire to many of their vessels on the river.

Thus, was a way, in some degree, opened for supplies to the troops in Philadelphia.

General Washington, who had followed the Royal Army, remained in its vicinity, but constantly resisted every effort in bringing him to a general action.

The unhappy issue of the expedition under Lieutenant General Burgoyne, previous to this era, threw a general damp, and accelerated the decision of France in entering the list against us. By apparent and occasional concessions, that insidious Power observed a temporizing system, until she had attained the means of following up her hostile views. So suspicious were her designs, however, that considerable armaments continued to be carried on in our ports.

During this period of national despondency, the towns of Liverpool and Manchester nobly stepped forth in aid of their Country. Each tendered 1000 men, which was accepted, and their patriotic example was diffused throughout the land.

Involved in a civil contest, the natural energies of Britain were paralyzed by the floating hopes of reconciliation, and an enfeebling compassion towards her American fellow-subjects.

An unhappy faction continued also to oppose our ill-guided councils, at this awful crisis, from which the rebels derived a fatal, but animating spirit. No true Englishman can throw an eye upon the transactions of that momentous era, without the most poignant reflections for his suffering country.

Long may the sad precedent, and its baneful results, be stamped on every heart! May the imperious obligations of fidelity to our King, and general union amidst public danger, be coeval with the age at which every Briton is taught his duties to his God! (Taken from Chapter 30 ' An Hisorical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1764. Tuesday 3rd July. HMS Dolphin and HMS Tamar sailed on a voyage of Distcovery.

1764. Tuesday 23rd October. The Battle of Buxar was fought between the forces under the command of the British East India Company led by Hector Munro, and the combined army of Mir Qasim the Nawab of Bengal: the Nawab of Awadh and the Mughal King Shah Alam II. The battle took place within the territory of Bengal, and the town of Buxar was located on the banks of the river Ganges, about 130km west of Patna. The British troops engaged in the fighting numbered 7,072 comprising of 857 British, 5,297 Indian Sepoys and 918 Indian Cavalry, and 30 cannons. The alliance army's numbers were estimated to be over 40,000men and 140 cannons. It was a decisive victory for the British East India Company that had a casualty list of 1,847 killed or wounded, while the enemy had 10,000 killed or wounded and 6,000 captured and taken prisoner.

1764. Monday 29th October. Plymouth (Uniform). Officers ordered to have Uniform Frocks lapelled with White Cloth with a Deaths Head Button. Waistcoats White with Plain Buttons. Frocks to have a stand up Cape (Collar). Breeches to be of leather and Hats plain with Gilt Buttons and Double Gold Loop. Officers were to agree on a Shoulder Knot.

1764. November. The Nabobs were defeated at Cutwa (Katwa) in West Bengal India.

1764. A Board of General Officers recommended that the Grenadiers should lay aside their swords, as that weapon had never been used during the 'Seven Years War'. Since that period the arms of the infantry soldier have been limited to the musket and bayonet.

1765. Friday 5th April. The Marines underwent another name change and their roll within the navy. Their new title was changed to His Majesty's Marine Forces and they became the Marine Infantry for the Royal Navy. The Corps was finally established as an integral part of the Royal Naval. After which the Marine force consisted of fifty companies that were split into three Divisions. Each division's headquarters were based in Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth, all under the Admiralty's control. In which they took part in many landings and battles all over the world.

1765. Thursday 29th August. Plymouth (Uniform). At an inspection by the Duke of Gloucester, Officers were ordered to wear their Laced Uniforms, Coats, Waistcoat and Hat, White Breeches and Boots. The men to have on Spatter-dashes and their Caps, Tops perfectly clean and well dressed.

1766 \- 1769. The First Anglo Mysore War was fought in India between the Sultanate of Mysore and the British East India Company.

1766. Thursday 27th March. RM Sergeants had the privilege of wearing scarlet sashes. While Corporals were awarded and allowed to wear chevrons on Wednesday 2nd September 1807 in lieu of the 'Knots' worn on their shoulders.

1766. Wednesday 9th July. HMS Dolphin and HMS Tamar returned from trip around the world.

1766. Sunday 20th July. Plymouth (Uniform). The men were ordered to wear White Stockings and Short Spatterdash tops.

1766. August. HMS Dolphin and HMS Swallow on a voyage of discovery.

1767. Twenty companies were added to the Corps, making 110 companies, and the total number of established at 11,419 men.

1767. Monday 12th January. The Royal Marines Band was formed at Plymouth (3rd Grand Division).

1767. Monday 25th May. Plymouth (Uniforms). The Officers to make Uniform Frocks with White Lapels, and Cuffs, the White of the lapels to be each a full three inches depth. The Cuff to be close and round, with four buttons and four button holes. The same number of holes to be on the Pocket of the Coat and Waistcoat. On the hip and Side Plates four Buttons. A White turned down Collar, the waistcoat and Breeches White Cloth. The lining of the Coat and waistcoat, White Shaloon. A plain double gilt Button of the same pattern as may be seen at the Adjutants Office. Each officer's Coat of the Battalion to have a Gold Fringe Epaulet on the right shoulder and the Grenadier Officers to have one on each shoulder.

1767. Friday 25th December. The Derby Mercury Newspaper. Wednesday Evening a barbarous murder was committed on a Marine belonging to the Squadron in this Garrison. Another Marine came to the Poor Man's Quarters about six in the evening and decoyed him out, telling him that he knew of some smuggled goods upon South-Sea Common, about a Mile from this Place, near the Sea Side, and that it would be worth his while to go with him to seize them.

The next morning the Man was found murdered in the above mentioned Place. His. head beat to pieces the Scalp almost tore off, stabbed in several parts of the Face and eyes, supposed with a Bayonet. The Man came home on the MONTREAL and had received Money due to him. He had a Silver Watch, Silver Buckles and five or six guineas in his Pocket, when he left his quarters; his Pockets

when he was found were turned inside out and the Marine that took him out had not been heard of since.

The Deceased was a lusty strong Man, and 'tis supposed the Murder was not committed by one Man, as there is appearance of the Deceased having made great resistance. A Publican and his wife are taken upon suspicion of the Murder. It is supposed the Body was thrown into the seas, which carried it to the Beach where it was found.

1768. Friday 1st January. The Derby Mercury, extract of a letter from Portsmouth Monday 21st December. The Coroner having sat on the body of the murdered Marine mentioned in my last, brought in their verdict "WILFUL MURDER", and supposed by the Grenadier that took him out Of his quarters the evening the Murder was perpetrated. The Grenadier was taken the Evening following. He prevaricated greatly on his examination and denies the fact, but from the Strongest Circumstances everybody believes him to be the Murderer. A little time will discover, we hope, more of the barbarous Affair.

1768. Friday 25th March. Portsmouth. Yesterday the battalion of Marines returned to this quarter from the neighbouring towns, where they were detached for a week on account of the election. From one or two instances of bad behaviour among them at Portsmouth, entirely owing to bad quarters, the country was much alarmed, and testified uneasy apprehensions on their arrival; but their anxiety and fears were soon removed by the steady and good behaviour of the men in every quarter. It is a pleasing circumstance, that among 500 soldiers, not one complaint was exhibited, during the time they were out, against a single man. No one can be surprised at any irregularity they may commit at Portsmouth, when two thirds of the houses they are quartered at are filled with bad women, whose way of life and principles may corrupt the unwary men. They have been useful people, yet there is not a corps in his Majesty's service on so bad an establishment as the marines; nor do any soldiers in the service undergo the hard duty they do in this time of peace.

Extract from 'The London Chronicle' (Thursday 31st March to Saturday 2nd April 1768) (sic)

1768. Tuesday 26th April. A few days ago a quarrel arose between a number of the Shipwrights in our Dock Yard and Marines then on Duty there, which had like to have proved of bad consequence: it was as follows: Several of the Shipwrights had according to Custom, got ready their Bundles of Chips in order to carry them away at the ringing of the Bell, but which the Marines found means to convey into the Guard House; this so enraged the Shipwrights that they armed themselves with Axes and other offensive weapons, and marched up to the Marines to demand their Property, but the Soldiers refused giving it up; on which both Parties prepared for an engagement, the Marines drawing up in line with their Muskets and Bayonets fixed and the Shipwrights in like manner with their Axes etc. but happily the superior officers of the Yard interfering, prevented the dreadful consequences, by obliging the Soldiers to restore the Chips, several reprimanding them, and strictly forbidding them forever interfering with the Shipwrights any more.

'Chips' referred to in the above article, are the discarded and left-over chippings and other off cuts of wood produced during the construction and repair of RN ships.

1768. The Corps was further increased to 140 companies, amounting to 14,845 men.

1768. May. HMS Dolphin returned from voyage of discovery.

1768. June. A small Royal Marine detachment consisting of 9 Marines, 1 Drummer, 1Corporal, under the command of Sergeant John Edgecotabe R.N., drummed out of Stonehouse Barracks, Plymouth (still a R.M. Barracks) and marched down to Plymouth Hoe to the Barbican to join H.M.S. Endeavour (under Captain. Cook). On the 26th August 1768 she sailed for the South Seas, and the Royal Marines began a 3 year commission. on the 9th November 1769, just east of the tarananui River the Marines landed for the first time in New Zealand; by Mercury Bay on that same day they presented Arms as the Union Flag was hoisted, the first link in the chain between the Royal Marines and New Zealand was welded. Other detachments followed with Captain Cook; when Cook fell in Hawaii, four Royal Marines fighting off his attackers died with him.

The Royal Marine Detachments of the Resolution and Discovery did their duty in New Zealand waters, and later in the New Zealand Wars P.M. Detachments of no less than 17 ships saw service both afloat and ashore; either as Gunners (Royal Marine Artillery) or as Infantry (Royal Marine Light Infantry). Then came the Fencibles (the Soldier settlers) amongst whom were a large number of time-expired Marines. In 1920 with the formation of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, light Cruisers came onto the New Zealand Station. these ships carried detachments of Royal Marines, both the Light Cruisers ISIS Dunedin and 1Q45 Diomede and five detachments - while on station, ISIS Achilles three detachments, HMS Leander two detachments, HMNZS Gambia one detachment; last but not least WINES Bellona with two detachments. The lot in 1946 made up in the main by Royal Marines who had served in 11)45 Achilles and Leander during the War and had not had the chance of seeing the country they had braved. In 1949 these Royal Marines were sad and-sorry to leave when their tour of duty was up, and the relief detachment arrived in Wellington in the liner Atlantis, under the command of Capt. P. R. Lankester P.M., who had previously served in the Achilles.

The last detachment (1949 to l951) carried out their duties in the traditional manner of the Corps, the 3 years passed too quickly. At the Royal Show in Epson Show Grounds, Auckland in 1951 they said farewell to New Zealand by Beating the Retreat; their bearing and drill were the delight to thousands who watched them. Many ex Royal Marines from all over New Zealand were there, deeply touched as their serving comrades executed the Royal Marine Corps traditional ceremony, in pouring rain, flashing lighting and rolling thunder. The last link was welded, for the chain could never be broken. The Royal Marine Band would see to that, for they continued to serve in New Zealand for another nine years. As would the Royal Marine Assoc., but above all the many New Zealand families whose very beginning were with those who truly served under two flags, with equal allegiance to both.

A further link with New Zealand is that of the Royal Marine Light Infantry Colours. These were one of the first colours of an Imperial force to be laid up in New Zealand: at St Mary's Church, New Plymouth. (Sic)

A son of New Zealand, General Sir John Westall, born in Napier, became the commandant General of the Royal Marines, 1951-53.

1768. Friday 3rd June. Plymouth (Uniform). Officers ordered to wear their Frocks with Skirts turned back, short Spatterdashes and hair queued. The men to wear White Breeches and Short Spatterdashes, their New Hats and their hair plaited and turned inside their Hats.

1768. Saturday 11th June. The Band was ordered to wear white breeches and stockings with black buckled garters at Guard Mounting. The first dated reference to a Marine Band at Portsmouth (The 2nd Grand Division) although it is believed that a band was formed there in 1765.

1768. July. HMS Endeavour sailed on a voyage of discovery.

1768. Friday 26th August. Captain Cook and his ship HMS Endeavour left Plymouth carrying 94 men and 18 months of provisions. Cook had been chosen to lead an expedition to the South Seas to observe the Transit of Venus and to secretly search for the unknown Great Southern Continent (terra Australis incognita 1768 – 1771). HMS Endeavour travelled via Madeira (September), Rio de Janiero (November-December) and Tierra del Fuego (January 1769) to Tahiti.

The Marine detachment joined HMS Endeavour at Plymouth Tuesday16th August 1768.

Edgcumbe. John Sergeant.

Truslove. John Corporal.

Rossiter. Thomas Drummer.

Judge. William Private.

Paul. Henry Private.

Bremer. Michael Private.

Preston. Daniel Private.

Wilshire. William Private.

Greenslade. William Private.

Gibson. Samuel Private.

Dunster. Thomas Private.

Webb. Clement Private.

Bowles. John Private.

1768. Wednesday 6th October. Mail Arrangements Chatham Division. Conformable to the orders of 1758, the Orderly Sergeant is to bring all letters from the Post Office that are directed to the Officers of the Division. The C. O's letters to be carried to his quarters and the rest delivered to the Orderly Room, where they will be given to those who the officers choose to send for them, or otherwise delivered by the sergeants and corporals of the respective squads at the officers' quarters, with their orders.

1769. Friday 17th March. Chatham (Uniform). No Military compliments to be paid by the Marine Guards or Centinels when on duty to any officer of the Land Force or Marines, unless such officers are dressed in Scarlet with swords, nor to any officers of H.M. Fleet unless they are dressed in Blue with swords.

1769. March. HMS Swallow returned from a voyage of discovery.

1769. Monday 15th May. Plymouth (Uniform). Officers ordered to wear their White Coats without and lace or embroidery, Hats with New Pattern Lace two Epaulets with no distinctions of rank. Gorgets when ordered.

1769. Friday 17th March. Chatham Orders. No Military Compliments to be paid by the Marine Guards or Sentinels when on duty to any Officer of the Land Forces or Marines unless such Officers are dressed in Scarlet with swords; nor to any Officer of H.M. Fleet unless they are dressed in Blue with Swords.1769. June. A French ship made to Salute in the Downs.

1769. Tuesday 12th September. Plymouth (Uniform). Officers to get New Uniform Gorgets (Silver).

1769. Sunday 1st October. Plymouth (Uniform). Men to wear Red Breeches and Long Spatterdashes to mount a Guard in.

1769. \- 1770. The Marines served in Australia and New Zealand over a longer period than any other British military unit.

1770. The afternoon of Sunday 29th April. A small detachment of 13 Marines landed with Captain Cook at Botany Bay in New South Wales Australia. There have always been stories that spoke of a Marine being first out of the boat as it beached, to hold it steady. However, it was Isaac Smith, who became the first European to set foot on Eastern Australian soil. As the ship's boat touched the shore, Cook is reputed to have said "Jump out, Isaac". Isaac Smith was a very young man at the time, but a month later on Wednesday 23rd May 1770, he was promoted to midshipman following James Magra's suspension on suspicion of having assaulted Captain Cook's clerk.

1770. July. Fire at Portsmouth Dockyard.

1770. While in the Americas, affairs of a very serious aspect caught the attention of the British government to the disturbed state of her American colonies, in consequence of a real or pretended right on the part of Great Britain to impose internal taxes. The stamp act was so exceedingly unpopular, that its repeal was absolutely necessary to appease the people, and the tax on tea imported into America was so obnoxious, that every means of opposition was resorted to help get it abolished.

1770. October. Ships laden with tea having arrived at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charlestown, and Rhode Island, conveying altogether 2200 chests, the people assembled at different places to concert measures that would prevent the importation, and to compel the consignees, at the risk of their lives and property, to relinquish their employments. In these assemblies, resolutions were passed derogatory to the legislative power of Great Britain, and on the Wednesday18th December a number of armed men, under the disguise of Mohawk Indians, boarded the ships, and threw their valuable cargoes into the sea, but at New York the tea was landed under the protection of the men of war.

1770. The Marine who founded Hobart by P. Ceducher JP.

David Collins was the eldest son of Major-General Arthur Tooker Collins, who commanded the Plymouth Division of the Marines from 1783 to 1791. He was born to Harriett Caroline Collins (nee Frazer) of Pack, King's County, Ireland on the 3rd of March 1756. At that time the family were living in Cross St, at the corner of Great Kirby St, London. Educated first in London, then when his father was appointed to command at Plymouth, he completed his studies at Exeter School, under the Reverend John Marshall. In 1770, aged 14, he enlisted in the Marine Corps as an Ensign and on the 20st February 1771 was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the 21st Company. In 1772 he was in charge of the Marine guard aboard the frigate HMS Southampton sent to Denmark to escort home Queen CarolineMatilda after her divorce. He was promoted to First Lieutenant on the 25th January 1755, and in the June took part in the Battle of Bunkers Hill. He assisted in the evacuation of the loyalists from Boston to Nova Scotia in 1776 and it was here he met and married his wife, Maria Stuart Proctor, the daughter of Captain Charles Proctor at Halifax on the 13th June 1777. He returned to England and was serving at Chatham in 1779 as the Adjutant, when on the 28th August he was promoted to Captain Lieutenant. From February 1781 to January 1783 he served aboard HMS Courageux in the Channel Squadron, taking part in the relief of Gibraltar in 1782 under Admiral Lord Howe. On the 3rd January 1783, he was placed on half pay like so many other Naval & Marine officers due to the peace signed on the 5th of the month. For the next three years he lived with his wife at Rochester. He volunteered for service with the battalion being formed for the colony to be established in NSW, and on the 24th October 1786 was commissioned as deputy Judge-Advocate both to the colony and the Marine Battalion. He sailed with the fleet in May 1787, and on arrival in 745W was appointed as President of both the Civil & Military courts, virtually the head of the judicial system in the new colony. When Andrew Miller retired as the secretary to-Governor Arthur Phillips in June 1788, he was appointed to the office, and in consequence became the most powerful man in the colony after the Governor and remained so for the next eight years. Captain John Hunter who succeeded Phillips as Governor would not give his consent to Collins return to England as "whose absence would be so heavily felt by the public service". When the main body of the Marine battalion left for England in December of 1791, Collins pay as Deputy Judge Advocate to the Battalion ceased, and his half pay was stopped as he continued to hold D civil appointment. When he did return to England in July 1797, he was imforined that because of his long absence from the Corps he could only re-enter for active service as a Captain. This pitiful offer he rejected, but partial compensation for his poor treatment was made by his being granted a Brevet Coloiselcy in the Army and finally promotion to Lieutenant Colonel on the half pay list of the Corps. In 1798 he published a book 'An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales' on the first ten years in the colony. A work of patience and care which has proven so valuable to historians, even today, containing as it does a dictionary of many NSW aboriginal and maori words and phrases of the period, and the progress made in all fields. In 1802 he received a commission as "Lieutenant Governor of a Settlement or Settlements to be formed on the Southern Coast of New South Wales to the northward of Basses Straights", This was to be the settlement of Port Arthur, now the Port of Melbourne. He sailed from England in April 1803 aboard HMS Calcutta and landed at Port Phillip Bay On the 9th Of October. He found the site selected to unsuitable for a settlement and abandoned it on the 30th of January 1804, sailing in the Ocean transport for Van Dieman's Land (Tasmania), where arriving at Risdon Cove on the 16th February, he moved across the river to Sullivan's Cove, where the city stands today. On the 19th February, David Collins laid the first stone of what is now the City of Hobart. With only convict labour, scant supplies from Sydney, on which he was totally dependent, young inexperienced administrators he managed to rule with good sense and understanding, helped towards the end by the settlers who came from Norfolk Island in 1807, many of them former Marines of the First Fleet. In 1809 William Bligh (of Bounty Fame) was the Governor of NSW during the period now referred to as the "Rum Rebellion", and on his being forcibly disposesed, he landed at Hobart intending to use it as a base against Paterson and the usurpers of his government in Sydney. Collins being as he was totally dependent on NSW for his supplies objected and was denounced by Bligh to the British Government. Maguarie on his arrival, knowing only Bligh's side replaced Collins with Colonel Foreaux, although he remained on friendly terms with him. On the 24th March 1810, after a short illness David Collins died and on the 28th was buried in St David Church, Hobart, leaving his wife Maria almost penniless. His young successor Lieutenant Lord generously showed the public feeling at his loss by running up an account for the funeral of over £500, an amount which Macquarie, although he disallowed it himself recommended the British Government to pay. Maria Collins received a pension of £36 per annum, being that given to a Captains widow (his substantive rank). Despite numerous petition on her behalf in recognition of his immense contribution to the founding of the colonies in both NSW and Tasmania it was not until 1815 was it increased, and then to only £126 p.a. Of children, his only legitimate child a daughter did not survive. He also had 2 children by Nancy (Ann) Yates (Yeats) a convict woman. A daughter Marianne Letitia was born on the 13th September 1790 and a son George born in 1793. Both were known to have visited him in Hobart in 1805. He also had 2 other children by Margaret Eddington at Hobart, both being baptised on the 14th of January 1810, shortly before his death. Collins Street, Melbourne, often called the finest street In Australia, and Collins Street Hobart, were both named for this distinguished Royal Marine pioneer. (P. Ceducher JP.)

1770 \- 1780. The Marines uniform of the day. (Taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI.)

1771. Thursday 7th of March, his Majesty sent a message to Parliament requiring immediate measures for securing the execution of the laws, and just dependence of the colonies upon the crown of Great Britain. The Minister at the same time introduced a bill to take away from Boston the privilege of a party as a punishment for their refractory conduct, reinforcements were sent there, and General Gage was appointed governor of the colony. This restriction on of the inhabitants of Boston raised a spirit of rebellion throughout the continent of America, all were agreed in resisting the collection of any internal tax not imposed by their own assemblies, and to suspend all commercial intercourse with the mother country until their grievances were fully redressed. Deputies were soon afterwards appointed from each province to attend a general congress at Philadelphia, which assembled on Tuesday 6th September 1774. Among their first resolutions was to acknowledged their dependence, but insisted on their privileges, consenting to those acts of the British legislature which regulated their external commerce, yet insisting, that according to the English constitution, the people had a right to participate in their legislative council, and as the colonies, from various causes, could not be represented in the British Parliament. They were entitled to a free and exclusive legislation in their respective provincial assemblies, in all cases of taxation and internal policy. They recommended to the several provinces the establishment of a national militia, and to raise money for paying those who should bravely hazard their lives in defence of the privileges of America.

1771. When Colonels of Marines were appointed Commandants of divisions the Marines discharged from the service obtained the right of following their trade in any town in the kingdom, except the universities. The Earl of Sandwich succeeded to the office of first Lord of the Admiralty, and his ready attention to the memorials of the Marines, by reviving their hopes of promotion, and restored that spirit of discipline which characterised the battalions sent by his Lordship to America.

Edgcumbe. John. 2nd Lieutenant. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Hamilton. John. Sergeant. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Beard. Robert. Corporal. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Brotherson. Philip. Drummer. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Scott. James. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Commena. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Baldy. Richard. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Phillips. John. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Carpenter. Richard. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Tow. William. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Harper. John. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Wedgeborough. William. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Twitty. Charles. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Taylor. Francis. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Duttall. John. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Monk. William. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

McVicar, Archibald. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.

Gibson. Samuel. Corporal. Joined Plymouth 9th July 1772.

Taylor. Isaac. Private. Joined Plymouth 9th July 1772.

1771. Monday 13th May. Plymouth (Uniform). Grenadiers hats to have no lace but to be cocked with white looping with two white tassels on the right side.

1771. Friday 7th June. Plymouth (Uniform). Officers to wear their coats hooked back, to have black gaiters, white stocks or cravats, and their hair queued.

1771. Monday 22nd July. An old Recruiting Advertisement. Sergeant Calbet RM. was sent recruiting to Birmingham for the Royal Marines. The following is the advertisement which notified his activities:

He That Works Hard Is Sure to be Poor.

After six Days hard Labour comes Sunday - you rest.

And no sooner peeps Monday but you are quite shy of Cash.

Therefore, to made Life easy, and fill your Pockets with Money, Sergeant Calbet will learn any young Man a Profession (Without Fee or Reward) by which the Learner will be sure to earn a Guinea and a Crown the very first Hour. He will also introduce you to His Majesty's First Division of Marines, which is always quartered at Chatham, only thirty miles from London, to which Place Pleasure-Boats carry Passengers for Six-pence each. When you arrive at Chatham, you are immediately provided with Cloths, free Quarters in a Public-house, where you will be sure to meet with merry Fellows, a kind Landlady, and a rousing Fire: do nothing but on a fine day dance to the softest Music, feed on Dainties, drink the best Liquors and Play at "Why won't you" with the prettiest Girls, saying "Chatham forever." and "God save the King".

He teaches no Militia Men or Apprentice.

1772. Wednesday 11th March. Plymouth (Uniform). Waist belts are ordered to be altered to cross belts.

1772. Sunday 5th April. HMS Resolution and HMS Adventure sailed on a voyage of discovery.

1772. Sunday 17th May. Plymouth (Uniform). Surgeons are ordered to wear red coats with a red cape (Collar), and lapels, Marine uniform buttons, white waistcoats, white breeches, with black buckled garters, when on duty, uniform hats and swords.

1772. Saturday 30th May. Plymouth (Uniform). Officers to wear their coats long waisted with short shirts in the present Military Fashion, white stocks and black ribbands round the neck, their hair queued, hats laced and cocked smartly with silver cord, band and Tassels. Their garters are to be made of black satin, three quarters of an inch wide, and lined with white linen.

1772. July – 1775. HMS Resolution Commanded by Captain Cook, and HMS Adventure Commanded by Lieutenant Furneaux, set sail from Britain, via Madiera (July - August) and Cape Town, South Africa (October - November), towards the Antarctic in search of the Great Southern Continent.

The Marine detachment that joined HMS Resolution.

Mollineux. John Sergeant.

Mills. Alexander Corporal.

Lane. John Drummer. Private.

Lear. Daniel Private.

Stewart. Donald Private.

Allden. William Private.

Reed. Richard Private.

Thomas. John Private.

Kearney. William Private.

Sommerfield. Bonaventure Private.

Rosa. Alexander Private.

Scott. James 2/Lt. Promoted on the 11th June 1772 and Joined HMS Resolution on the 7th July.

1772. Wednesday 16th September. Chatham Orders. In pursuance of His Majesty's Orders the several companies of Marines at Quarters to parade tomorrow morning upon the New Road close to Star Lane Rochester in order to march to Maidstone on account of the Election.

1773. Wednesday 12th May. Chatham (Uniform). Officers on joining Quarters who lately are or shall be appointed to this Division may know the proper uniform they are to appear in upon Guard and in the Field of Exercise on General Field Days, the Comg. Officer finds it necessary to insert the following Mode of Dress which he expects every Officer will strictly observe.

Uniform Coat, White Waistecoats and Breeches, Silver Laced Hat with Silver Band and Loopings, Black Stock, Black Silk Buckle Garters, Sash Gorget, Uniform Sword and Knot. Half Gaiters except when long ones are particularly ordered. Shoulder Sword Belt with Clasp. Belt and Pouch to be worn over the Coat same as Private men. Battalion Officers Hair queued. Grenadiers and Light Infantry platted and tucked.

1773. Wednesday 2nd June. George III. reviewed the Fleet at Portsmouth.

1773. HMS Racehorse and HMS Carcass sailed for the North Pole.

1774. Monday 7th of March, his Majesty sent a message to Parliament, requiring immediate measures for securing the execution of the laws, and just dependence of the colonies upon the crown of Great Britain. The minister at the same time introduced a hill to take away from Boston the privilege of a port, as a punishment for their refractory conduct: reinforcements were sent thither, and general Gage was appointed governor of the colony. This restriction on of the inhabitants of Boston raised a spirit of rebellion throughout the continent of America; all were agreed in resisting the collection of any internal tax not imposed by their own assemblies, and to suspend all commercial intercourse with the mother-country until their grievances were fully redressed. Deputies were soon afterwards appointed from each province to attend a general congress at Philadelphia, which assembled on the 5th of September 1774. Among their first resolutions they acknowledged their dependence, but insisted on their privileges; consenting to those acts of the british legislature which regulated their external commerce, yet insisting, that according to the english constitution, the people had a right to participate in their legislative council ; and as the colonies, from various causes, could not be represented in the british Parliament, they were entitled to a free and exclusive legislation in their respective provincial assemblies, in all cases of taxation and internal policy. They recommended to the several provinces the establishment of a national militia, and to raise money for paying those who should bravely hazard their lives in defence of the privileges of America.

In the latter part of 1774 the Americans were making great preparations for resistance; and they scrupled not to declare their intention of attacking Boston when the ice became strong enough to bear them; but as it did not freeze sufficiently hard during the winter, the disaffected postponed their plans until the spring of 1775.

To prevent being taken by surprise, the neck of land which eads into Boston from Roxbury, was carefully fortified by the British and admiral Graves, by placing the Somerset in the ferry-way between the two towns, overawed the inhabitants of Charlestown, and prevented any attack from that side. The fleet under vice-admiral Graves, consisting of four sail of the line and a great many smaller vessels, was greatly dispersed, but so disposed as to afford all the protection possible to his Majesty's loyal subjects in the colonies.

General Gage, on receiving intelligence that a quantity of military stores had been collected at Concord for supplying the rebel troops, ordered a detachment, consisting of the grenadiers and light infantry of the army, under lieutenant-colonel Smith of the 10th regiment, and major Pitcairne of the marines, to be embarked in the boats of the squadron ; and on the evening of the 18th of April, they were conveyed up Charles river, and landed at Phipp's farm, whence they advanced with rapidity towards Concord ; but the country had been apprised of their intention, and before the break of day the inhabitants were assembled in arms.

Lieutenant-colonel Smith detached major Pitcairne, with six companies of light infantry, to secure two bridges on different roads beyond Concord. On their arrival within two miles of Lexington at four o'clock in the morning of the 19th, the major received intelligence that a body of 500 armed men were assembled and determined to oppose the king's troops; but when they came within a short distance of the Americans, the latter filed off towards some stone walls on the right. Major Pitcairne then called to them to disperse, and on attempting to surround and disarm them, they fired upon our troops; upon which the light infantry, without being ordered, fired and killed several of the country people. Shortly after this occurrence, lieutenant-colonel Smith, with the troops under his command, joined major Pitcairne, and the whole force reached Concord at nine in the evening. Captain Parsons was detached with six companies of light infantry to secure a bridge at some distance from this place, which was guarded by three of these companies, whilst the remainder destroyed all the military stores in the neighbourhood.

The alarm had now extended, and general Gage, learning how the troops had been opposed, sent a reinforcement of eight companies of the 4th, and the same number of the 23rd and 49th regiments, with some marines and two field-pieces, under the command of the earl of Percy. This was a fortunate circumstance, for no sooner had the detachment under lieutenant-colonel Smith begun their march from Concord to Lexington, than they were assailed by a heavy fire from all sides, which continued without intermission until they met the detachment of the earl of Percy. The fire from the fieldpieces at first checked the Americans, but their increasing numbers hung upon the rear of the english force until they reached Charlestown. On this occasion 1 lieutenant and 64 rank and file were killed; 2 lieutenant-colonels, 2 captains, 9 lieutenants, and 165 wounded; and a lieutenant with 27 men missing.

The marines of the squadron under lieutenant- colonel Johnstone were landed, to assist and cover the retreat of the detachment, who under protection of this assistance, and the commanding station of the Somerset, passed over to Boston without further molestation. Exaggerated accounts of the affair at Lexington were eagerly carried to every province, which so encouraged the spirit of resistance to his Majesty's authority, that it produced a determination not to supply the ships and troops with stores or provisions. All communication by land being stopped by the rebels, two vessels were employed to convey despatches to New York and Halifax. The Americans continuing to increase in numbers, they attacked Noddle's Island, and drove off the cattle, after destroying the buildings of every description. The congress having resolved to form an army of 30,000 men, issued regulations for raising and maintaining this force. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1774. During the latter part of the year the Americans were making great preparations for resistance; and they scrupled not to declare their intention of attacking Boston when the ice on the river became strong enough to bear their weight, but as it did not freeze hard enough during the winter, they postponed their plans until the spring of 1775. To prevent being taken by surprise, the neck of land which leads into Boston from Roxbury, was carefully fortified by the British and Admiral Graves, by placing the Somerset in the ferry way between the two towns. This overawed the inhabitants of Charlestown and prevented any attack from that side. The fleet under Vice Admiral Graves consisted of four sail of the line and a great many smaller vessels, which was greatly dispersed, but so disposed as to afford all the protection possible to his Majesty's loyal subjects in the colonies.

1774 \- 1776. Flank Companies. While British Marines were not unknown to Colonial America, their first appearance in considerable numbers was at Boston in 1774, General Thomas Gage's army there requiring reinforcements, an improvised battalion of fewer than 400 marines was hastily dispatched, without gaiters or watch coats. Their camp equipment, tents, and spare clothing turned up in Rhode Island. However, their commander, the able and popular Major John Pitcairn, drilled and fathered them into a first-class unit. They took part in the Lexington-Concord brawl, with 74 casualties out of 336 effectives. When some 700 additional marines arrived in May 1775, Pitcairn reformed his force into the 1st and 2nd Marine Battalions, organised on the same basis as British infantry regiments, with Army pay and rations. Each formed two flank companies, one of light infantry, one of grenadiers. These were then detached to serve with the army's provisional battalions of grenadiers and light infantry. The entire 1st Marine Battalion and the flank companies of the 2nd Battalion were engaged at Bunker's Hill.

In early 1776, the marine battalions and light infantry companies were held at Halifax while the two grenadier companies went off to Long Island. In 1777, the light companies took part in the attack on Machias, Maine. Subsequently, all marines were ordered back to England for fleet duty.

The present (since 1802 "Royal") marines had been organized in 1755. Available sources do not indicate when the first grenadier companies were authorized, though they may well have existed in 1761. The first mention of light infantry appears to be at Plymouth in 1772, when the captain of HMS ALBION protested that his marine detachment had not been issued coats and hats. The marine commandant there had to explain that they were light infantry "...in consequence of which their coats were cut shorter than the rest of the companies (and the) lace was taken off the Hatts to make Bands, Loops, and Tassels (for their caps)" Since the British Army had reintroduced light infantry companies in 1771, it may well be that the marines followed suit. Obviously, it was new to the ALBION's captain.

The marines' uniform was red, faced white, with white waistcoat and breeches; half-gaiters were worn unless long ones were specified in orders. Lace was white with a red and blue stripe on its right side. Stocks were black. Individual equipment apparently was identical with that of the Army. Enlisted marines' buttons were of pewter, possibly with the incised design of a fouled anchor as is established for c 1780. Marines of the battalion companies wore their hair in the conventional queue; grenadiers and light infantrymen had theirs "platted" (plaited) and tucked up under the caps. Flank companies had "wings" on their coats.

The grenadiers' black bearskin caps also followed Army specifications but carried the marines' special badge of "The Anchor and Star", surrounded by a laurel wreath granted them for valor at Belle Isle. For reasons unexplained, the light infantry cap badge had oak leaves instead of laurel. When the grenadier companies were formed at Boston, fur caps were sent out from England under the charge of a Captain Walker.

Officers had silver lace and buttons. Orders in 1773 specified a "Shoulder Sword Belt, with Clasp and Pouch to be worn over the coat, the same as the Pte (enlisted) Men" for light infantry officers. The 1780 officers' buttons were bone-backed with a silver face, carrying the design of a fouled anchor within a wreath, and a scalloped edge. There is no clear agreement on the design of the officer's belt "clasp". In April 1784 it was ordered changed to "buckles and slides", which shortly thereafter were definitely replaced by belt plates. General agreement is that the first clasps/plates were oval, probably with an anchor design, as shown in contemporary paintings of naval officers. Considering the marines' dispersed service, there probably was some variation. Oblong plates with a crown-and-lion device appeared in c 1782. As it was not usual for flank company officers to wear wings until c 1805-1806, our flank company officers has two epaulettes, a distinction allowed grenadier officers in the 1768 Warrent and quickly adopted by those of the light-infantry companies.
Chapter 6

1775 - 1799

1775. Tuesday 24th May. A reinforcement arrived at Boston from Ireland; and on the 26th, major-generals Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne in the Cerberus from England.

The following is an extract from the marine-battalion orders of the 20th of May, 1775 :— "The right-honourable the lords commissioners of the Admiralty, having directed a reinforcement of marines to serve under major Pitcairne in general Gage's army, consisting of 2 majors, 10 captains, 27 subalterns, 2 adjutants, 1 surgeon, 2 assistant-surgeons, 28 Serjeants, 25 corporals, 20 drummers, 600 privates, the commanding officer deems it necessary, for the good of the service, to form the whole under his command into two battalions : —

Officers in 1st battalion. Officers in 2nd battalion.

GRENADIERS.

Thomas Avarne, Capt. George Logan. William Finney, 1st lieut. Alexander Brisbane.

George Vevers, 1st lieut. Francis Gardner.

FIRST COMPANY.

Stawel Chudleigh, Capt., Hon. John Maitland, Capt. Richard Shea, 1st lieut. Jesse Adair, 1st lieut. Hewes, 1st lieut. Roland Carter, 1st lieut.

SECOND COMPANY.

Stephen Ellis,

Capt. Charles Chandless,

Capt. James Robertson,

1st lieut. Fenton Griffiths,

1st lieut. P. D. Robertson,

2nd lieut. Henry D'Oyley, 2nd lieut.

THIRD COMPANY.

Thomas Lindsay, Capt. Thomas Groves, Capt.

William Lycett, 1st lieut. John Hadden, 1st lieut.

David Collins, 2nd lieut. Titus Conyers, 1st lieut.

FOURTH COMPANY.

William Forster, Capt. Samuel Davys, Capt.

William Graham, 1st lieut. Walter Nugent, 1st lieut.

Isaac Potter, 2nd lieut. Robert Carey, 2nd lieut.

82 TWO MARINE BATTALIONS.

FIFTH COMPANY.

Robert Ross, Capt. Edward Henvill, Capt.

Charles Steward, 1st lieut. Thomas Biggs, 1st lieut.

Jonas Mathews, 1st lieut. James Lewis, 2nd lieut.

SIXTH COMPANY.

William Sabine, Capt. George Elliott,

Capt. B. M'Donald, 2nd lieut. Alex. M'Donald, 1st lieut.

Henry Tantum, 2nd lieut. John France, 1st lieut.

SEVENTH COMPANY.

J. H. Branson, Capt. Archer Walker, Capt.

William Creswell, 1st lieut. James Anderson, 1st lieut.

Thomas Trollope, 2nd lieut. Robert Moore, 2nd lieut.

EIGHTH COMPANY.

John Perceval, Capt. John M'Fie, Capt.

Aaron Eustace, 1st lieut. SirJ.Dalston bart. 1st lieut.

Thos. Woodcock, 2nd lieut. Francis Dogherty, 1st lieut.

LIGHT INFANTRY.

W. Souter, capt. Archibald Campbell, capt.

William Pitcairne, 1st lieut. John Dyer, 2nd lieut.

Philip Howe, 2d lieut. N. H. Nicholas, 2nd lieut.

ADJUTANT.

John Waller, 1st lieut. John Fielding, 1st. lieut.

QUARTER-MASTER.

J. Pitcairne, 1st lieut. Thomas Smith, 1st lieut.

Captain David Johnston, superintendent, adjutant, and de- puty-paymaster to the 2nd battalion.

— Hill, surgeon to the 2nd battalion; William Tervant and — Silven, surgeon's mates.

The following regulations for the payment of companies were notified in the battalion- orders of the 3rd of June " The right-honourable the lords commissioners of the Admiralty having directed, by their letter to major Pitcairne of the 2nd of March last, that the captain of marines commanding companies on shore at Boston should pay their companies in the same manner as practised by the land forces, the captains or commanding officers of companies will receive from captain Johnstone, deputy-paymaster, one month's subsistence for the non-commissioned officers and private men of their respective companies, deducting Is. b\d. per week each for provisions and the usual stoppages, as directed by the Admiralty, viz: — s. d. For one serjeant, per week ....2

For one corporal or drummer . . . \\\

For one private man 1

Dollars to be taken at 4 8

Captains are to give the deputy-paymaster complete monthly pay-rolls, accounting for the subsistence distributed to their companies, and specifying every particular casualty that has happened in each company during the preceding month, and to commence this day." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1775. Thursday 8th of June the American congress resolved, " That the compact between the crown and the people of Massachusetts bay is dissolved." A proclamation was issued by general Gage establishing martial law and offering pardon to all who should return to their allegiance excepting Samuel Adams and John Handcock. Matters were thus fast approaching to a crisis, and both parties prepared in right earnest for the struggle.

At this moment, the town of Charlestown was not occupied by either party; and the rebels, anticipating the movement of the king's troops, sent a large body of men on the 16th of June to erect works upon Bunker's-hill, and during the night they raised entrenchments, and constructed a formidable redoubt. On the 17th at day-break the garrison of Boston was alarmed by a heavy cannonade from his Majesty's ship Lively, directed against the working-party on the hill; but as the Americans persevered in their labours with great firmness, general Gage considered it highly necessary to dislodge them from so important a position, and therefore resolved on an immediate attack.

The Lively, Falcon, and Spitfire, having anchored abreast of and below Charlestown for covering the landing of the troops, at nine in the morning the Glasgow, lying off Newpoint, and a battery of six guns and some howitzers, opened upon the rebels; but they perseveringly continued their work, nothing daunted by the heavy fire which was poured upon them. The Americans on the heights were in great force, and strongly posted in a redoubt, besides other works, on which they had mounted cannon. In the houses of Charlestown, which covered their right flank, they had also posted a large body of troops, while their centre and left flank were protected by a breastwork partly cannon proof; and these works reached from the left of the redoubt to the Mystic, or Medford, river. Ten companies of grenadiers and ten of light infantry, with the 5th, 38th, 43rd, and 52nd regiments under maj or-general Howe and brigadier-general Pigot, were embarked with great expedition, a & nd landed about noon on Charlestown Point, under the protection of the ships of war, whose well-directed fire kept the insurgents within their works. The troops formed in perfect order, the light infantry under brigadier Pigot posted on the right, and the grenadiers on the left; in rear of these the 5th and 38th regiments, and the 43rd and 52nd in a third line.

Major-general Howe, on examining the state of the enemy's defences, and observing fresh columns pouring in to their assistance, solicited a reinforcement, which soon joined him, consisting of some companies of grenadiers and light infantry, the 47th regiment, and the battalions of marines, who were led by majors Pitcairne, Tupper, and Short. The major-general then formed the corps under his command into two lines, and immediately advanced towards the enemy's works. About half-past three o'clock a smart fire was opened from the field-pieces and howitzers of the British as the troops slowly advanced, and occasionally halting to allow the artillery to fire with greater effect. The light infantry was directed to force the left point of the breast-work and take the enemy in flank; whilst the grenadiers were to attack in front, supported by the 5th and 52nd regiments. Not a shot was returned by the enemy until our troops were close upon them, when they opened a destructive fire, which was so well maintained, that it somewhat staggered the assailants. For some time, the British withstood this opposition, but their loss of officers and men was so great, that they recoiled a little and fell into disorder, until the animating presence of general Howe restored confidence, when the soldiers rallied, and again advanced upon the enemy.

At this time the left wing, from being much exposed to the enemy's fire from the houses of Charlestown, sustained considerable loss; orders were therefore sent to destroy the place, which was speedily effected by red-hot shot from the ships, and by Cape's-hill battery throwing carcasses. General Howe now renewed his attack, and overcoming the various impediments thrown in their way, the british soldiers rushed into the entrenchments, with the bayonet and drove the gallant enemy from every part of the works across the peninsula, leaving five pieces of cannon in our possession. At the commencement of the action the rebels had above 5000 men, and their loss must have been considerable; but only 30 of the killed remained in the redoubt. In this hardly-earned victory, the loss on the part of the British amounted to 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 majors, 7 captains, 9 lieutenants, 15 Serjeants, one drummer, and 191 rank and file killed; 3 majors, 27 captains, 32 lieutenants 8 ensigns, and 758 privates wounded, — making a total of 1054 in killed and wounded.

The marine battalions sustained more than its proportionate share of casualties.

First battalion; major Short, captain Stephen Ellis, lieutenants Richard Shea and William Finnie, and 17 men killed; major Pitcairne, mortally, captains Thomas Avarne, Stawel Chudleigh, and David Johnstone, lieutenant Ragg, and 57 men wounded.

Second battalion; captain Archibald Campbell, lieutenant Francis Gardiner, and 5 men killed; captain George Logan, lieutenants John Dyer, Alexander Brisbane, and 30 men wounded.

The reputation of the marines was never more nobly sustained than in this sanguinary contest. Their unshaken firmness was conspicuous, and the valour they displayed in closing with the enemy when some part of the attacking column wavered, gained them, not only the admiration of their comrades, but the commendation of their distinguished chief.

"The commander-in-chief returns his most grateful thanks to major-general Howe for the xtraordinary exertion of his military abilities on the 17th instant. He returns his thanks also to major-general Clinton, and brigadier Pigot, for the share they took in the success of the day, as well as to lieutenant-colonels Nesbitt, Abercromby, Gunning, and Clarke; majors Butler, Williams, Bruce, Tupper, Spenlove, Small, and Mitchel, and the rest of the officers and soldiers ; who by remarkable efforts of courage and gallantry overcame every disadvantage, and drove the rebels from the redoubt and strong-holds on the heights of Charlestown, and gained a complete victory." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1775. Thursday 22nd June. The following interesting letter is from lieutenant J Waller, adjutant of the first marine battalion, dated, " Camp of Charles- town Heights, 22nd of June.

" My dear Brother,

" Amidst the hurry and confusion of a camp hastily pitched in the field of battle, I am sat down to tell you I have escaped unhurt, where many, very many, have fallen. The public papers will inform you of the situation of the ground and the redoubt that we attacked on the heights of Charles- town. I can only say that it was a most desperate and daring attempt, and it was performed with as much gallantry and spirit as was ever shown by any troops in any age.

"Two companies of the first battalion of marines, and part of the 47th regiment, were the first that mounted the breast- and you will not be displeased when I tell you that I was with those two companies, who drove their bayonets into all that op- posed them. Nothing could be more shocking than the carnage that followed the storming this work. We tumbled over the dead to get at the living, who were crowding out of the gorge of the redoubt, in order to form under the defences which, they had prepared to cover their retreat. In these breast-works they had artillery, which did so much mischief; but these they were obliged to abandon, being followed closely by the light infantry, who suffered exceedingly in the pursuit. The rebels had 5000 to 7000 men, covered by a redoubt, breast-works, walls, hedges, trees, and the like; and the number of the corps under general Howe, (who performed this gallant business,) did not amount to 1500. We gained a complete victory, and entrenched ourselves that night, where we lay under arms, in the front of the field of battle. We lay the next night on the ground, and the following- day encamped. The officers have not their marquees, but are obliged to lie in soldiers' tents, they being more portable in case of our advancing.

" We had of our corps one major, 2 captains, and 3 lieutenants killed; 4 captains, and 3 lieutenants wounded: 2 Serjeants, and 21 rank and file killed; and 3 Serjeants and 79 privates wounded: and I suppose, upon the whole, we lost, killed and wounded, from 800 to 1000 men. We killed a number of the rebels, but the cover they fought under made their loss less considerable than it would otherwise have been. The army is in great spirits, and full of rage and ferocity at the rebellious rascals, who both poisoned and chewed the musket balls, in order to make them the more fatal. Many officers have died of their wounds, and others very ill: 'tis astonishing what a number of officers were hit on this occasion; but the officers were particularly aimed at.

" I will just give you a short account of the part of the action where I was particularly concerned. We landed close under Charlestown and formed with the 47th regiment close under the natural defences of the redoubt, which we drove the enemy from, climbing over rails and hedges. So, we closed upon them; but when we came immediately under the work, we were checked by the severe fire of the enemy but did not retreat an inch. We were now in confusion, after being broke several times in getting over the rails, &c. I did all I could to form the two companies on our right, which at last I effected, losing many of them while it was performing. Major Pitcairne was killed close by me, with a captain and a subaltern. Also, a Serjeant, and his majesty's thanks. 89 many of the privates; and had we stopped there much longer, the enemy would have picked us all off. I saw this, and begged colonel Nesbitt of the 47th to form on our left, in order that we might advance with our bayonets to the parapet. I ran from right to left and stopped our men from firing; while this was doing, and when we had got in tolerable order, we rushed on, leaped the ditch, and climbed the parapet, under a most sore and heavy fire. Colonel Nesbitt has spoken very favourably of my conduct, and both our majors have mentioned me to lord Sandwich in consequence of it. One captain and one subaltern fell in getting up, and one captain and one subaltern was wounded of our corps: three captains of the 52nd were killed on the parapet, and others that I know nothing of. God bless you! I did not think, at one time, that I should ever have been able to write this, though in the heat of the action I thought nothing of the matter. Adieu, dear Jacob, your's, a complete victory."

The provincials constructed works on an eminence on the continental side of the Charlestown-neck, directly opposite to the british troops on Bunker's-hill, and by their frequent nightly incursions on the different islands, where the live-stock for the British was kept, they added much to the distress of the army. In one of those daring enterprises they burnt the light-houses at the entrance of Boston harbour; and when the principal one was under repair, protected by a detachment of marines, they surprised the party, and carried them all off to the continent. In the orders of the 27th of September, the royal thanks were tendered to the forces in the following terms: " The King has been pleased to order the commander-in-chief to express his Majesty's thanks, both to the officers and soldiers, for the resolution and gallantry with which they attacked and defeated the rebels on the 17th of June last, who had every advantage of numbers and situation ; and more especially to express to generals Howe and Clinton, and to brigadier-general Pigot, the sense his Majesty entertains of the spirit, resolution, and conduct by which they distinguished themselves, to their honour, upon that day." sense his Majesty entertains of the spirit, resolution, and conduct by which they distinguished themselves, to their honour, upon that day."

The battalion-orders of that day also contained a notification that, the King had been pleased to make the following promotions in his marine forces serving in North America: — Captain W. Souter to be major, vice Short, killed in action. Capt.-lieut. Fras. Lindsay to be captain, v. Campbell, ditto. Robt. Ross to be captain, v. Ellis, ditto. " David Johnstone to be capt., v. Souter, promoted. First-lieut. Jessie Adair to be capt-lieut., v. Lindsay, ditto.

"Sir John Dalston to be capt-lieut., v. Walker, returned home.

"Sir J. Hadden to be capt-lieut., v. Ross, promoted.

"William Pitcairne to be capt-lieut., v. Johnstone, promoted.

"Second-lieut. Jas Lewis to be first lieut., v. Shea, killed in action.

"Robert Moore ditto v. Finnic

"Thos. Woodcock ditto " Gardiner.

" Isaac Polden ditto " Adair.

" Robert Carey ditto " Dalston.

" Ronald McDonald ditto " Hadden.

" Philip Howe ditto "

" Henry Tantum ditto " Pitcairne.

" David Collins ditto " Spencer.

Volunteer S. D. Bowman to be 2nd. lieut. " Lewis.

It was further intimated, " That in consequence of the application of major Pitcairne to have the same allowance for paying the companies of 1st and 2nd battalions of marines serving on shore in North America as the army, and that the captains should be answerable for the debts, &c, the lords commissioners of the Admiralty are ready to give every reasonable mark of their indulgence, and are pleased to consent that each captain commanding a company should be allowed after the rate of one shilling per day, being equal to the pay of two men per company, during their continuance on shore, as is practised in the army ; and the deputy-paymaster is authorized to issue the same." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1775. Thursday 12th October. General Gage obtained his Majesty's permission to return to England, and on the 12th of October the command of the british land forces in America devolved on major-general Howe. The disaffected Americans, encouraged by their increasing strength, looked boldly forward to a successful struggle in establishing an independent government of their own; and animated by these hopes, they no longer confined their operations to defensive measures, but availed themselves of every opportunity of assailing their enemies. In this state of enduring firmness on the part of the Americans, the distressed army at Boston looked anxiously for reinforcements and supplies of provisions. On the 2nd of March, general Washington opened a battery at Phipps-farm, and on the 5th some works were erected on Dorchester-point, from which a fire was opened from a twenty-four pounder and a mortar with such effect, that the town was soon in a blaze. Finding it impracticable to dislodge the enemy from their new position, major-general Howe was compelled to abandon the town, and the troops were consequently conveyed on board the ships. The embarkation rather resembled the emigration of a nation than the breaking up of a camp: 1500 of the inhabitants, attached to the royal cause, encumbered the transports with their families, which, together with the scarcity of provisions, occasioned much discontent, and increased the jealous feeling that prevailed between the army and navy. As the British were unable to carry off their stores and heavy artillery, the cannon on Bunker hill and Bostonneck fell into the hands of the Americans, who reaped great advantage by our hasty departure. On the 17th of March, general Washington entered Boston in great triumph, and the british armament, amounting to 1 50 sail, proceeded to Halifax. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1776. Monday 1st January. Liverpool and consorts burnt Norfolk Virginia.

1776. Thursday 4th April. Amongst the augmentations to the british forces voted for the year 1776, 2378 men were added to the marines, making their total establishment 6665 men. The fleet, with the army from Boston, reached Halifax on the 4th of April, where they continued in expectation of succours from England until the 12th of June, and arrived at Sandy Hook on the 29th. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1776. Saturday 6th April. HMS Glasgow engaged American Squadron.

1776. Wednesday 17th April. Halifax (Uniform). The O.C. desires the Captains will take care to have the Arms, Accoutrements and Appointments of their men, in perfect order on Tuesday next, as the General intend to see both Battalions on that day. When it's expected that every man will have a Clean Shirt with a Frill to it, a good Black Stock, and a pair of half Gaiters. The Pouches to be slung and polished as soon as possible.

Phillips. Molesworth. 2nd/Lieutenant. Chatham Division 12 June 1776.

Gibson. Samuel. Sergeant. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Thomas. James. Corporal. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Ledyard, John. Corporal. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

James. John. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Harrison. John. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Hinks. Theophilus. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Brown. Richard. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Scruse. William. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Girley. Thomas. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

McDonald. John. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Jackson. John. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Morris. Thomas. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Allen. John. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Fatchett. Thomas. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Perkins. John. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

McLeod. John. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Carley. Isaac. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Harford. Thomas. Private. Plymouth Division 9th July 1776.

Portsmouth. Michael. Drummer. Joined 11th July 1776.

1776. Sunday 21st April. Halifax (Uniform). The Officers of the 1st battalion to wear White Roses in their Gorgets and to provide themselves with them immediately. They are like wise to wear their hair (when under arms or on Duty) in a short Club.

1776. Tuesday 30th April. It is a tribute meritedly due to the Battalions of Marines who acted so gallantly in the field, to take a retrospective view of their general good conduct at Halifax, and the series of events connected with them.

As it has already been stated, they accompanied General Howe from Boston to that place. The active exertions of the subordinate ranks on board of the transports, not half manned, and encumbered besides with the persons and property of the faithful Loyalists while on the passage, were such, that a pecuniary recompence was given to many of them, on their reaching Nova Scotia.

Soon after their arrival, both Corps were reviewed by that distinguished Officer, Lord Percy, whose testimony, in consequence, was couched in the following terms:

"Lord Percy being well pleased with the appearance and performance of the Marine Battalions yesterday (April 30, 1776), desires his thanks to the Officers (in particular) and the men, for their steadiness and attention in their several movements."

Lieutenant Colonel (afterward General) Collins had assumed the command of them soon after their reaching Halifax and retained it until his health obliged him to return to Europe, when it devolved upon Major Souter, by orders from the Board of Admiralty. Both Battalions were extremely solicitous to have united with the Army under Sir William Howe, when on the eve of leaving Halifax for more active services; but the defence of Nova Scotia being at that period a very important object, it was partly entrusted to them, and the Grenadier Companies alone were permitted the honour. On the 1st of June the notice of an additional indulgence to the Captains of Marine Companies was published to both Corps.

"The Lords of the Admiralty are pleased to allow the Captains of Marines the pay of an additional man per Company, which will increase their present allowance to 1s. 6d. per day, for paying their Companies, providing necessaries, repairing arms, and burying their dead, in like manner as is practised in the Army, and still on shore in North America. The Deputy Paymaster will issue the same. The additional man per day to commence from the time the Army in America was allowed the same."

In order to inspire emulation, and to foster in the memories of all the glorious 17th of June, Colonel Collins issued the following Battalion-orders upon that day: "In consequence of this day being the anniversary of the 17th of June, when the Marines behaved in a brave gallant manner at the attack of the rebel redoubt on the heights of Charlestown, Colonel Collins extends pardon to all offenders to this day."

If the enemy had attempted Halifax, the line of battle directed by Major General Massey was, "That Lieutenant Colonel Collins, with the 1st Battalion of Marines, should draw up his right at the house this side of Pedley's Hill. The Royal Highland Emigrants, Royal Americans, Loyal Nova Scotia Volunteers, and 2d Battalion of Marines, under Major Tupper, on the left; the whole to form on the road. Lieutenant Gillespie, with the field-pieces, in the centre; Captain Ramsay, with his detachment of the 14th Regiment, to form on the grand parade, and wait for orders from the Governor or General. The faithful well-tried old Soldiers left here for garrison-duty, under command of Lieutenant Needham, and the other Overseers of the works to form on the Citadel Hill. Lieutenant Lindsay, with his troops, to form at the Dutch Church, where General Massey will have two mortars, with two howitzers fixed for his Corps; and he makes not the least doubt of their readiness to assist in crushing rebellion."

Lieutenant Colonel Collins having obtained leave to return to England for his health, bid farewell to his Corps in these words, upon the 16th of September:

"The Commanding Officer begs leave to assure the two Battalions of Marines, that it is necessity, not inclination, which forces him from hence. His highest ambition would have been to have conducted them to England, when this distempered state of America was settled. He begs leave to return the Officers thanks for their constant attention and flatters himself the service will be carried on in the same uniform line it has hitherto been, and if the change of climate permits the re-establishment of his health, he will join them as soon after as possible."

As a just compliment to the discipline established by Lieutenant Colonel Collins, Major Souter, who succeeded him, gave out these orders, to both battalions of Marines, on the 18th of September. "Major Souter desiring that the orders Lieut. Colonel Collins has issued for the regulation and management of both battalions be uniformly and invariably pursued; particularly those of an Officer of a Company seeing that the men are properly dressed and appointed, when ordered on duty, before they are brought to the parade, and that no drunken men are allowed to fall into the ranks at roll-calling. The Captains are likewise to keep up the necessaries and appointments that have been ordered."

The gallant conduct of the Light Infantry Companies of Marines on a preceding occasion, drew forth the encomium of Major General Massey, upon the 19th of December, in these handsome words:

"His Honour the Lieutenant Governor having made application to Major General Massey, that the two Light Infantry Companies of Marines should continue at Fort Cumberland, the General has consented to it, and takes this opportunity to inform their Brother Soldiers that Major Bald, (who commanded there in a late skirmish with the banditti rebels), in his report to Major General Massey, tells him "that the two Light Companies run at the rebels like lions, and behaved most bravely," which General Massey communicates to the garrison with vast pleasure."

That gallant and good Officer, now Lord Clarina, ever ready to attend to suppliant merit, and the Soldiers wants, in general orders of the 24th of February 1777, thus answers the Petition of the 1st Battalion of Marines:

"Major General Massey often receiving a petition from the 1st Battalion of Marines (signed Launcelot Poverty), is happy to comply with their request, as their uniform good behaviour, during the winter, well merits that indulgence. It is therefore his orders, that Major Souter permits the men to work as he shall judge proper, but that no substitutes must be allowed in their public duty."

In the month of March, the Commander in Chief expecting some actual service, was pleased to nominate Lieutenant (now Colonel) Trollope, with a party of Marines, to be trained under Lieutenant Gillespie, of the Royal Artillery, to practice quick firing and traversing the great guns.

Early in April the two Battalions were consolidated into one, by orders of the Board of Admiralty, addressed to Major Souter, to the following effect:

"By the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, &c.

"Whereas the Earl of Sandwich has signified to us his Majesty's pleasure, that the two Battalions of Marines, serving under your command, shall be formed into one Battalion, each Company to consist of one Captain, four Subalterns, five Serjeants, five Corporals, four drummers, and 100 private men each, conformable to the present establishment of the Corps, together with the following Field and Staff Officers, viz. two Majors, one Adjutant, one Chaplain, one Quarter Master, one Surgeon, and one Surgeon's Mate; you are hereby required and directed to form the said two Battalions into one Battalion accordingly, with the Field and Staff Officers as before mentioned, and having so done, you are to cause the non-commissioned Officers and private men which may remain after this Battalion is formed, to be embarked in such of his Majesty's ships serving in North America under the command of Vice Admiral Viscount Howe, as may be in want of them, agreeable to the requisition which will be made to you by his Lordship for that purpose; but with respect to the commissioned Officers, over and above the number necessary for completing the said Battalion, you are to send them to England by the first opportunity that offers, in order to join their respective Divisions, unless Lord Howe shall apply to you, for any of them to serve in the ships of his squadron, in which case you are to supply them accordingly.

"Given under our hands, 1st January 1777.

"SANDWICH"

"J. BULLER"

"H. PALLISER."

"To Major Souter or Commanding Officer

"Marines, Halifax."

"By command of their Lordships,

"PHIL. STEPHENS."

"In consequence of the above arrangement, such Officers as choose to return to England are desired to give in their names to the Commanding Officer."

Pursuant to this order from the Board, the following Officers, non-commissioned Officers, and drummers, were appointed to compose the new Battalion

FIELD OFFICERS. Majors Souter, Hon. John Maitland.

OFFICERS GRENADIERS. SERJEANTS. CORPORALS. DRUMMERS.

Capt. Averne Markhole Daffey Sweeton

Lieut. Ragg Sargent Martin Saul

Vevers Pollock Blake Pichen

Stewart West Pike Sidway

Cunningham Saul- Wallace Bryald

LIGHT INFANTRY.

Capt. Pitcairne Davis. Ross. Edwards

Lieut. Dyer Hill. Turtle Maclean

Short Collier. Sutherland Cook

Howe Pritchard Wilkinson. Leeson

Simms Jarvis Baker

Capt. Elliot Edwards Davis Wm. Cumine

Lieut. Ewing Gallaghar Flinn Grant

Moore Pugh Allen. Isgrove

J. Lewis Bible Gurney. Wood

Bowman Pulford- Watkins. Smith

Capt. D. Johnson Pitches Wheeler. J. Cumine

Lieut. Kempe Fitzimons. Jones Foliard

M'Donald Hillman. Cooper Flanagan

Tantum Newman. Almint. Lane

Trollope, Franklin- Perry Coxan-Tooze

Capt. Macdonald Bowden. Crea Breffeld

Lieut. F. Lewis, Higgins. Williamson ...Morris

Jacobs Southway Long. Birmingham

Shea Bottey. Pithrick. Higgins

Gilbert. Hardy Carey. Styles

Capt. Griffiths. Hayward. Silby. Parker

Lieut. Eustace Woodhouse Handford. Robinson

Carey. Poole Norraway. Shuter

Meredith. Traffles Brookes Roper

Creswell. Campbell Rowe Hill Miles

STAFF.

Doctor Boyles Chaplain.

John Waller Adjutant.

Thomas Smith Quarter Master.

Charles Hill Surgeon.

James Silven Surgeon's Mate.

An order, upon the 29th of April, to the Marine Battalion, extended the allowances of six contingent men to Captains of Companies, until the pleasure of the Admiralty Board was known.

In consequence of a review of the Battalion by the Commander in Chief at Halifax, the following after-orders were given out on the 9th of June:

"Major General Massey approves so very highly of the steadiness as well as the appearance of the Corps of Marines which he had the honour to review this day, that he returns Major Souter, the Officers, and Soldiers, his most grateful thanks for their performance in the field."

Lieutenant Trollope, of Marines, was appointed to the duty of attending the Commander in Chief; and Lieut. Waller as Brigade Major to the Provincial forces, during 1777.

In December of that year, Lieutenant John Oldfield, who had lately received a Marine commission, after having served with much credit as a Volunteer, was directed by General Massey to accompany Colonel Goreham to Fort Cumberland, in these handsome terms:

"Lieutenant Oldfield, of the Battalion of Marines, is to return with Lieut. Colonel Goreham to join the Light Infantry of that Corps, Lieut. Oldfield having acquired so thorough a knowledge of that country, which the General hopes will recommend him to farther notice and future promotion."

His Majesty's ship Milford having run on shore, was nearly lost in the beginning of December. Such were the exertions of the Marines upon the occasion, that Sir William Burnaby, her Commander, felt it his incumbent duty to tender them his thanks in these words "Sir

William Burnaby desires his thanks may be given to the Officers and men of the Battalion, who so actively assisted in getting off his Majesty's ship Milford." This was read to the Companies at evening roll-calling.

Lieutenant Trollope having been appointed Secretary to Major General Massey, Lieut. Tantum, a respectable young Officer (who was afterwards unfortunately drowned in the Ville de Paris), was attached as an assistant Artillery Officer in his stead; a party of Marines was trained to the great guns, and the command of the Half-moon Battery, as well as of the Citadel was allotted him under the event of an alarm.

Although neither the circumstances of the action, or name of the achiever, are alluded to in the following detail, still it carries in it that zealous anxiety to promote discipline, by recompencing merit, that I cannot omit its insertion.

"General Orders, Halifax, February 27, 1778.

"That good Marine Soldier who was yesterday with General Massey, and who now forgets his name and Company, the General wishes to see to-morrow morning at nine o'clock, as he wants to reward him for his loyalty. General Massey will be much obliged to Major Souter to order this to be read by an Officer, at roll-calling, to the different Companies."

In April, Lieutenant Jacobs who was an ornament to his Corps, (subsequently drowned at St. Lucia) was appointed to act as Overseer to the King's Works, which were carrying on.

No occasion seemed to have been lost by General Massey in calling forth talents wherever they were to be found and applying them to the public good. Such precedents, if generally adopted upon service, would stimulate the Marine Officer to the early study of every branch of military education. It is but rarely that we are inclined to devote our attention to sciences which may never be called into action, and what our professional views seem almost to render unnecessary. This knowledge may adorn the man, but it is too often restrained from being useful to our Country.

Upon the 25th of August the Marine Battalion was struck off the roster of duty in the garrison of Halifax, previous to its embarkation for Europe.

Major General Massey delivered, in Public Orders of the 30th, his testimony of the general conduct of both Officers and men to this effect:

"The Commander in Chief cannot part with the Marine Corps, without telling them he was pleased with their soldier-like appearance at the review of yesterday, and now has the pleasing satisfaction to say, that he has had the honour to command that Corps for above two years, without ever hearing of a Court Martial in it, or ever rebuking an Officer or Soldier.

"He will therefore make such a report of that respectable body of men as they merit, and now wishes Officers and Soldiers plenty of prize money and makes not a doubt but they will always contribute to the glory of his Majesty, King George's arms."

On the 1st day of September the whole embarked, but in consequence of a petition from the Lieutenant Governor and Council of the Province of Nova Scotia, intreating their continuance, in order to yield their tribute of respect, the Commander in Chief was pleased to intimate the following notice, in Public Orders of the 7th:

"The Lieutenant Governor and Council, having made application to Major General Massey, praying the Marine Corps may be detained here, and Lord Viscount Howe having left the determination to him, the Major General is happy to comply with the Lieutenant Governor's request; they, therefore, are to continue in the harbour till further orders, and Major Souter will please to land the men on board the transports, at either Dartmouth or the Eastern Battery, in order to give them an airing, at such times as he may choose to order."

Notwithstanding that the result of this liberal indulgence produced a constant intercourse between the town and transports during their stay, still the same harmony reigned during their social hours; and to the eternal honour of the meanest Marine Soldier, neither the merchant, the fatherless, the widow, or the orphan, could cast an eye after him for an unliquidated shilling. Such conduct necessarily drew the grateful sentiments of the Constituted Powers,

which were expressed to Major Souter by a letter from Mr. Bulkeley, of which the following is a copy:

"HALIFAX, Sept. 10, 1778.

"SIR,

"I have singular pleasure in obeying the request of the Members of his Majesty's Council, by conveying to you, and the rest of the Officers, our acknowledgments and thanks for the good order and discipline observed by the Battalion of Marines under your command, during the whole time they have been on duty in this town. I have the honour to be, Sir,

"Your most obedient humble servant,

"RICHARD BULKELEY."

Major Souter.

Those steady Soldiers soon after sailed for England, and they continued to preserve the same conduct through all their subsequent destinies.

I have thus placed this train of honourable retrospect under one connected view. To have interspersed the incidents amongst the successive and fleeting periods in which they occurred, and what have been already discussed, would have been uninteresting and less impressive. I have peculiarly addressed myself to my Corps throughout this domestic narrative; and while I have exhibited a bright pattern of valour, combined with steady discipline, in the Marine Battalions that were employed upon the soil of America, I am sanguine to hope, that after having viewed the picture, not one amongst our numerous ranks will ever deface its beauties. (Taken from Chapter 32 'An Historical review of the Royal marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1776. May. The loss of Actacon (?)

1776. May. The Bombardment of Charleston.

1776. Wednesday 3rd July. The grenadiers and light infantry were landed at Staten Island, without opposition, and the remainder of the army disembarked in the course of the day.

As the rebels were strongly posted, both on Long Island and at New York, having upwards of 100 cannon towards the entrance of the north river, the commander-in-chief resolved to remain in his present position, and not commence offensive operations until he should be joined by the force under lord Clinton and the reinforcements from England. Lord Howe arrived at Staten Island on the 12th of July and assumed the command of the fleet; and on the 14th, commodore Parker, with the troops under general Clinton, arrived from the southward, which enabled general Howe to commence hostilities.

Preparations having been made for landing the troops in Gravesend bay, Long Island, the first division, amounting to 4000 men under lieutenant-general Clinton, was conveyed to the shore on the morning of the 22nd of August; and the debarka- tion continued to be so well conducted, that before noon 15,000 men, with forty pieces of cannon, were disembarked. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1776. Friday 12th July. The voyage of HMS Resolution and HMS Discovery. Captain Cook set sail in a repaired HMS Resolution along with HMS Discovery Commanded by Charles Clerke, in search of the 'North West Passage'. On the way to Cape Town South Africa HMS Resolution stopped at Tenerife to top up on supplies, eventually arriving on the 17th October. Immediately upon arrival HMS Resolution had it re-caulked because it had been leaking badly, especially through the main deck. Mean time HMS Discovery had been delayed in London and did not follow Cook until 1st August. When HMS Discovery finally arrived on 10th November she was also found to be in need of re-caulking. The HMS Discovery was the smallest of Cook's ships and was manned by a crew of sixty-nine. The two ships were repaired and restocked with a large number of livestock. They then sailed in company on 1st December and on 13th December located and named the Prince Edward Islands. Twelve days later Cook found the Kerguelen Islands which he failed to find on his second voyage. Driven by strong westerly winds they reached Van Diemen's Land on 26th January 1777.

The Marine detachment on HMS Resolution.

Kich. James. Sergeant.

Harrison. George. Corporal.

Kerwin. Christopher (or Kerwin). Private.

Moody. George. Private.

Thompson. Hamlet. Private.

Randall. William. Private. Corporal 23rd Sept on death of Harrison G.

Herriott. John. Private.

Brown. William. Private.

Broom. William. Private.

Holloway. Jeremiah. Drummer. Joined at Plymouth 12 July 1776.

Broom. William. Private. Joined at Plymouth 24 July 1776.

Newman. Michael. Private. Joined at Plymouth 29 July 1776.

Poole. James. Private. Joined at Plymouth 29 July 1776.

1776. Saturday 27th July. After several encounters with the rebel force, the Americans were routed from the island on the 27th, with loss of five pieces of cannon, 2000 killed, wounded, or drowned, and 997 prisoners; whilst the loss of the British did not exceed 300 in killed and wounded. Captain Logan, 2nd battalion of marines, was killed; lieutenant Nugent, 1st battalion, wounded; and lieutenant Ragg, 2nd battalion, made prisoner. In the month of July, general Howe passed over with the army to Staten Island, and preparations were made for an attack on Philadelphia. On the 23rd, the armament, consisting of thirty six battalions, and a powerful artillery, sailed from Sandy Hook, and on the 31st arrived off the entrance of the Delaware; but finding that the rebels obstructed the navigation of that river, the fleet proceeded up the Chesapeake on the 14th of August, and the troops were landed at Elk ferry on the 25th. On the 3rd of September our troops began their march, whilst Washington, who had returned from the Jerseys to the defence of Philadelphia with 13,000 men, lost no opportunity of harassing them in their progress, without bringing on a general engagement; but several actions took place before our army entered Philadelphia, of which city they took possession on the 26th of September. Lord Cornwallis immediately gave directions for the erection of three batteries for 6 twelve-pounders and 4 howitzers, to act upon the enemy's shipping that might approach the town ; but before these batteries could be completed, two frigates, a number of galleys, gondolas, and other armed vessels, came up from Mud Island, and attacked the lower battery of two guns and two howitzers, the largest frigate, the Delaware, anchoring within 500 yards, and the other frigate somewhat more distant, whilst the other vessels took suitable stations. About ten in the morning they commenced a heavy cannonade, but the tide ebbing, the Delaware took the ground; upon which, the four battalion guns of the grenadiers did such execution, that in a short time she struck her colours, and was taken possession of by captain Thomas Avarne with his company of marines. The grenadiers of both marine battalions had been incorporated with those of the army previous to leaving Halifax and formed part of the force which entered Philadelphia.

Lord Howe, on being apprised of the progress of the army, proceeded with the fleet to co-operate with the land forces, and anchored on the western or Pennsylvania shore. The passage to Philadelphia was however rendered still impracticable by the Americans, who had constructed numerous works to interrupt the navigation of the river. The principal of these were strong batteries on a low and marshy island, at the junction of the Delaware and Schuylkill, and a considerable fort at Red Bank, on the opposite shore of New Jersey. In the deepest part of the channel between these forts, they had sunk several ranges of frames, composed of transverse beams firmly united, and of great weight and strength. About three miles lower down the river were similar machines, commanded by guns on the Jersey shore, and both were supported by floating batteries, a number of armed vessels, and some fire-ships. At the suggestion of captain Hammond of the Roebuck, two regiments were detached to dislodge the enemy from Billing's Point, the principal place of strength on the Jersey side. This service was effectually performed, whilst captain Hammond, after a sharp contest with the enemy's marine force, removed the chevauz de frise, and opened a narrow passage through the lower barrier.

General Howe now ordered batteries to be thrown up on the Pennsylvania shore to assist in dislodging the rebels from Mud Island and detached a strong body of Hessians to carry the redoubt at Red Bank; at the same time his lordship moved the men-of-war near Mud island, which was the main object of attack. Both these operations were unsuccessful: the Hessians were repulsed with great slaughter, and the ships, unable to produce any effect upon the island, were compelled to quit their position. The obstructions placed in the river by the Americans had so materially altered the channel, that Augusta of 64-guns, and Merlin sloop, unfortunately grounded, and both were destroyed.

????. Those untoward events did not deter the British from making another attempt, and the Americans were equally persevering in strengthening their points of defence. The Isis and Somerset passed up the east channel and attacked the enemy's works in front; whilst several frigates drew up against a newly erected fort near Manto creek, and two vessels, mounting 20 four-pounders, having made their way through a narrow channel, enfiladed the principal works. The cannonade continued the whole of the 15th of November, but towards evening the fire from the fort began to slacken, and the enemy perceiving that measures were taking for assaulting their works, set fire to everything that could be destroyed, and escaped under favour of the night. The forts on the main land were also silenced, and their capture afforded a considerable quantity of artillery and military stores to the victors. The enemy's shipping retreated up the river, but on being closely pursued they were burnt by their crews. These successes enabled the squadron to forward the supplies required by the troops and secured them good winter-quarters in Philadelphia. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1776. Tuesday 27th August. Long Island. In this action 1 Officer and 20 Marine Grenadiers were captured from having mistaken the blue uniforms of the Americans for those of the Hessians. There were 2 battalions of Marines totalling 1172 men in General Howe's Army at New York at the time.

1776. September. The Bombardment of New York.

1776. Friday 11th October. Action on lake Champlain.

1776. Friday 6th December. Fire in portsmouth Dockyard.

1776. HMS Repulse lost with all hands off Bermuda.

1776. Corps Strength at that time was 10,129 men. It included six field-officers with their companies, three Lieutenant Colonels and three Majors, but on the formation of the expedition for Botany Bay, whilst four companies were added, those of the field officers remained reduced. On the retirement of Lord Howe, the Earl of Chatham became first Lord of the Admiralty, and in consequence of the presentation of a memorial from the three divisions the field-officers and their companies were restored.

1776. November. Martha's Vineyard. Taken from Beatson's M. & N. Memoires: "The Diamond, Captained Fielding, having been driven by the weather into Martha's Vineyard, sent a boat ashore under a flag of truce. The inhabitants suffered the boat to come within gun shot, and then fired upon her and one man was wounded. To punish this treachery the Diamond's Marines were landed, and at once attacked and routed a party of the enemy, though strongly posted on a hill and sheltered by rocks and bushes, from behind which they kept up a brisk fire. One Marine was killed and one wounded, while the rebels lost 4 killed and many wounded. The Marines then set fire to their houses and barns and brought off as many oxen, sheep and poultry as they could." (Sic)

1776 \- 1783. During the American War of Independence, the following advertisement appeared in the Ipswich Journal of Saturday 26th February 1780. This newspaper, now defunct, had had a wide circulation in Suffolk and Essex.

VOLUNTEERS

For the First Division of Marines.

Twenty Recruits are wanted immediately to complete the 31st Company, Commanded by Captain Shairp.

Now is the time for young men of spirit to gain honour and make their fortune by captures from the enemy. The superior advantages attending the marines' service are well known; particularly at this time, when our ports are crowded (sic) with French and Spanish Prizes. Marine Soldiers have every advantage of his Majesty's royal bounty, excellent clothing, arms and accoutrements with the addition of provisions found them gratis when on board ship, besides their full pay; and when in service, they share in prize-money equal to able seamen; these are advantages well known, and can be testified by many in this county, who have made their fortunes in the last, but more particularly in the present war. All under the age of 40, and above the size of 5 feet 3 inches, will meet with due encouragement, by applying to Capt Shairp in Queen's Street, or to his sergeants at the Marlborough's Head, Botolph's Gate, Colchester." (By H. Charles McBarron and John R. Elting.)

1776. Pattern 1776 infantry rifle was designed. One thousand are made and issued to British soldiers fighting in the War of American Independence.

1776. From very early times 'Press Gangs' had functioned in order to provide seamen. It was an Admiralty rule, founded upon the believe, that every British male subject was eligible to be pressed into service. However, the principal raids by press gangs were usually on experienced seafarers, particularly those serving aboard merchant vessels. There is little doubt that pressing for the naval service was legal provided the press gangs held a warrant issued in the county and was accompanied by a commissioned officer. There was also lawful protection documents that barred press gangs from taking the person. These were of short tenure and only for necessary skilled craftsmen, men with connections. It's interesting to note that to this day it has never been repealed.

1777. Thursday 13th March. The news of the defeat of general Bourgoyne's army produced such a change in the conduct of the court of Versailles with regard to the Americans, that it determined on the 16th of December 1777, to acknowledge the independence of the United States; and his christian Majesty was resolved to support that policy, even at a risk of producing a war with England. On the 13th of March 1778, the marquis de Noailles, the french ambassador, delivered a message from his court, expressive of its determination to maintain their commercial relations with America, and that measures had been taken in concert with the United States to maintain the dignity of the french flag, and effectually to protect the lawful commerce of their subjects.

This declaration was immediately laid before the House of Lords, with a message from the King, setting forth the perfidy of France, and contrasting it with his own steady adherence to the faith of treaties. Both houses replied to the message in a high strain of indignation and resentment against the restless ambition of the french court. The british ambassador having been recalled from Paris, the marquis of Noailles left London, and immediate measures were taken to prepare for hostilities, impress warrants issued, and the militia embodied to the number of 30,000 men.

While these preparations were going forward in Europe, nothing decisive occurred in America, and both armies continued in their winter-quarters. As the spring approached, general Howe sent detachments to open a communication by which provisions might be obtained for the army; and on the 7th of May, major Maitland, with the 2nd battalion of light infantry, embarked in flat boats, protected by some armed vessels, to destroy the american ships lying in the river between (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1777. Sunday 18th May. Beaver took Oliver Cromwell.

1777. Saturday 7th June. An action was fought off the banks of Newfoundland, between the american frigates Handcock and Boston, of 32-guns, and the british 32-gun frigate Fox, captain Patrick Fotheringham. After engaging two hours, the Fox was so much disabled that she could no longer contend against such superior force; and having sustained a considerable loss, she struck her colours. Among the killed was the honourable James John Napier, lieutenant of marines.

The province of Nova Scotia being threatened with an invasion from the eastern parts of New England, sir George Collier, with the Rainbow, Blonde, and Mermaid frigates, and Hope sloop, sailed from Halifax, and arrived at Machias on the 13th of August. On the following morning, finding that the enemy had assembled in force on each side of the river, whence they kept up a galling fire of musquetry, and also from the fort, it was found desirable to land the marines, who, after some resistance, routed the enemy; and the port, together with some stores and several small vessels, were destroyed. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1777. July. Fox taken by Hancock and Boston.

1777. Monday 18th August. The Rainbow took the Hancock.

1777. Tuesday 19th August. The Flora took the Fox.

1777. Thursday 4th September. A very gallant defence was made by the Druid sloop, mounting 14-guns, against the american frigate Raleigh, of 32-guns, in which captain Carteret of the Druid and 5 men were killed; lieutenant James Nicolson of the marines and 20 men wounded. The Druid formed part of the escort of the West India convoy, under the Camel of 20 guns and Weazel of 16 guns; but being five miles astern, she sustained the action without any support from her consorts. The Raleigh withdrew from this unequal contest, after having suffered severely. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1777. Monday 22nd September. The Albert took the Lexington.

1777. Wednesday 22nd October. The Augusta and the Merlin blown up.

1777. Friday 26th September. The Capture of Philadelphia. The two Marine Grenadier Companies present with the rest of the Grenadiers belonging to the Army. During the advance on the city the US rebel frigate Delaware ran aground and was taken possession of by a company of Marines under command of Captain Avarne.

1777. Corps strength at that time was 11,829 men.

1777. Stephen Davenports time in the Corps 1777 - 1785. Little is known of Stephen Davenport other than brief references in, the muster rolls of various ships and divisional records, yet his brief 6 years in the Corps give an, insight not only into daily life of the 18th century marine but the hardships they suffered.

First mention as a Private Marine in HMS Augusta in 1777, engaged in the assault on Mud Island in the Delaware River in support of Sir William Howe's land attack on Philadelphia, where we have him dirty and tense as the ships guns roared all around him, and the Augusta went aground as she tried to squeeze through a narrow channel made narrower by the enemy batteries. The ship lay quiet all night, with the men busy lightening her to catch the morning tide, but the wind was unfavourable and at daylight the shore batteries began firing again. At mid-morning an odd crackling was heard, and the ship was on fire, started by fire rafts floated down stream by the American, or as the Captain believed by burning wads from her own guns igniting cattle fodder on board.

The crew scrambled to safety and the Augusta, a 64-gun ship of the line blew up. Her crew including Steven Davenport were distributed amongst the other ships of the fleet, Davenport to HMS Somerset doing duty out of New York & Rhode Island. A year later, on the 2nd of November 1778 guarding the entrance to Boston Harbour, Somerset was driven ashore on the Peak Hill Bars, by Provincetown, some of the crew were saved by a boat engaged in a prisoner exchange, but the captain and four hundred of his crew managed to get to shore where they were taken by the Americans. No record has been found in the muster lists of those saved who were dispersed into the other ships of the fleet, so it must be assumed that Davenport was among the prisoners taken by the Americans. These were exchanged by cartel the following year, and Stephen Davenport next appears promoted to Corporal in the newly raised 129th Coy of Plymouth Division, embarking on the 9th November into HMS Dublin whose log records "come on from Head Quarters 110 marines 1 Captain 2 Subalterns 4 Sargent's 2 Droomers". Here occurred the only blemish found on his record. On the 27th December 1779 an 'R' was placed against his name on the muster list (R is the mark of a man deserted), but Dublin was Portugal bound and was anchored in the Sound on the 25th "getting ready for sea", "employed unmooring on the 26th", and "under way" on the 27th. Fourteen men were so marked between those dates, possibly caught ashore when the winds came up and filled the sails, the 'R' would normally be removed on reporting to their Divisional Office, with a plausible reason, it was not an uncommon occurrence, when sailing time was decided by the wind. (sic)

At the end of March 1780, he is noted in the muster list of HMS Diligence at Portsmouth without the 'R', and in June was discharged into HMS Monarch, serving aboard until the end of September. In the December he embarked in HMS Cormorant for passage to Plymouth. On the 5th October 1781 he was mustered into HMS Nymph, where on the 28th June 1783 at Tortola in the West Indies she caught fire, the Admiralty was informed "the fire ragged so violently, the Greatest exertions of the officers and company proved ineffectual". Only three men were lost, but a subscription had to be raised to clothe the survivors. Davenport returned to England aboard the Caton and was discharged to Headquarters at Plymouth on the 4th November 1783. Caught in the reduction of the Corps strength because of the end of hostilities he was discharged from the Corps on the 17th of February 1784, his pay being recorded as 9.1s.1½d for service in HMS Nymph and 2.8s.6d for HMS Caton.

His last appearance is recorded in the Lent Assizes held in Exeter on the 14th February 1785 charged with Robbery on the King's Highway, together with three others, two former marines, and a servant. On the 17th, the Exeter Flying Post announced the names of the eleven prisoners who had received the death sentence, Stephen Davenport among them.

In the pages of the Devon Goal Book can still be seen the dreaded black asterisk against his name. Before he left Exeter, the Justice, Sir Francis Buller pleaded the King's Mercy about seven of the condemned, six having their sentence commuted to "transportation beyond the seas for seven years" and for Stephen Davenport, a Free Pardon. (sic)

1778. Eleven thousand Marines constituted the establishment of 1778.

Until the close of the last year France stood in awe and continued to cherish the flames of rebellion by assurances only of support.

Remarking the humbled spirit of our nation, at all times too prone to over-rate its calamities, that Power became less cautious, and in a little time avowed her inimical purposes. This was accelerated by a meditated plan of reconciliation, which had undergone the sanction of Parliament, and was about being submitted to the American revolters.

To circumvent its effects, our natural enemy closed with these States a treaty of commerce and defensive alliance upon the 6th of February, which inspired them with a well-timed hope of rising superior to all their pressures. Never did Mercy appear in such odious colours, as when she went forth to the Colonists. Her good offices were everywhere rejected with contempt and disdain, of which the American Congress gave a conspicuous example. The British Army too, could not recognize Her, and doubted much whether She was of true English origin.

Winter had suspended every active essay on the part of both armies, excepting in the case of some detachments that were from necessity pushed into the country for supplying our numerous forces in Philadelphia; to afford a protection to the suffering Loyalists, and to annihilate the ships and vessels of the rebels, which still remained higher up the Delaware river.

One of these was entrusted to the Hon. Major Maitland, who had long served with distinguished credit in the Corps of Marines, whose high military talents had recently paved the way for his transit into the line, and which placed him, at this time, at the head of a Battalion of Light Infantry.

In conjunction with Captain Henry, of the Royal Navy, who commanded a force of three gallies and other armed small craft, the Major embarked in some flat-bottomed boats, with the 2d Battalion of Light troops, upon the 7th of May. Agreeably to his instructions, he proceeded to destroy the rebel Marine between Philadelphia and Trenton.

At ten on the noon of the 8th, he landed at White-hill, where a superior force of the enemy, chiefly Cavalry, seemed determined to oppose his progress. After having got ashore some field-pieces,

Major Maitland pushed on towards Bordentown with great alacrity, driving before him the rebels, and surmounting, with much spirit, many local obstacles. Here he took five guns that commanded the river, and burnt a large quantity of provisions, tobacco, military stores, and camp equipage.

The enemy began to collect in great numbers at Trenton, where they looked for this flying detachment; but its leader, after indulging them in this idea, suddenly struck off towards the river, re-embarked, and took post on the Pennsylvania shore.

Early on the morning of the 9th, he advanced to Biles-island Creek, burnt some valuable vessels, moved on to Bristol, thirteen miles distant, in the afternoon destroyed every ship there, and returned, with his active followers, on board the boats at sun-set. Never was the distinguishing motto of "hilariter et celeriter" more truly exemplified than throughout these rapid duties. The manner in which this service was performed, was highly characteristic of the genius of that man who so completely achieved it.

The rebel loss amounted to 2 frigates, 9 large ships, 6 privateers, 23 brigs, and many schooners; besides an immensity of goods and stores.

The Navy very justly were entitled to their share in these honourable transactions.

General Howe soon after resigned his command to Sir Henry Clinton, whose first measure was the evacuation of Philadelphia, upon the morning of the 18th of June. In this retreat they were materially aided by the ships of war, as the whole Army, by the admirable dispositions of Lord Howe, were conveyed and encamped on the Jersey shore before ten at noon. Their retrograde progress to New York, with its attending incidents, are events unconnected with my purpose.

The preparations of France had preceded her hostile avowals.

Count D'Estaing, putting to sea from Toulon in April, made the Virginia coast early in the month of July. His hopes were to have found the British Fleet and Army, in the Delaware, and at Philadelphia, and by a united attack with General Washington on both, to have struck a blow at once decisive of the fate of America. Disappointed in these, he proceeded off New York, and after a few menaces he again disappeared, at first shaping his course to the Southward. But this was merely to cover his design against Rhode Island, in concert with a rebel force under General Sullivan. The French Admiral entered that harbour upon the 8th of

August, anchoring his fleet between Newport and Conanicut.

Advice having been sent to Lord Howe, at New York, of the enemy's motions, his Lordship hastened to relieve the Garrison, and arrived in sight of it on the morning of the 9th.

D'Estaing, seizing a favourable wind, pushed out again, and formed in line, with the evident resolution of hazarding a battle. After two days of able manœuvring on the part of Lord Howe to gain the wind, which was thwarted by adverse circumstances, he quietly awaited the enemy's attack. Just on the eve of conflict, Neptune interposed, and scattered the hostile fleets.

This produced some single actions, in which English valour uniformly triumphed against powerful superiority, but was rendered unavailing in every instance, by the contingencies of fortune.

The gallantry of Dawson, Hotham, and Raynor will appear indelible upon our Naval annals, as well as the bravery of those Seamen and Marines who so nobly seconded them.

The French Fleet, after recovering from the storm, again peeped into Rhode Island, from whence the rebels had retreated in confusion. It gladly took refuge in Boston, whither Lord Howe followed it, but durst not attempt so strong a position.

Thus, D'Estaing gained but little from his system of surprize. He was a fit agent to have executed the insidious schemes of his Court, when we recollect his breach of parole in the East, which would have made him the sanctioned victim to a halter, if he had fallen within our power.

The appearance of a new and natural foe seemed to revive in every breast the flame of patriotism. At no period of our national existence did the English character appear more great. The Commercial Sailor vied with his Majesty's servants in the Fleet and Army in this noble and emulous zeal.

Admiral Byron having sailed from England in the beginning of June, reached the American coast with his fleet, but in a detached and shattered state. An evil planet seemed to rule over all his destinies, and his good fortune fell much short of his merit.

Lord Howe having resigned the Naval command to that Officer, he proceeded off Boston, after having repaired all damages, from which he was driven to Rhode Island by a heavy gale that proved fatal to some of his ships. Of this D'Estaing took occasion to slip out, and with a powerful force aimed his future efforts against our West India islands.

Thither Commodore Hotham was detached with ten regiments, under General Grant, who joined Admiral Barrington at Barbadoes on the 10th of December, and on the 12th proceeded against St. Lucia. Here the army landed, while the squadron anchored in the Cul de Sac, where some Seamen and Marines were disembarked to man the batteries on each side of the harbour.

D'Estaing, who had reached Martinique, sailed also to realize his plans of conquest; but hearing of the descent upon St. Lucia, he resolved upon relieving it. The attempt was fruitless, but it yielded the display of much obstinate valour on both sides. The French were completely beaten, and the island fell.

It would carry me beyond my purposed bounds to dwell upon the many events of this year. The Marine Soldier was almost entirely limited to Naval duties, which were, in a detached sense, both numerous and brilliant upon the coasts of America.

In the indecisive battle of the 27th of July, between the grand Fleets of Britain and France, Lieutenant John M'Donald, of Marines, on board the Prince George, was wounded. (Taken from Chapter 31 'An Historical Review of the Royal marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1778. Monday 9th March. The Ariadine and the Cores took the Alfred.

1778. Friday 24th April. King George visited Chatham and Sheerness.

1778. Thursday 7th May. The Capture of Borden town and the destruction of rebel shipping. Carried out by the Marine Light Infantry under command of Major Hon. John Maitland of the Marines.

1778. Friday 8th May. Philadelphia and Trenton: two frigates and some smaller vessels were burnt, together with various magazines and storehouses. Sir William Howe having obtained his Majesty's permission to return to England, sir Henry Clinton arrived at Philadelphia on the 8th of May, and having assumed the command of the army, the first operation was to evacuate Philadelphia, pursuant to his instructions. This measure was deemed necessary, to enable the british forces to resist the united efforts of the Americans and their new and powerful allies. On the 18th the army proceeded to Gloucester Point, and having crossed the Delaware in safety, it continued its march to New York without interruption, until the 28th but from that period the rebel force kept close to the royal troops, continually harassing their retreat. On the 5th of July the army crossed the Navisink, over a bridge of boats, to Sandy Hook, and then moved up to New York, while the fleet anchored at Staten Island.

The french admiral d'Estaing, with twelve ships of the line, sailed from Toulon on the 13th of April, and pursuing their course to America, arrived on the coast of Virginia on the 5th of July. On the 11th, they appeared off the northern shore of New Jersey, and anchored off Shrewsbury-inlet on the following day. To oppose this formidable force, lord Howe had only six sail of 64-gun ships, three of 50, and two of 44 guns; yet, notwithstanding this inferiority of strength, there was such an earnest desire to meet the enemy, that 1000 volunteers from the transports presented themselves to man the fleet, and the troops were equally zealous to embark as marines, where their services might be required. Lord Howe made the necessary disposition of his fleet to resist any attack of the enemy, and on the 21st of July the movement of the french admiral seemed to indicate an immediate battle; when, to the astonishment of the British, M. d'Estaing bore away to the southward. On the 8th of August the french fleet anchored at Rhode Island, after cannonading the town and batteries as they passed. Advice having reached lord Howe of the enemy's position, he proceeded with a determination to save the garrison in Rhode Island, and on the 9th the british squadron made their appearance. On the morning of the 10th, the french fleet stood out to sea, followed by the english squadron; and after remaining two days in sight of each other without any opportunity of engaging, the fleets were dispersed by a violent gale of wind, in which several ships were dismasted.

The french fleet, after again appearing off Rhode Island, took refuge in Boston bay, where they were followed by lord Howe ; but as no attempt could be made upon the enemy in their then situation with a prospect of success, the british admiral returned to Sandy Hook Vice-admiral Byron, with two of his crippled ships, which were the only ones of his scattered fleet of eleven sail of the line that reached their rendezvous in America, arrived at Sandy Hook from Halifax on the 26th of September ; and after refitting his ships, that officer sailed for Boston on the 1 8th of October, in search of M. d'Estaing. A few days after he had put to sea, his squadron was greatly injured by a violent storm, when the Somerset was wrecked on Cape Cod, and the Culloden, from being dismasted, was forced to bear away for England.

Commodore Hotham, who had been detached from Staten Island with a small squadron, conveying 5000 troops under major-general Grant to afford reinforcements to our colonies, reached Barbadoes on the 10th of December, where he joined rear-admiral Barrington. It having been determined to make an immediate attack upon St. Lucia, the army landed without much opposition on the 12th and 13th, and on the 14th gained entire possession of the island. Just as this was accomplished, admiral d'Estaing's fleet of twelve sail of the line, and several frigates, made their appearance, and found the british squadron placed in line across the entrance of the bay, protected by heavy batteries on either point of land at the entrance of the cul-de-sac, where they were twice attacked by the french squadron on the 15th ; and on the following day the enemy disembarked about 8000 troops in Choc bay, but were repulsed by brigadier-general Medows, with the loss of 500 killed, and 1100 wounded. M. d'Estaing made no further attempts on the island, nor did he renew his attack on the british squadron; but on the 28th, having re-embarked his troops, the fleet returned to Martinique.

The arrival of admiral Byron just after the repulse of M. d'Estaing, enabled the british fleet to assume a superiority over that of the enemy; and although means were adopted to draw them to an engagement, they remained in the security which the harbour of Port Royal afforded them.

The marines serving with the army at Halifax were formed into one battalion, by an Admiralty order dated January 1777, under majors Souter and Maitland, with the undermentioned officers — Captains, — Avarne, Elliott, McDonald, Pitcairne, D. John- son, and Griffiths. Lieutenants, — Ragg, Vevers, Stewart, Saul, Ewing, Moore, J. Lewis, Bowman, F. Lewis, Jacobs, Shea, Gilbert, Dyer, Short, Howe, Simins, Kempe, M'Donald, Tantum, Trollope, Eustace, Carey, Meredith, and Creswell. Dr. Boyles, chaplain. John Waller, adjutant. Thomas Smith, quarter-master. Charles Hill, surgeon; James Silver, surgeon's-mate.

This battalion being ordered for embarkation on the 30th of August, major-general Massey delivered in public orders of that date the following testimony of his approbation: — " The commander-in-chief cannot part with the marne corps without telling them he was pleased with their soldier-like appearance at the review of yesterday; and now has the pleasing satisfaction to say, that he has had the honour to command that corps for above two years without ever hearing of a court-martial in it, or ever rebuking an officer or soldier. He will therefore make such a report of that respectable body of men as they merit; and now wishes officers and soldiers plenty of prize-money and makes not a doubt but they will always contribute to the glory of his Majesty King George's arms."

In consequence of a petition from the lieutenant-governor in council of the province of Nova Scotia, requesting that the battalion might be continued on shore, the commander-in-chief was pleased to intimate his compliance with their wishes in public orders of the 7th, when the thanks of the council were conveyed to major Souter in the following letter: — "Sir, "Halifax, 10M September 1778.

" I have singular pleasure in obeying the request of the members of his Majesty's council, by conveying to you and the rest of the officers our acknowledgments and thanks for the good order and discipline observed by the battalion of marines under your command, during the whole time they have been on duty in this town. I have the honour to be, sir, " Your most obedient humble servant,

" Richard Bulkeley."

" Major Souter:'

The battalion soon after sailed for England. A very gallant action was fought on the 3rd of November, about sixty leagues E. S. E. of Cape Henry, between the Maidstone, captain Gardner, mounting 28 nine-pounders, and the french 40-gun frigate Lion, captain J. Michel. After engaging for more than an hour, the Maidstone had sustained so much damage in her sails and rigging that she brought to, to repair damages; but the action was renewed with such vigour from noon until 1 p.m., that the Lion struck her colours, with the loss of 8 killed, and 18 wounded. On board the Maidstone 4 men were killed, the captain and 9 men wounded. The officer of marines on board the Middleton was second-lieutenant Henry Bromley.

The celebrated song of a favourite vocalist, " the Saucy Arethusa," is familiar to our readers, but perhaps it is not generally known that the ballad originated in the following gallant encounter. The Arethusa of 32 guns, captain Marshall, when cruising to the westward of the Lizard on the 17th of June, with the fleet under admiral Keppel, was ordered in chase of a strange sail, which proved to be the french frigate Belle Poule of 36 suns. Hostilities not having been declared, the french captain was requested to accompany the british frigate to the admiral but as he peremptorily refused to comply with this proposal, captain Marshall fired a shot across the frenchman's bows, which was instantly returned with a broadside, and a sharp action continued for two hours, when the Arethusa was so much disabled as to be^ incapable of following her opponent, who stood away to the french shore, having 48 killed and 50 wounded. The Arethusa had 8 killed and 36 wounded. First-lieutenant Joseph Driffield was serving on board the Arethusa. As soon as information reached Madras that hostilities had commenced against the French, the Presidency caused prepara- tions for an attack on Pondicherry. Major-general Munro had the direction of the force for that service, and on the 8th of August the troops under his orders encamped at Red Hill, about four miles from the place of attack, whilst sir Edward Vernon, with one ship of 64 guns and three small frigates, blockaded the port. Shortly after his arrival the french squadron under commodore Tronjolly, consisting of a ship of 64 guns and two large frigates, with two armed country ships, made its appearance. Chase was immediately given, and on the 10th the British bore down and brought them to action, which continued until the former were so much disabled in their masts and rigging, that the french squadron made sail on a wind, and escaped.

It having been determined to carry on two attacks against Pondicherry, the British broke ground on the 6th September, and on the 18th the batteries were opened, to which the enemy returned a very brisk fire. A gallery had been carried into the ditch from the southward, and a breach made in the bastion of l'Hopital, when it was resolved to pass the ditch by a bridge of boats, and to assault the place, whilst a simultaneous attack was to be made against the north side of the town. These arrangements having been determined upon, the marines and 200 seamen were landed from the squadron to assist in storming the place on the 16th of October; but M. Bellecombe, who had defended himself with great determination, proposed terms of capitulation. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1778. Saturday 30th May. James Weir was commissioned into The Marine Corps as a second lieutenant on 30th May 1778 At this time it was customary for an officer, upon promotion, to be posted to another company, and 2nd lieutenant Weir was no exception. On his promotion to full lieutenant on Friday 25th August 1780, he was drafted from 56 Company to 60 Company Division, which was then quartered round the Barbican, Plymouth.

After three years in The Marine Corps, however, Lieutenant Weir suddenly found his service career cut short. With the lifting of the siege of Gibraltar 1779 - 1783, and the end of the American War of Independence 1775 - 1783, The Marine Corps was drastically reduced. As a result, Lieutenant Weir found himself on half pay. His retirement was only for a brief period, as on Thursday 15th May 1783 he was reinstated and appointed to 7 Company, Chatham Division.

For the next ten years 1783 - 1793 peace existed between England and France. But during that period the Prime Minister, William Pitt, to save money, neglected the defence of the country. Consequently, when the newly formed French Republic declared war on England in February 17931) it was found that the Navy had been reduced to 16,000 men, of whom only 4,500 were Marines. Due to this shortage of men, it was found necessary for The Marine Corps to be reinforced by a number of Army regiments, who were sent to serve at sea on ships-of-the-line.

The situation was slightly improved, however, when an Order-in-Council in April 1795 voted for the recruitment of 15,000 men for The Marine Corps. With this increase in The Marine Corps, orders soon followed to supply all ships-of-the-line with detachments when they came into port without Marines or soldiers. This move caused a lot of drafts between Divisions.

It also led to the long awaited promotions among Marine officers. James Weir was one of them. After twelve years, service as a Lieutenant he was promoted to Captain on 4th May 1795, with a pay increase from £3.1Os.0d to £5. 12s.Od per month.

Shortly afterwards he was given command of the Marine detachment on board HMS Audacious, a two-decker 74-gun ship-of-the-line which had been operating out of Gibraltar since 1795. But in 1796 with the British position weakened by the loss of the Coalition partners, Austria and Italy, the British fleet was withdrawn to the Atlantic. From that station Audacious began to visit ports along the coast of Portugal until early December 1796, when orders were given for her to return to Spithead. On 7th December Audacious arrived at that port before being ordered round to Plymouth, where most of her crew were paid off. Thereafter, Audacious spent the first quarter of the year 1797 refitting and recommissioning. Battle of the Nile:

In May 1798 eight ships-of-the-line joined St-Vincent's fleet off Cadiz, with orders from the Admiralty to the C-in-C to send into the Mediterranean a squadron to report on intelligence received in London of large French force fitting out along the south coast of France.

Captain Weir was to learn of this news three days later when orders were received for Audacious to sail in company with ten other 74-gunships the Cuioden, Bellerophon, Minotaur, Defence, Zealous, Goliath, Majestic, Swiftsure, Theseus, and the 50-gun ship Leander, to join Rear Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson off Toulon.

Nelson in his 74-gun flagship, the Vanguard, had been detached from the C-in-C's fleet on 2nd May and sent with two other 74-gun ships and two 32-gun frigates to find out the object of Napoleon's expedition assembling off Toulon, but on 19th May had been driven off that station by a strong gale.

As a result, when the British squadron found Nelson off the coast of Corsica on 7th June with new orders from St. Vincent to destroy the French force, the thirteen French ships-of-the-line, and 280 transports carrying some 50,000 men had already sailed for an unknown destination.

Nelson aware that Napoleon had left Toulon, but not where he had gone, went in search with his force which now, up to fleet strength, could challenge the French. While Nelson sailed back and forth among the Italian islands and along the north-west coast of Italy, Napoleon had arrived off the island of Malta.

Malta was Napoleon's first military destination. By a decree dated Thursday 12th April 1798, given by the French Directory, Napoleon had been instructed to seize the island. Although Malta was under the sovereignty of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and at peace, Napoleon soon found a pretext to land his troops. With few knights and troops to resist the invaders the Grand Master von Hompesch himself with no heart for a fight, the Order soon capitulated to the French. The articles of surrender were signed on board the 120gun flagship L 'Orient in the early hours of the morning of the Tuesday 12th June 1798, Thus brought to an end 268 years of rule in Malta by the Knights of the Order of St. John.

Napoleon himself only remained in Malta for one week. On Monday 18th June he re-embarked on board L'Orient with treasure plundered from the churches and government buildings and sailed on the following day for Egypt. The French force Napoleon left behind, under General Vaubois, consisted of 3053 infantry and five companies of artillery which in all amounted to 3350 officers and men who during the following weeks began a campaign of rape and pillage throughout the islands.

While these atrocities were being carried out by the French on the island, Nelson in pursuit of Napoleon continued to miss the French armada, which arrived at Alexandria on 1st July, and where the troops were immediately put ashore by Napoleon. The French fleet, however, unable to moor in the shallow harbour was ordered to go to Corfu or to Malta, but Vice-Admiral Brueys, aboard L 'Orient, instead sailed fifteen miles along the coast to Aboukir Bay, where Nelson on 1St August found the enemy fleet anchored across the bay close inshore.

Nelson ordered action stations at 6.20 p.m. Weir's ship was fifth in line, in front of Nelson's flagship Vanguard, when the British fleet entered the bay, but when Goliath went round to landward side of the French fleet, Audacious followed and attacked that end of the enemy's ships. The first was Le Guerrier 74, which Audacious raked with a broadside on passing, and then engaged the next ship, Le Conquerant 74. This action soon developed into a murderous upper deck battle.

The Audacious forecastle men turned their guns which were loaded with grape and almost swept clear the upper deck men on the enemy ship, while the Marines fired their muskets up into the riggings to dislodge the French seamen who with small arms were firing down onto the British gunners.

It only took twelve minutes of ferocious fighting for Le Conquerant to be reduced to a wreck, compelling it to surrender to Audacious. During the battle, a note sent by David Gould, the Captain of Audacious, to Nelson on board the Vanguard, said:

"I have the satisfaction to tell you Le Conquerant has struck to the Audacious the slaughter on board is dreadful".

Le Conquerant's loss was 220 killed and wounded from a crew of 550. Audacious's casualties in the battle were Lieutenant John Jeans killed, and thirty five seamen and Marines wounded. While the seamen and Marines tended to the casualties of Audacious and to those of the enemy on board their newly won prize, the rest of the British Fleet was still in action.

The battle raged all night. The flagship, L 'Orient became the most severe casualty in the fight. First engaged by the Bellerophon, which was forced to withdraw when dismasted, the attack was taken up by Swiftsure and Alexander. At about 10 p.m., the flagship, her commander Admiral Brueys, already killed early in the engagement, was set alight. The ship continued to burn until the fire reached the magazine, and with a deafening roar L'Orient blew up.

So tremendous was the explosion that for several minutes there was silence amongst the other ships, and then the battle commenced again until daylight when only three French ships remained from the thirteen ships-of-the-line which had sailed from Toulon. One ran aground and was burned by her crew. The other two Guillaurne Tell 80 bearing the flag of Rear Admiral Villeneuve, and Le Genereux 74, with two frigates, La Diane and La Justice made sail and escaped into the Mediterranean.

The battle over, work immediately was put in hand to refit and jury rig the captured French prizes. This took up to twelve days to complete. This time allowed Captain Weir to complete a number of drawings of the battle as seen through his eyes. His artistic hobby was, however, cut short on 14th August when orders were received for his ship to make ready for sea.

On that day, Tuesday, instructions were given by Nelson to Sir James Saumarez of the Orion, to take under his command the Bellerophon, Minotaur, Defence, Theseus, Majestic, and Audacious and escort the prizes Le Franklin, Le Tonnani L 'Aquilon, Le Souverain Peuple, Le Spartiate, and Le Conqiierant, to Gibraltar. (Sic) (From Brian N. Tarpey from his book 'Nelson's Marines at Malta' – RMHS 1995)

1778. Wednesday 17th June. The Milford took the Licorue.

1778. Thursday 18th June. The Foudreyant and consorts captured the Pallas.

1778. Wednesday 8th July. The Lively taken by French Squadron.

1778. Wednesday 8th July. The Ostrich took a French privateer.

1778. Monday 27th July. Keppel and d'Orvilliers off Brest.

1778. Wednesday 29th July. HMS Kingfisher was captured by a French Squadron.

1778. Sunday 9th August. Lord Howe and d'Estaing off Rhode Island.

1778. Monday 10th August. The Siege of Pondicherry was the first military action on the Indian subcontinent following the declaration of war between Great Britain and France in the American War of Independence. A British force besieged the French controlled port of Puducherry, which capitulated after ten weeks of siege.

1778. Sunday 16th August. The Lois engaged the Cesar.

1778. Sunday 16th August. The Vernon and Tranjolly off Coromandel Coast.

1778. Friday 21st August. Pondicherry captured by the Vernon.

1778. Sunday 23rd August. Sartine taken by a British Squadron.

1778. Tuesday 20th October. Jupiter and Medea engaged a french ship.

1778. Wednesday 4th November. Maidstone took Lion.

1778. Tuesday 15th December. Barrington and d'Estaing at St. Lucia.

1778. Corps Strength at that time 17,389 men.

1778. The Fox was taken by the Junon.

1778. The Helena was taken by the Sensible.

1778. The Arehusa engaged the Belle Poule.

1778. The Zephyr was captured by a french frigate.

1778. Eleven thousand Marines constituted the establishment of 1778.

Until the close of the last year France stood in awe and continued to cherish the flames of rebellion by assurances only of support. Remarking the humbled spirit of our nation, at all times too prone to over-rate its calamities, that Power became less cautious, and in a little time avowed her inimical purposes. This was accelerated by a meditated plan of reconciliation, which had undergone the sanction of Parliament, and was about being submitted to the American revolters.

To circumvent its effects, our natural enemy closed with these States a treaty of commerce and defensive alliance upon the 6th of February, which inspired them with a well-timed hope of rising superior to all their pressures. Never did Mercy appear in such odious colours, as when she went forth to the Colonists. Her good offices were everywhere rejected with contempt and disdain, of which the American Congress gave a conspicuous example. The British Army too, could not recognize Her, and doubted much whether She was of true English origin.

Winter had suspended every active essay on the part of both armies, excepting in the case of some detachments that were from necessity pushed into the country for supplying our numerous forces in Philadelphia; to afford a protection to the suffering Loyalists, and to annihilate the ships and vessels of the rebels, which still remained higher up the Delaware river.

One of these was entrusted to the Hon. Major Maitland, who had long served with distinguished credit in the Corps of Marines, whose high military talents had recently paved the way for his transit into the line, and which placed him, at this time, at the head of a Battalion of Light Infantry.

In conjunction with Captain Henry, of the Royal Navy, who commanded a force of three gallies and other armed small craft, the Major embarked in some flat-bottomed boats, with the 2d Battalion of Light troops, upon the 7th of May. Agreeably to his instructions, he proceeded to destroy the rebel Marine between Philadelphia and Trenton.

At ten on the noon of the 8th, he landed at White-hill, where a superior force of the enemy, chiefly Cavalry, seemed determined to oppose his progress. After having got ashore some field-pieces, Major Maitland pushed on towards Bordentown with great alacrity, driving before him the rebels, and surmounting, with much spirit, many local obstacles. Here he took five guns that commanded the river, and burnt a large quantity of provisions, tobacco, military stores, and camp equipage.

The enemy began to collect in great numbers at Trenton, where they looked for this flying detachment; but its leader, after indulging them in this idea, suddenly struck off towards the river, re-embarked, and took post on the Pennsylvania shore.

Early on the morning of the 9th, he advanced to Biles-island Creek, burnt some valuable vessels, moved on to Bristol, thirteen miles distant, in the afternoon destroyed every ship there, and returned, with his active followers, on board the boats at sun-set. Never was the distinguishing motto of "hilariter et celeriter" more truly exemplified than throughout these rapid duties. The manner in which this service was performed, was highly characteristic of the genius of that man who so completely achieved it.

The rebel loss amounted to 2 frigates, 9 large ships, 6 privateers, 23 brigs, and many schooners; besides an immensity of goods and stores.

The Navy very justly were entitled to their share in these honourable transactions.

General Howe soon after resigned his command to Sir Henry Clinton, whose first measure was the evacuation of Philadelphia, upon the morning of the 18th of June. In this retreat they were materially aided by the ships of war, as the whole Army, by the admirable dispositions of Lord Howe, were conveyed and encamped on the Jersey shore before ten at noon. Their retrograde progress to New York, with its attending incidents, are events unconnected with my purpose.

The preparations of France had preceded her hostile avowals.

Count D'Estaing, putting to sea from Toulon in April, made the Virginia coast early in the month of July. His hopes were to have found the British Fleet and Army, in the Delaware, and at Philadelphia, and by a united attack with General Washington on both, to have struck a blow at once decisive of the fate of America. Disappointed in these, he proceeded off New York, and after a few menaces he again disappeared, at first shaping his course to the Southward. But this was merely to cover his design against Rhode Island, in concert with a rebel force under General Sullivan. The French Admiral entered that harbour upon the 8th of August, anchoring his fleet between Newport and Conanicut.

Advice having been sent to Lord Howe, at New York, of the enemy's motions, his Lordship hastened to relieve the Garrison, and arrived in sight of it on the morning of the 9th. D'Estaing, seizing a favourable wind, pushed out again, and formed in line, with the evident resolution of hazarding a battle. After two days of able manœuvring on the part of Lord Howe to gain the wind, which was thwarted by adverse circumstances, he quietly awaited the enemy's attack. Just on the eve of conflict, Neptune interposed, and scattered the hostile fleets.

This produced some single actions, in which English valour uniformly triumphed against powerful superiority, but was rendered unavailing in every instance, by the contingencies of fortune. The gallantry of Dawson, Hotham, and Raynor will appear indelible upon our Naval annals, as well as the bravery of those Seamen and Marines who so nobly seconded them.

The French Fleet, after recovering from the storm, again peeped into Rhode Island, from whence the rebels had retreated in confusion. It gladly took refuge in Boston, whither Lord Howe followed it, but durst not attempt so strong a position.

Thus, D'Estaing gained but little from his system of surprize. He was a fit agent to have executed the insidious schemes of his Court, when we recollect his breach of parole in the East, which would have made him the sanctioned victim to a halter, if he had fallen within our power.

The appearance of a new and natural foe seemed to revive in every breast the flame of patriotism. At no period of our national existence did the English character appear more great. The Commercial Sailor vied with his Majesty's servants in the Fleet and Army in this noble and emulous zeal.

Admiral Byron having sailed from England in the beginning of June, reached the American coast with his fleet, but in a detached and shattered state. An evil planet seemed to rule over all his destinies, and his good fortune fell much short of his merit.

Lord Howe having resigned the Naval command to that Officer, he proceeded off Boston, after having repaired all damages, from which he was driven to Rhode Island by a heavy gale that proved fatal to some of his ships. Of this D'Estaing took occasion to slip out, and with a powerful force aimed his future efforts against our West India islands.

Thither Commodore Hotham was detached with ten regiments, under General Grant, who joined Admiral Barrington at Barbadoes on the 10th of December, and on the 12th proceeded against St. Lucia. Here the army landed, while the squadron anchored in the Cul de Sac, where some Seamen and Marines were disembarked to man the batteries on each side of the harbour.

D'Estaing, who had reached Martinique, sailed also to realize his plans of conquest; but hearing of the descent upon St. Lucia, he resolved upon relieving it. The attempt was fruitless, but it yielded the display of much obstinate valour on both sides. The French were completely beaten, and the island fell.

It would carry me beyond my purposed bounds to dwell upon the many events of this year. The Marine Soldier was almost entirely limited to Naval duties, which were, in a detached sense, both numerous and brilliant upon the coasts of America.

In the indecisive battle of the 27th of July, between the grand Fleets of Britain and France, Lieutenant John M'Donald, of Marines, on board the Prince George, was wounded. (Taken from Chapter 31 'An Historical Review of the Royal marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1778. Monday 9th March. The Ariadine and the Cores took the Alfred.

1778. Friday 24th April. King George visited Chatham and Sheerness.

1778. Thursday 7th May. The Capture of Borden town and the destruction of rebel shipping. Carried out by the Marine Light Infantry under command of Major Hon. John Maitland of the Marines.

1778. Saturday 30th May. James Weir was commissioned into The Marine Corps as a second lieutenant on 30th May 1778 At this time it was customary for an officer, upon promotion, to be posted to another company, and 2nd lieutenant Weir was no exception. On his promotion to full lieutenant on Friday 25th August 1780, he was drafted from 56 Company to 60 Company Division, which was then quartered round the Barbican, Plymouth.

After three years in The Marine Corps, however, Lieutenant Weir suddenly found his service career cut short. With the lifting of the siege of Gibraltar 1779 - 1783, and the end of the American War of Independence 1775 - 1783, The Marine Corps was drastically reduced. As a result, Lieutenant Weir found himself on half pay. His retirement was only for a brief period, as on Thursday 15th May 1783 he was reinstated and appointed to 7 Company, Chatham Division.

For the next ten years 1783 - 1793 peace existed between England and France. But during that period the Prime Minister, William Pitt, to save money, neglected the defence of the country. Consequently, when the newly formed French Republic declared war on England in February 17931) it was found that the Navy had been reduced to 16,000 men, of whom only 4,500 were Marines. Due to this shortage of men, it was found necessary for The Marine Corps to be reinforced by a number of Army regiments, who were sent to serve at sea on ships-of-the-line.

The situation was slightly improved, however, when an Order-in-Council in April 1795 voted for the recruitment of 15,000 men for The Marine Corps. With this increase in The Marine Corps, orders soon followed to supply all ships-of-the-line with detachments when they came into port without Marines or soldiers. This move caused a lot of drafts between Divisions.

It also led to the long awaited promotions among Marine officers. James Weir was one of them. After twelve years' service as a Lieutenant he was promoted to Captain on 4th May 1795, with a pay increase from £3.1Os.0d to £5. 12s.Od per month.

Shortly afterwards he was given command of the Marine detachment on board HMS Audacious, a two-decker 74-gun ship-of-the-line which had been operating out of Gibraltar since 1795. But in 1796 with the British position weakened by the loss of the Coalition partners, Austria and Italy, the British fleet was withdrawn to the Atlantic. From that station Audacious began to visit ports along the coast of Portugal until early December 1796, when orders were given for her to return to Spithead. On 7th December Audacious arrived at that port before being ordered round to Plymouth, where most of her crew were paid off. Thereafter, Audacious spent the first quarter of the year 1797 refitting and recommissioning.

Battle of the Nile:

In May 1798 eight ships-of-the-line joined St-Vincent's fleet off Cadiz, with orders from the Admiralty to the C-in-C to send into the Mediterranean a squadron to report on intelligence received in London of large French force fitting out along the south coast of France.

Captain Weir was to learn of this news three days later when orders were received for Audacious to sail in company with ten other 74-gun-ships the Cuioden, Bellerophon, Minotaur, Defence, Zealous, Goliath, Majestic, Swiftsure, Theseus, and the 50-gun ship Leander, to join Rear Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson off Toulon.

Nelson in his 74-gun flagship, the Vanguard, had been detached from the C-in-C's fleet on 2nd May and sent with two other 74-gun ships and two 32-gun frigates to find out the object of Napoleon's expedition assembling off Toulon, but on 19th May had been driven off that station by a strong gale.

As a result, when the British squadron found Nelson off the coast of Corsica on 7th June with new orders from St. Vincent to destroy the French force, the thirteen French ships-of-the-line, and 280 transports carrying some 50,000 men had already sailed for an unknown destination.

Nelson aware that Napoleon had left Toulon, but not where he had gone, went in search with his force which now, up to fleet strength, could challenge the French. While Nelson sailed back and forth among the Italian islands and along the north-west coast of Italy, Napoleon had arrived off the island of Malta.

Malta was Napoleon's first military destination. By a decree dated Thursday 12th April 1798, given by the French Directory, Napoleon had been instructed to seize the island. Although Malta was under the sovereignty of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and at peace, Napoleon soon found a pretext to land his troops. With few knights and troops to resist the invaders the Grand Master von Hompesch himself with no heart for a fight, the Order soon capitulated to the French. The articles of surrender were signed on board the 120gun flagship L 'Orient in the early hours of the morning of the Tuesday 12th June 1798, Thus brought to an end 268 years of rule in Malta by the Knights of the Order of St. John.

Napoleon himself only remained in Malta for one week. On Monday 18th June he re-embarked on board L'Orient with treasure plundered from the churches and government buildings and sailed on the following day for Egypt. The French force Napoleon left behind, under General Vaubois, consisted of 3053 infantry and five companies of artillery which in all amounted to 3350 officers and men who during the following weeks began a campaign of rape and pillage throughout the islands.

While these atrocities were being carried out by the French on the island, Nelson in pursuit of Napoleon continued to miss the French armada, which arrived at Alexandria on 1st July, and where the troops were immediately put ashore by Napoleon. The French fleet, however, unable to moor in the shallow harbour was ordered to go to Corfu or to Malta, but Vice-Admiral Brueys, aboard L 'Orient, instead sailed fifteen miles along the coast to Aboukir Bay, where Nelson on 1St August found the enemy fleet anchored across the bay close inshore.

Nelson ordered action stations at 6.20 p.m. Weir's ship was fifth in line, in front of Nelson's flagship Vanguard, when the British fleet entered the bay, but when Goliath went round to landward side of the French fleet, Audacious followed and attacked that end of the enemy's ships. The first was Le Guerrier 74, which Audacious raked with a broadside on passing, and then engaged the next ship, Le Conquerant 74. This action soon developed into a murderous upper deck battle.

The Audacious forecastle men turned their guns which were loaded with grape and almost swept clear the upper deck men on the enemy ship, while the Marines fired their muskets up into the riggings to dislodge the French seamen who with small arms were firing down onto the British gunners.

It only took twelve minutes of ferocious fighting for Le Conquerant to be reduced to a wreck, compelling it to surrender to Audacious. During the battle, a note sent by David Gould, the Captain of Audacious, to Nelson on board the Vanguard, said:

"I have the satisfaction to tell you Le Conquerant has struck to the Audacious the slaughter on board is dreadful".

Le Conquerant's loss was 220 killed and wounded from a crew of 550. Audacious's casualties in the battle were Lieutenant John Jeans killed, and thirty five seamen and Marines wounded. While the seamen and Marines tended to the casualties of Audacious and to those of the enemy on board their newly won prize, the rest of the British Fleet was still in action.

The battle raged all night. The flagship, L 'Orient became the most severe casualty in the fight. First engaged by the Bellerophon, which was forced to withdraw when dismasted, the attack was taken up by Swiftsure and Alexander. At about 10 p.m., the flagship, her commander Admiral Brueys, already killed early in the engagement, was set alight. The ship continued to burn until the fire reached the magazine, and with a deafening roar L'Orient blew up.

So tremendous was the explosion that for several minutes there was silence amongst the other ships, and then the battle commenced again until daylight when only three French ships remained from the thirteen ships-of-the-line which had sailed from Toulon. One ran aground and was burned by her crew. The other two Guillaurne Tell 80 bearing the flag of Rear Admiral Villeneuve, and Le Genereux 74, with two frigates, La Diane and La Justice made sail and escaped into the Mediterranean.

The battle over, work immediately was put in hand to refit and jury rig the captured French prizes. This took up to twelve days to complete. This time allowed Captain Weir to complete a number of drawings of the battle as seen through his eyes. His artistic hobby was, however, cut short on 14th August when orders were received for his ship to make ready for sea.

On that day, Tuesday, instructions were given by Nelson to Sir James Saumarez of the Orion, to take under his command the Bellerophon, Minotaur, Defence, Theseus, Majestic, and Audacious and escort the prizes Le Franklin, Le Tonnani L 'Aquilon, Le Souverain Peuple, Le Spartiate, and Le Conqiierant, to Gibraltar. (Sic) (From Brian N. Tarpey from his book 'Nelson's Marines at Malta' – RMHS 1995)

1778. Wednesday 17th June. The Milford took the Licorue.

1778. Thursday 18th June. The Foudreyant and consorts captured the Pallas.

1778. Wednesday 8th July. The Lively taken by French Squadron.

1778. Wednesday 8th July. The Ostrich took a French privateer.

1778. Monday 27th July. Keppel and d'Orvilliers off Brest.

1778. Wednesday 29th July. HMS Kingfisher was captured by a French Squadron.

1778. Sunday 9th August. Lord Howe and d'Estaing off Rhode Island.

1778. Monday 10th August. The Siege of Pondicherry was the first military action on the Indian subcontinent following the declaration of war between Great Britain and France in the American War of Independence. A British force besieged the French controlled port of Puducherry, which capitulated after ten weeks of siege.

1778. Sunday 16th August. The Lois engaged the Cesar.

1778. Sunday 16th August. The Vernon and Tranjolly off Coromandel Coast.

1778. Friday 21st August. Pondicherry captured by the Vernon.

1778. Sunday 23rd August. Sartine taken by a British Squadron.

1778. Tuesday 20th October. Jupiter and Medea engaged a french ship.

1778. Wednesday 4th November. Maidstone took Lion.

1778. Tuesday 15th December. Barrington and d'Estaing at St. Lucia.

1778. Corps Strength at that time 17,389 men.

1778. The Fox was taken by the Junon.

1778. The Helena was taken by the Sensible.

1778. The Arehusa engaged the Belle Poule.

1778. The Zephyr was captured by a french frigate.

1779. The public emergencies called for a very considerable addition to the Corps of Marines in 1779. Seventeen thousand three hundred and eighty-nine were voted, being an effective augmentation of 5560

Early in the year accounts were received of the capture of Pondicherry, by the united efforts of the Navy under Sir Edward Vernon, and a large force of European and Company's troops under Sir Hector Monro. After more than two months of very fatiguing duties, owing to the heavy rains, the siege was brought to that issue, which invited a general assault.

The works having been much battered in every quarter of approach, three different attacks were meditated; against L'Hospital Bastion to the southward, the East face of the North West Bastion, and from the sea to the northward.

These arrangements having been made, nearly 200 Seamen, and all the Marines of the squadron were landed on the 15th of October 1778, in order to have joined in the storm, which was to have taken place on the 17th. But Monsieur Bellecomb, who had hitherto defended himself with much obstinacy, dreading this event, proposed terms of surrender, which were accepted. Many were of opinion, that had he withstood the onset, its result would have been fatal to the British Army, from the extensive mines that he might have sprung.

Admiral Byron, who arrived in the West Indies in the beginning of 1779, rendered our Naval force in that country superior to the enemy. He was foiled in every attempt to bring D'Estaing to an action, who kept close in Martinique.

The English Admiral having gone to leeward, with a view to collect the homeward-bound at St. Kitt's, and to escort them, a small detachment of French troops took St. Vincent, after a very inadequate resistance; and the conquest of Grenada soon after followed, but under circumstances highly honourable to Lord Macartney and our arms. At this, D'Estaing, who united in himself the character of the Soldier and the Seaman, was present, and led a French column in storming the British lines upon Hospital Hill.

These were carried, after a gallant defence, which led to the immediate surrender of the Island. Scarcely was this accomplished, when he was called to act upon another element by the approach of Admiral Byron, who, deceived by intelligence as to the French force, hastened down under a press of sail and in a scattered order. A general ardour pervaded all to close with the enemy, whose numbers could only be gradually perceived as they stretched out from the land. They were at last discovered to be far superior to the chacing fleet, when the advanced ships of it, led by Admiral Barrington, nobly seconded by Captain, now Lord Gardiner, in the Sultan, and Sawyer in the Boyne, had begun the battle. To these names may be added Captains Collingwood, Edwards, and Cornwallis, as having been highly distinguished on the 6th of July. Lieut. Jonah Veale, of Marines, was killed in this action, and Lieut. Richards wounded.

D'Estaing evinced a total want of Naval enterprise through the day. He returned to Grenada during the following night, while Admiral Byron proceeded to St. Kitt's to repair his damages.

The approach of the hurricane season determined the French Admiral to take refuge, with his fleet, at Hispaniola, where he received an urgent call to unite with the Armies of America in recovering the Province of Georgia. Elated with his success at Grenada, he anticipated to himself the glory, not only of driving the British from this Colony, but of exterminating them from every post which they occupied along the sea-coasts of that Continent. There was not, to appearance, a force sufficient to stem his ambitious views; but they were opposed and frustrated by a spirit which often compensates the want of numbers.

D'Estaing's arrival on the coast of Georgia, early in September, was marked with a partial success by capturing the Experiment, of 50 guns, after a gallant defence on the part of Sir James Wallace. Unaccustomed to such an event as the capture of an English two-decker, it was considered as a favourable omen, and swelled his presumptuous hopes.

The appearance of such an armament struck wonder into General Prevost and the Garrison of Savannah, which were intended as the first victims to its power. General Lincoln, with the Rebel Army from South Carolina, hearing of their new allies, moved towards Georgia, to combine in the attempt.

General Prevost issued orders to concentrate his detachments and began to add to his works. Captain Henry, of the Royal Navy, commanded that force in the river Savannah with much zeal.

It became expedient, upon the nearer advance of the French Fleet, to move the ships of war close to the town, to land the guns and Seamen, and to incorporate their Marines with the Grenadiers of the 60th Regiment.

After D'Estaing had debarked his army of 5000 men, he instantly marched against Savannah, without waiting for Lincoln, and desired the Garrison to surrender, on the 16th of September. General Prevost solicited delay in answering his summons; in order to give time for his outposts to join him.

During the critical interval of 24 hours, which were allowed, that brave and active Officer, Lieut. Colonel Maitland, whom I have formerly mentioned, reached Savannah with a force of 800 men, after having encountered obstacles and difficulties of the most trying kind. Already, during the campaign of 1779, had he shown himself most consummate in all the requisites of a Soldier, by the stand he made at John's Island with a handful of men, against ten times his numbers, under General Lincoln. That deed alone was enough to fix his military fame, which acquired additional glory by his wading march from Beaufort, to the relief of Prevost. In this, few men could have equalled, and none surpassed his undaunted fortitude and steady perseverance. It was the means of saving Georgia and its Capital.

Such were his personal fatigues and anxieties to reach the scene of his future duties, that both struck at the vitals of his existence, which afterwards closed a lifelong valuable to mankind by habitual exercises of the most amiable benevolence, and happy to himself by the approving consciousness of its having never been stained by dishonour. The activity of his spirit, however, buoyed him up under every bodily suffering, while Savannah was besieged by the enemy.

My limits will not allow me the extent of detail, which was very creditable to the courage and exertions of all.

Count D'Estaing, little looking for such protracted operations, and growing impatient under them, determined to storm early on the morning of the 9th of October.

Two feigned attacks by the American Militia, were planned against the Garrison, to attract its attention to the centre and left, and it was also resolved that, whilst D'Estaing and Lincoln moved against Spring-hill redoubt in front, Count Dillon, with another column, should advance along the edge of a swamp which communicates with the river above the town, silently pass the redoubts and batteries, and thus gain the rear of the British lines. This column losing its way, was embarrassed in the morasses, and after the dawn was exposed to a heavy fire, that threw it into a disorder from which it could not recover. D'Estaing, under the cover of darkness, got near the redoubt just as the day began to break; but he was received with incessant volleys and heavy discharges, which committed a dreadful carnage.

This part of defence was entrusted to Captain Tawse and his little Corps of Provincial Dragoons, who maintained it with enthusiastic bravery. Alternately had the French and American standard been planted on the parapet, when that gallant Chief, defending in person the gate of his redoubt, and his sword still unentangled from the body of an impetuous Frenchman, received his own death-wound. Here there still continued a doubtful contest for possession, when Lieut. Colonel Maitland, commanding the force upon the right of our lines, pushed on the 60th Regiment and the Marines, who, with charged bayonets, soon decided the struggle. The assailants were driven from the ditch, and retreated quickly, with the loss of 901 killed and wounded.

It was with difficulty the British could be restrained from following their superior forces, whose future operations were limited to the re-embarkation of their troops and stores, and the retreat of the Rebel Army into South Carolina.

The Count D'Estaing, with a part of his fleet, returned to France, after having achieved nothing worthy of notice, and his other ships proceeded for the West Indies.

Throughout this service the Navy were justly entitled to a great share of merit. Never were the exertions of the Sailors at the great guns more animated or useful.

Captain, afterwards Colonel Moncrieffe, of the Engineers, exhibited symptoms of the highest talents in his profession; and a share of honour truly falls to the lot of Captain Charlton, of the Corps of Royal Artillery, which has been eminently and uniformly great upon every service allotted them.

Lieut. Colonel Glazier, who led the Grenadiers and Marines in the charge which decided the fate of everything, attracted much praise.

Soon after the raising of the siege, Lieut. Colonel Maitland fell a sacrifice to his fatigues, which, producing a bilious fever, deprived his Country of a faithful servant, and the Soldier of a true friend.

Sir George Collier was most usefully active during the period of his command in North America. He undertook nothing in which he did not succeed, and in every instance of service exhibited a prompt and decisive mind. The enemy's Commerce and Naval Power suffered much by his spirited measures, in which I cannot follow him.

In the month of June, Spain, after having received her treasures in safety, entered the lists against Great Britain, whose situation now seemed desperate to all the surrounding Powers. But the hour of danger is the only occasion in which the native spirit of Englishmen can best be known or appreciated. It called forth that union which should ever constitute the pride, as it can alone secure the independence of a nation.

Notwithstanding the immense superiority gained by this accession, still the vigour of our combined enemies was by no means in an adequate proportion. Their fleets soon after appeared on our coasts, in numbers we were unable to oppose; but their exertions against them were at first repressed by discord, and finally averted by disease.

The only service upon which the Corps of Marines was employed during the remainder of the present year, was in the capture of Omoa, effected by parties from the Charon, Lowestoff, and Pomona frigates, in conjunction with the Seamen of these ships, who were trained to small arms, and a number of baymen and logwood cutters that were embodied at Truxillo. Commodore Luttrell conducted the naval part of the expedition, and Captain Dalrymple the land force.

Disembarking at Porto Cavallo, they sustained great fatigue in a night's march toward the fort, with a view to surprize it, on the 16th of October. Such were their obstacles from morasses filled by the rains, and intervening precipices, that they found themselves nearly six miles distant in the morning, and that they were discovered by the enemy. After giving the men a little respite, Captain Dalrymple pushed on, drove the Spaniards from an ambuscade, secured and established posts on the heights round the town and fort, and having been incommoded by musquetry from the place, he set it in flames, at which time Commodore Luttrell entered the harbour and completed the blockade by sea.

After cannon being landed, and the batteries opened during some days, they had produced but little effect upon the enemy's works; on which it was resolved to storm them with 150 Seamen and Marines, united with some loyal Irish, who were to be aided in their approach by a fire from the ships and the heights. Under this cover the assailants advanced at four in the morning, against walls 28 feet in height. To these they applied their scaling ladders, when the storming party, headed by two British Seamen, gained the top, and being instantly seconded, the Spaniards, paralysed at the daring act, begged for quarter.

It is to be regretted that the name and local origin of one intrepid Sailor, upon this occasion, should have been lost.

Ascending with two cutlasses, he soon found an enemy almost asleep, whom he disdained to sacrifice: rousing him from his slumbers, he put one into the Spaniard's hand, telling him they were now equal.

Whether from a dislike to the combat, or in gratitude for such generous conduct, the tender, however, was not accepted.

The Commanders declined some offers of ransom made by the enemy which would have been highly advantageous to themselves; but they militated against their Country's interest. This conquest was obtained with a very trifling loss.

Some valuable captures were brought into our ports during the year, and our Commerce was well protected.

Sir James Wallace, by an exploit in Cancalle Bay, recalled to the public mind the deeds of former times, by the capture or destruction of three frigates under the French batteries.

Lieutenant A. J. Field, of the Marines, still lives an instance of Providence, by an escape from the melancholy fate of too many of his shipmates in the Quebec frigate, which blew up in action with La Surveillante.

In this, British valour would have ultimately triumphed; but it was obliged to yield to destiny. The most amiable manners, in union with a cool courage, were the predominant features of Captain Farmer's character.

Captain Pearson, of the Serapis, ennobled himself by a brave defence against a much greater force, which assumes an historical importance, from its happy consequences in saving a large and valuable convoy entrusted to his care.

An action was fought between his Majesty's ship Pearl and the Spanish frigate St. Ammonica, which very much signalized Captain, now Admiral George Montague, and in which Lieutenant Fowke, of Marines, was also distinguished.

Nothing of attached moment farther, appears within the review of 1779. (Taken from Chapter33 ' An Historical Review ofne Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1779. (Uniform). It seems that Silver Lace replaced the Gold Lace for the Officer from 1769, since New Lace is refereed to and Silver Gorgets at the same time. The Lace and Gorgets were always the same colour.

1779. Monday 4th January. Savannah capitulated to the British.

1779. Saturday 30th January. Weazel taken by the Bondeute.

1779. Sunday 31st January. The Apollo frigate of 32 guns, captain Pownall, being on a cruise on the coast of France on the 31st of January, at 1 p.m., when off St. Brieux, captured the french frigate Oiseau of 32 guns, but mounting only 26, after a gallant action of an hour and a half. The Apollo had 6 killed, her captain and 21 men wounded.

A secret engagement was entered into by Spain with France, as soon as the latter had concluded a treaty with our revolted colonies in America, and from that period preparations for war were making in all their ports; but it was not until the 18th of June that a proclamation was issued by the british government, authorizing the commencement of hostilities against Spain. On the 4th of June, a french fleet of twenty-eight sail of the line and several frigates, sailed from Brest: having formed a junction with the Spanish ships in Cadiz, the united force, amounting to sixty-six sail of the line, after cruising on the coast of Spain, entered the English Channel; and on the 16th of August this formidable armament paraded triumphantly for several days before Plymouth, while several of their frigates anchored in Cawsand bay. The Ardent of 64 guns, captain Boteler, standing down Channel, and mistaking the enemy for the british fleet, was captured in sight of Plymouth.

The combined fleet continued in the Channel until the 31st, when the wind, having veered to the westward, enabled sir Charles Hardy, with thirty-seven sail of the line, to obtain a view of the enemy; but the weather becoming very hazy, the fleets lost sight of each other, and soon afterwards the combined armament took its departure.

Shortly after the surrender of Grenada, the french fleet under D'Estaing had been reinforced by a squadron from Europe, augmenting their force to twenty-six sail of the line. On the 6th of July vice-admiral Byron, being off Grenada with twentyone ships of the line, gained sight of the enemy, and immediately made the signal to attack them. The superior sailing of the french ships enabled them to choose their distance, and by preserving their position, they prevented the british rear from getting into action. The firing commenced at seven in the morning and continued till eleven; but it was renewed at half-past three and lasted until sunset. The British had 183 killed, and 346 wounded, whilst the loss of the enemy amounted to 1200 killed, and 3500 wounded. First-lieutenant of the marines, Joseph Veale, was killed on board the Sultan.

On quitting the West Indies, admiral d'Estaing, with a powerful fleet, proceeded to the coast of North America. His first object was to destroy the small force under general Prevost, and consequently to relieve the southern colonies from present danger and alarm; but the more important consideration was, a design to act in conjunction with general Washington in an attack upon the british force at New York. With this view the comte d'Estaing anchored off the bar of Tybee, at the mouth of the river Savanna, on the 9th of September; and soon after his arrival the french troops formed a junction with the american forces from Charlestown under general Lincoln. He then sent a haughty summons to the garrison at Savanna, demanding its immediate surrender; but general Prevost, having only a small part of his force with him, requested a short delay before he replied to the message. During this parley, a reinforcement of upwards of 1000 men, under colonel Maitland, arrived from Beaufort; and on the 16th, after overcoming the greatest difficulties, this detachment joined the garrison at Savanna: their junction gave such encouragement to the hesieged, that a message of defiance was sent to the comte d'Estaing. On the 15th, the seamen having completed the landing of the cannon and stores, they were appointed to the different batteries under captains Henry, Brown, and Fisher of the navy, whilst the marines were incorporated with the grenadiers of the 60th regiment.

When the town was first summoned, only ten guns were mounted; but by the great exertion of the troops, and the zealous assistance of the navy, nearly 90 pieces of cannon were now ready to oppose the enemy, and several vessels were sunk on the bar to prevent the approach of the enemy's ships. Whilst the French were preparing the batteries, their frigates advanced up the river to Mud-flat, and some ineffectual firing took place on the rear of the british lines. A sortie was made on the 24th, and again on the 27th, the first conducted by major Graham of the 16th, and the other by major Arthur of the 71st regiment, which did the enemy considerable mischief. On the 3rd of October the bombardment commenced from 9 mortars and 37 pieces of cannon on the land side, and 16 from their shipping, which continued several days with little effect. On the 9th, a little before day-break, the enemy made a general assault upon the british lines. The attack was obstinately maintained, particularly at a redoubt on the Ebenezer road, when the greatest bravery was displayed on both sides two stands of colours were actually planted, and several of the assailants killed on the parapet; but the enemy met with such determined resistance, that they could not force an entrance into the works.

At this critical moment, major Glacier of the 60th, with the grenadiers of that regiment and the marines, advanced rapidly from the lines, attacked the enemy with the bayonet, and drove them from the ditches of the redoubt, as well as from a battery a little to the right of it: pursuing their success, they compelled the enemy to fly in great confusion over the abatis, and into the swamp. The advance of the british detachment was so rapid, that the three companies of the 71st regiment, posted at a short distance in order to sustain them, could not come in for a share in this brilliant affair. The French were repulsed on all sides, with the loss of above 1000 men in killed and wounded; including among the latter the comte d'Estaing, and several officers of distinction. It was not until the 18th that the enemy had raised the siege; and as the fog cleared up in the morning, it was perceived that the French and Americans had abandoned their camps during the preceding night; and in their retreat they broke down all the bridges in their rear, to prevent pursuit.

The troops composing the garrison of Savanna acquired a brilliant reputation for the gallant defence of the place, and for the cheerful, yet determined spirit with which they set the enemy at defiance. On this occasion the greatest unanimity prevailed between the two services, and their heroic conduct gained them the approbation of their king, and country.

A squadron, consisting of the Charon of 44 guns, Lowestoffe 28, Pomona 28, Porcupine 16, and Racehorse 10, under commodore Lutterell, proceeded to the attack of the fort and shipping at Omoa, on the Spanish main, and on the 10th of October they arrived in Cavallo bay. In the evening of the 16th, about 500 men, consisting of a small detachment of troops, with a party of seamen and the marines of the squadron, which were landed under the direction of captain Pakenham of the Porcupine, immediately proceeded on their march to surprise and escalade the fort; but the roads were so bad, that the men were sometimes compelled to wade through the sea, in order to avoid the impenetrable thickets of mangroves. At other times they had to pass through lagoons and morasses, and narrow footpaths over the mountains, with precipices rendered dangerous by recent heavy rains.

Those difficulties so impeded their march, that at day-break the troops were still two leagues from the fort. Captain Dalrymple ordered a halt for two hours, to refresh the men; and when the march was resumed, they were not only exposed to similar obstacles, but severely annoyed by the enemy's skirmishers: these were driven in, and in the evening captain Dalrymple was enabled from the heights to ascertain that the fort was situated about half a mile from the town. On the 17th the squadron stood into the bay to attack the fort; but the wind falling, the ships became so disabled by the enemy's fire, that they withdrew without producing any result. On the 18th the guns were landed from the Porcupine, and placed on an eminence, from which they opened upon the forts; but so little effect was produced, that it was determined to storm the place.

Accordingly, the Pomona was towed close in during the night of the 19th; and on the morning of the 20th, the other ships stood towards the shore, whilst the troops, in four columns, descended the hill, and at about four o'clock they moved forward under fire of their own battery on the eminence. The troops advanced with trailed arms; and in order to animate them for the enterprise, the parole was " bayonet," and the countersign, " Britons, strike home."

The columns were at first staggered by the enemy's fire, but instantly recovering, they advanced to the foot of the wall, which was twenty-eight feet high, surmounted by a battery of five guns. The first ladder was broken by the flanking guns of another bastion, by which a midshipman was killed, and five men wounded. Two seamen were the first that ascended, and levelling their muskets at the Spaniards, produced such panic, that their comrades were enabled to follow them to the assault, before the enemy recovered their self-possession. These two gallant fellows were closely followed by the marines and seamen, who, with the " loyal Irish," leaped down the parapet, and drove the Spaniards into their casemates, whilst above 100 escaped over the walls, and out of the sally-port. The governor then came forward, and claiming protection for himself and officers, surrendered the garrison, as well as the register ships. The prisoners amounted to 355 rank and file, exclusive of the officers and inhabitants. Lieutenant Wightman of the marines was wounded on the evening of the 19th, when reconnoitring the fort. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1779. The loss of HMS Arethusa.

1779. Sunday 14th February. The death of Captain Cook (7th November 1728 - 14th February 1779) took place at Kealakakau Bay Hawaii. During his third voyage of exploration in the pacific. He had just landed with a Marine guard consisting of Lieutenant Molesworth Phillips along with four men. The Lieutenant protected Cook for as long as he could from hostile Hawaiians. The Marines were clubbed to death, and Cook was stabbed as he called to the boats crews to hold their fire. Only Phillips escaped back to the safety of the ship.

1779. Sunday 28th February. Apollo took Oiteau.

1779. Monday 21st June. Spain declared War on Great Britain.

1779. Sunday 7th March. HMS Yarmouth destroyed the Randolph.

1779. Sunday 14th March. Rattlesnake took the Fenelon.

1779. Tuseday 6th July. Byron and d'Estaing,

1779. July. The start of the Great Siege of Gibraltar (the fourteenth and last military siege). This was an action by French and Spanish forces to retake control of Gibraltar from the established British Garrison. The garrison, led by George Augustus Eliott, later 1st Baron Heathfield of Gibraltar, survived all attacks and a blockade of supplies.

1779. Sunday 15th August. The French and Spanish fleets off Plymouth.

1779. Monday 16th August. HMS Ardent was captured by the French and Spanish fleets off Plymouth.

1779. Monday 30th August. Boreas took Compas.

1779. Tuesday 14th September. On the 14th of September, The Pearl of 32 guns, captain George Montague, cruising off the Azores, captured the Spanish frigate Santa Monica of 32 guns, after an action of two hours, with the loss of 8 killed, and 45 wounded. The Pearl had 12 killed; lieutenant Fowke of the marines and 18 men wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1779. September. HMS Experiment taken by French fleet.

1779. Tuesday 14th September. The Pearl of 32 guns, captain George Montague, cruising off the Azores, captured the Spanish frigate Santa Monica of 32 guns, after an action of two hours, with the loss of 8 killed, and 45 wounded. The Pearl had 12 killed; lieutenant Fowke of the marines and 18 men wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

Tuesday 21st September. HMS Suffolk and squadron took the Fortunie.

1779. Thursday 23rd September. The Serapis taken by Bon Homme Richard.

1779. Thursday 23rd September. The Countess of Scarborough taken by the Pallas.

1779. Saturday 25th September. The Serapis of 44 guns, captain Richard Pearson, in company with the Countess of Scarborough of 20 guns, sustained a very gallant action near Scarborough with the american frigates Bon-Homme Richard of 40 guns, Alliance 40 guns, Pallas 32 guns, and Vengeance of 12 guns, commanded by Paul Jones. Both the british ships were captured, after a gallant defence of two hours. The Serapis had 49 killed, 68 wounded; Scarborough 4 killed, 20 wounded. Lieutenant Samuel Wightman of the marines was among the wounded. The Bon-Homme Richard had 300 men killed and wounded, and she had suffered so severely, that she sunk the next morning. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1779. Wednesday 6th October. The 32-gun frigate Quebec, captain George Farmer, when cruising off Brest, brought to action the french40-gun frigate Surveillante, mounting 28 twelve-pounders and 12 sixes. After a contest of three hours and a half, during which both ships were totally dismasted, the Quebec caught fire by the sails falling on the guns and continued burning until six p.m. when she blew up, with her colours flying. Captain Farmer, who was wounded in the arm, with 150 men perished on this melancholy occasion. Lieutenant Roberts, with lieutenant A.J. Field of the marines, the surgeon, 2 midshipmen, and 63 men were saved.

The commencement of this year presented very unfavourable prospects to Great Britain, and the war with her revolted colonies neither promised a speedy nor successful termination. The combined efforts of France and Spain, were eagerly employed in uniting their forces to support the resistance of America; and Holland, our ancient and natural ally, had with equal injustice lent her aid to the cause and intei'ests of these powers. The two principal objects which engaged the attention of the ministry, were the relief of Gibraltar, and the protection of our colonies in the West Indies. Sir George Rodney was appointed to the command of a squadron about to proceed with the trade to the Leeward Islands, and on their way they to succour the garrison of Gibraltar. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1779. Saturday 9th October. The Defence of Savannah. Seamen and Marines were landed from the men of war present to assist in the defence against the French and Americans. The latter were attached to the Grenadier Company of the 60th Regiment and occupied a position on the right of the line of entrenchments. The final assault on the works by the French had almost succeeded but had been checked by the fire of the seamen's guns. The Marines, with the Grenadiers of the 60th, made such a furious counter attack on a redoubt which had been taken by the enemy that they were driven out in an instant and a general offensive being assumed by the garrison, the enemy's attack totally failed and shortly afterwards they abandoned the siege.

1779. Thursday 14th October. Chatham Orders. The Non Commissioned Officers and Private Men are never on any occasion in paying the proper Respect to their Officers, or any other Person, to take off their Hats or Caps. They are when without Arms, to put up their Right Hand (in a graceful manner) on the right side of their Hats with the Palm outwards; and when with Arms, to keep Recovered; and in these positions of civility they are to continue during their Business with any Officer, or other Person to whom the same respect may be due.

1779. Saturday 17th October. The storming of Fort Omoa, was a short siege and battle between British and Spanish forces just after Spain had entered the American Revolutionary War on the American side. Following a brief attempt at a siege, a force of 150 British soldiers and seamen assaulted and captured the fortifications at San Fernando de Omoa in the Captaincy General of Guatemala (Honduras) on the Gulf of Honduras. The British forces managed to overwhelm and capture the Spanish garrison, consisting of 365 men. The British only held the fort until November. After which they withdrew from the garrison, being badly affected by tropical diseases that reduced their numbers and was also under threat of a strong Spanish counter-attack. An expedition, consisting of detachments of Loyal Irish, Marines from the HMS Charon, HMS Pomona, HMS Lowestoft and HMS Porcupine Frigates, and 250 armed slaves, 500 men in all commanded by Captain Dalrymple sailed from Truxillo Bay on the Sunday 10th October, arriving at Porto Cavallo Bay on the 11th. During the evening the troops were landed with the intention of attacking Port Omoa that night. However, the roads proved so intricate and rugged that they did not arrive until after day break. After a short halt they again moved forward, but still had to encounter passes and defiles similar to those which had obstructed their night march. While having to contend Skirmishes with local Indians as they advanced. Learning from some prisoners that the enemy were drawn up in a position ready to resist their attack. It was arranged that the Marines and the Loyal Irish should over take the column, and then advance rapidly supported by the reserve. The order was instantly carried out, and the Spaniards, after discharging their muskets fled, some headed for the fort, while others took to the woods, and the town. From the heights upon which the troops now stood there was a full view of the fort, situated about half a mile from the Port Omoa at the bottom of the hill. The enemy were constantly firing from the town. Captain Dalrymple carried out his orders to destroying the place. While it was in flames the squadron came into the bay and endeavoured to get into position to batter the fort, the land forces seconding their efforts, but the latter were unable to effect very much owing to the scaling ladders not arriving in time. HMS Lowestoft went aground and both she and HMS Charon suffered severely from the enemy's fire. However, it was determined to continue the attack, and at 3 in the morning of the 20th the storming party consisting of 150 strong was in position for the assault. It was arranged in four parallel columns, four guides at the head of each, two of the columns consisting of seamen and two of Marines with a few Loyal Irish. Upon an agreed signal from HMS Charon that she was under way and would attack in twenty minutes. The columns of assault moved off covered by the fire of the shipping. It was now 4 am. The Spaniards did not observe the columns movement but concentrated their fire upon the squadron and the guns which had been placed in a battery on the hills. In profound silence, with trailed arms, the English approached the enemy's sentries undiscovered, but suddenly their drums beat to arms. Their ladders being quickly planted against the wall, 28 feet high, surmounted by a battery of 5 guns, the seamen rapidly ascended, and being reinforced by Marines, the Spaniards fled to the casemates, while about a hundred escaped by a Sallyport, The Governor and the officers then delivered up their swords to Captain Dalrymple, and the garrison, along with the ships in port, surrendered. (Sic)

1779. Sunday 24th October. Proserpine took Alcuiene. (?)

1779. Thursday 11th November. HMS Tartar took Santa Marguritta.

1779. Sunday 21st November. HMS Hussar took N.S. del Buen Confegio.

1779. Sunday 12th December. Salisbury took San Carlos.

1779. Saturday 18th December. Parker and de la Motte off Fort royal.

1779. Monday 27th December The admiral proceeded to sea with twenty sail of the line and nine frigates; and on the 7th of January 1780, he detached the trade for the West Indies under convoy of the Hector of 74 guns, and two frigates.

On the following day the british fleet captured a Spanish ship of 64 guns, with four frigates and fifteen sail of merchant-men, from St. Sebastian, bound to Cadiz: the latter being principally laden with flour and wheat, the admiral gladly conducted the prizes to Gibraltar. On the 16th of January, when off St. Vincent, a Spanish fleet was discovered, consisting of nine sail of the line, under don Juan Langara: the signal was instantly made for a general chase, and for the ships to engage as they arrived up. About four o'clock the Defence, Bedford, Resolution, and Edgar, commenced the action, but the enemy's ships were in such confusion, as to be unable to support each other; and about five p.m., just as the Bienfaisant was closing with an opponent, the Spanish ship blew up, and all on board perished. The pursuit continued through a dark and squally night, and at two a.m. on the 17th, all firing having ceased, the signal was made to bring to on the larboard tack; by which time six ships were captured, and the other two made their escape. The loss of the British amounted to 32 killed, and 102 wounded. Lieutenant Charles Henry Strachan, of the marines, was killed on board the Edgar. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1779. HMS Glasgow burnt.

1779. HMS Ariel taken by the Amazone.

1779. Ruby, Aeolus and Jamaica took Prudente.

1779. Corps Strength at that time 18,779 men.

The 'Forth Anglo Dutch War' was a conflict between Great Britain and the Dutch Republic. The conflict was related to the American Revolutionary War and broke out over British and Dutch disagreements on the legality and conduct of the Dutch trading with Britain's enemies during that war.

1780 to 1784. A conflict between the Kingdom of Mysore in India and the British East India Company. Mysore's main ally was France, who at that time was at war with the British.

1780. Corps Strength was 146 Companies each of 118 Privates and 4 Drummers. Approximately 584 Drummers in the Corps.

1780. In every war it has been evident that state necessity has required an annual increase to the establishment of Marines. Eighteen thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine were the number decreed for the service of 1780.

It was at this period, and has since been too prevalent a custom, to embark recruits not only unscienced in discipline, but utterly untrained to arms. Such deficiencies could only be compensated by native valour, aided by the care of Officers in rendering them good marksmen, and by that punctual system which prevails in our ships of war. A few regular-built Soldiers should always be intermingled with every detachment; a rule that can only be observed by maintaining a sufficient strength during peace, or by a prompt levy on the commencement of hostilities.

The year of 1780 was ushered in by some well-timed successes of Admiral Rodney. While nature has so clearly pointed out our means of defence, she has also taught our islanders to greet, with tenfold joy, every victory that is gained upon their favourite element.

After eighteen months of war against an inveterate foe, nothing had been achieved worthy of being considered as a balance in the scale, of course the taking of Langara in the Phœnix, with three other ships of the line, the explosion of the St. Domingo, and the destruction of the St. Julian and St. Eugenio, of 70 guns, added to the recent capture of one 64, escorting a valuable convoy, so crouded together, filled the Country with general exultation.

Admiral Rodney exhibited much enterprize, although he possessed superior numbers, by pursuing and vanquishing an enemy upon his own coasts, during a most dreadful gale, and on a lee shore, which had nearly proved fatal to many of his fleet, who, from their ardour, became entangled amongst the dangerous shoals of St. Lucar.

Sir George Rodney was most ably seconded by the vigour and counsel of his Captain, Young, whose talents as an Officer stood meritedly high.

Although the Spaniards fought bravely, still they plainly shewed that they were no adepts in the most essential branches of discipline; as the blowing up of the St. Domingo, and a partial explosion in the Princessa, proceeded entirely from a want of internal system.

Lieut. Strachan, of Marines, brother to the present Sir Richard, was killed upon the forecastle of the Edgar in this action.

The immediate and happy effects of it were the relief of Gibraltar and Minorca, besides convincing the coasts of the Mediterranean that Britain was still able to assert her former dominion on the seas. The Admiral prosecuted his course for the West Indies, while the bulk of the Fleet returned to England under a continuance of the same good fortune.

Our enemies lost nine sail of the line upon the whole of this expedition, which was suggested by necessity, but terminated with the most signal consequences.

Accounts were received early in this year of the death of the celebrated Captain Cooke, at the Island of O'why' he; in defending whose valuable life, threatened by a horde of savages, four out of nine of my Corps shared his destiny.

Long had our avaricious neighbours, the Dutch, continued to foment the spirit of rebellion in the Western World, by various supplies, without which its virulence, nay its existence must have ceased.

With one uniform character for punctuality in dealing, to an extent and nicety rarely known but in our own land, these moral virtues, which can alone give joy to the wealthy, are absorbed in the Hollander by an unceasing pursuit of the same object. The bonds of nature, and all the ties of honour which unite nation to nation, are sacrificed by him to the call of self-interest. This friendly passion, and the repeated injuries sustained by England, brought on a rupture between the two countries, friends by alliance, but enemies in their principles of action.

The detention of Count Byland added fuel to the flame, by furnishing means to the emissaries of France, in Holland, who were active in working upon the popular mind. From the beginning of 1780, the cause of these hostilities, which commenced towards the close of the year, may be dated.

The conduct of the neutral Powers, at this crisis of accumulating difficulties, was equally ungrateful. At the head of them was Russia, whom we had nurtured in Naval tactics and the arts of civilization, by a long train of friendly good offices. But her early energies were levelled against the life of her Patroness, and in defiance, too, of that maritime code of laws, which had been long recognized by Europe as the fixed standard of commercial intercourse.

If ever there was a period of our existence that urged general union, it was this. Our Country seemed doomed to destruction, and, like vultures hurried on by instinct to the spot of animal dissolution, every nation crouded against our island to lay claim for its share of our tottering Empire. To prevent the repetition of such a period in our history, a fostering care of our Navy, and every branch attached to it, appears the wisest system, and the most incumbent duty.

Sir Henry Clinton having been freed from every fear by the glorious repulse of D'Estaing from Savannah, had it in his power to carry the British arms to any part of the American coast. His first essay was aimed against the province of South Carolina, and his operations commenced on the 1st of April against Charleston, its Capital, after having landed upon John's Island, and from thence advancing by slow steps; which afforded time to the Rebels of fortifying every point of defence.

Admiral Arbuthnot, with the squadron, soon after passed Fort Moultrie with trifling loss, and anchored just without the range of shot from the town, which completed its investment towards the sea, though a communication was unavoidably open between the Garrison and the Country, by means of Cooper's River to the North-east.

This was soon cut off by a large detachment under Colonel Webster, which General Clinton was enabled to spare, from his access to the sea being kept up by the ships of war. A very brilliant affair took place between the advanced guard of that force and a body of Americans, at Monk's Corner, which reflected much honour upon Colonel Tarleton and Major Fergusson, the former of whom, soon after, very justly secured permanent fame, by beating a Rebel Corps of Cavalry upon the banks of the Santee.

Early in May, the besiegers having completed their third parallel, Captain Hudson, of the Navy, was landed with 200 Seamen and Marines on Sullivan's Island, in order to have stormed the important post of Fort Moultrie, at the same time the ships were to attack by sea.

The garrison surrendered to that party on the 6th of May. This had a strong effect upon our subsequent operations, as the town fell by capitulation on the 12th.

Very high commendations were bestowed upon Generals Earl Cornwallis, Leslie, and Paterson; Lieut. Colonels Webster and Tarleton, and Major Moncrieffe, also had their share of applause in Sir Henry Clinton's detail. The services of Captain Elphinstone, now Lord Keith, were also very signal. Much good was anticipated from this happy event, which was not, however, eventually realized.

The gallant exertions of Lord Cornwallis in the subsequent progress of the campaign, upon a minute retrospect, must rank him as a great and a zealous Officer. Colonel Tarleton also stands high upon its annals, which will be recognized in terms of eulogium by posterity.

Admiral Rodney, who had proceeded to the West Indies from Gibraltar, found himself opposed to a superior force of the enemy. Confiding in the long-tried valour of a British Fleet, he was determined, however, to dispute the palm with them. Monsieur Guichen, previous to his arrival, had paraded before St. Lucia, seemingly with a view of attempting something; but Rear-Admiral Hyde Parker and General Vaughan had evidently made such judicious dispositions, as deterred him from even a partial trial of force.

Sir George Rodney soon returned the visit, and offered battle, which was not accepted. Leaving some coppered frigates to watch their motions, he returned to Gros Islet Bay.

In the night of the 15th of April, De Guichen put to sea, and was quickly followed, when a general chace ensued. At the close of day on the 16th, the English formed into line, and a series of able manœuvring on both sides took place next morning. At eleven the conflict began, which ended after four, when the enemy bore away.

The English Fleet, obliged to repair its damages, could not pursue. Most tremendous was the fire of the Sandwich, Admiral Rodney's ship, upon that day, and so visible were its effects, that it is impossible to calculate what can be achieved by Britons, when their valour is let loose, against any force, however great. Captain Carey, of Marines, was wounded in the Grafton, and Lieut. Herriot, who now so ably conducts a well-known paper entitled The Sun, in the Elizabeth.

Regaining sight of the French Fleet, they run for shelter under the guns of Guadaloupe upon the 20th. The talents of Captain Young, of the Sandwich, were peculiarly displayed upon this occasion, and were most auxiliary to the Commander in Chief. Thus, was the Empire of these Seas recovered by an inferior Fleet, which was productive, however, only of a flimsy triumph, as there were no English troops to follow it up by an attack upon their islands. English commerce, however, was protected, while that of the French suffered much. Two other actions of lesser note were fought on the 15th and 19th of May, but equally indecisive.

The spirited countenance of Captain, now Admiral Cornwallis, off Monte Christi, in the Lion, of 64 guns, having under him the Bristol of 50, and Janus of 44, which were opposed by Monsieur La Motte Picquet, reputed one of the best Officers in the French Navy, with four 74 gun-ships and two frigates, must ever be noticed as one of the most brilliant incidents of the American war.

It has been the lot of that brave man, to have saved to his Country, in two instances, a respectable portion of her Naval forces, when apparently doomed to fall and overwhelmed by numbers.

With his little squadron he resisted, successfully, this united attack, through the night of the 20th of March, and on the following day maintained the unequal combat nearly three hours. On the 22d the English Ruby, of 64 guns, and two frigates appeared, with which he, in turn, became the pursuer of La Motte Picquet, who, by his own account, and in the true spirit of a Frenchman, asserted his claim to two hearts, as being emblematical of his courage.

Some single actions were fought during 1780, that would have done honour to any period of our maritime greatness.

Amongst these may be noticed the capture of La Capricieuse, of 44 guns, by La Prudente frigate. Captain Waldegrave, now Lord Radsdale. Speaking of the conduct of his Marines on this occasion, he says, "In justice to Lieutenant Banks of the Marines, I must beg leave to observe to their Lordships, that his party behaved with the utmost steadiness and bravery, keeping up a regular and constant fire from the beginning of the action, till necessity called them to the great guns, when they shewed an equal share of spirit and good order."

Another terminated in the taking of La Nymphe by the Flora, Captain Peere Williams, which was manned principally by landsmen, and a raw party of Marines. Soon after the conflict began, the Flora's wheel was shot away, when both ships fell on board each other. This afforded some instances of individual gallantry, by repelling the enemy's boarders, and by the British returning the compliment, and eventually striking the flag of La Nymphe. Although complete adepts in the small sword, still it proved unavailing against the cutlass and the axe.
Lieutenant, now Captain Busigny of Marines, very much distinguished himself, and his sword bore marks of his valour.

Although not properly within my scope, still the bravery of Captain Moore in the Fame privateer of Dublin, cannot pass unnoticed. It reflected honour upon his Country. In his little ship of 24 guns and 108 men, he attacked five sail of the enemy formed into line, carrying 54 guns and 167 sailors. Four out of that number were taken and recompensed his courage by their wealth.

The alertness of a British Seaman, whose name cannot be retraced, was the means of developing sufficient matter for reprisals against the Dutch, upon the 20th of December. Never did there appear such a scene of low intrigue, and selfish cunning as in these papers which were saved from the ocean. They betrayed a treaty of commerce, which had existed, in secret, ever since 1778, with the rebel states, which would have been soon cemented by one of alliance, under the same dark cover, if this disaster had not discovered all, and brought down the vengeance of Britain for such perfidy. (Taken from Chapter 34 'An Historical review of the Royal marine corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1780. Sunday 2nd January. Captain Fielding exacted the right of search from Couat Bylandt.

1780. Sunday 16th January. The Marines were involved in the Battle of St Vincent against the Spanish off the southern coast of Portugal. A British fleet under Admiral Sir George Rodney commanding 18 ships of the line defeated a Spanish squadron of 11 Ships Commanded by Don Juan de Lángara. The Spanish, who were at war with the British because they had chosen to back the American rebels in the War for Independence. The British suffer 32 killed and 102 wounded, while the Spanish suffered 1 ship destroyed, 4 ships captured, and 2,500 men captured, killed or wounded.

1780. Wednesday 19th January. The fleet arrived at Gibraltar and having landed the reinforcement and supplies for the garrison, the admiral sailed on the 14th of February for the West Indies with part of the fleet, and the remainder, under rear-admiral Digby, returned to England. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1780. Saturday 26th February. The following advertisement appeared in the Ipswich Journal, this newspaper had a wide circulation in Suffolk and Essex. A Marines Recruiting Poster used during the American War of Independence.

'VOLUNTEERS'

For the First Division of Marines.

Twenty Recruits are wanted immediately to complete the 31st Company, Commanded by Captain Shairp.

Now is the time for young men of spirit to gain honour and make their fortune by captures from the enemy. The superior advantages attending the marines' service are well known; particularly at this time, when our ports are crowded (sic) with French and Spanish Prizes. Marine Soldiers have every advantage of his Majesty's royal bounty, excellent clothing, arms and accoutrements with the addition of provisions found them gratis when on board ship, besides their full pay; and when in service, they share in prize-money equal to able seamen; these are advantages well known, and can be testified by many in this county, who have made their fortunes in the last, but more particularly in the present war. All under the age of 40, and above the size of 5 feet 3 inches, will meet with due encouragement, by applying to Captain Shairp in Queen's Street, or to his sergeants at the Marlborough's Head, Botolph's Gate, Colchester."

1780. Monday 13th March. Alexander and Courageux took Monsieur.

1780. Monday 20th March. Cornwallis chased by La Motte Piquet off St. Domingo.

1780. Monday 27th March. Admiral Rodney arrived at St. Lucia, and on the 2nd of April he proceeded to Martinique in quest of the comte de Guichen with twenty-ships of the line; but finding all his endeavours to induce the enemy to come out and give him battle ineffectual, the british fleet repaired to Grosislet bay. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1780. Monday 20th March. The Renown 50, Romulus and Roebuck of 44 guns, being sufficiently lightened of stores and cannon to pass the Charlestown bar, anchored in Five-fathom Hole: at the same time the american commodore Whipple retired to Fort Moultrie, and soon afterwards caused the channel to be blocked by sinking six frigates and several merchant vessels, fitted with chevaux de frise on the decks. A boom, composed of cables and chains, was extended from the shore to the sunken vessels, defended by batteries mounting forty pieces of heavy cannon, and some ships of war were stationed inside the sunken ships ready to resist any attack whilst the crews of the deserted vessels manned the guns, which had been landed and placed on the fortifications of Charlestown. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1780. Wednesday 29th March. The army having landed on Charlestown-neck without opposition, moved forward on the following day, and on the 1st of April the British broke ground within eight hundred yards of the works of Charlestown. By the 9th of April, the batteries were ready to open their fire, and the admiral, having directed the squadron to weigh, entered the harbour in the following order; Roebuck 44, Romulus 44, Richmond 32, Blonde 32, Virginia 28, Raleigh 32; the Sandwich and Renown, 50, bringing up the rear. The ships maintained a well-directed fire upon Fort Moultrie, as well as on the batteries of Sulivan's Island, and in little more than two hours they anchored under James's Island: some spars were shot away, but the killed and wounded did not amount to more than 27. To prevent an approach to the Cooper river, the rebels sank eleven vessels in that channel, and placed the Ranger frigate with some galleys to defend the entrance. An ineffectual summons having been sent to general Lincoln on the 9th, the british batteries opened on the following morning, and they soon acquired a superiority over those of the enemy. Major Moncrieffe, the chief engineer, who had gained so much honour in the defence of Savanna, conducted the offensive operations against Charlestown with equal credit.

On the 18th, considerable reinforcements arrived from New York, which enabled sir Henry Clinton to strengthen the corps beyond Cooper river, and lieutenant-general Cornwallis was appointed to that command. On the 23rd, the second parallel was pushed to within 150 yards of the enemy's lines, and on the 24th a sally was made from the town; but the Americans were so effectually repulsed, that they never again quitted thenworks during the siege. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1780. Wednesday 12th April. HMS Rodneys Victory off Cape St. Vincent.

1780. Saturday 15th April. Admiral de Guichen, with twenty-three sail of the line, put to sea; and on the 16th they were pursued by the fleet under sir George Rodney, who on the 17th brought them to action, notwithstanding all their efforts to avoid it. The engagement began about one o'clock, and the firing continued until four in the afternoon. At the moment of running down to make the attack, the fleets were parallel to and nearly abreast of each other: the Sandwich, bearing the admiral's flag, with several of the centre division, stood for and engaged the ships opposed to them in the enemy's line, and rear-admiral Rowley, with the rear division, engaged the rear of the french fleet; but the van of the British, in its endeavour to reach the advanced ships of the enemy, had separated so much from the main body, that in order to collect the fleet, it became necessary to discontinue the action. The loss sustained by the British was 120 killed, 353 wounded; that of the French being nearly 1000 men, killed and wounded. Among the wounded were captain Carey of the marines on board the Montague, and lieutenant Heriot serving on board the Elizabeth. From the tenour of admiral Rodney's letter, it is evident that he anticipated a more decisive result; and had he been properly supported, it is probable that he would have obtained better success.

After the repulse of comte d'Estaing, in his attack on Savanna, sir Henry Clinton was enabled to resume offensive operations; and an expedition, with a powerful armament, was resolved upon for the reduction of the province of South Carolina. Vice-admiral Arbuthnot, with five ships of the line, two fifties, and several frigates, was to co-operate with his squadron; and accordingly, on the 26th of December 1779, he sailed from Sandy Hook, accompanied by transports having the troops on board. The fleet, after receiving considerable damage in its voyage to the southward, did not get sight of the Carolina shore until the 1st of February, and then coasted along to Tybee, where it came to an anchor.

The american congress had conferred the command of their troops in the southern provinces on major-general Lincoln, who took every possible measure to strengthen the defences of Charlestown against the threatened attack, by continuing the lines across Charlestown-neck, from Cooper to Ashley river. In front of these lines was a strong abatis and wet ditch, picqueted on the nearest side; and between the abatis and the lines, deep holes were dug at short distances from each other.

Eighty pieces of cannon were mounted, and in the centre was a strong work, which might be considered the citadel. On the 9th of February the fleet sailed from Tybee and arrived on the 11th at North Edisto. On the same day a division of the army landed in Jhn's Island, and on the following morning the remainder disembarked. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1780. Monday 17th April. Rodney engaged de Guichen in the West indies. The Battle of Martinique in the West Indies took place during the American War of Independence between the British Royal Navy and the French Navy.

1780. Friday 9th May. Rodney engaged de Guichen in the West indies.

1780. Friday 12th May. The Battle and Capture of Charleston was one of the major battles which took place towards the end of the American Revolutionary War, after the British began to shift their strategic focus towards the American Southern Colonies. After six weeks of siege, a continental Army led by Major General Benjamin Lincoln surrendered his forces numbering about 5,000 to the British.

1780. Saturday 1st July. HMS Romney took Artois.

1780. Tuesday 4th July. The French 32 gun frigate La Capricieuse was captured by the British frigates HMS Prudente and HMS Licorne. After a four hour battle in which the French lost her Captain and 150 men were killed and wounded. The ship was so knocked about that her captors had to set her on fire. The British ships lost 20 killed and 28 wounded between them. Captain Waldegrave of HMS Prudente made the following report on the behaviour of his detachment of Marines: "in justice to Lieutenant Banks of the Marines, I must beg leave to observe to their Lordships, that his party behave with upmost steadiness and bravery, keeping up a regular and constant fire from the beginning of the action, till necessity called them to the great guns, when they showed an equal share of spirit and good order."

1780. Thursday 6th July. HMS Romney took Perle.

1780. Friday 14th July. Nonsuch destroyed a Frigate and took Belle Foule.

1780. Thursday 10th August. The fight between the HMS Flora and the Nymphe. Every one of HMS Floras Marine detachment were killed in the capture of the French ship Nymphe. With two masts gone, Monmouth's wounded Captain was one of only five left alive on the quarter and poop deck. All including the senior Lieutenant of Marines had been killed. The same fate had be-fell all below on the gun deck.

1780. Saturday 12th August. Rienfaisant took Comte d' Artois.

1780. Tuesday 15th August. Copy of a letter from Captain Pere Williams of his Majesty's Ship FLORA to Mr Stephens at Falmouth.

SIR

I beg you will communicate to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the following particulars, which I have the honour of transmitting to you from this port, where contrary winds obliged me to put in.

On Tuesday the 10th at half past four in the afternoon standing in under Ushant, in quest of the fleet, the wind at that time about ENE we discovered through the haze a square rigged vessel and cutter under our lee, lying to with their heads to the northward, distant from us about four miles; whereupon we made sail, beat to quarters and hedged towards them, which the ship perceiving, wore, hauled to the wind, backed her missen top sail and waited our approach, the cutter working off and on. At ten minutes past five we got abreast of her, and within about two cables length upon showing our colours received her fire which we instantly returned and continued briskly on both sides for about an hour, gradually nearing each other, when our wheel being shot away, our shrouds, backstays, and running rigging much cut, we dropped on board of her, and continued the engagement in that position about 15 minutes, the enemy then deserting their great guns attempted to board us, but were instantly repulsed with 1058, our people boarded in return, sword in hand, struck their colours, and in short time took possession of their ship, which proved to be French Frigate, called La Nymphe, commanded by the Chevalier Du Remain, who died the same evening of the wounds he received in the action. She is 4 years old copper bottomed, mounts 22 guns, though pierced for 40, and her compliment consists of 291 men. She had been only four days out of Brest and was employed upon reconnoitring service of that Port.

Before I conclude my letter, I beg leave to add that my officers and people in general showed the greatest coolness and intrepidity, on this occasion, and indeed merit more enconniums than I can find words to express; their conduct will, I flatter myself meet with these Lordships approbation, and recommend them to their future favour. (Sic)

I am etc

P WILLIAMS

Return of killed and wounded: Mr Bisset Midshipman Wounded, Mr Creed Master 1, wounded, 27 Seamen since died, Marines on board the FLORA 1, Seamen 6, Marines Seamen 13, Marines 42 Total killed 9.

1780. Tuesday 12 September. Vestal took Phoenix.

1780. Saturday 30th September. Pearl took Esperrance.

1780. Monday 2nd October. Stirling Castle, Thunderer, Phoenix, Deal Castle and Endeavour were lost.

1780. Tuesday 10th October. Laurel, Scarborough, Andromeda, and Blanche were lso in the West Indies.

1780. Thursday 2nd November. Zephyr took Senigal, late Racehorse.

1780. November. Sartine lost off Mangalore.

1780. Wednesday 20th December. A 'Fourth Anglo-Dutch War' took place from 1780 to 1784 over secret Dutch trade and negotiations with the American colonies, then in revolt against England.

1780. Wednesday 20th December. The English quickly took advantage off the newly declared Dutch war and captured key Dutch possessions in the West and East Indies, while imposing a powerful blockade of the Dutch coast.

1780. December. Bellona took Princess Caroline.

1781. 2370 marines were voted for service.

1781. Twenty thousand three hundred and seventeen Marines were voted for the service of 1781.The widely extended commerce of Holland now lay open to general enterprize, which was soon successfully exerted. As avarice was the predominant cause of hostilities, so it was the object of chastisement.

Gibraltar attracted the early attention of our Ministry, by an effort to relieve it, which was accomplished by Admiral Darby, with the Grand Fleet, under circumstances of apparent difficulty, but of eventual good fortune. If the Combined Forces had been united, which was their annual policy and within their power, such an attempt must have been abortive, or performed at an unwarrantable risk. That fortress persevered in a system of defence, peculiarly destructive to the enemy, and of a kind the most honorable to General Elliot and his garrison. Captain Hervey in the Panther, with his small squadron, also gave proofs of wonderful courage, in frustrating the aim of some fire vessels that were employed to burn it.

France always intent upon her own interests, embraced this occasion of reinforcing her West India fleets by a powerful detachment under the Compte De Grasse. This became necessary, from the return of De Guichen to Europe, who, after having joined Don Solano's fleet, went down to Hispaniola, with an evident purpose of attacking Jamaica, but from whom he separated without a stroke. Although the battles of Admiral Rodney afforded no signal marks of victory in captures, still their effects had a strong influence in the conduct of De Guichen for proceeding homewards with those shattered ships, from amongst his fleet, that could be refitted only in Europe.

Holland soon felt the consequences of its baseness, by the loss of all its West India possessions, and some valuable convoys. The free port of St. Eustatius, hitherto the depot of America, and of every adventurer who had money, fell early in February without firing a gun. Demerara, Issequibo, and the Dutch Settlements on the Spanish main were successively taken, together with the Mars of 60 guns, Admiral Krowl, with 28 sail of merchantmen under his protection, who was killed by a musquet ball, in a short action with the Monarch, Captain Reynolds.

Sir Samuel, now Lord Hood, having been soon after sent to windward to cruize for De Grasse, was limited to a station, which gave little hope of ultimate success.

Three sail of the line were unfortunately retained at St. Eustatius, which would have been a valuable addition to his force, thus inferior to the expected arrivals from France.

The British Admiral continued off Fort Royal, Martinique, until the 28th of April, when a signal was made for the enemy's approach.

Every effort was used to close with the land, and of course with them, who, in line of battle, on the morning of the 29th, afforded protection to a numerous convoy that soon reached a safe anchorage.

De Grasse was immediately strengthened by 4 ships of the line, from the Bay, which authorized him to have followed up the most decisive views. Sir Samuel Hood formed his fleet into close order and was joined by the Prince William of 64 guns, Captain Stair Douglas, who then watered at St. Lucia, but had weighed with an unexampled dispatch to share in the conflict, and who continued to cheer along the British Line, until he fell into his station.

De Grasse opened his fire, but at a distance little calculated to balance the scale of victory. He had the option of it though he never availed himself of his fortune. Three hours cannonade was kept up, during which it appeared that the French powder was much stronger than ours, when the British Admiral seeing the unavailing expenditure ceased to waste it.

This period could not boast of that liberal attention to the seaman's wants, which has characterized our Country, during the late war, towards her naval servants. Scurvy, at that time, was the prevalent disease in our fleet, and this had reached an alarming height in many of the ships attached to Sir Samuel Hood.

The world too generally ground their opinions upon external circumstances, without examining minutely into inferior details, which, when known, will be considered, by the judicious, as often constituting the solid merits of human action. To a great superiority of fresh ships and healthy crews, as yet unbraced by the climate, Admiral Hood was opposed with 7 sail less in number, reduced in effective strength by scurvy, and against an enemy, whose naval confidence had never arrived at a greater summit. That steady countenance which he evinced in their presence, was yet surpassed by a noble effort, on the following day, which shewed the invincible spirit of his mind, and these resources so usually annexed to magnanimity and talents. Observing the scattered order of the French, and catching a change of wind in his favour, not common in that Country, he directed a general chace, and levelled all his force against their most vulnerable point.

But the elements were fickle, and disappointed his manly views, after which he bore up for Antigua to refit, and land his wounded.

The interval was seized by De Bouillé and De Grasse to carry St. Lucia, who were happily resisted by the united energies of Captain Campbell of the 87th Regiment, and Lieutenant, afterwards the unfortunate but amiable Captain Miller of the Theseus. Improving the same occasion, another, but more prosperous expedition, was undertaken against Tobago, which was finally seconded by the whole French fleet and army.

Sir George Rodney, having assumed the command, reached Barbadoes on the 23d of May, where he learned the attack upon that island.

Lieutenant Johnstone of Marines was sent in an Advice Boat in order to gain intelligence, and other information of a secret nature.

His ability and zeal fully qualified him for the task, but nothing could avert its surrender, after two fruitless attempts to relieve it. This may be said to have ended the campaign of 1781, in the West Indies.

In this summer the total reduction of West Florida was effected by the Spaniards, who persevered in recovering the possessions, formerly wrested from them. The combined fleets, after covering a debarkation at Minorca, towards the close of August, proceeded in triumph to the mouth of the British Channel, while Admiral Darby retired to Torbay. Discord and sickness were again the agents of heaven to counteract their menaces, and a kind Providence wafted home our commerce in safety, soon after those powerful enemies had each returned to his own ports.

The 5th of August exhibited a display of obstinate bravery not unworthy of former times, when the Empire of the Seas was so strenuously disputed by Great Britain and Holland. Two squadrons headed by Officers, who were animated by the same stern spirit, met on the Dogger Bank, each with a convoy under his protection. Having secured their safety, Admiral Parker bore down against his rival, Zoutman, who coolly awaited his approach until he reached the good old measure for deciding their Country's differences and prowess.

After a close conflict of three hours and a half, the Dutch resigned the palm by bearing up for the Texel. Captain Campbell of Marines, in the Berwick, and Lieut. Stewart of the same ship,

besides Lieut. Cuthbert of the Dolphin, were the Officers that fall under my review of casualties in wounded on that occasion.

The sinking of one of their 74's after the action, the safe return of a valuable and important fleet into our ports, while that of the enemy flew for shelter into their own, were the consequent fruits, and must be undisputed evidences of victory.

During this unfortunate war, the similarity of language and of manners, had introduced into the bosom of our Country many an American Incendiary, who, without suspicion, were either the immediate Emissaries or maintained a correspondence with those of France. Inviolable secrecy must ever be the life of foreign expeditions, but it unhappily did not exist at this era, and more particularly in that which was set on foot against the Dutch Settlement at the Cape of Good Hope.

This was undertaken under the joint auspices of Commodore Johnstone and General Meadowes, who departed from England on the 13th of March, and reached Port Praya Bay, in St. Jago, one of the Cape de Verd islands, on the 10th of April.

During war there ought never be too confident a security. Vigilance and alertness are the essence of discipline, and they never should be relinquished even within the bosom of a friendly country. A surprize can find no palliation.

Anchored in a scattered form, which a little time could not entirely remedy, our squadron was unexpectedly assailed by Admiral Suffrein, one of the few of his countrymen who met Englishmen on their favourite plan of close fighting, and whom the early intelligence of his court had detached with a force sufficient to counteract the schemes of our Cabinet. After a most spirited attack which strongly attested his enterprise and courage, he was repulsed by British valour, and his ships so much shattered as to hold out to the Commodore the prospect of an ultimate triumph.

The enemy were afterwards chaced, but more imperious and future views put an end to the pursuit. That good and gallant Officer Capt. now Sir Thomas Pasley, of the Jupiter, Capt. Alms, of the Monmouth, and Captain Hawker, of the Hero, were particularly noticed by their Chief, for their conduct through the day. Great and animated were the exertions of some of the East Indiamen, and the steady countenance of Capt. Jenkinson and his detachment of the 98th Regiment, in repelling the enemy's boarders from the Fortitude, attracted much deserved praise. Suffrein having anticipated Commodore Johnstone, in reaching the Cape, threw into the garrison every necessary supply, which precluded all hopes of succeeding against it, and changed the future plan of the expedition. Having received notice of five Dutch East Indiamen being in Saldahna Bay, forty miles north from the Cape, the squadron shaped its course thither, and made prizes of four, the other having been set on fire. This was a deep cut upon our avaricious foe. The French Admiral went on to India, and General Meadows proceeded under a proper escort to the same quarter, while the Commodore returned to England.

Notwithstanding the diminished territories of France in the East, still the zeal and ability of her Agents, well versed in intrigue, had the address, not only to reconcile the existing contentions between Hyder Ally and the Mahrattas, but to direct their united power against our wide possessions in that part of the world.

These were to be supported by promised aids from Bourbon and the Mauritius, as well as auxiliaries from many of the petty Princes of Hindostan, who eagerly acceded to the coalition.

The apathy of the Presidency at Madras, at this momentous crisis, was highly criminal. No steps were taken to concentrate their troops, although they were long apprised of Hyder's views, who, like a torrent, came down from the mountains and entered the Carnatic with an army of 100,000 men. Sir Hector Monro, at last, took the field against this host, and having raised the siege of Arcot, fixed his post at Conjeverane, where he awaited his expected reinforcements from the Tanjore Country in the South, and those from the Guntaz Circar in the North. This being merely introductory matter to future discussion, in which my corps was called forth, my detail of these movements must be concise.

The world well knows the sad disaster of Colonel Baillie's detachment from the latter Country, in which was also involved that of Colonel Fletcher from the Main Army, after having exhibited the most extraordinary feats of European valour. From unaccountable causes, no effort, worthy of the occasion, was made to alienate the doom of those brave, but unfortunate men. The immediate consequences were the retreat of General Monro to the Mount, and the Carnatic being overrun by Hyder and his savage legions. Rapid were his successes, and Madras itself anticipated the horrors of a siege from this relentless invader.

The energies of the Council of Bengal were patriotically great under these perilous events. Casting an eye towards that distinguished Veteran, Sir Eyre Coote, he was with one general voice called forth to retrieve these calamities. He accordingly embarked from Calcutta, with a force, while some seapoy battalions marched from Bengal to the Carnatic. General Goddard was directed to transport a detachment from his army acting against the Mahrattas, and Sir Edward Hughes, with his fleet, was solicited to block up the ports of Hyder, on the coast of Malabar. The Government of Bombay was likewise ordered to alarm his dominions.

Sir Eyre Coote quickly restored its wonted lustre to the British arms by a series of brilliant efforts, during 1781, that enabled him, after the destruction of Hyder's naval force at Calicut and Mangalore, by Sir Edward Hughes, to send an adequate detachment for the reduction of Negapatam, which was committed to Sir Hector Monro, who assumed the command of the troops in the Tanjore Country, and who was enjoined to co-operate in the attempt with

Admiral Hughes and his squadron. Hyder Ally had placed a strong garrison in the Fort and occupied many strong holds within that Province and on its borders.

Preparatory for this object a number of the Company's troops reached Nagore on the 21st of October, which were soon headed by General Monro, who landed from the Superbe. Sir Edward Hughes disembarked his Marines, consisting of 443, on the same day, and a battalion of 827 seamen upon the 22d. The looked for shift of the Monsoon, and lateness of the season prompted the most active measures. Owing to a heavy surf the cannon and all necessary implements were conveyed by rafts to the shore, in which the zeal of our Sailors, under the superintendance of Captain Ball, was most praiseworthy.

The enemy having thrown up strong lines flanked by redoubts, to defend the approaches to Negapatam, they were stormed and carried on the night of the 29th; much of the success and glory of which very justly attached to the Seamen and Marines, whose intrepidity was never more conspicuous. They also evinced an unrelaxed zeal in prosecuting the necessary works of labour. During the siege two sorties were attempted by the garrison, which originally consisted of 8000 men, but in each they were quickly repulsed. After a severe and well-aimed fire, from the 3d to the 12th of November, the Dutch proposed terms which were accepted.

During the whole course of this fatiguing service, 17 Seamen fell, and 27 were wounded, and the detail of Marines was 13 killed, and 29 casualties, most of whom died; besides a number of both who became victims to sudden cramps, the effects of hard duty amidst the rains.

The happy results of this conquest were the immediate evacuation of every post in the Tanjore by Hyder's troops, and the return to allegiance of all those petty Princes who had been seduced, by him, from their obedience to the Nabob of the Carnatic.

On the 25th of October the Seamen and Marines were re-embarked; when, following up his farther plans, the Admiral set sail for Trincomale upon the 2d of December, where he arrived the 4th.

Early in the succeeding morning the Marines, to whom two field pieces were attached, were again put on shore, and they were soon joined by a body of Seamen, who, with some Seapoy pioneers, instantly formed and marched towards the fort of Trincomale. While its Governor was employed in framing terms of capitulation, Lieut. Samuel Orr, at the head of the Marine Grenadier Company, intrepidly rushed through the gateway, and saved him the trouble of such a discussion--taking prisoners three Officers and 40 men. This bold exploit led to the most important consequences, as the fort commanded, with 10 pieces of cannon, the only place where the requisite stores could be landed for the Army. The enemy's defences now became limited to Fort Ostenburgh, situated on the top of a hill which swept the harbour, and on the summit of another above it, where there was posted an Officer's guard. From this they were driven by a detachment of Seamen and Marines, who in every essay were entrusted to execute those hazardous and honorable duties. A summons was then tendered to the Governor, whose reply was firm. Finding that he was not to be intimidated by threats, a general storm was planned and executed on the 11th by 450 Seamen and Marines, who, in column, and their flanks covered by pioneers, followed by 20 Sailors with scaling ladders, and supported by a reserve of six companies of both descriptions, advanced against the fort early on the morning of that day. These were farther strengthened by some native troops in the rear.

A Serjeant's party of Marines, in front of the whole, most promptly got into the embrasures, unperceived by the enemy, who, being seconded with much alacrity, the Dutch were finally driven from their works, the fort gained, and with it all the ships in the harbour. Much do I regret in not being able to give the name of this gallant Serjeant, who seemed to have combined talents with spirit. To commemorate the worthy deeds of the meanest Soldier, is a tribute justly due to him. The extensive observance of it would tend to rouse emulation, and the jealous pride of character. He who knows that he stands on the page of record, will be loath to forfeit so honorable a distinction. It is a conscious dignity which will accompany him into society, when his Country no longer wants his services; would diffuse its loyal influence amongst the private walks of life and reanimate the possessor to become a ready Volunteer under every public emergency. If disabled by years, he may, perhaps, have an offspring, whom he cheerfully sends forth to battle, not the obdurate and callous victims to injured laws, not the mercenary and wretched auxiliaries of necessitous expedient, but the manly and independent assertors of Britain's rights and freedom. In resigned confidence, most willingly would he entrust their destinies to a corps, where courage and conduct never remain unnoticed, and are neither forgotten or pass away without recompence.

Fort Ostenburgh was not gained, however, without a contest and loss; Lieutenant Long, who commanded a company of Seamen, was slain, besides 20 non-commissioned and private Sailors and Marines; Lieutenant Wolseley of the Royal Navy, and Lieutenant Orr, of the Marine Grenadier Company, who officiated as Brigade Major with much credit to himself throughout this service, were wounded, as well as 40 of both descriptions. Humanity, the brightest gem in the cap of a Soldier, became the property of each assaulter; who, when resistance ceased, spared, in every instance, his suppliant foe. Thus, were our unnatural enemies expelled from the coast of Coromandel. Unanimity, the sure presage of success, was early apparent, and uniformly prevailed.

I cannot yield a higher testimony, as to the merits of my Corps, than that which was bestowed by Sir Edward Hughes, in these words: "The whole of the Officers, who have been landed from the squadron for the attack of Negapatam, and this place, (Trincomale), have, on all occasions, manifested much honour, courage, and good conduct, and the private Seamen and Marines have acted with great steadiness and bravery." Major Geils, of the East India Company's Engineers, evinced great professional knowledge in his department.

After a most active campaign to the southward, during the progress of which Earl Cornwallis appeared in his wonted attitudes of a great and zealous Officer, the affairs of America were much on the decline, and it was not from their own energies alone they could now hope for that independence which had been their sanguine avowal, and the summit of all their aims. Every military resource began to fail in the summer of 1781, and it was only by one bold effort, or an instantaneous appeal for foreign aid, that their desponding troops could be longer kept together, or their expiring prospects be rekindled.

At this awful period the genius of Washington was exerted as a Politician as well as a General. Mons. Barras had arrived at Rhode Island to assume the command of the French squadron there, whither the Rebel Chief hastened to impart the secrets of his anxious heart. In a conference with General Rochambeau a joint attack upon New York was designed; for which future purpose, Washington in a formal demand urged the immediate completion of every battalion in his Army, as well as a strong levy from New England. The bearer of these dispatches, with all his papers, fell into the hands of the British, under Sir H. Clinton, who considered it his duty to prepare against the meditated blow. Orders were accordingly transmitted to Earl Cornwallis to detach from his Army in Virginia, when mutual discussions betwixt those distinguished Commanders ensued, upon which I feel no authority to enlarge, that finally limited his Lordship to the defence of York Town and Gloucester, in the River Chesapeak, upon the 22d of August.

The French and American Armies united at the close of June, but they could attempt nothing against the formidable position occupied by General Clinton, at Kingsbridge, or could they strike at any other quarter without the support of a superior fleet. After a tedious suspence, news reached them of the approach of Admiral De Grasse, who intimated his intention of entering the Chesapeak. After having indicated views upon New York, the combined force suddenly struck across the Jerseys, in order to co-operate and level all their power against the defenceless posts of York Town and Gloucester.

Sir Samuel Hood reached Sandy Hook on the 28th of August, when the command devolving upon Rear Admiral Greaves, he put to sea on the 31st with 19 sail of the line, the day after De Grasse had anchored in the Chesapeak with 28. The French Admiral immediately commenced the blockade of York River, having detached four of these to carry on different services in James River, and with the rest bringing up in Lynn-haven-bay.

The British fleet got sight of the Capes of Virginia on the morning of the 5th of September, and in a few hours observed the French working out in a very confused manner, forming their line as they best could, after clearing Cape Henry. Sir Samuel Hood then led the van with his division, whose acute eye, noticing the moment of striking a decisive blow, he resolved to seize the occasion by soliciting his second, Captain Reynolds (the present Lord Ducie) in the Monarch, to lead him down within point blank shot of the scattered enemy. To this order Capt. Reynolds's reply was, "That I will, Sir Samuel, with a most sincere pleasure." In an instant his ship obeyed the summons, and was advancing with hasty strides to victory, but her signal was made to haul the wind, and to resume her station in the line. An action afterwards commenced, in no respect worthy of notice, but that of rendering the gallantry of Captains Robinson and Molloy, of the Shrewsbury and Intrepid, very highly conspicuous.

This was followed by the return of each fleet to the anchorage it had left. De Grasse preferred the emancipation of America, to a precarious combat on the sea.

Sir Henry Clinton attempted a diversion in Connecticut, but nothing could attract General Washington from his main object. United to Rochambeau they pushed on to the head of Elk River, where their troops were received on board of French transports, and soon joined those at Williamsburgh under Generals La Fayette and St. Simon.

Moving forward to York Town, Earl Cornwallis withdrew within its works on the 29th of September, with the resolve of preserving it, until relieved by promised succours from the northward. Some parties of Marines, from frigates in the river, were incorporated with his garrison, of whom his Lordship was pleased to make honourable mention in the public details of his persevering defence. Speaking of a redoubt which was advanced over a creek upon the right of the British Lines, he says, that it was maintained against the fire of several batteries, with uncommon gallantry, by about 120 men of the 23d Regiment and Marines. This body, under the command of Captain Apthorpe, and subsequently strengthened by detachments under Lieutenant Colonel Johnstone, received his Lordship's most grateful encomiums at the unfortunate close of all their operations. The post at Gloucester fell with that of York Town, whose garrison met with those soothing attentions and sympathy, which a brave enemy ever extends to a worthy opponent.

Admiral Kempenfelt, in December, achieved the capture of some transports and store ships, protected by a very superior force, which demonstrated that his great nautical abilities were not confined to theory alone. His exploit, in sight of De Guichen, with nearly double his own strength, was much enhanced, when we remember that it occurred in days too barren of such examples.

Some brilliant single actions, at sea, occurred during the year, amongst the foremost of which was that fought between the Nonsuch, of 64, Sir James Wallace, and a French 80 gun ship. After a loss of 90 Seamen and Marines killed and wounded, Sir James could not follow his flying foe. Lieutenant Fowke, of Marines, a most promising Officer, was killed in the Pearl, Captain Montague, in an action which terminated in the capture of L'Esperance Letter of Marque, on the coast of America. (Taken from Chapter 35 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1781. January. Warwick took Rotterdam.

1781. Thursday 4th January. Courageux and Alexander took Minerve.

1781. Tuesday 23rd January. HMS Culloden lost on Long Island.

1781. Sunday 29th January. Wilmington surrendered to the Blonde and consorts.

1781. Saturday 3rd February. On the arrival of admiral sir George Rodney in the West Indies from New York, he received information of the commencement of hostilities against the Dutch, and therefore determined on attacking their West India possessions. On the 3rd of February the admiral, accompanied by a considerable military force under major-general Vaughan, appeared before the island of St. Eustatius, and having summoned the governor, the colony surrendered, as did the small islands of St. Martin and Saba; but these possessions were soon recovered by a division of french troops from Martinique, when 68 pieces of cannon, and the garrison, composed of 670 men under lieutenant-colonel Cockburn, fell into the enemy's hands. While sir George Rodney was at St. Eustatius, he learned the approach of the fleet under the comte de Grasse, and immediately despatched sir Samuel Hood and rear-admiral Drake to windward with eighteen sail of the line, to intercept the enemy's fleet before they could form a junction with their squadron at Martinique. The british fleet proceeded off Fort Royal bay, and continued to cruise there until the 28th, when the approach of the French was announced by the advanced ships.

A general chase was immediately ordered in line of battle a-head, and the pursuit continued during the night. On the following day the french squadron came out from Fort Royal bay, and formed a junction with comte de Grasse, making their force twenty-four ships of the line, whilst our fleet was only eighteen; nevertheless, they avoided a close engagement. The van and some of the centre of the British were enabled to bring the enemy to action, but the attacking ships were exposed to very superior numbers of the enemy, and consequently sustained much damage. The Fuissell had suffered so severely, that she was obliged to bear away for St. Eustatius to refit; and the Shrewsbury, Centaur, Torbay, and Intrepid, were also much cut up.

The next day sir Samuel Hood endeavoured again to bring the enemy to action, but the comte de Grasse withdrew his ships, and returned to Martinique. In the month of May the French made an attempt to reduce the island of St. Lucia, a division of 2000 troops, under the marquis de Bouille, having effected a landing without opposition. On the following morning they attacked Pigeon Island, which was bravely defended by its little garrison, consisting of a company of the 87th regiment under captain Campbell, and some seamen under lieutenant Ralph Miller of the navy, who resisted the summons of the french general, and resolved to defend their post to the last extremity. The fortunate arrival of the Thetis, Santa Monica, Sybille, and Scourge, off the Carenage, contributed greatly to the preservation of the island, by landing the marines and a party of seamen, who were stationed in the batteries of the Vigie, whilst another detachment went to the assistance of the troops posted on Morne Fortunee.

On the 12th the comte de Grasse anchored in Gros-islet bay with twenty-five sail of the line, and several frigates; but the fire from the batteries on Pigeon Island had so severely damaged seven of his line of battle ships, that the french fleet put to sea, and after anchoring in the bay of Trou Gascon, they re-embarked the troops, and returned to Fort Royal, Martinique.

On the 2nd of September rear-admiral Graves, with nineteen sail of the line, discovered the french fleet under comte de Grasse lying anchored in Lynhaven bay, in the Chesapeake, consisting of twenty-four ships of the line, which got under weigh on perceiving the British. As the fleets neared each other, the British wore round and brought themselves parallel with their opponents; and at 4 p. m. the firing commenced in the rear and centre and continued until dark. The rear-admiral kept close to the enemy during the night, intending to renew the contest in the morning; but finding that several of his ships were much disabled, he was compelled to relinquish the idea. The fleets continued in sight of each other for the space of five days; but the French, who had the weather-gage, showed no disposition to close, and the british admiral, from the crippled state of his ships, had no opportunity to resume the offensive. On the 10th of the month the comte de Grasse bore away for the Chesapeake, and on the following day anchored within the Capes.

The following is a statement of the killed and wounded, showing the officers of marines: — Resolution, 74 guns, 3 killed, 16 wounded. First-lieutenant William Patten, second-lieutenant William Daws. Bedford, 74 guns, 8 killed, 14 wounded. Captain David Cuming, first-lieutenant George Vinter. London, 98 guns, 4 killed, 18 wounded. Second-lieutenant Ralph Clark, second-lieutenant Charles Reynolds. Royal Oak, 74 guns, 4 killed, 5 wounded. Captain Wm. Bird, lieutenant Thomas Thomas. Montagu, 74 guns, 8 killed, 22 wounded. Second-lieutenant William Buchan, second-lieutenant James Breedon. Europe, 64 guns, 9 killed, 18 wounded. Captain Alexander Macdonald, first-lieutenant Hugh Mitchell, second-lieutenant William Minto. Terrible, 74 guns, 4 killed, 21 wounded. First-lieutenant Carlton Atkinson, second-lieutenant Charles Hogan. Ajax, 74 guns, 7 killed, 16 wounded. Captain Henry Tantum, first-lieutenant Charles Green, second-lieutenant Richard J. Squire. Princessa, 70 guns, 6 killed, 11 wounded. Captain William Foster, second-lieutenant Randal Myers, second-lieutenant Samuel Laban.

Alcide, 74 guns, 2 killed, 18 wounded. Captain Randal Macdonald, first-lieutenant William Ramsay, second-lieutenant James Gower.

Intrepid, 64 guns, 11 killed, 35 wounded. Captain William Fleming, first-lieutenant David Pryor, second-lieutenant William Home.

Shrewsbury, 74 guns, 14 killed, 52 wounded; second-lieutenant John Waters, second-lieutenant John King. Total— 90 killed, and 246 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1781. HMS Monarch took Mars and Dutch convoy.

1781. March. Cerberus took Grana.

1781. Thursday 16th March. Arbuthnot engaged de Terney.

1781. Monday 16th April. Johnstone attacked by Suffren in Porto Praya Bay.

1781. Friday 20th April. Resource re-took Unicorn.

1781. Sunday 29th April. Hood engaged De Grasse off Martinique.

1781. Wednesday 2nd May. Canada took Santa Leocadia.

1781. Tuesday 8th May. Mentor and Port Royal captured by the Spaniards.

1781. Monday 14th May. Nonsuch, 64, engaged Actif, 74.

1781. Wednesday 23rd May. Sir George Rodney, having assumed the command, reached Barbadoes where he learned of the attack upon the island. Lieutenant Johnstone of Marines was sent in an Advice Boat in order to gain intelligence, and other information of a secret nature. His ability and zeal fully qualified him for the task, but nothing could avert its surrender, after two fruitless attempts to relieve it. This may be said to have ended the campaign of 1781, in the West Indies.

1781. Monday 28th May. Atalanta and Trepassey taken by American frigate USS Alliance.

1781. Wednesday 30th May. Crescent taken by Brielle but re-taken by Flora.

1781. Wednesday 30th May. Flora took Castor.

1781. Wednesday 20th June. Castor and Crescent taken by the Dutch.

1781. Monday 16th July. Charleston, Allegiance, and Vulture engaged Astree and Hermione.

1781. Sunday 5th August. Shortly after the commencement of hostilities with Holland, the Dutch fitted out a squadron under rear-admiral Zoutman, consisting of one ship of 74 guns, one of 68, one of 64, two of 54, one of 50, one of 44, five of 36, one of 40, and two of 24 guns, for the protection of their trade in the Baltic. They were proceeding to the northward with a convoy under their protection, and when near the Dogger-bank, on the 5th of August, they fell in with the british squadron of seven ships of the line and six frigates, under vice-admiral Parker, who had likewise a large fleet of merchant vessels under convoy. The Tamar frigate was directed to proceed with the trade, and the british squadron made sail in chase of the enemy. Rear-admiral Zoutman formed his ships in order of battle on the larboard tack, under easy sail, whilst the convoy lay a very little way to leeward; and the dutch squadron thus resolutely awaited the attack, not firing a gun until their opponents were fairly alongside.

The morning was perfectly clear, with a slight breeze from the N. E., as the British bore down to the attack; and at about 8 a.m., when within pistol shot, hauled their wind together, and the action became general, After the battle had lasted three hours and forty minutes, the Dutch bore away to the southward, leaving their opponents in such a disabled condition as to be incapable of pursuit, with a loss of 104 men killed, and 339 wounded.

From the best accounts that could be obtained, the Dutch had 142 men killed and 400 wounded. The Hollandia, of 68 guns, was so much shattered, that she sank on the same night.

British squadron on the 5th of September 1781, showing the names of the officers of marines — Fortitude, 74 guns, vice-admiral H. Parker, captain George Robertson, 20 killed, 67 wounded. Captain Francis Loighlin, second-lieutenants Charles B. Mosley, and William Thomas Chaters.

Princess Amelia, 80 guns, captain J. Macartney, 19 killed, 56 wounded. Captain Alexander Malcolmbe, lieutenant Thomas Thompson.

Berwick, 74 guns, captain J. Ferguson, 18 killed, 58 wounded. Captain Duncan Campbell (wounded), lieutenant Hugh Stuart (wounded), second-lieutenant Samuel Brown.

Bienfaisant, 64 guns, capt. H. Braithwaite, 6 killed, 21 wounded. Captain Josiah Ellicott, second-lieutenants James St. Clair, and George P. Ellicott.

Buffalo, 60 guns, captain W. Truscott, 20 killed, 64 wounded. Captain George Ormsby, second-lieutenant P. Stapleton.

Preston, 50 guns, captain A. Graeme, 10 killed, 40 wounded. Captain William Sharp, lieutenant John Kennedy.

Dolphin, 44 guns, captain W. Blair, 11 killed, 33 wounded. Lieutenant Cuthbert (wounded).

Total— 104 killed, and 339 wounded.

With six frigates and six smaller vessels, mounting altogether 716 guns; whilst the total of guns mounted on board the dutch squadron amounted to 670.

An expedition against the dutch possessions at the Cape of Good Hope, under the orders of commodore Johnstone, consisting of two ships of the line, three of 50 guns, three frigates, and two sloops, with several Indiamen and transports conveying between 2 and 3000 troops, sailed from St. Helen's on the 13th of March, and arrived in Port Praya bay, St. Jago, on the 10th of April. Whilst lying there, in the security of a neutral port, they were attacked by a french squadron, under M. de Suffren, of five sail of the line, several frigates, with transports, having on board a number of troops and a formidable train of artillery. When this armament made its appearance, a considerable portion of the british crews were on shore, watering and embarking stock; but the commodore, on perceiving the designs of the enemy, called everybody on board, and made the signal to unmoor and prepare for action. M. de Suffren, seeing the confused state of the british squadron, left his convoy in the offing, immediately entered the bay with his five ships of the line, and firing at the Isis as they passed her, three of the enemy brought up in favourable positions to engage the Monmouth and Hero; whilst the other two ships kept under weigh, firing at every ship as they passed. The action was maintained with so much spirit by the British, that they were soon enabled to make the enemy repent their treaeherous attack, and to withdraw from the contest in a disabled state, pursued by the english squadron, whose total loss in this gallant defence was only 43 killed, and 130 wounded.

M. de Suffren proceeded on to the Cape, where he arrived on the 25th of June, and after landing 500 men to reinforce the garrison, bent his course for the East Indies. Commodore Johnstone, finding that an attempt on the Cape was rendered impracticable, conducted his fleet to Saldanha bay, where he captured four dutch Indiamen; and having accompanied the vessels destined for the East Indies to a certain degree of longitude, general Meadows proceeded on to India with a proper escort, and the commodore returned to England.

In October an attack was made upon Negapatam by 3200 Company's troops, under the command of major-general sir Hector Munro, K.B., assisted by the squadron of five ships of the line under vice-admiral sir Edward Hughes. On the 21st the marines disembarked from the ships, amounting to 443 men, officers included; and immediately joined the army at Nagore, on the sea coast. On the following day 800 seamen, under captains Mackenzie, M'Coy, and H. Reynolds, were also put under the orders of sir Hector Munro, and the artillery, with stores necessary for the siege, were with much difficulty landed through the surf.

The general, having invested the place in the best manner his scanty force would admit, determined on an assault; and on the 29th of October the strong lines which the enemy had thrown up were stormed and carried by the steady and distinguished bravery of our troops. On the 3rd of November the approaches were commenced, and on the 7th a battery of 10 eighteen-pounders was ready to open. During the course of the siege the enemy made two desperate sallies with the greater part of the garrison, but they were beaten back with much loss. On the 10th the batteries opened with so much effect upon the bastion, in which a breach was to be made, that the enemy proposed to capitulate, and on the 1 1 th of November both town and citadel were taken possession of by the british troops. The garrison consisted of 8000 men, but of these only 500 were Europeans; and about 2000 were the troops of Hyder Ali, who fled on the first charge made on the enemy's lines.

The loss sustained by the British during the siege of Negapatam was 28 killed, and about 1 00 wounded. The marines and seamen were re-embarked on the 24th, and on the 25th of October the squadron prepared for an attack of the dutch settlement of Trincomale, which however did not take place until the following year.

A severe action was fought by the Nonsuch of 64 guns, captain sir James Wallace, near the English Channel, on the 14th of May, with the french 74-gun ship Actif. The Nonsuch had chased from the squadron of vice-admiral Darby and brought the enemy's ship to action at lOh. 30m. p.m., and after engaging an hour and a half close alongside, the enemy made off, pursued by her antagonist. At 5 a.m. on the 15th the Nonsuch renewed the action, which continued until the british ship was so much disabled, that the Actif made her escape. The Nonsuch had 26 men killed, and 64 wounded; and the french ship 15 killed, and 38 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1781. August. Southampton engaged Surveillante.

1781. Wednesday 1st August. Pelican lost off Morant Keys.

1781. Sunday 5th August. Shortly after the commencement of hostilities with Holland, the Dutch fitted out a squadron under rear-admiral Zoutman, consisting of one ship of 74 guns, one of 68, one of 64, two of 54, one of 50, one of 44, five of 36, one of 40, and two of 24 guns, for the protection of their trade in the Baltic. They were proceeding to the northward with a convoy under their protection, and when near the Dogger-bank, on the 5th of August, they fell in with the british squadron of seven ships of the line and six frigates, under vice-admiral Parker, who had likewise a large fleet of merchant vessels under convoy. The Tamar frigate was directed to proceed with the trade, and the british squadron made sail in chase of the enemy. Rear-admiral Zoutman formed his ships in order of battle on the larboard tack, under easy sail, whilst the convoy lay a very little way to leeward; and the dutch squadron thus resolutely awaited the attack, not firing a gun until their opponents were fairly alongside.

The morning was perfectly clear, with a slight breeze from the N. E., as the British bore down to the attack; and at about 8 a.m., when within pistol shot, hauled their wind together, and the action became general, After the battle had lasted three hours and forty minutes, the Dutch bore away to the southward, leaving their opponents in such a disabled condition as to be incapable of pursuit, with a loss of 104 men killed, and 339 wounded.

From the best accounts that could be obtained, the Dutch had 142 men killed and 400 wounded. The Hollandia, of 68 guns, was so much shattered, that she sank on the same night. British squadron on the 5th of September 1781, showing the names of the officers of marines — Fortitude, 74 guns, vice-admiral H. Parker, captain George Robertson, 20 killed, 67 wounded. Captain Francis Loighlin, second-lieutenants Charles B. Mosley, and William Thomas Chaters.

Princess Amelia, 80 guns, captain J. Macartney, 19 killed, 56 wounded. Captain Alexander Malcolmbe, lieutenant Thomas Thompson.

Berwick, 74 guns, captain J. Ferguson, 18 killed, 58 wounded. Captain Duncan Campbell (wounded), lieutenant Hugh Stuart (wounded), second-lieutenant Samuel Brown.

Bienfaisant, 64 guns, capt. H. Braithwaite, 6 killed, 21 wounded. Captain Josiah Ellicott, second-lieutenants James St. Clair, and George P. Ellicott.

Buffalo, 60 guns, captain W. Truscott, 20 killed, 64 wounded. Captain George Ormsby, second-lieutenant P. Stapleton.

Preston, 50 guns, captain A. Graeme, 10 killed, 40 wounded. Captain William Sharp, lieutenant John Kennedy.

Dolphin, 44 guns, captain W. Blair, 11 killed, 33 wounded. Lieutenant Cuthbert (wounded).

Total— 104 killed, and 339 wounded.

With six frigates and six smaller vessels, mounting altogether 716 guns; whilst the total of guns mounted on board the dutch squadron amounted to 670.

An expedition against the dutch possessions at the Cape of Good Hope, under the orders of commodore Johnstone, consisting of two ships of the line, three of 50 guns, three frigates, and two sloops, with several Indiamen and transports conveying between 2 and 3000 troops, sailed from St. Helen's on the 13th of March, and arrived in Port Praya bay, St. Jago, on the 10th of April. Whilst lying there, in the security of a neutral port, they were attacked by a french squadron, under M. de Suffren, of five sail of the line, several frigates, with transports, having on board a number of troops and a formidable train of artillery. When this armament made its appearance, a considerable portion of the british crews were on shore, watering and embarking stock; but the commodore, on perceiving the designs of the enemy, called everybody on board, and made the signal to unmoor and prepare for action. M. de Suffren, seeing the confused state of the british squadron, left his convoy in the offing, immediately entered the bay with his five ships of the line, and firing at the Isis as they passed her, three of the enemy brought up in favourable positions to engage the Monmouth and Hero; whilst the other two ships kept under weigh, firing at every ship as they passed. The action was maintained with so much spirit by the British, that they were soon enabled to make the enemy repent their treaeherous attack, and to withdraw from the contest in a disabled state, pursued by the english squadron, whose total loss in this gallant defence was only 43 killed, and 130 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1781. Sunday 5th August. Hyde Parker engaged Zoutman on the Dogger Bank. Marines were involved in the only significant engagement of the war, when a small Dutch force won a victory off Dogger Bank in the English Channel.

A letter of the engagement from H. Parker: "Yesterday we fell in with the Dutch squadron, with a large convoy, on the Dogger bank. I was happy to find I had the wind of them, as the great number of their large frigates might otherwise have endangered my convoy. Having separated the men of war from the merchant ships and made the signal to the last to keep their wind, I bore away with the general signal to chase The enemy formed their line, consisting of eight two decked ships; ours, including the HMS Dolphin, consisting of seven. Not a gun was fired on either side until within the distance of half musket shot, the Fortitude being then abreast of the Dutch Admiral, the action began and continued with unceasing fire for three hours and forty minutes, by this time our ships were unmanageable. I made an effort to form the line, in order to renew the action, but found it impracticable, the Bienfaisant had lost her fore topmast, and the HMS Buffalo her fore yard, the rest of the ships were not less shattered in their masts, rigging, and sails. The enemy appeared to be in as bad a condition; both squadrons lay a considerable time near each other, when the Dutch with their convoy bore away for Texel. We were not in a condition to follow them. His Majesty's officers and men behaved with great bravery, nor did the enemy show less gallantry. The Fortitude was extremely well seconded by Captain McCartney in HMS Princess Amelia, but he was unfortunately killed early in the action, Lieutenant Hill has great merit in so well supporting the conduct of his brave Captain. As there was great probability of our coming into action again, Captain MacBride very readily obliged me by taking command of that ship, and I have appointed Mr. Waghorne, my first Lieutenant, to the command of HMS Artois. This gentleman, although much hurt in the action, refused to leave my side while it lasted. Captain Graeme, of HMS Preston has lost an arm. (In closed) I transmit a list of the killed and wounded, and an account of the damage sustained by the ships. "The enemy's force was, I believe, much superior to what their Lordships apprehended; and I flatter myself they will be satisfied that we have done all that was possible with ours. The frigates this morning discovered one of the Dutch men of war sunk in twenty two fathoms water, her top gallant masts were above the surface, which Captain Patton has struck and brought to me on board. I believe she was the second ship of the line of 74 guns."(Sic)

1781. Tuesday 7th August. Medea took Belisarius.

1781. Thursday 9th August. Isis took Trumbull.

1781. Friday 17th August. George III. visited the fleet at the Nore.

1781. Sunday 19th August - 4th February 1782. The defence of Fort St. Philip Minorca was conducted by a small Corps of 430 Marines and Sailors when the Spanish blocked the harbour.

Beatson's M. & N. Memoirs: "A small Corps of Marines and Sailors belonging to such of His Majesty's ships as chanced to be here when the Spaniards blocked up the harbour, were of great service during the siege, and being more accustomed to live on salted provisions, they kept their health much better than the other troops in the garrison." (sic)

One of the charges against General Murray the Governor of the Island, when called to account for Its loss, was that in order to make out that he had a garrison weaker than it really was, he suppressed in his report to the Secretary of State: "The mention of the Marines Corps, which alone consisted of 430 fit for duty, with 125 Artillery men, besides Greeks, Algerines and Corsicans." Lieutenants Davis and Crew, 3 Sergeants and 54 Privates were killed in the defence, and Captain Harman and Lieutenant Hodges were wounded. (sic)

1781. Sunday 26th August. Richmond and Isis taken by the French.

1781. Wednesday 5th September. Graves engaged De Grasse off the Chesapeake.

1781. Thursday 6th September. Savage, 14, taken by Congress, 20.

1781. Chatham took Magicienne.

1781. Saturday 6th October. Chatham Division. Conformable to the orders of 1758, the Orderly Sergeant is to bring all letters from the Post Office that are directed to the Officers of the Division. The C. O's letters to be carried to his quarters and the rest delivered to the Orderly Room, where they will be given to those who the officers choose to send for them, or otherwise delivered by the sergeants and corporals of the respective squads at the officers' quarters, with their orders.

1781. Friday 26th October. Hannibal took Neckar.

1781. Monday 8th October. The first reference to a Marine Band at Chatham (the 1st Grand Division) although it is believed that a Fife Drum Band was formed there in 1773.

1781. Sunday 21st October. 3,200 of the East India Company's troops were at Nagore and Vice Admiral Sir Edward Hughes landed the Marines of the squadron that was 443 strong. The next day 827 seamen along with two 24 pounders, twelve 18 pounders, two12 pounders, two 10 inch and six 5-1/2 mortars. The Marines who, on landing immediately joined the land forces, co-operated to the utmost, and during the Siege of Negapatam, were unrivalled in their gallantry, as well as performing most important services, in landing with the utmost difficulty and danger, through the surf, guns and mortars for the batteries on shore.

1781. Monday 29th October – 11th November. An attack was made upon Negapatam by 3200 troops, under the Command of Major General Sir Hector Munro, K.B. assisted by a squadron of five ships of the line under Vice Admiral Sir Edward Hughes. On the Sunday 2lst October the Marines disembarked from the ships, amounting to 443 men, including officers, and immediately joined the army at Nagore, on the sea coast. On the following day 800 seamen, under Captains Mackenzie, and H. Keynolds, were also placed under the orders of Sir Hector Munro, and the artillery, with stores necessary for the siege, were with much difficulty landed through the surf. The general, having invested the place in the best manner his scanty force would admit, determined on an assault; and on the Thursday 29th of October the strong lines which the enemy had thrown up were stormed, and carried by the steady and distinguished bravery of our troops. On Saturday 3rd November the approaches were commenced, and on the Wednesday 7th a battery of 10 eighteen-pounders was ready to open fire. During the course of the siege, the enemy made two desperate sallies with the greater part of the garrison, but they were beaten back with great loss. On Saturday 10th the batteries opened with so much effect upon the bastion, in which a breach was to be made, that the enemy proposed to capitulate, and on the Sunday 11th November both town and citadel were taken possession of by the British troops. The garrison consisted of 8000 men, but of these only 600 were Europeans, and about 2000 were the troops of Hyder Ali, who fled on the first charge made on the enemy's lines. The loss sustained by the British during the siege of Negapatam was 28 killed, and about 100 wounded. The Marines and seamen were re-embarked on board the ships and prepared for an attack of the Dutch settlement of Trincomale, which did not take place until the following year.

1781. Admiral Hughes dispatched his Squadrons of Marines to support the East India troops during the capture of Negapatam.

1782. Twenty-one thousand three hundred and five Marines were voted for the year 1782.

Accounts were received in March of the fall of Minorca, after sustaining a siege which immortalized its defender, General Murray, and his brave garrison. It was scurvy alone that conquered it, which a body of Seamen, formed into a Marine Corps, withstood. Many were the honourable traits of patience and zeal shewn by the Soldiery of every description, through sufferings under disease and fatiguing duties. The Royal Artillery was, as usual, conspicuous for their courage and exertions.

The disasters of the last year, and a change of Administration, whose views and sentiments, as to the future conduct of the war, were very opposite to those of their predecessors, produced a suspension of every offensive attempt upon the American Continent.

The West Indies was doomed to become the theatre of our Naval efforts, and the scene on which to revive our drooping glory. Sir Samuel Hood commanded the English Fleet, in that quarter, after his return from America; but was opposed to De Grasse at the head of overpowering numbers. No example of our history can afford a brighter instance of daring enterprize, with practical science, than was evinced by the British Chief in attempting the relief of St. Kitts. Although it was not succeeded by fortunate events, still that does not shade its merit. His able plan of attacking an immense superiority at anchor in the road of Basseterre, was superseded by the French Admiral, who, decoyed by his able manœuvres relinquished that advantage, which was quickly seized by his acute opponent.

In the different actions that followed, Captain, now Col.

Strickland, and Lieuts. Forster and Griffiths, of Marines, were wounded.

A want of troops placed not within Sir Samuel's power to raise the siege of Brimstone Hill, which held out as long as possible, but at last capitulated on honourable terms.

My bounds will not allow me to extend these details, in which the Marine Corps bore always a zealous, though a subordinate share.

Rear-Admiral Hood soon after joined Sir George Rodney, who brought out a powerful reinforcement of ships, that was most judiciously augmented by the single arrivals of others; by which method the West India Fleet became superior to the enemy, without their being apprised of it.

A train of success had elated De Grasse, who, with a mighty force, put to sea from Martinique on the 8th of April, in the certain confidence of adding Jamaica to his other conquests. The British Fleet soon followed him, and a partial affair took place on the 9th; when an opportunity was lost by the French, of making a serious impression on the English van, under Sir Samuel Hood, unsupported by the centre and rear, from a casual failure of wind, under the island of Dominique.

Little hope of bringing the enemy to a decisive battle continued from that day, until the 11th, when a general chace was directed against two ships, whose recent damages had forced to leeward of their fleet and exposed them to capture. Observing their danger, De Grasse, who might have weathered Guadaloupe, sacrificing that object, bore up to save them.

The Zelé falling on board the Ville de Paris during the night, by which she lost her main-mast, was chaced in the morning by the Monarch, to support which ship the French Admiral hazarded all, with his united force. Captain Reynolds was then recalled to his station in the line, and the conflict began at seven, on the 12th of April. That glorious day, with its important consequences, at so critical a period of our history, must be recognized by the latest posterity. To particularize any belongs not to me on so great an occasion, where all were entitled to praise. The high talents of Sir Charles Douglas afforded his gallant superior much useful aid through the day.

De Grasse being carried a captive to that island which he had but a little while ago viewed the certain spot of his triumphs as a conqueror, is an impressive example of the vicissitudes of fortune.

He had the mortification to witness those grateful effusions of its natives, poured forth to their saviours, which, under different circumstances, would have been offered to him under the constrained forms of political adulation.

In this long-contested action four Captains of Marines were wounded, but only two were named in the public dispatch Bell and Bagg. Lieut. Mounier was killed, and the Subalterns Breedon, Buchan, Harris, and Laban were wounded.

Respecting Lieut. Mounier, of the Torbay, I am led to notice the following anecdote, as having been narrated to me by Lieut. Collins of that ship. In the morning, after the two hostile fleets had formed the line and were approaching each other, Mounier, whose spirit in single combat had previously been fatally experienced by his antagonist, expressed a sensation of an immediate change in his destiny. Under this impression he requested Lieut. Collins to play a game at picquet to divert the time, until they opened fire. This they continued to do, when each went to his respective station. The sad presentiment was soon realized to poor Mounier, who was early in the battle cut in two, and the greater part of his remains were scattered on the sea

Sir Edward Hughes encountered, in four different actions, Monsieur Suffrein, one of the bravest Officers in the Naval service of France. Possessing, in each, a great advantage in numbers, the utmost height of valour, but productive of no immediate effects, was exhibited in all by the British Fleet. The French Admiral shewed himself worthy of the trust confided in him by his Sovereign.

In one of these battles, fought on the 12th of April, the Monmouth, Captain Alms, suffered extremely, and was particularly distinguished. All the Marines on her poop were either killed or wounded, excepting Captain Pearce and Lieut. Mounier, who nobly volunteered to assist in fighting her guns on the main deck, after they had lost all the brave men under their own command.

The discomfiture of the combined armaments before Gibraltar in September of this year, must ever stand as a memorable event upon our annals. Humanity and victory walked hand in hand, and, as usual, adorned the national character, on that grand occasion. The long-tried valour of General Elliot, and the spirited services of Sir Roger Curtis, with those under their control, were sealed and consummated by deeds of mercy, which will never be forgotten by our enemies. That fortress was soon after relieved by Lord Howe, under circumstances most honourable to his Lordship, the Officers, Seamen, and Marines who seconded him.

In every incidental combat at sea, during the currency of 1782, our wonted prowess was at all times conspicuous. The short, but well-contested fight of Captain Jervis (now Earl St. Vincent) in the Foudroyant, with Le Pegase, afforded a powerful evidence how much success is dependent on seamanship and discipline. While a dreadful carnage was the Frenchman's lot, the English loss was confined to a few slightly wounded, among whom was numbered her Commander, whose professional address obtained a bloodless victory.

The names of Pole, Luttrell, and Salter, were destined to be conspicuous, and their encomiums transcended to Lieuts. Pownol and Rankine, of my Corps, for their steady co-operation and bravery in the Success and Mediator.

The year closed with negociations for a general peace, the provisionary articles of which were mutually signed at Paris by Commissioners from Britain and America, on the 22d of November.

These were soon after followed by the exchange of preliminary articles with France and Spain, on the 20th of January 1783. (Taken from Chapter 36 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1782. Friday 11th January. The Capture of Trincomale. After the capture of Negapatam, the tempestuous state of the weather retarded the intended departure of the squadron of Sir Edward Hughes to attack the Dutch settlement of Trincomale, on the island of Ceylon, but the squadron having embarked 30 Artillery men, and 600 volunteer Sepoys, put to sea on the Thursday 3rd January from the roads of Negapatam, and arrived in the bay of Trincomale on the 4th. Early in the morning the Marines, with 2 six-pounders, were landed, and soon afterwards 800 seamen were disembarked, followed by the Sepoys; and before it became dark, the whole force pushed forward towards TrincomaIe fort. On the same night the Grenadier companies of the Marines, led by Lieutenant Orr, made themselves masters of the fort, by forcing an entry through the gateway at the moment the governor was preparing terms of capitulation. The garrison consisted of only 3 officers and 40 men, but the possession of the fort was important to the future operations of the enterprise as it commanded the only safe landing for stores and provisions from the ships. On Tuesday 8th the seamen and Marines captured a post situated on the top of a high hill commanding Fort Ostenburgy which fortress was also on the summit of a neighbouring eminence that commanded the harbour. Sir Edward Hughes, after sending a second summons to the governor without success ordered the immediate preparation for an assault on the morning of the 11th. Accordingly, the storming party, consisting of 460 seamen and Marines, having on their flanks a party of pioneers, with 20 seamen carrying scaling-ladders, and a reserve of three companies of seamen and three of Marines, supported by two field-pieces and the Company's troops, advanced at daylight towards the fort. A Sergeant's party of Marines led the attack, and getting through the embrasures, the Dutch were soon driven from their positions and the fort gained, with the loss of Lieutenant George Long of the navy, and 20 sailors and Marines killed, and Lieutenant Samuel Wolseley of the navy, Lieutenant Samuel one of the Marines, officiating as Brigade Major, and 40 men wounded. The fort mounted above 60 guns and contained a garrison of 400 men. In the harbour there were two valuable East Indiamen, and 30 smaller vessels. Sir Edward Hughes, in his official report, thus expresses himself on the conduct of the Marines. "The whole of the officers who have been landed from the squadron for the attack of Negapatam and Trincomale, have on all occasions manifested much honour, courage, and good conduct, and the private seamen and Marines have acted with great steadiness and bravery." (sic)

1782. Corps Strength at that time was 21,305 men.

1782. January. Hannibal and Chafer captured by the French.

1782. Friday 25th January. Hood attacked three times by De Grasse off Basse Terre.

1782. Saturday 17th February. The Battle of Sadras off Ceylon, was the first of five largely indecisive naval battles fought between a British fleet under Admiral Sir Edward Hughes and French fleet under the Bailli de Suffren off the east coast of India (during the 'American War of Independence'). The battle was fought near present day Kalpakkam and was tactically indecisive. Although the British fleet suffered the most damage, and the troop transports that Suffren was protecting were able to land their troops at Porto Novo. The British suffered 32 men killed and 83 wounded, while the French had 30 killed and about 100 wounded.

1782. Friday 16th March. Success took Santa Catalina.

1782. Tuesday 9th April - Friday 12th April. A naval battle that took place during the 'American War of Independence', that ended with a victory for the British fleet under the command of Admiral Sir George Rodney, over a French fleet under the Comte de Grasse forcing the French and Spanish to abandon its planned invasion of Jamaica. The British suffered 243 dead, 816 wounded. While the French suffered far worse with 4 ships of the line captured,1 destroyed, 3,000 dead or wounded and 5,000 captured.

1782. Friday 12th April. Rodney defeated De Grasse off Martinique.

1782. Friday 12th April. Lord Rodney's action off Dominica. Admiral Rodney's Letter: "I received intelligence that the enemy were embarking their troops on board the ships of war and concluded that they intended to sail in a few days. Captain Byron of the Andromache, an active and diligent officer, watched their motions with such attention that on the 8th inst. at day light he made out the enemy's signal of coming out and standing to N.W. I instantly made the signal to weigh and having looked into the Bays of Fort Royal and St. Pierre, I made signal for a general chase, and before day light came up with the enemy under Dominique, where both fleets were becalmed, and continued so for some time. The enemy first got the wind and stood towards Guadaloupe. My van division, under that gallant officer Sir Samuel Hood, received it next, and stood after them. At nine the enemy began to cannonade my van, which was returned with the greatest briskness. The baffling winds did not permit part of the centre division to get into action with the enemy's rear till half past eleven, and then only the ship next me in line of battle, &c. The enemy's cannonade ceased upon my rear's approach, but not before they had done considerable damage to the ships in the van, and disabled HMS Royal Oak and HMS Montague. The night of the 9th inst. the fleet lay-to to repair their damages. The 10th they continued to turn to windward under a very easy sail, the enemy continuing to do the same; and always had it in their power to come into action, which they cautiously avoided, and rendered it impossible for me to force them in the situation they were in, between the Saints and the island of Dominique. On the 11th, the enemy having gained considerably to the windward, and the wind blowing a fresh steady gale, I made the signal for a general chase to windward, which continued the whole day; and towards sunset one of the enemy's ships, damaged in the late action, falling to leeward, the Count de Grasse bore down with his whole fleet to her protection, which brought him so near that I flattered myself he would give me an opportunity of engaging him next day. With that view I threw out the signal for the form of sailing and stood with the whole fleet to the southward till two in the morning, then tacked, and had the happiness, at day-light, to find my most sanguine desire was near being accomplished, by my having it in my power to force the enemy to battle. Note from Lord Rodney's narrative contained in a private letter. The 10th of April and the 11th were employed in endeavouring to bring the enemy to battle, and on the 11th, late in the afternoon, the enemy bore down to protect two of their own ships, who were in danger of being cut off. This brought them to the position the Admiral wished; he instantly issued orders to sail during the night in the order of sailing; to put out all lights; to stand to the southward till two in the morning, and then the whole fleet to tack without signal. This deceived the enemy, who had no conception that the British fleet should be so near them at day light, we instantly formed the line of battle on our starboard tack, the enemy formed theirs on the larboard tack, and had made the signal to wear; but the nearness of the British squadron prevented its being put into execution, and the British fleet taking the lee gage, the Admiral made the signal to engage and close." (sic)

1782. Sunday 21th April. Hughes engaged Suffren (2nd action).

1782. Sunday 21st April. Foudroyant took Pegase.

1782. Tuesday 23rd April. Queen took Actionnaire.

1782. Wednesday 30th May. At 5 a.m., the Flora of 36 guns, and Crescent of 28 guns, captains W. P. Williams and the hon. Thomas Pakenham, attacked two dutch frigates near Ceuta, and after an action of two hours and a quarter, the opponent of the Flora struck her colours. She proved to be the Castor of 32 guns, having 22 men killed and 41 wounded. The Flora had 9 men killed, and 32 wounded. The Crescent engaged the other ship for more than two hours; but the enemy was so supe- rior in force, that the british ship, after being greatly disabled, was compelled to surrender. The Flora came up in time to prevent the enemy from taking possession, and the latter, which was the Brill of 32 guns, then made off. The Crescent lost her mainmast, and sustained a loss of 12 killed, and 40 wounded. The frigates and their prize, after refitting at Cadiz, sailed for England, and on their passage both the Crescent and the Castor were captured by two french frigates.

Rear-admiral Hood, suspecting that the comte de Grasse would speedily return to the West Indies from the Chesapeake, left Sandy Hook on the 11th of November with seventeen sail of the line, and arrived at Barbadoes on the 5th of December, where he was joined by the St. Alban's of 64 guns. He again put to sea on the 14th with the whole fleet, and finding that the enemy were at St. Christopher's, he bent his way to Antigua, after being reinforced by the Prudent of 64, and Russell of 74 guns. The admiral then proceeded off Nevis, and on the 25th, at day-break, the enemy's fleet was discovered to leeward on the larboard tack, standing to the southward in line of battle ahead, consisting of twenty-nine sail of the line, and two frigates.Rear-admiral Hood, with his fleet of twenty-two of the line, manoeuvred as if intending an attack, by which means he drew the enemy further off shore ; and when they were at some distance from Basseterre road, the british admiral made a push to occupy the anchoring ground the enemy had quitted, and having fortunately succeeded in this bold attempt, he saved the island from capture.

The comte de Grasse, on perceiving his error, crowded after, and endeavoured to cut off the rear of the british squadron, which consisted of the Russell, Resolution, Bedford, Canada, President, and Montagu, and at about three o'clock, he made a furious attack on those ships; but notwithstanding his vast superiority, after engaging for nearly three hours, he was compelled to draw off, and stand to the southward.

At daylight on the 26th, the french fleet were seen forming their line off Nevis Point, and at about 8 a. m. they stood towards the british squadron. At nine they began their attack on the van, and continued along the whole line, wearing round after they passed the eternmost ship, and then stood to the southward. At one p. m. the enemy tacked, and again standing towards the British, opened their fire upon the centre at 2 h. 50 m. p. m., and then proceeding on to the rear, they wore round as before. Neither of these attacks made much impression on our line, but the French suffered considerably. Captain Strickland, and lieutenants Forster and Griffiths, of the marines, were wounded.

After the capture of Negapatam, the tempestuous state of the weather retarded the intended departure of the squadron of sir Edward Hughes to attack the dutch settlement of Trincomale, in the island of Ceylon; but the squadron having embarked 30 artillery men, and 500 volunteer sepoys, put to sea on the 3rd of January from the roads of Negapatam, and ar-rived in the bay of Trincomale on the 4th. Early in the morning the marines, with 2 six-pounders, were landed, and soon afterwards 800 seamen were disembarked, followed by the sepoys; and before it became dark, the whole force pushed forward towards Trincomale fort. On the same night the grenadier company of the marines, led by lieutenant Orr, made themselves masters of the fort, by forcing an entry through the gateway at the moment the governor was preparing terms of capitulation. The garrison consisted of only 3 officers and 40 men; but the possession of the fort was important to the future operations of the enterprise, as itcommanded the only safe landing for stores and provisions from the ships.

On the 8th the seamen and marines carried a post situated on the top of a high hill commanding Fort Ostenburg, which fortress was also on the summit of a neis; hbourino; eminence that commanded the harbour. Sir Edward Hughes, after sending a second summons to the governor without success, ordered the immediate preparation for an assault on the morning of the 11th. Accordingly, the storming party, consisting of 450 seamen and marines, having on their flanks a party of pioneers, with 20 seamen carrying scalingladders, and a reserve of three companies of seamen and three of marines, supported by two field-pieces and the Company's troops, advanced at daylight towards the fort. A Serjeant's party of marines led the attack, and getting through the embrasures, the Dutch were soon driven from their works and the fort gained, with the loss on our part of lieutenant George Long of the navy, and 20 sailors and marines killed; and lieutenant Samuel Wolseley of the navy, lieutenant Samuel Orr of the marines, officiating as brigade-major, and 40 men wounded. The fort mounted above 50 guns and contained a garrison of 400 men. In the harbour there were two valuable East-Indiamen, and 30 smaller vessels. Sir Edward Hughes, in his official re- port, thus expresses himself on the conduct of the marines." The whole of the officers who have been landed from the squadron for the attack of Negapatam and Trincomale, have on all occasions manifested much honour, courage, and good conduct; and the private seamen and marines have acted with great steadiness and bravery."

Leaving a garrison in the fort of Ostenburg, the vice-admiral sailed for Madras, where he arrived on the 8th of February, and was informed of the arrival upon the coast of a french fleet, which made its appearance on the 15th, consisting of twelve ships of the line, six frigates, and eight large ships en flute; whilst the British were only eight of the line, and one of 50 guns, with one ship of 20 guns. Sir Edward immediately got under way in pursuit of the enemy, who separated on the 16th from their convoy, six of which were captured.

At 6 a. m. on the 17th, the french squadron under commodore de Suffren were seen approaching under a crowd of sail; but the wind dying away, the action did not commence until 4 p. m., when they were engaged with the rear and centre of our squadron, but principally with the Superb, Exeter, and Hero. The engagement continued until dusk, when the enemy hauled their wind, and stood to the north-east. The Superb had 11 killed, — her captain, William Stevens, mortally, and 13 wounded. The Exeter, captain H. Reynolds, 9 killed and 45 wounded total 32 killed, 83 wounded.

The british squadron saw nothing of their opponents and arrived at Madras on the 12th of March. After taking; on board supplies, they sailed for Trincomale, and having been joined by the Sultan of 74 guns, and Magnanime of 64, from England, sir Edward Hughes on the 30th kept his course, neither shunning nor seeking the enemy.

On the 18th of April, the french fleet was discovered to leeward in the north-east; but sir Edward continued his course, whilst the enemy kept their relative position until the 11th, when the British, by bearing away for Trincomale, allowed M. de Suffren to obtain the weather-gage, of which he profited; and on the 12th at daylight, the enemy were seen advancing under sail to the attack. After manoeuvring for some hours, they bore down in two divisions, five ships attacking the v, and the other seven, led by M. de Suffren against the centre of the british line, formed in order of battle on the starboard tack.

The Superb was at first closely engaged by the french commodore and another ship of 74 guns, but they were so roughly handled that they stood on to attack the Monmouth; who, with her main and mizen-masts shot away, had suffered so severely that she fell out of the line to leeward, warmly engaged by her opponents, until the Superb, Monarca, and Sultan ran down, and covered the crippled ship from the destructive fire of the enemy. The cannonade continued until 6 p.m., when the french squadron drew off in disorder to the eastward; and the british ships shortly afterwards came to an anchor.

At daylight on the 12th, the French were perceived also at anchor about five miles distant; in which situation both squadrons remained several days repairing their damages, anxiously watching the motions of each other. On the morning of the 19th, the enemy got under sail and stood towards the British, but soon tacked, and making sail to the eastward, were out of sight by the evening.

The Superb and Monmouth suffered more than any other ships. The great loss of men of the latter is almost unequalled on board of a ship of her class; having 45 men killed, and 102 wounded. The Superb had two lieutenants, her master, with 56 men killed, and 96 wounded. Lieutenants of marines, Thomas Milrea of the Monmouth, and John Dixon of the Burford, were killed. The total loss in the british squadron on the 12th of April, was 137 men killed, and 430 wounded.

Although these actions were not decisively in favour of the British, yet they were of great importance in their consequences.

Hyder Ali had relied on seeing our small squadron defeated by the powerful naval force opposed to it ; but the result of these two contests, and the capture of the french convoy with the artillery and stores on board, deeply impressed the indian princes with a conviction of the vast superiority of the British in all naval affairs, as well as of their invincible courage and fortitude : at the same time recalling to their recollection, the battles fought by the gallant Pocock against a superior force under comte d'Ache, whom he compelled to quit the indian seas.

M. de Suffren, having refitted his ships at Batacalo, returned to the coast of Coromandel in the early part of June; and having touched at the danish settlement of Tranquebar, he proceeded to Cuddalore, which place had been strongly fortified by the French.

M. de Suffren, on learning that sir Richard Bickerton was expected in the indian seas from England with a reinforcement, resolved to make another attack on the force under sir Edward Hughes, and in order to strengthen his crews, he received on board 400 french infantry, as many sepoys, and 300 artillery.

The british admiral sailed from the bay of Trincomale on the 23rd of June and anchored his squadron off Negapatam on the following day. On the 5th of July the french squadron made its appearance, on which the British put to sea and stood to the southward, in order to gain the wind of the enemy. On the 6th of July, at daylight, the French were discerned at anchor, distant about seven miles on the north-north-east, and the wind a light breeze from the south-west. At 6 a.m., the enemy having weighed and stood to the eastward, the vice-admiral was induced to form his squadron in line of battle a-head; and at seven a.m. the signal was made to bear up in line abreast, and for each ship to engage the one opposed to her in the enemy's line. At 10 h. 45 m. a.m. the enemy opened their fire, which was instantly returned by the British; and from 11 h. 10 m. to 35 minutes past noon, the engagement was general. Shortly afterwards there appeared to be great confusion on board several of the french ships, and the Brilliant, the second a-head of M. de Suffren, had lost her main-mast. At this crisis, when fortune seemed to have decided the contest in favour of the English, the sea breeze sat in very fresh at southsouth-east. Several of the british ships were taken aback and came round with their heads to the westward whilst the others paid off and continued on their former tack. The effect was somewhat the same on the enemy's squadron; and both admirals collected their ships as well as their disabled condition would permit. As the Monarca and Hero were so much damaged as to be incapable of taking their station, sir Edward Hughes wore round, and steered to the westward with his squadron, whilst the engagement still continued to be partially maintained. At 2 p.m. the french ships stood in shore, and at 6 p.m. came to an anchor. The british squadron anchored about three leagues to windward, in so shattered a condition as to be incapable of pursuing the enemy, who reached Cuddalore without further molestation.

The following is a statement of the killed and wounded in the british squadron on the 6th of July 1782, with the names of the officers of marines on board the respective ships: Hero, 74 guns, captain C. Wood, 12 killed, 23 wounded. Captain Thomas Lewis, second-lieutenant George Thompson.

Exeter, 64 guns, commodore Richard King, captain C. Hughes, 1 1 killed, 24 wounded. Lieutenants Thomas Corbyn, and George Palmer.

Isis, 50 guns, captain hon. T. Lumley, 9 killed, 19 wounded. Captain Robert Carter, lieutenant Richard Lee.

Burford, 70 guns, captain P. Rainier, 7 killed, 34 wounded. Captain Jenkinson, 98th regiment (killed).

Sultan, 74 guns, captain James Watts, 16 killed, 21 wounded. Captain William Hamilton Gibbons, lieutenant Richard Williams (wounded).

Superb, 74 guns, vice-admiral sir Edward Hughes, captain D. McLellan (killed), 7 killed, 19 wounded. Lieutenant Samuel Orr, (wounded 3rd of September).

Monarca, 70 guns, captain J. Gell, 8 killed, 46 wounded. Captain Robert Clugston, lieutenant A. D. Barrett, (both killed on the 3rd of September).

Worcester, 64 guns, captain George Talbot, 1 killed, 9 wounded. Lieutenant Johnston (wounded), second-lieutenant Devreux Edwards, (killed 3rd September).

Monmouth, captain James Alms, 12 wounded. Captain Thomas Pearce, lieutenant Benjamin Mounier.

Eagle, 64 guns, captain John Reddal, 4 killed, 9 wounded. Lieutenants Joseph Lambrecht, John Norman.

Magnanime, 64 guns, captain Charles Wolsely, 2 killed, 17 wounded. Captain William Adlam, lieutenant Thomas Rolf.

Total, — 77 killed, and 233 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

After refitting in Madras roads, sir Edward put to sea on the 20th of August, with the addition to his squadron of the Sceptre 64 guns, captain Samuel Graves. The admiral's first iesign was to protect our garrison at Trincomale, and cover the squadron of sir Richard Bickerton, whose arrival from England was hourly expected; but M. de Suffren having united his force to the ships under M. d'Aymar, they proceeded to the attack of the british posts at Trincomale, which surrendered to the French, after a short defence, on the 30th of August.

On account of the southerly winds, Sir Edward Hughes did not arrive off Trincomale until the 2nd of September, where he found the enemy's squadron of fourteen ships of the line, a 50-gun ship, and three frigates anchored in the bay. Early on the 3rd they put out to sea, with a strong breeze at S.W. which placed them to windward of the British, who, formed in line of aattle a-head, received the attack of the enemy at 10 h. 30 m. a.m.; but it was not until 2 p.m. that the action commenced. The superiority in numbers of the French enabled them to place additional ships against the extremities of our line, and by these means the Worcester and Monmouth, the rearmost ships, were furiously assailed; as were the Exeter and Isis in the van. The cannonade was kept up with great vigour until 5 h. 30 m. p.m., when the wind shifting suddenly from S.W. to E. S. E., Sir Edward Hughes made the signal to wear, which svolution was performed in the most admirable order, whilst the French also came round on the other tack. The engagement svas renewed with great spirit, and with such effect on the part of the British, that at 6 h. 30 m. p.m. the main and mizenmasts of the Heros, the ship of M. de Suffren, were shot away, about the same time the Worcester's main top-mast came down: about 7 h. p.m. the body of the french squadron hauled their wind to the southward, exposed for some time to the fire of the british ships in the rear.

Considering how closely the ships were engaged, it is surprising that the loss on the part of the British amounted to no more than 51 killed, and 283 wounded but the number of officers was great beyond example. Captains Wood of the Worcester, Watt of the Sultan, were mortally wounded; and Lumley of the Isis fell during the action.

On board the Superb, 4 men were killed; lieutenant Samuel Orr of the marines, wounded, lieutenant Thompson of the 98th regiment, and 49 men wounded.

Sultan, 4 killed; lieutenant Stewart of the 78th regiment, and 43 wounded.

Monarca, captain Robert Clugstone, with lieutenant Barrett of the marines, and 4 men were killed; the hon. captain Maitland of the 78th regiment, and 12 wounded.

Worcester, lieutenant Edwards of the marines and 4 men killed, and 16 wounded.

The great object of the french and Spanish forces in the West Indies was the reduction of Jamaica; and in order to frustrate their design, Admiral Rodney resumed his command on that station, and arrived off Barbadoes from England on the 19th of January, with a reinforcement of twelve sail of the line. The admiral learning that St. Christopher's had fallen, proceeded to St. Lucia, where he was lying at anchor on the 8th of April, when information reached him of the sailing of the french fleet under the comte de Grasse from Port Royal, consisting of thirty-three ships of the line and two ships of 50 guns, having a large body of troops on board. The british fleet, consisting of thirty-six sail of the line and three ships of 50 guns, immediately got under way; and at daylight on the morning of the 9th, part of the enemy was seen between Dominica and the Saintes; whilst the remainder, with a numerous fleet of transports, were lying becalmed in Prince Rupert's bay. As soon as the breeze sprang up, the enemy stood away towards Guadaloupe, followed by the van of the English under sir Samuel

Hood, whilst the body of the fleet was still lying becalmed. The comte de Grasse, perceiving the separation of the van division of the British from their centre and rear, bore down upon it, and for some time those eight ships were engaged with fifteen of the enemy. About noon the breeze reached the ships under sir George Rodney, when they immediately tacked and closed with those under sir Samuel Hood, who was again engaged with the enemy; but the comte de Grasse, on the approach of the british line, hauled his wind, and at 1 p.m. is ships tacked in succession.

During the 10th the French continued in sight, but at a considerable distance to windward. At daylight on the 11th two of the enemy's ships were so far to leeward of their fleet, that admiral Rodney, in order to cut them off, made a signal for a general chase; upon which the comte de Grasse bore down to their support. At 6 p. m. the British, were about three leagues to leeward of the french fleet, which then consisted of thirtyone ships of the line its number having been diminished by two ships, which were so disabled on the 9th as to put into Basseterre to refit.

At day-break on the 12th of April, the enemy's fleet was to windward of the Saintes, steering to the northward with a fresh breeze; and one of their ships with loss of foremast and bowsprit, in tow of a frigate, was standing in for Guadaloupe. After an attempt to cut off this disabled ship, which the french admiral supported by bearing away to her assistance, the two fleets formed their lines upon opposite tacks, and the french van was a little to windward of the British.

About eight o'clock the action commenced, by the centre and rear of the enemy with the van and centre of the English, and it continued until 10 a. m., at which time rear-admiral Drake's division had passed their rear. At this period the van of the French, and the centre and rear of the British, had but little wind from the southward, which occasioned an alteration in the course of that part of the enemy's fleet; and by compelling its van to steer to the westward, whilst the rear continued its course to the southward, it completely deranged the french line of battle, and formed the opening in which admiral Rodney found his ship and some part of his division, when the firing ceased, and the smoke cleared away about noon. The van of the French, by steering to the westward in consequence of the southerly breeze, was forced into action with the british rear whilst the centre of the latter, by changing its course with the alteration of the wind, steered to the eastward, instead of the northerly course it had been pursuing. This also occasioned a division in the british line, whilst thirteen ships of the french rear were between the british van of seventeen, and admiral Rodney with six of the centre division. These six ships had also five of the enemy under comte de Grasse on the other side of them, and the french admiral was completely cut off from the rest of his fleet by rear-admiral Hood's division, then engaged with the van of the French. Thus, by a fortuitous circumstance, the fleets became divided into three different parts, entirely separated by ships of the opposing fleet intervening.

About noon all firing had ceased, and the French, endeavouring to unite, bore up together, pursued by the British, who attacking the disabled ships of the enemy, soon compelled them to yield. At about a quarter past noon, the Glorieux of 74 guns struck her colours on the approach of british ships. The Cesar, 74, was next taken possession of by the Centaur, after a gallant resistance; whilst the Hector, 74, struck to the Alcide.

The Canada was engaged with the Ville de Paris of 110 guns, bearing the flag of admiral de Grasse, until sir Samuel Hood in the Barfleur came up, when the french admiral struck his colours, after sustaining a severe loss in killed and wounded. About this time, just as the sun was sinking below the horizon, the Ardent of 64 guns (which had been captured off Plymouth by the combined fleet), struck to the Belliqueux; and the british admiral, considering the french fleet completely defeated, gave over the pursuit.

As there was a probability that the disabled ships might be fallen in with, the admiral detached sir Samuel Hood with his division, who on the 19th discovered five sail in the Mona pas sage, wnich separates Porto Rico from Hispaniola, After a pursuit of several hours, the Valiant and Magnificent, being considerably a-head of the squadron, captured the Caton and the Jason of 64 guns. Those ships made a gallant resistance, and sustained a heavy loss, whilst their opponents had only 8 killed, and 14 wounded.

The total loss of the British was 240 men killed, and 797 men wounded. The officers of marines included in this return were as follow: —

Royal Oak, captain William Bird, wounded; Magnificent, captain Baggs, wounded; Repulse, captain Henry Bell, wounded; Torbay, lieutenant Mounier, killed; Princessa, lieutenant Laban, wounded; Montagu, lieutenant Buchan, wounded.

In the early part of the year, vast preparations were made by the king of Spain for the reduction of Gibraltar, in forming floating batteries, supported by the combined fleet of France and Spain; and 12,000 french troops, under the due de Crillon, joined the Spanish army.

On the 8th of September, general Elliot ordered a powerful fire to be opened on the enemy's works on the land side; and on the following day a new battery, mounting 64 heavy guns, added to the other cannon and 60 mortars on the Spanish lines, continued to pour an incessant fire against the garrison, whilst a squadron of nine sail of the line and some frigates attacked the sea defences of the rock.

At length the combined fleets, consisting of twenty-seven Spanish and twelve french ships of the line, arrived in Algesiras from Cadiz; and having joined those already before Gibraltar, this powerful armament amounted to forty-eight ships of the line, added to the ten floating batteries, mounting 154 pieces of heavy brass cannon; and their crews, with the artillery on board those formidable vessels, were not less than six thousand men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1782. Friday 5th July. Hughes engaged Suffren (3rd action).

1782. Monday 29th July. Santa Margaritta took Amazone.

1782. Saturday 17th August. Chatham Orders. As it will greatly conduce to the good order and happiness of the Inhabitants of the Barracks that a Military Good example of attention in the Officers who lodge there be adhered to by keeping proper and seasonable hours, in repairing thither regularly in the evenings. It is therefore earnestly wished and expected, if any Officer who lodges in the Barracks, is engaged abroad for the evening that he will be pleased to repair to his Apartment at Ten o'clock, or at furthers half-an-hour thereafter. For as the Commanding Officer will endeavour to carry out the several duties so as in a little time to give the Young Officers, in as pleasing a method as can be desired, a small idea of Garrison modes, he is therefore resolved that at half-an-hour after Ten, or at furthers a Quarter before Eleven o'clock every night the keys of all the Gates and Doors shall be brought to him by the Sergeant of the Guard, and not returned to the Guard until full daylight next morning.

1782. Thursday 29th August. The loss of the Royal George, which foundered at Spithead.

1782. Monday 2nd September. Due de Chartres took Aigle, French frigate.

1782. Tuesday 3rd September. Hughes engaged Suffren (4th action).

1782. Wednesday 4th September. The Rainbow took Hebe.

1782. Wednesday 11th September. The Warwick and Lion took Aigle, French frigate.

1782. Friday 13th September. Grand attack upon Gibraltar by the Spaniards. The start of an assault involving 100,000 men, 48 ships and 450 cannon, against the British garrison of Gibraltar survived.

1782. Wednesday 9th October. London and Torbay engaged Scipion, which was run ashore.

1782. The Diamond took Magdalena, Dutch armed ship.

1782. The Alligator taken by Fee.

1782. Friday 11th October. The Relief of Gibraltar by Lord Howe.

1782. November. The Ruby captured the Solitaire.

1782. Saturday 30th November. The British and Americans sign preliminary Articles of Peace.

1782. Thursday 12th December. The Mediator took Alexander.

1782. Thursday 12th December. The Mediator took Menagere.

1782. Monday 23rd December. The Diomede took South Carolina.

1782. The loss of the Blonde.

1782. The Solebay burnt to save her from capture.

1783. Wednesday 2nd January. The 32-gun frigate Magicienne, captain Thomas Graves, in company with the Endymion frigate, escorting a convoy to the West Indies, chased two suspicious sail. At 12 h. 30 m. a. m., the Magicienne opened her fire, and after a few broadsides her opponent surrendered. The Magicienne then stood on, and brought the headmost ship to action, which continued until 2 h. 30 m. p. m., when the british ship's mizen-mast and main-topmast came down, and in another five minutes the fore and main-masts followed. The Endymion soon arrived up, cheered, and passed on in pursuit of the enemy, which was the Sybille of 40 guns, having about 300 supernumerary seamen on board, bound to the Chesapeake. The Magicienne lost 3 officers, and 16 seamen and marines killed; her first-lieutenant, 1 midshipman, her boatswain, lieutenants Henry Reddish Furzer and William Minto, of the marines, and 29 wounded, out of a crew of 189 men.

The fleet under vice-admiral Barrington, consisting of twelve sail of the line, had nearly reached Ushant on their way down Channel on the 5th of April, when several vessels hove in sight, and the signal was immediately made for a general chase. About sunset the strangers were discovered to be three or four ships of war, and seventeen sail of convoy. At half-past nine the sternmost ship, on perceiving that the Fourdroyant of 80 guns, captain Jervis (afterwards earl St. Vincent), was gaining fast upon her, bore away, and was pursued by the british fleet. It came on to blow fresh, which occasioned the Fourdroyant to separate from the squadron, and at 12 h. 47m. a.m. on the 6th she brought the french 74-gun ship Pegase to close action and continued to engage her until 1 h. 30 m. a. m., when she laid her on board on the larboard quarter, and compelled the french ship to surrender, having 80 men killed and 40 wounded, whilst the Fourdroyant had only 3 men wounded. The officers of marines of the Fourdroyant were, first-lieutenant John Hobbs, second-lieutenant Richard Murphy. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1783. January. Leander engaged a French 74.

1783. January. Argo taken by Nymphe and Amphitrite.

1783. February. Hussar took Sybille.

1783. February. St. Albans took Concorde.

1783. Fox took Santa Catalina.

1783. Sunday 2nd March. Resistance took Coquette.

1783.The public measures during the year, were more precautionary than hostile, tending chiefly to guard against contingencies, and to be ready to resume our arms, if necessary, with effect, in every quarter of the world.

Peace was most ardently desired by all the contending Powers, and its attainment was marked by sincerity and cool discussion. America foresaw a disorganized army and impoverished resources, while France and Spain, feeling their quickly decaying finances, most cordially united to accelerate the happy event. The decisive battle of the 12th of April, and their signal repulse from Gibraltar, had also due weight in the scale of consideration and expediency.

Amidst the awful storm, Britain began to emerge, by degrees, from under the heavy cloud which had long overcast her political horizon, and to reclaim her ancient seat amongst the nations. Every subordinate occasion that called forth her Naval energies, seemed to display a spirit worthy of the brightest periods of her Maritime glory.

However delicate the topic, I am still induced to notice the reiterated instances of baneful mutiny in our Fleet, during this year of returning tranquillity. It is a lamentable truth that examples of indiscipline were as common as they were successful, and to the plan of compromise which was then pursued, may be traced, in part, that predilection for revolt which agitated the minds of our Seamen during the late contest--crimes, for which their unparalleled achievements have amply atoned to their Country, but such as never can find a palliative within their own breasts, or an extenuation from any pen that is guided by an impartial impulse.

The demonstrations of loyalty and zeal, in every Marine Detachment, during this turbulent era, although not realized by deeds, still evinced a readiness to seal them with their lives, in the support of good order. These fatal means which were used to appease the spirit, hushed his murmurs indeed, but they invigorated the growth of the untamed monster. After the various and meritorious services of the Marine corps, during two successive wars, at a time when their loyal zeal was conspicuous to their Country, when their utility and subordination were in every mouth, a heavy reduction in its establishment took place. It was with equal surprize, and general regret, that this faithful body of men became limited to 4495, and to 70 companies, with a parsimonious allowance of Field Officers. Such a popular branch of the public force was evidently small for supplying the ships of war in commission, and for the important duties of guarding our naval arsenals. But as the judicious policy of the present day, has adopted a more liberal and patriotic system respecting the corps of Marines, I deem myself precluded from that range of comment upon the method of anterior times, which I should have otherwise felt an authority to claim.

Another vindictive conflict occurred in the East, but without any important consequences; in which Sir Edward Hughes, as hitherto, nobly maintained the honor of the British flag, against Admiral Suffrein and superior numbers. The sound of peace soon after reached their ears and closed all their differences.

Acts of generous hospitality, and works of mercy in the western world, superseded stratagem in war, and the thirst of fame.

Prince William Henry, now his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, whom professional zeal had carried to that quarter, was at the cessation of hostilities, under that able master, Lord Hood. Since his entry into the Navy he had shown a peculiar attention to every branch of its duties and had afforded the earliest presage of the most distinguished talents upon its hazardous, but popular element.

A princely wish to qualify himself for this honourable calling, had urged him to forego all the luxuries of his station, and to risk a life naturally dear to his august family, and deservedly valued by all who had the privilege of his intercourse, in a clime, where no one can count upon to-morrow. It was not his lot, indeed, to wage war in it, but to behold the refined manners of a gallant enemy tranquillized into a cordial friend, and to be the Agent of Providence in rescuing, from a seemingly irrevocable doom, some of his condemned countrymen, whose misguided patriotism had stimulated disaffection within the Spanish Province of Louisiana.

The elegant attentions of Mons. de Bellecomb, at Cape Francois, were still outdone by the noble humanity of Governor Don Galvez. This brave Spaniard placed the forfeited lives of those unfortunate delinquents, at his Royal disposal. It was the most precious gift that could have been tendered to a British Prince who was recognized under this great and solemn offering as sharing in all the generous sympathies of an Englishman. The hour which permitted him to restore those wretched victims, in a foreign land, to their native society, must be reviewed as the happiest of his life. It must still yield many a consoling reflection in his retirement, and although restrained from adding to the triumphs of our Realm, by deeds of carnage, he may yet rejoice that he stands upon the records of mercy and benevolence by the most exalted displays of fellow feeling.

By the definitive articles of peace America found herself an Independent Empire. Recent injuries alienated her citizens from our Country; but similarity of manners, the dictates of interest, and allayed prejudices must, ere long, re-unite us in the bonds of friendship. The retreat of Washington from the head of her Armies, unambitious of recompense or power, forms one of the grandest examples of human virtue ever given to the world and must immortalize his name through every stage of its existence.

Holland was compelled to suppress her phlegm, and to mourn over her degraded character, and commercial losses.

Few incidents of moment occurred within the intervals of 1783 and 1792, connected with my retrospect. A voluntary embarkation of Officers and men, for our distant settlement in New South Wales, occurred in 1785 which has eventually afforded scope for the able pen of Lieutenant Colonel Tench, and has hitherto given grounds for asserting the untarnished discipline of the Marine corps, when mingled even with the contaminating orders of vice and infamy. In other respects, the same dull routine of detached services took place from year to year. During this period many were the suppliant petitions of our establishment for its melioration, but sorry I am that, on casting an eye upon the details of each revolving season, they are unmarked by any auspicious results, excepting the institution of a retired establishment, and the addition of 5 companies in 1791.

It was found that farther exertions were still necessary to place them on the high list of public recompence, and that the faithful discharge of ten years duty in peace, had but little influence in strengthening their claims for favour. (Taken from Chapter 37 ' An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1783. Sunday 16th March. The Success of 32 guns, captain Maurice Pole, when off Cape Spartel, in company with the Vernon store-ship, captured the Spanish 32-gun frigate Santa Catalina, of 34 guns, after an action of two hours, in which the Vernon took but little part. The Spanish ship had 25 men killed, and only 8 wounded; and her masts were so disabled, that the fore and main-masts fell soon after she surrendered. The Success had only 1 man killed, and 4 wounded. Lieutenant Pownal was the officer of marines on board the Success. The year closed with negotiations for a general peace, the provisionary articles of which were mutually signed at Paris, by commissioners from Great Britain and America, on the 22rtd of November. These arrangements were shortly followed by the exchange of preliminary articles with France and Spain, on the 20th of January 1783.

The establishment of the corps was now reduced to 4495 men, but in 1784 four companies were added to provide for the expedition to Botany bay. Nothing of importance occurred until the period of the french revolution in 1792, which event produced a renewal of hostilities, and consequently a considerable augmentation in the marines. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1783. March. There was a Mutiny at Spithead of such extent that it can only be compared with that of the great outbreaks of 1797? Some of the ships company's notably those of HMS Ganges, HMS Janus, and HMS Proselyte threatened to run their ships on shore and destroy them unless their wages were instantly paid and themselves discharged.

1783. Monday 14th – Friday 18th April. The Capture of the New Providence of Nassau in the Bahamas, took place late in the 'American War of Independence', when a Loyalist expedition under the command of Andrew Deveaux set out to retake the Bahamas from the Spanish. The expedition was successful, and Nassau fell without a shot being fired. It was one of the last actions of the entire war. 600 Spaniards surrendered that were later repatriated, 7 ships were scuttled, and 50 cannons captured.

1783. Sunday 16th March. The Success of 32 guns, captain Maurice Pole, when off Cape Spartel, in company with the Vernon store-ship, captured the Spanish 32-gun frigate Santa Catalina, of 34 guns, after an action of two hours, in which the Vernon took but little part. The Spanish ship had 25 men killed, and only 8 wounded; and her masts were so disabled, that the fore and main-masts fell soon after she surrendered. The Success had only 1 man killed, and 4 wounded. Lieutenant Pownal was the officer of marines on board the Success. The year closed with negotiations for a general peace, the provisionary articles of which were mutually signed at Paris, by commissioners from Great Britain and America, on the 22rd of November. These arrangements were shortly followed by the exchange of preliminary articles with France and Spain, on the 20th of January 1783.

The establishment of the corps was now reduced to 4495 men, but in 1784 four companies were added to provide for the expedition to Botany bay. Nothing of importance occurred until the period of the french revolution in 1792, which event produced a renewal of hostilities, and consequently a considerable augmentation in the marines. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1783. Friday 20th June. Hughes engaged Suffren (5th action).

1783. Wednesday 3rd September. The United States of America and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris thus ending the war between them.

1783. Wednesday 5th November. Loss of Superbe off Tellicherry.

1783. Tuesday 25th November. British troops finally leave New York City.

1783. Stonehouse Barracks in Plymouth was first occupied.

1783. Corps Strength at that time was 26,291 men.

1783 \- 1793. During the years of peace, the Royal Marines had been reduced to about 5,000 men. At the start of the war the Marines had 70 companies and in the Royal Navy estimates for 1793 the establishment was raised to 9,815 men.

1783. Sir Charles A. F. N. Menzies (1783 - 22nd August 1866) was born at Sal Freike, Perthshire, Scotland. Although he became a respected soldier with the Royal Marines, fighting with Horatio Nelson in the Napoleonic Wars and later rising to the rank of General before becoming aide de camp to the Queen. Charles Menzies is best remembered for the founding of Newcastle, in New South Wales Australia, and the successful commencement of its settlement.

Menzies was the son of Captain Charles Menzies of the 71st Regiment, and mother Sarah Menzies, née Walker J'. He was educated at Stirling and his family who lived in Theft ancestral castle, as was done at that time, bought him a commission at the age of 15, as a second Lieutenant in the Marines on 17th February 1798. Following his commission, he saw plenty of action having been posted to duties that involved blockading French ports and chasing the French and Spanish fleets around the Mediterranean sea. He was attached to Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson's squadron off Boulogne, on France's Atlantic coast and was repeatedly involved in attacking shore batteries and engaged in skirmishes with French boats.

Menzies sailed to Australia on board the HMS Calcutta which was transporting some convicts to New South Wales and then others to form a new settlement in Tasmania (then known as Van Diemen's land.)

Menzies was aboard the ship in Port Jackson, Sydney on 5th March 1804 when a rebellion involving a number of convicts broke out in the area of Castle Hill. This incident would later be called the Vinegar Hill rebellion. Menzies with a detachment of Marines landed from the ship to help quell the rebellion. He was promoted to lieutenant shortly thereafter.

Governor Phillip Gidley King faced with a need to prevent future outbreaks of this nature, hanged the nine leaders of the 300 rebels involved and ordered the establishment of a new settlement to segregate the Worst of the Irish sent here for Sedition from the other convicts. On 14th March 1804, nine days after the rebellion Menzies wrote to the Governor offering his services as the settlement's commandant. Governor King accepted this offer and provided Menzies with a Commission dated 15th March 1804 which appointed him as the commander of the settlement of Newcastle. The Commission signed by the Governor noted:

Whereas it is expedient, in consequence of an instruction from His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies and War Department, as well as from existing causes, that the settlement at the Coal Harbour and Hunter River, now distinguished by the name of Newcastle, in the county of Northumberland, should be re-established without loss of time:

You are, therefore, hereby required and directed to take upon you the charge and command of the said settlement; and do hereby charge and command all His Majesty's subjects that may be within our command to obey your directions, and you to obey all such Orders and directions as you may from time to time receive from me, or any other your superior officer (sic), according to the rules and discipline of war. For which this shall be your authority.

Menzies resigned his commission in relation to his detachment of Royal Marines and formed an expedition of skilled personnel including the surgeon James Mileham, Isaac Knight whose role was to be superintendent of the convicts, John Tucker a store-keeper, the botanist George Caley, Ferdinand Bauer an artist, and eleven military guards. Thirty-four especially chosen convicts, including three miners, three timber cutters, two carpenters, a gardener and a salt bailer (with the skill of making salt from salt water) and which also fitted Governor King's description of the worst of the Irish left Sydney on 28th March in three small ships the Lady Nelson, Francis and Resource.

The party arrived on 30th March by accounts at noon and Menzies' flotilla anchored of the entrance to Coal River. A boat from Menzies ship and seamen aboard the boat rowed him towards the southern shore of the river.

Menzies initially called the settlement Kingstown (after the Governor and as a continuation of the name used for a temporary settlement in 1800) - but this reverted to Newcastle, which was the Governor's personal choice.

Menzies' year in Newcastle: Other than the general Commission provided by the Governor, Menzies was instructed to use the convicts to get as many coals as possible, cutting cedar, clearing ground for cultivation and to enforce a due observance of religion and good order.

Although only aged 21 when he arrived at Newcastle, Menzies proved to be both stern and forward thinking. This was shown by his rules which dictated that convicts would work from sunrise to sunset but have a rest of two hours in the middle of the day.

To reduce the possibility of the convict's escape, food rations were only issued twice a week to stop the convicts from hoarding food for any escape attempt. Menzies befriended the local Awabakal and Worimi peoples so that they would not assist any escapes.

Then later when he discovered a plot by the convicts to assassinate him and the other expedition members he arrested and severely punished the ringleaders.

Huts were constructed under his direction for both the expedition members and the convicts. He organised the building of a large stone wharf and established a coal beacon to assist other ships in their navigation into the harbour.

Governor King said of Menzies in the year that he was commandant that he fixed that Settlement and brought it to a forward degree of perfection.

After a year establishing Newcastle, Menzies submitted his resignation to Governor King so that he could return to England and his duty in the Royal Marines. King accepted his resignation and he left soon after, returning almost immediately to active service including a meritorious role in the war against Napoleon.

He was promoted to the rank of Captain in the Royal Marine Artillery during April 1813.

He was promoted to command the Royal Marine Artillery from 1838 to 1844 indeed progressing through the ranks from Major to Lieutenant-colonel and then in 1857 to General.

He was appointed Aide-de-Camp to the Queen Victoria in 1852.

Menzies met Maria Wilhelmina, daughter of Dr Robert Bryant, physician to the Duke of Gloucester and they married and had five children. Despite all this meritorious service his principal importance in Australia is as the founder of the first permanent settlement at Newcastle. He died at Hastings on 22nd August 1866.

1784. May. The Dutch republic was never able to assemble a proper fleet for combat, and when the war ended the Dutch were at the lowest peak of their power and prestige.

1784. Friday 30th July. Antelope lost off Jamaica.

1784. Sunday 8th August. First mention of a 'Wardroom'.

1784.The peace with the Dutch reduced the establishment to 4,495 men, including six field-officers with their companies, viz. three lieutenant-colonels and three majors; but on the formation of the expedition for Botany Bay, whilst four companies were added, those of the field-officers remained reduced. On the retirement of lord Howe, the earl of Chatham became first lord of the Admiralty, and in consequence of the presentation of a memorial from the three divisions (Appendix 5), the field-officers and their companies were restored. In 1791, on a memorial being presented, (Appendix 6,) an invalid establishment was formed, allowing the following officers to retire: — one commandant on 24s. per diem, one lieutenant-colonel, one major, twelve captains, six first-lieutenants, and three second-lieutenants. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1785. Thursday 6th October. Loss of Rambler in Leigh Roads.

1786. Saturday 9th December. The Leicester and Nottingham Journal. The power of conscience is in no instance so strongly marked, as in the crime of murder. An example has lately happened in this town. A few evenings since a woman followed the watchman and entreated him to take her into custody, as she had been an accessary in a murder.

The watchman thinking at first, she was insane disregarded what she said, at last wearied by her importunities he conveyed her to the constable who ordered her into confinement for the night. The next morning, she was examined before Edward Pilcher Esq, a Justice of the peace, before whom she made the following confession. That about six years since she lodged at the house of a woman who lived on the point at Portsmouth, and carried on the employment of a procuress for seaman, that she cohabited with a Marine belonging to the Courageaux, who having received about ten guineas prize money the daughter of the said procuress endeavoured to seduce him to sleep with her that night; but he refused: that the Marine being intoxicated with liquor, the daughter knocked him down with a • poker and repeated her blows till he was dead, that they then all assisted in carrying out the body to the seashore to which fastening stones they endeavoured to sink it in the water, but finding that ineffectual, they dug hole in the beach and buried it: that the mother afterward gave her six guineas if she would not publish the fact, but go over to Ireland, to which she consented, but that her mind was so disturbed in consequence of the part she had taken, that she could have no peace by night or by day, and was therefore resolved to give herself up to justice, upon this confession she is committed to Maidstone Gaol to take her trial at the next assizes, it seems that the mother and daughter were sometime after the murder committed on suspicion and were tried at Winchester but for want of evidence were acquitted. (From H. Heather).

1786. Having lost the use of the American Colonies as a country to deport its convicts, and of their use in populating the county with its subject, in order to spread the word that it was English Territory. A new plan was devised to send Convicts to Australia.

1787. Saturday 24th February. Ten o'clock in the morning saw Lord Loughborough and a special jury at Westminster hall the trial of an action, in which Lieutenant Charles Bourne late of the Marines was Plaintiff, and the Countess of Crequi, of Walcot Place, Lambeth, defendant for a breach of a promise of marriage. After the Plaintiffs witnesses had been examined Mr Recorder rose, and in a speech of about an hour and a half, stated a variety of observations to show, that nothing had appeared in evidence to prove the promise of marriage, either by express words or implication, and then after a short consultation with his brethren, declared that he would not call a single witness for the defendant but would leave the matter to the court and Jury, as it appeared to them from the Plaintiffs evidence. After a very candid charge from the Noble Judge, the Jury, in less than two minutes brought in a verdict for the Plaintiff with one shilling damages.

The Leicester and Nottingham Journal.

1787. Tuesday 27th February. Marine Thomas Lucas. A detachment of 1 Captain, 2 Lieutenants, 2 Sergeants, 2 Corporals, 26 Privates and 1 Drummer went on board the Scarborough transport. Thomas Lucas would have been part of this detachment. The following Sunday 4th March, 185 convicts were taken on board. Amongst them would have been Nathaniel Lucas, and there is a persistent rumour that they were brothers, but it is hard to find clear evidence that this is the case. The Fleet weighed anchor on Saturday 12th May 1787, and arrived at Botany Bay on Saturday 19th January 1788, at 8 o'clock. At half past nine they sailed through the heads.

The Scarborough stayed a week there while some stores were transferred to others ships and some Marines went ashore as guards or to work. All the work ashore was done by Marines or seamen.

The Scarborough then sailed for Port Jackson and anchored close to the shore at Sydney Cove. That night the landing began, when four convicts were sent ashore, and then the Marines disembarked with all their baggage, and the rest of the convicts.

The life of the Marine detachment at Port Jackson seems to have been comparatively easy. The Marines were there, not to act as overseers to the convicts, but to provide protection from external attack. During their stay, those of the Marines who had trades worked at their trades and were paid for it. Thomas Lucas' name does not appear on this list.

Most of the time the Marines had to face the boring round of duty, mounting guard, reporting worn out boots and uniforms, short rations and the question must often have been discussed as to whether they would be relieved at the end of three years, as they had been promised when they volunteered. On the Wednesday 1st October 1788, only 5 officers and 4 other ranks were prepared to accept the offer of a grant of land and to accept discharge in the colony. (sic)

1787. Friday 4th May. Fact as know on Royal Marine Drummer Joseph Abbot:

Abbot joined the Marines in Portsmouth and was stationed on the Scarborough in Portsmouth harbour. On the 4th of May 1787 she sailed for Australia. Scarborough was a ship of 430 tons, built in 1782 at Scarborough. She carried with the detachment of marines 208 male convicts. On arrival in Sydney Cove on 26th January 1788 Abbott was assigned to Captain Shea's company.

By the end of 1788 Abbott had taken up with a convict woman Isabella Rawson. I can find no record showing they were ever married. Isabella had a child, Mary who was born in London prior to leaving England. Mary died onboard the 'Lady Penrhyn' on 8th June 1787 just a month out of England. In 1788 Isabella became pregnant to Joseph and she gave birth to a son, Joseph, on 15th February 1789. Joseph and Isabella separated soon after the birth.

On 5th September 1789 Isabella Rawson married William Richardson a convict who had travelled out to NSW on HMS porpoise. Joseph and Isabella's son, Joseph, died later that year on 12th November 1789.

March 4th 1790 saw Joseph Abbot bound for Norfolk Island aboard HMS Supply with Captain Shea's company. Early in 1792 saw the return of Abbot to Sydney town. He was to be one of many marines who transferred to the 'Rum Corps'; officially known as the Royal New South Wales Regiment. His transfer was dated 6th April 1792 and was to be for five years. Abbot was discharged from the NSW Regiment on 6th April 1797.

Joseph Abbot once again set sail for Norfolk Island as a free man onboard the Reliance on 18th January 1798. As no further records are to be found on Joseph Abbott it is presumed he returned to England at some later date.

As an aside William and Isabella Richardson also returned to England in December 1810 aboard HMS Porpoise. (Cleve Whitworth RMAQ)

1787. Sunday 13th May. The First Fleet set sail from Portsmouth in United Kingdom, Commanded by Captain (later Admiral) Arthur Phillip. It consisted of eleven vessels containing a total of 1420 people. (1373 landed). The Flag ship was HMS Sirius along with HMS Supply. The Convict transport ships were HMS Alexander, HMS Charlotte, HMS Friendship, HMS Lady Penrthyn, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Scarborough. The Stores ships were HMS Fishburn, HMS Borrowdale, and HMS Golden Grove. The cargo of convicts comprised of 565 male 192 female and 18 children. His orders were to set up a penal colony in Australia. After a voyage that lasted almost 250 days they arrived in Botany Bay New South Wales.

The First Fleet called in at Tenerife before setting sail for Rio de Janeiro where they stayed for a month, in which time they took on extra supplies. By this time, it had been discovered that in spite of all Captain Phillips had organised two very important items had been over looked. Soap for the convicts was one, and ball ammunition for the Marines was another. It was perhaps, fortunate that the convicts had not discovered the latter before 10,000 musket balls could be brought from the Arsenal in Rio. Here they also obtained paper for making cartridges, and a supply of soap from which the convicts were able to repay the Marines to whom they had been indebted for what little of this useful article they had been able to borrow during the voyage.

1787. Sunday 23rd December. Bounty sailed. (Mutiny, 28th April 1790).

1788. Friday18th and 20th January. Captain Arthur Phillip had been given full instructions for the setting up of the colony, with full authorisation to make regulations, and land grants to those within the colony. A detachment of four companies of Marines, under the command of Major Robert Ross, that consisted of four Captains, 12 Subalterns, 24 Sergeants and Corporals, 8 Drummers, and 160 Privates. That included his Adjutant, Second Lieutenant John Long, Quartermaster Lieutenant James Furzer, Engineer Officer Lieutenant William Dawes and his four Company Commanders. Captains James Campbell and John Shea, Captain Lieutenants James Meredith and Watkin Tench. Their job was to protect the new colony as they settled into their new world. Many went on to stay never to return to the United Kingdom.

At that time, private Marines enlisted for life although discharge by purchase was allowed on payment of 10 guineas. Those who went to NSW, however, had the option of discharge after three years. Recruits were paid a 2 guinea bounty as an inducement to join. Daily pay rates which included a food and clothing allowance, ranged from £1.6s.6p for a Major to 1/2d for a Marine private. However, when the Fleet finally arrived at Botony Bay, the area was deemed to be unsuitable for settlement due to its lack of fresh water, even though it had been recommended by Captain James Cook back in 1770.

They moved north arriving at Port Jackson on the Australian East coast on Saturday 26th January 1788. However, Botany Bay had other shortcomings as well, as it was open to the sea, making it unsafe for the ships and Captain Arthur Phillip (the Colony's first Governor) considered the soil around Botany Bay was poor for crop growing. From the start the settlement was beset with problems. Very few convicts knew how to farm and the soil around Sydney Cove as predicted was very poor. Instead of Cook's lush pastures, well-watered and fertile ground, suitable for growing all types of foods and providing grazing for cattle, they found a hot, dry, unfertile country side unsuitable for the small farming necessary to make the settlement self-sufficient. Everyone, from the convicts to Captain Phillip, lived on rationed food. The natives were wary and fearful of the settlers, who referred to them as Indians. Some African American convicts, hoping to be accepted by the natives, escaped but were rejected by them. Other convicts, heeding rumours of other settlements nearby and that China was just over the horizon, also escaped. Those that managed to survive the rigors of the country returned to the colony and to further punishment.

While the natives subsisted on local plants and fish, the settlers found few of the plants to be appetising. As the settlers appear to have been poor fishermen, most of their food had to come from the supplies brought with them on the ships. This resulted in their total dependence on a shipping trade monopolised by the East India Company and none existent as far as Sydney was concerned. Rats, dogs, crows, an occasional kangaroo or emu were to be used to supplement the food. Shelter was also a problem. They had very little building material and the government had provided only a very limited supply of tools, which were of a bad quality. With the local trees being huge, and the wood hard, these tools were soon blunt or broken and building slowed. Extra clothing had been forgotten and, by the time the Second Fleet arrived, convicts and Marines alike were dressed in patched and threadbare clothing. By July 1788, all the ships except the naval vessels HMS Syrius and HMS Supply had left and the settlement was isolated. (Sic)

1788. Thursday 24th January. 'The Marines, Convicts and Settlers Norfolk Island 1788 – 1791'

When Governor Arthur Phillip and the First Fleet sailed into Botany Bay on Thursday 24th 1788, they were accompanied by a unique group of soldiers; the British Marines (They were not granted the title 'Royal' until 1802).

Always deemed to be the poor cousin to the British Army, it was presumed that the Marines had hoped to raise their status by volunteering for this dangerous tour of duty in an unexplored land. However, this is a misconception. Looking to the origins of the Marines, they were formed due to the failure of using regular army personnel for shipboard duties. Finding them totally unsuitable it was decided by Charles II that a force of 1200 men should be raised as Marines to serve specifically onboard ships. These volunteer Marines, were mainly recruited from agrarian areas and most had a skill or trade, such as carpenters, blacksmiths or stonemasons etc. As sworn men, they would add security to the fleet and would always serve the crown and its officers. When on board ship, the marines would be accommodated between the officers and the nefarious sailor who for the most part had been pressed into service and had no particular allegiance. Many sailors were ill-disciplined and could not be trusted.

The British marine of 1788 was ideally suited for such distant expeditionary endeavours. Not only was he a highly trained and motivated infantryman in his own right, but he was also taught seamanship skills to the level of a 'foremast man'. With these two elements to his 'trade' he could not only effectively fight at sea, or from the sea as a soldier, the qualified marine was also able to work as a watch keeper within his 'part of ship' and participate as a gun number on the cannon decks. Thus, with these attributes, he was able to undertake long arduous sea voyages and to endure the debilitating privations of living and working in a confined environment. He was able to effectively operate as a soldier (and at times, policeman or prison guard!) or seaman

They soon discovered, however, that there were no battles to be won in the bays and inlets of Botany Bay and Port Jackson. Instead the marines fought boredom, starvation and temptation.

When the First Fleet arrived at Port Jackson in January 1788, Phillip ordered Lieutenant Philip Gidley King to lead a party of 15 convicts and seven free men, including surgeon Thomas Jamison (the future Principal Surgeon of New South Wales), to take control of Norfolk Island and prepare for its commercial development. They arrived there on 6th March 1788.

During the first year of the settlement, which was also called "Sydney" like its parent, more convicts and soldiers were sent to the island from New South Wales. A second village was started at Ball Bay, named after the captain of HMS Supply, Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball. On 8th January 1789, the first child was born, Norfolk King, the son of Philip Gidley King and a convict, Ann Inett. (Norfolk King went on to become the first British Naval officer born in Australia, and was a Lieutenant, commanding the schooner HMS Ballahoo when an American privateer captured her.)

A 'Letter from an Officer of Marines at New South Wales, 16th November 1788', published in the London newspaper, The World, 15th May 1789, reported the glowing description of the island and its prospects by Philip Gidley King, but also drew attention to the fatal defect of the lack of a safe port:

'The said Island lies near Port Jackson and is nearly as large as the Isle of Wight. Lieutenant King, who was sent with a detachment of marines and some convicts, to settle there, gives the most flattering portrayal of it'. 'The island is fully wooded. Its timber is in the opinion of everyone the most beautiful and finest in the world. They are most suitable for masts, yards and spars. The New Zealand flax plant grows there in abundance. European grains and seeds also thrive wonderfully well on Norfolk Island. It only lacks a good port and suitable landing place, without which the island is of no use, but with them it would be of the greatest importance for Great Britain. How far these deficiencies can be improved by art and the hand of man, time must decide'.

It was found that the flax was difficult to prepare for manufacturing and no one had the necessary skills. An attempt was made to bring two Māori men to teach the skills of dressing and weaving flax, but this failed. The pine timber was found to be not resilient enough for masts and this industry was also abandoned.

More convicts were sent, and the island was seen as a farm, supplying Sydney with grain and vegetables during its early years of near-starvation. However, crops often failed due to the salty wind, rats, and caterpillars. The lack of a natural safe harbour hindered communication and the transport of supplies and produce.

Manning Clark observed that "at first the convicts behaved well, but as more arrived from Sydney Cove, they renewed their wicked practices". These included an attempted overthrow of King in January 1789 by convicts described by Margaret Hazard as "incorrigible rogues who took his 'goodwill' for weakness". While some convicts responded well to the opportunities offered to become respectable, most remained "idle and miserable wretches" according to Clark, despite the climate and their isolation from previous haunts of crime.

The impending starvation at Sydney led to a large transfer of convicts and marines to Norfolk Island in March 1790 on HMS Sirius. This attempt to relieve the pressure on Sydney turned to disaster when Sirius was wrecked and, although there was no loss of life, some stores were destroyed, and the ship's crew was marooned for ten months. This news was met in Sydney with "unspeakable consternation". Norfolk Island was now further cut off from Sydney which, with the arrival of the Second Fleet with its cargo of sick and abused convicts, had more pressing problems with which to contend.

In spite of this the settlement grew slowly as more convicts were sent from Sydney. Many convicts chose to remain as settlers on the expiry of their sentence, and the population grew to over 1,000 by 1792.

The officer who was to have the most influence on the affairs of the colony was Major Robert Ross. He had been born in 1740 and at the age of sixteen had been commissioned into a company of the Marines division at Chatham. During the Seven Years' War he had served in North America at the siege of Louisbourg in 1758 and a year later was present at the capture of Quebec. He returned to Chatham and was promoted to first lieutenant in 1759 but in spite of the war lasting another four years, he received no further promotion during that time. In 1773, he was promoted to Captain and dispatched to America where, as the commander of 5 Company, 1st Battalion of Marines, such was his performance that he was mentioned in orders.

When Captain Stephen Ellis, the commander of 39 Company, was killed at the Battle of Bunker's Hill on 17 June 1775, Ross replaced him. In 1779 he returned to England in HMS Ardent, but in the English Channel the ship was captured by the French on 17th August and Ross was taken prisoner of war; from which he was later released in exchange for some French prisoners. His next service was in the Mediterranean and West Indies from 1781-82, and on 19th March 1783 he was promoted to brevet major brevet rank was a non-substantive rank and was regarded as more of an honorary title). Yet to reach even that substituted rank, Ross had taken twenty-seven years. His promotion therefore had been very slow and his twenty-seven years to reach brevet major rank, compared with the eighteen it took James Meredith and Watkin Tench. Consequently, it would appear that Ross's military career had been both mediocre and unpromising. In addition, of the twenty officers who ultimately served with the detachment during its tour of duty, only four were not promoted after their return to England. Ross was one of them.

The question arises then as to why such an officer was chosen not only to command the detachment but also to be the Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales. Those who appointed him have not left us with their reasons for doing so, but his was an age of patronage. To gain preferment, people needed patrons and the benefits of alliance to avoid being an impotent outsider. The use of patrons was widespread: Bligh had two, Sir Joseph Banks and the Earl of Vincent; John Macarthur's patron was a family friend, George Watson, who was private secretary to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Camden; George Johnston of the marines was attached to the Duke of Northumberland; and Major Robert Ross used the patronage of Evan Nepean, with whom he had served in the American war and who had since become Under Secretary in the Home Office. Ross's use of Nepean's help was apparently widely known, for in an article in the London Chronicle of 23 June 1789, the claim was made that Ross owed his civil appointment as Lieutenant Governor to both Nepean and Sir John Jervis, respectively former purser and former captain of HMS Fondroyant. Ross was forty-eight years old when he assumed command of the detachment, and he had had thirty-two years' service. He was therefore; above all else, a very experienced officer, and that fact must be given considerable weight in assessing his future performance.

In contrast to their successors, the New South Wales Corps, the marines had established, generally, amicable relations with both convicts and Aborigines. However, under the marines' efficient but inflexible commandant, Major Robert Ross, the tiny colony was led via rampant crime and debauchery to the brink of civil war.

Early in February 1790, Phillip's patience with Ross came to an end. By then, the threat which Ross's intransigence posed to the peace and good governance of the settlement at Sydney demanded that Phillip end his policy of long suffering: consequently, Phillip reported, in detail, to both Lord Sydney and Nepean, not only the misdemeanours of Ross, but also his refutation of Ross's allegations against him. Then, on 17th February, Phillip told Ross to proceed to Norfolk Island with Meredith and Johnston's companies. He was to relieve King who had been not only the Commandant there since February 1788, but also the Lieutenant Governor since 28th January 1789.

Nevertheless, in spite of everything Phillip would have been only been too pleased to see Ross leave Sydney. He told the colony that his reason for sending the marines and convicts to Norfolk Island was that, 'conditions there were superior to those at Port Jackson.' Clark and Bradley confirmed Phillip's report by stating that Norfolk Island had a 'better food supply from fish and birds, and that reduction of Sydney's population was essential.' The Sydney store would contain only thirteen weeks' provisions after 1st March 1790.

With the Sirius almost ready for sea, Phillip ordered Ross to prepare his troops for the move and Private Easty on 19 February recorded that Ross issued his warning order for the two companies to prepare for departure aboard HMS's Sirius and Supply on 5th March 1791. Phillip sent instructions to King to hand over to Ross and return to Port Jackson before leaving for England via Batavia (to which port he was ultimately conveyed by the Supply)." Meanwhile at Port Jackson, the detachment completed its preparations for departure: Clark, after ensuring that his bed was placed aboard the Sirius and that the detachment's colours were safely stowed, accepted the invitation of Ross and Campbell to dine with them on both days preceding departure. By now Clark had much changed his opinion of Ross: he had previously described him as the most disagreeable commanding officer he had ever known; but now he was saying that 'Ross's friendship to me is what I call real and sincere'.

HMS Sirius HMS Supply

Embarkation was completed with 186 aboard the Sirius and 25 on the Supply; Ross, Kellow, Johnson, Clark, John Ross, and 20 NCOs and marines were to travel by Sirius. Captain Johnston, Lieutenant Faddy, with 30 NCOs and marines were to travel on the Supply. These two ships moved out from Sydney Cove at six o'clock on the morning of 5 March but so strong a sea was raging at the harbour's mouth that they moored inside the Heads till six o'clock next morning. In the attempt to reach the open sea, the Sirius was almost driven on to the rocks off North Head. However, once at sea they made such progress that by noon the two ships were out of sight of land. Their departure was the first dismemberment of the little settlement at Port Jackson. This was felt profoundly by those who remained behind. The marines' barracks had assumed a deserted appearance: 'where once all had been troops and bustling activity, there now dwelt desertion and loneliness to accentuate the isolation and pangs of homesickness felt by those who remained'. Collins observed that 'every man seemed left to brood in solitary silence'. It was as if famine had thinned the colony to half its number and left those remaining to face a dreary future.

The Sirius and Supply, after passing Lord Howe Island and the rock outcrop known as 'Balls Pyramid' on the 9th March reached Norfolk Island on the 13 th of that month; only eight days after leaving Sydney. After ten o'clock that morning, many of the male convicts from the Sirius were landed to the care of those marines who had been on the island under Lieutenant Creswell's command since 14th June 1789. These included the two marines who had accompanied King in February 1788, the seven who arrived there by the Golden Grove in October 1788 and the fourteen who had arrived on 14th June 1789 with Creswell in the Supply. With many of the convicts ashore, the marines began landing that afternoon, through dangerous surf, at half past one at Cascade Bay. During the landing Clark felt that Hunter acted uncivilly to Ross in pushing him off into a boat loaded with poultry and pigs. Reception arrangements ashore were non-existent. After Clark and others had walked five miles into town, they found that the accommodation, which Ross had said would be waiting for them, did not exist.

On 19th March at noon, while attempting to land the stores, Hunter was maneuvering the Sirius in Sydney Bay when treacherous winds took control of the ship and wrecked it on 'Ross Reef'. It was a disaster of major proportion: stores were jettisoned in the hope that she could be refloated. Many of the stores did float ashore, but the ship failed to budge. Clark took a raft through the heavy surf to save people. He was nearly drowned when a panic stricken convict, who could not swim, held on so tightly to him that the two almost perished, for which, when they reached shore, Clark took a cane from one of the sergeants and gave the half-drowned convict a thrashing, warning him that he would receive a daily repetition whenever Clark saw him during the next month. Once the cargo that could be saved had been retrieved, the marines settled down to duty on the island. The hardships which had faced them at Port Jackson were to be hardly lessened at Norfolk Island: rations were critically short. All officers had lost personal effects; and Ross had lost his personal papers. On 20th April, responding competently and decisively to the crisis Ross and the council reduced the meat ration by half a pound to 3 1/2 pounds (1.6 kg) per man per week. The inhabitants were allowed, however, to make up the loss by catching birds. A full stocktake of all rations revealed that only twelve weeks' stocks existed. Ross issued a proclamation in May fixing the weekly ration at 3 pounds (1.4 kg) flour, 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) beef or 17 ounces (480 kg) pork and 1 pound (454 g) rice. Children over one year received half rations, and those under one year received only 1 1/2 pounds flour and 1 pound rice per week.

Convict Buildings – Norfolk Island

When Clark went fishing on 21st April, he caught 56 large schnapper which he distributed amongst the marines and the officers of the Sirius. In the fortnight from 8th to 22nd May, 1,867 large schnappers were caught, enabling everyone on the island to be supplied 'with a great allowance of fish'. Convicts and marines took it in turns to receive whatever fish was caught. Mutton birds also supplemented the meager rations. On the 9th May, for example, 4,783 were brought in which made the total to that date of more than 41,000 birds. This figure rose by the middle of June to 136,000. It is strange therefore that in spite of this abundance of food a good number of marines, seamen and convicts became sick. However, the prospect of starvation, which had been so real in March, was to pass. By May crops were established and they prospered in the temperate climate. An acre of land produced 167 bushels of potatoes. Not all seasons however were as prolific, and plagues of caterpillars frequently destroyed crops. When this happened, items of the staple diet were short: Clark mentioned that 'in one period of six months neither he nor Ross had had a cup of tea or a glass of wine; breakfast consisted of dry bread and coffee made from burnt wheat, but they did not grumble for they felt themselves lucky even to be able to get that'.

The marines were employed in a variety of field pioneering duties as Ross embarked on an extensive development programme. They constructed a trench to bring water nearer the town; they brought in thatch to cover barrack roofs; they dried out powder saved from the Sirius, and they felled timber for fashioning at the sawpits. Marines who were carpenters erected the corn mill to grind flour, whilst others prepared ground for the planting of potatoes and corn, and for the erection of huts. An indication of the extent of marine labour can be gained from the fact that almost every man in Captain Johnston's company in the month from 19th June to 17th July 1790, worked twenty-two days clearing and cultivating ground at Charlotte's Field. The produce from these exertions kept starvation at bay, though nothing could restore the basic food items and necessities of life lost from the Sirius. Shortages of these items continued for almost the whole term on the island. However, this was not permitted to deny observances of royal occasions on the island. On the King's birthday of 4th June 1790, in spite of the recent loss of Sirius, the people were allowed a holiday. The marines fired a 'feu de joie'; the gentlemen dined with Major Ross; and "the greatest good cheer and harmony" existed among everyone. (Such was the loyalty to the crown that even when advance elements of the New South Wales Corps later arrived, both they and the marines fired volleys from their respective parade grounds.)

As late as February 1791, Ross, with every justification, was bringing examples of marine shortages to Phillip's attention. 'Not one of them have a shoe to their feet, nor scarce a shirt to their backs', he advised, and neither was there a fit bed nor a blanket among them. Not a drop of spirits had been issued for eight months. So, few cooking utensils had been saved from the Sirius that each pot was shared by twelve men on a rotational basis; consequently, it was often well into the night before some could cook their meal. So severe was their distress that more discontent and grumbling was evident than Ross had ever observed before. Such deprivations affected health.

The marines were not themselves immune from crime. Clark was driven to exclaim that 'there was no difference between soldier, sailor or convict when it came to stealing', for not only had Captain Hunter's own marine servant been thieving the good captain's rum, but also Ross's servant, John Ascott, had stolen from his master as well. Ascott might well have not been responsible for his misdemeanour, because his unrequited love for a convict woman shortly sent him so insane that his violence necessitated his being placed in a straight-tjacket before being chained to a gun.

The grumbling amongst the troops to which Ross had earlier referred continued to increase until 9th April 1791 when it culminated in an ugly scene bordering on mutiny. It arose over what the marines felt an inequity in their food supply as compared with that enjoyed by the convicts. In the previous January, Ross had cut the male convict ration by two pounds of flour a week and at the same time had reduced the full weekly ration to troops by a quarter. The convicts made up their loss from 'the vegetables which were growing prolifically in their gardens;' the troops were reluctant to garden and consequently had to compensate their ration shortfall by buying vegetables from the entrepreneurial convicts. This was a situation which increasingly irritated the troops.

Such was the groundswell of smoldering discontent that on the 9th, after an inflammatory address had been given by four ringleaders, the troops decided to refuse to collect their weekly rations from the public store on the grounds that the convicts were better off than they were. When it was pointed out that this was their own fault for not gardening, they merely murmured and uttered vague excuses, which led Ralph Clark to believe that their real intention was to test the authority of Major Ross. If that was so, Ross was not daunted by their challenge. He ordered Captain Johnston to tell the men that he would not again ask them to collect their rations and that at 1.30 p.m.; Johnston would call a ration parade to march to the store so that he could see 'which man would dare to refuse'. Ross also ordered Johnston to take the added precaution, bearing in mind the sullen temper of the men, of disarming them before they set out. At 1.30 p.m. the test came. Johnston accompanied by Clark, Faddy and Creswell, went to the barrack yard, and ordered the men to obtain their ration bags and then fall in on parade. This display of determination was sufficient for some of the men, and they went to Johnston to tell him not only that they would obey his orders, but also that they regretted their previous refusal. Very quickly, the others capitulated and what Clark felt would have concluded in 'a great deal of blood was avoided'. It had been a close thing, for the men were the 'most mutinous' with whom Clark had served; to him it had been one of the 'most critical' days of his life and his response to the fright he had received was to confide to his diary that if he could be despotic for three hours, he would hang the ringleaders and have the others draw lots to select every fifth man to suffer the same fate. The incident highlighted the growing strain, which the long and severe service was having on morale, and Clark identified this as the underlying cause, for he felt the sooner they left the island, the better.

Even so, marine discipline appears to have been better than that of the New South Wales Corps whose Norfolk Island advance party of three officers and twenty-one men brought with it a noticeable rise in military offences. In the five month period from May to October 1791 the New South Wales Corps was forced to court martial eight soldiers,

Six of whom were found guilty. In the same period, only four marines were convicted, even though the marine strength of two companies greatly exceeded that of the New South Wales Corps elements. So unsatisfactory was the discipline of the relieving New South Wales Corps that it caused Clark to report that since its troops had arrived 'they have had nothing but Courts Martial'."

In December 1791, there were thirty-one marine-settlers compared with the seventy-one others who by then were farming on the island. Some of the marine-settlers had applied to King to marry the 'best behaved' of the convict women with whom they had already been living. When the Reverend Johnson visited, the weddings proceeded, and the men undertook to take the women off the public store a year after their marriage.

The first element of their relief, the New South Wales Corps, had arrived on the Supply on 1th April 1791. These had been followed by those on the Mary Ann on 15th August, the Salamander on 16th September, the Atlantic on 26th October, and the Queen on 2nd November. After the relief of the two units, Ross and his marines departed on the Queen for Port Jackson where they arrived on 5th December prior to embarking on HMS Gorgon eight days later.

So, ended the Norfolk Island period of their tour of duty. It had not been easy; it had started in near tragedy but gradually by the efforts and leadership of Ross, Clark and the marines generally, adversity had been turned into achievement. From the days in August 1790 when the unsupplemented stocks available on shore were 6,835 pounds flour, 320 pounds beef, 3,253 pounds pork, 500 pounds rice, and 200 bushels of wheat, all to feed 506 mouths, to those of their departure when even the piqued Governor King grudgingly had to acknowledge the promising aspect of crops and a wheat harvest of a thousand bushels, the marines' achievement in providing subsistence had been significant. When there is added to this the construction of two towns and their attendant infrastructure, the tour had been of significant service to the island. Their one weakness had again been in the area of human relations. The army/navy rivalry and, to a lesser extent than at Port Jackson, Ross's arrogance and his propensity to upset his own officers, had provided the unfortunate ingredients. On balance, however, Ross and the marines had been most successful at Norfolk Island.

A Return of Marines who have desired to be received as Settlers on Norfolk Island and sailed from Sydney the 26th October 1791

Daniel Stanfield, Corporal – A wife and three children

William Tonks, private

Thomas Bishop

Thomas Dukes

James Williams

John McCarthy

Thomas O'Brien

William Standley

Patrick Connell

Thomas Halfpenny

Thomas Bramwell

John Barrisford - A wife and two children

William Strong

William Mitchell

Thomas Chipp

John Redman

Richard Knight

James McManus

John Roberts

Thomas Spencer

John Munday - A wife and three children

Lawrence Richards - A wife and two children

Abraham Hand

William Dempsey

William Simms

John Foley

Thomas Sculley

John Gower, Corporal

Historical Records of Australia

Series 1, Governors' Despatches to and from England.

(BB - Acknowledgements: Cleve Whitworth RMAQ; John Moore from 'The First Fleet Marines 1786 \- 1792'; Free Settler or Felon? (jenwilletts.com) & (Wikepedia.com

1788. Thursday 24th January. Botany Bay. Sergeant James Scott RM, Sergeant of Marines, travelled to NSW on the First Fleet aboard the Prince of Wales, accompanied by his wife Jane. His daughter Elizabeth was born on the voyage out and his son William Boxell was born in Sydney in 1790. James Scott had married Jane Boxell in 1796 at Portsea, Hants.

During the voyage, and intermittently during their stay in New South Wales, James kept a diary. This journal is now in the Dixson Library in Sydney as part of the Sir William Dixson bequest. It is believed to have come from the estate of a Miss Russell, a connection between John Russell and James Scott.

The journal is written in a tall notebook, measuring 32 cm by 20.5 cm, the soft cardboard covers are much worn and rubbed, but it is now protected in the library by a chamois lined morocco folder in a dark morocco case, tooled in gold. The handwriting is large and looks clear and Scott expresses himself simply. However, his bad spelling and many alterations have made it difficult to transcribe some parts. Each page has a heading and there is a wide ruled margin in which are written the dates of entry. It is marvellous to have this record and also the diary of Private Easty of the Marines as it highlights what interested 'the men' as distinct from the officers. Like soldiers at all times they were interested in their own daily lives, in promotions and punishments, in food and grog and women.

Not very much is known about Scott. The baptisms of the two children are recorded in the Registers of St Phillip's Church and James Scott is mentioned as a witness to several civil court cases in the Minutes and Proceedings etc of the Bench of Magistrates of the County of Cumberland. One case involved Scott and his wife Jane when a soldier's wife, Martha Davis is charged with scandalously abusing James Scott, a Serjt of Marines, & Jane Scott his wife, on Friday night the 15th instant. The case was heard on 23rd April 1791; in her defence Martha Davis accused Jane Scott of having thrown out Suspicions and Surmises of her conduct, suggesting that she had been gossiping, with or without foundation we do not know.

The Scott family boarded the Gorgon transport on Monday 31st October 1791 to return to England and all were discharged at Spithead on Friday 1st June 1792. James Scott died at Portsmouth early in 1796 after serving as a squad sergeant. (sic)

Article featured in the First Fleet Folio December 2005.

1788. Thursday 24th January. Botany Bay. John Gowen was a Corporal of Marines on HMS Sirius. His grave is in the church yard of Christ Church (Anglican), Kiama NSW. The plates on the tomb top were later additions. The Kiama & District Historical Society in 1977 recorded the inscription that is no longer visible on the tomb top.

1788. Thursday 24th January. Botany Bay. Marine Daniel Stanfield was reputed to have come from an English naval family. He arrived with the First Fleet at Port Jackson Australia as a private in the Marines. Promoted to corporal, he married Alice, widow of Thomas Harmsworth, on Saturday 15th October 1791 at St Phillip's Church, Sydney. In less than a month he was on duty at Norfolk Island.

In 1794 he was discharged from the Marines and sworn in as constable and started to farm. He received two goats from Governor King, who described him as a deserving settler. In March Stanfield was robbed and petitioned, with other settlers, to Lieutenant Governor Gross for restoration of arms which they had both been deprived of by Government order.

Stanfield talked of enlisting in the NSW corps and in November 1794 he sailed in HMS Daedalusfor Port Jackson. The following October he returned to Norfolk Island in HMS Supply with his wife, four children, 30 sheep and 35 acres of his 120 acres under cultivation.

When the evacuation of Norfolk Island was planned, Governor King requested Stanfield to remain and encouraged him by offering additional land. However, keen and determined, Stanfield did not find life easy, and he sailed with his family in HMS City of Edinburgh, arriving in Hobart Town in October 1808.

Next month he took up land at Green Point near Bridgewater and built a weatherboard house, which he valued at more than £2,000 (pounds), which stood for over a century. There Stanfield's industry and enthusiasm brought better results than at Norfolk Island. By February 1825 he had been granted 1200 acres in widely separated areas, he had purchased 890 acres more and claimed to have 1,000 cattle, 800 sheep, 10 horses, a flour mill and other capital. His only grievances were that Michael Howe had raided his stockyard and other bushrangers had plundered his properties, though he was sometimes compensated by more land.

In 1826 he was summoned to give evidence against receivers of good stolen from him, but he died suddenly on 4th February, leaving a very numerous and opulent family. His eldest son, Daniel, was baptised Sunday 25th April 1790 at St Phillips church. He inherited in full measure his father's energy and acquisitiveness and a great deal of property. But he was not entirely reliant on his father – by 1825 he could claim 450 cattle, 600 sheep, 7 horses and other cattle. His land grants included 450 acres from Governor Macquarie, 300 from Governor Brisbane and 300 from Governor Arthur he bought 850 acres of Green Lagoon. His brothers also had land and stock, and in 1827 the land commission reported that:

The Stanfields, a large clan altogether, have had immense herds of wild cattle roaming all over this quarter of the Island and finding themselves limited, have driven hundreds to the sea coast.

Stanfield improved his properties and became a well-known stock breeder. In 1828 he was one of the first in Van Diemens Land to export apples to Britain – 1 specimen was one foot in diameter, but the shipment did not carry well. Like his father he had trouble with the bushrangers, and by 1825 he had been twice in Sydney to give evidence at trials. In Hobart, January 1808, he married Maria Kimberley the daughter of a transported First Fleet convict Edward Kimberley. They had a large family. Daniel Stanfield jnr died Friday 28 March 1856. (Sic)

1788. Thursday 24th January. Botany Bay. Marine Michael Murphy was born about 1760 at Wexford, Ireland, and his description as a man was 5'8" tall with dark completion, dark brown hair and grey eyes.

Murphy was a Private Marine in the 41st Portsmouth Company, enlisting at Portsmouth on 3rd July 1779 and in the years of 1780 - 1783 was serving in the West Indies. Back in Portsmouth in 1785, he was serving on the guard-ship Ardent. On Saturday 24th February 1787 Murphy joined Sirius as part of the ship's Marine complement and was discharged on Friday 5th June 1789 from the ship's books to the Port Jackson detachment.

When the Gorgon was in Port Jackson in 1791, Murphy did duty on board from Saturday 31st October to Friday 11th December. On Friday 6th April 1792, Murphy joined the NSW Corps, serving 5 years to Wednesday 5th April 1797, and receiving a 60 acre grant at Bankstown on Friday 6th April 1798. In January 1799 he shared a grant of 200 acres at Bankstown with Stephen Gilbert which was sold by January 1800 to Matthew Flinders.

In 1800, he re-joined the NSW Corps. On Sunday 24th March 1805 Murphy was transferred to Port Dalrymple, VDL as a member of the 102nd NSW Corps with Colonel Paterson on the Lady Nelson. Among the passengers was Eliza Paterson, the wife of the Commandant; accompanying her, was her maid Ann (Hannah) Williams, a convict who had arrived in Sydney aboard the Nile 1800. The list of passengers on the Lady Nelson was extracted from HM Ship Buffalo's muster roll, there being no separate list for Lady Nelson when she sailed from Port Jackson to Port Dalrymple in March 1805.

As Archibald Murphy, Michael was married to Hannah Williams on Sunday 10th March 1811 by the Reverend Robert Knopwood in Launceston Tasmania. On the same day their four daughters were baptised, Ellinor (b 1804 Sydney), Elizabeth, Mary and Jane. The father's name recorded in St Johns' Parish records was Michael. Two more children were to follow, Michael (1812) and Maria (1814). When in 1810, the NSW Corps was recalled to Sydney Murphy transferred to the NSW Veteran Company. But in 1814 sees Murphy back in Parramatta and then at Emu Plains, until his death at the age of 63 on Friday 10th January 1823. He is buried at St Matthew's Windsor. The registration of his burial details records him as Archibald Murphy.

Michael Murphy had served a total of 37 years and 321 days in the Marines and the NSW Corps.

Michael Murphy was buried in the church yard of St Matthews Windsor NSW, the oldest Church in Australia. It was built by convicts between 1817-1820. (sic)

1788. Thursday 24th January. Botany Bay. Thomas O'Brien was a 23 year old Marine on the Scarborough and came to Australia as part of the First Fleet. He had enlisted as a private in the Marines on a 3 year contract in 1787. Some special incentives to join were that they could discharge after three years' service with a sign on fee of 2 guineas ($4) and a daily pay rate of 7 cents plus 5 cents clothing and food allowance.

Lieutenant King on Friday 15th February 1788, at Governor Phillips direction, 3 weeks after the First Fleet landing at Sydney Cove had taken a party of 9 male, 6 female convicts, 2 marines, 3 seamen, 3 officers and a surgeon on the Supply to establish a camp on Norfolk Island 13 days away by sail. It was thought the better soil and climate on the Island would supplement the food to supply the Colony at Sydney Cove, the tall pine trees could be used to make new masts and the flax for new rigging for the British fleet which had been severely depleted in the war against America.

By October 1791 Thomas had completed his 3 year contract with the Marines and so in November 1791 he elected to stay in the Colony and sailed on the Atlantic with convicts and 28 other Marines who had been discharged at Port Jackson to become free settlers on 60 acre grants on Norfolk Island.

Susannah Mortimer married Thomas O'Brien on Norfolk Island in November 1791.

Susannah Mortimer, age given as 24, had been sentenced at Exeter Lent Assizes on Tuesday 18th March 1788 to 7 year's transportation (commuted from a death sentence by hanging) for stealing 2 sheep with John Rice in August 1787 at Moreton Hampstead, Devon. She eventually sailed from London on Monday 29th June 1789 after spending 22 months in gaol and came to Sydney with around 240 female convicts, 6 Marines and 30 crew on the Lady Juliana arriving in Sydney nearly 12 months later on Thursday 3rd June 1790.

In early August 1790, eight weeks after landing at Sydney Cove, Susannah was among 194 male and female convicts transferred to Norfolk Island in Surprise. She brought with her a young child, Susannah who had almost certainly been born on the voyage from England.

The O'Brien family were successful farmers on their 60 acre allotment and by 1808 they had 8 children, 6 sheep, and 72 pigs with 140 bushels of maize in store. They were regarded as first class settlers.

The settlement at Norfolk Island did not achieve the objectives of the Governments of Sydney Cove and Britain. The harbour was treacherous and in fact in 1788 the HMS Sirius was sunk there attempting to land settlers on the Island. The climate was wild and attempts to grow provisions were not too successful. The use of the Pine Trees for ships masts and the flax for rigging proved quite worthless. So, with all facts considered and the Sydney Colony now self- supporting with food, the Government decided to abandon the Island and ship all the inhabitants to Hobart Tasmania.

Thomas O' Brien his wife Susannah and 8 children were shipped to Hobart on the City of Edinburgh on Saturday 3rd September 1808 along with approximately 250 others.

The family settled in New Town district, Hobart and took up 100 acres, the area originally was called O'Brien's Bridge and later renamed Glenorchy. There is still a bridge in the Glenorchy area called O'Brien's Bridge. (sic)

1788. Sunday 10th February. The first European child born in Australia was the daughter of Marine Sergeant Samuel Bacon, and his wife Jane Bacon. She returned to England on HMS Gorgon with her parents on Monday 26th November 1792.

1788. Wednesday 9th July. The number of the Marines serving in New South Wales (NSW) in Australia, was 211 men including 160 Privates.

1788. October. When Major Robert Ross learned that a detachment of Marines was to guard the First Fleet on its way to Botany Bay, he was among the first to volunteer. For the 46 year old Scot, this was the best thing that had happened to the Corps since its involvement in the glorious action at Bunkers Hill at the beginning of the American War.

Why the Marines had been chosen instead of the Army was none of the Major's business. Others could worry about that. Meanwhile, he had been appointed to command the detachment and he meant to see that his Marines acquitted themselves with honour.

As he wrote to his patron, Evan Nepean, Under Secretary for the Colonies: "A good performance at Botany Bay will rescue the corps from the obscurity in which it has been for so long." (Sic)

Less than four years after arriving at Botany Bay, however, the Marines were on their way back to England - and the colony sighed with relief.

The detachment owed its unpopularity almost entirely to Major Ross, to his personal touchiness and irascibility and to his near-insane determination to protect the honour of the corps whatever the cost.

Originally founded by Charles II in 1664, the Marines had known a continuous existence only since 1755, when war loomed once again with the old enemy across the Channel, the French.

A newly organised Marine Corps, including the very young Second Lieutenant Robert Ross, was in the vanguard of a British force under General Wolfe which scaled the Heights of Abraham and took Quebec from the French in 1759. But the Marines were everywhere in the Seven Years War - in Canada, India, the West Indies, even in the far-off Philippines, where 300 of Britain's sea-soldiers helped capture Manila from the Spanish in 1762.

But as useful as they were in times of war, they had little standing in peacetime Army officers, who paid highly for their commissions) didn't mix in the society of mere Marine officers.

In 1786, the Marines were a minor branch of the Army establishment and Robert Ross, for all his honorary rank of brevet-major, had made no progress in his career since a promotion to captain in 1773. Thus, 27 years after Quebec, 11 years after Bunkers Hill, the veteran jumped at the chance when volunteers were called for Botany Bay.

Knowing little or nothing of the country to which he was going, he visualised the Marines defending the settlement against hostile Aborigines, even winning new battle honours as they repelled possible attacks on Botany Bay by the French, Spanish or Americans.

Even before the Fleet left Portsmouth, however, he saw how different the reality was going to be. All the power was being invested in Governor Phillip, While Ross was designated Lieutenant-Governor, Phillip was the one who would make the important decisions, and Phillip, as he quickly made clear didn't mean to consult Major Ross about anything. -

An early example occurred on the voyage out. Four days before reaching Capetown, Phillip divided his fleet into two, four vessels going on ahead of the remaining seven to prepare the ground.

It was a sensible arrangement. But why had he, the second-in-command, been almost the last to hear of the change of plan? This was the question Ross kept asking himself, and brooding over, for the rest of the voyage.

Finally, they arrived, and it didn't take the major long to see that any military role for the detachment was just a dream. From the remoteness of their situation and the wretched state of the Aboriginal population, he guessed the Marines would be spending most of their time on sentry duty and acting as slave-drivers to the unfortunate convicts.

It was pretty much the way it turned out, although Ross never stopped fighting against what he saw as indignities from the day he landed on "that miserable shore".

Not formerly noted as a severe disciplinarian, he was savage when he caught any of his men thieving, fighting, breaking into the female prisoners' quarters, or otherwise carrying on like convicts.

On the evening of March 16, 1788, the colony was less than two months old when marines Hunt and Dempsey came to blows over a convict woman, Jane Fitzgerald. Joseph Hunt, the original aggressor, was charged with disorderly behaviour and a court-martial was convened under the presidency of Captain Watkin Tench.

He was found guilty, but the sentence was rather unusual. Private Hunt was required to ask Private Dempsey's pardon before the whole battalion, or else receive 100 lashes from the drummers on his bare back. The major was speechless when he heard of the sentence, but not for long. No soldier had the right to choose his own punishment, he shouted at Tench.

Not only was it against martial law, it removed from the man's commanding officer all power to confirm or mitigate the decision of the court. He went on raving and cursing, but he couldn't shake the determination of Tench and the four other young officers to stick by the original sentence.

So, Ross had those five arrested as well and applied to Governor Phillip to have them tried for insubordination. Phillip managed to put him off for the moment, claiming he would have to refer the matter to England first.

The difficult Scot, was responsible enough when it came to maintaining the peace and good order of the little settlement and the governor had no complaints to make on that score. Yet, on other subjects, he just couldn't be reasoned with and he was making life unbearable for his officers. One of them, Lieutenant James Maxwell, actually went mad during his six months at Botany Bay.

Having been confined to hospital with an eye disease, the sick man was later found to have planted 70 guineas, neatly set out in long rows in the hospital garden. He had high hopes of a "good crop" the following year, he told the doctors.

The behaviour of Captain James Meredith was another source of embarrassment. One evening, Captain Meredith was rolling home, drunk as usual, down Bridge St when he was tempted to visit 17 year old Sarah Bellamy, a well-known prostitute.

At the time, Sydney consisted merely of two streets of "miserable huts", according to one account. The officers' huts were in a row opposite the Marine barracks in George St. The convict huts were dispersed throughout The Rocks.

None had any windows beyond a lattice-work of sticks and, when the captain came to. Sarah's house, he simply put his hand through and grabbed the girl by her red hair. She promptly began screaming and kept it up until the Sydney night watch arrived.

Meredith immediately demanded she be taken into custody. But the night watch, a body of convict constables since Ross didn't permit his men to perform constabulary duties was not to be bullied into submission by any officer.

Constable John Harris made sure the girl had a chance to tell her side of the story and, as a growing crowd listened in sympathy, Meredith decided not to go on with the case.

It was glaringly obvious that, after 18 months, Sydney was divided into two camps. The convicts, who had adopted Botany Bay as their home since few of them could ever expect to see England again, were in one camp. The marines were in the other.

For Robert Ross and his men, though, their worst moment had been in March 1789 after the Commissary, Andrew Palmer found that thieves had broken into the public store. A piece of a broken-off key was found in the padlock of the front door. Palmer took it to the blacksmith for identification and the blacksmith had no trouble recognising it as part of the key he had specially altered for Marine Joseph Hunt.

Hunt was the same man who had luckily escaped 100 lashes 12 months before. This time, he turned King's evidence and described how with six others, he had had the keys altered so they fitted any of three locks.

When one of the seven was posted as night guard at the street-door, the others could nip round to a back entrance and help themselves to as much as they could carry away.

It had been going on for months during which most of the group had been punished several times for drunkenness without the authorities having any idea where they were getting the liquor.

Yet even before news of this dire occurrence reached London, a new Secretary for the Colonies had decided to replace the Marines with a detachment of infantry, to be known as the NSW Corps+ Six months later, however, Governor Phillip still had not been informed of the decision. (+ New South Wales Corps).

His pre-occupation was with the famine, which was fast approaching the colony, and the only solution, as he saw it, was to divide his people in two and send half to cultivate the much more fertile Norfolk Island. It was also his chance to get rid of Major Ross.

And yet, if various accounts are true, the major was a changed man from the moment he landed on the island at the head of two companies of Marines and a large convict labour force.

In Sydney, much of his time had been taken up in writing to the Admiralty to complain about Phillip On Norfolk, he was his own master, free to concentrate exclusively on expanding the island's food resources Ross spent 20 months there in which time he more than trebled wheat and potato production.

Those who didn't farm, Marines as well as convicts spent their time catching schnapper and hunting mutton-birds and the haul was prodigious-41,000 birds in three months,1867 large schnapper in a typical fortnight.

Full bellies all round resulted in more work being done and, when the first NSW Corps arrived to take over, it saw a more flourishing settlement than the one which had recently greeted its arrival in Sydney.

In December 1791 Robert Ross and the Marines duly returned to England. Two officers David Collins and George Johnston, chose to stay on, while about 40 Marine NCOs and privates had transferred to the NSW Corps.

As it turned out, those who returned with Ross were the ones who generally did best. Watkin Tench went on to become a lieutenant-general while James Meredith retired with the rank of major-general. There also had been more fighting for the Marines after the French Revolutionary Wars broke out in 1793.

Finally, by Royal Order of April 29, 1802, the corps became known as the Royal Marines. Officially at least, the Marines now enjoyed parity with the Army. But Robert Ross didn't live to see that day.

His reputation having been virtually destroyed by what Governor Phillip had to say about his obstructive behaviour in Sydney, he was transferred soon after his return to recruiting duties around the countryside. Still a brevet-major, he died in London on 9th June 1794. From Cleve Whitworth and reprinted by kind permission of the Sydney Daily Mirror. This appeared under the title "Old marine major's dreams of glory died at Botany Bay" on Thursday 15th December 1988, and also featured in The Sun on Thursday 5th October 1989.)

1788. Monday 10th November. The number of the Marines serving in NSW, was 196 men of all ranks, including 160 privates, plus 12 men absent.

1788. Upon the British First Fleet arrival there was no provision made for policing the new settlement. Arthur Phillip's commission empowered him to, "Appoint of constables and other necessary officers and ministers in our said territory and its dependencies for the better administration of justice and putting the law in execution". However, policing in Britain was less than proficient, so he had no model to base the establishment of a law enforcement agency upon. Watchmen, called Charlie's after King Charles II who introduced them, were the first paid keepers of the peace in London, but they were rather ineffectual, and it was a job for old men. Charlie's were often ridiculed by the people. The Marines who accompanied the First Fleet refused to carry out the duties of a police force. Their Commander Major Robert Ross stated that his men were soldiers, not prison guards, and it was insulting to His Majesty's Regiments to expect them to act in such a role. However, they did agree to guard the settlement and patrol at night. Governor Phillips appointed freeman James Smith as a peace officer, but he retired after a brief period, as he was deemed too old and infirm to be effective.

1788 \- 1850. The English deported over 162,000 convicts to Australia in 806 ships.

1788 \- 1930's. The Australian Frontier Wars were a series of conflicts that were fought between Indigenous Australians and European settlers that spanned a total of 146 years. The first fighting took place several months after the landing of the First Fleet on Saturday 26th January 1788. The last clashes is recorded to have occurred as late as 1934.

1789. Four companies of Marines, comprising 213 men, commanded by Major Robert Ross, sailed with the First Fleet for Australia. They remained in the Colony until their relief by the New South Wales Corps in 1791.

1789. Thursday 9th July. Royal Visit to Portland Roads.

1789. Tuesday 18th August. Royal Visit to Plymouth Sound.

1789. Thursday 24th December. Loss of the Guardian.

1789. Scarcely a night passed when there was not a theft of some kind. After six Marines were executed during March 1789 for stealing provisions when the colony was close to starvation, it became obvious that some form of organised law enforcement was needed. In July 1789 convict John Harris went to Collins with a proposal for a night watch to be established from among the convicts to deal with all those found away from their huts at improper hours. Collins commented that: "It was to be wished, that a watch established for the preservation of public and private property had been formed of free people, and that necessity had not compelled us in selecting the first members of our little police, to be appointed from a body of men in whose eyes, it could not be denied, the property of individuals had never been sacred. However, there was no choice convicts who had any property were themselves interested in defeating such practises as theft". This first night watch consisted of 12 well behaved convicts and was split into four divisions. The Rocks watch patrolled from the hospital to the observatory, approximately Globe Street to Dawes Point. In November 1789, Collins wrote that the night watch had been very effective, there were fewer crimes and the culprits were usually caught. On Monday 1st February 1790, Governor Phillip advised Lord Sydney of "the institution of a night watch to control robberies (particularly of vegetables and poultry) was immediately effective" and that there was "no robbery in three months". The night watch were held in "fear and detestation" by their fellow convicts. Convicted pick-pocket George Barrington arrived in Sydney in 1791 and was almost immediately appointed a police constable guarding the colony's stores. He later became Chief Constable at Parramatta.

1789 to 1792. The Third Anglo Mysore War was a conflict that took place in South India between the Kingdom of Mysore and the East India Company and its allies that included France and the Maratha Empire.

1789. The start of the French Revolution that took place from 1789 to 1799.

1789. The Plymouth order Book. The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty do not recognise a Light Infantry. Saying Officers may wear the appointments, if they have the ordinary ones when required.

1790. The arrival of the first ship the Lady Juliana of the Second Fleet was a cause of much excitement in the new colony. Amongst the correspondence from the homeland was the orders for the formation of the New South Wales Corps, and encouragement for the Marines to become settlers.

"In consequence of the assurance that was given to the non-commissioned officers and men belonging to the battalion of Marines, on their embarking for the service of this country, that such of them as should behave well, would be allowed to quit the service on their return to England: or be discharged aboard upon the relief taking place, and permitted to settle in the country – His Majesty has been graciously pleased to direct the following encouragement to be held up to such non-commissioned officers and privates, as may be disposed to become settlers in this country or in any of the islands comprised within the government of the continent of New South Wales, on the arrival of the corps raised and intended for the service of this colony, and for their relief.

To every non-commissioned officer, an allotment of one hundred and thirty acres of land, if single; and one hundred and fifty acres if married. To every private soldier, an allotment of eighty acres if single, and of one hundred acres if married; and also, an allotment of ten acres for every child, whether of non-commissioned officer, or of a private soldier. These allotments will be free of all fines, taxes, quit rents and other acknowledgements for the space of ten years; but after the expiration of that period will be subject to an annual quit rent of one shilling for every fifty acres.

His Majesty has likewise been farther pleased to signify his royal will and pleasure, that a bounty of three pounds be offered to each non-commissioned officer and soldier who may be disposed in this country and enlist in the corps appointed for the service of New South Wales with a farther assurance, that the case of a proper demeanour on their part, they shall, after a farther service of five years, be entitled to double the former portion of land, provided they then choose to become settlers in the country, free of all taxes, fines and quit rents, for the space of fifteen years; but after that time, to be subject to the before mentioned annual quit rent of one shilling for every fifty acres.

And as a further encouragement to those men who may be desirous to become settlers and continue in the country, His Majesty has been likewise pleased to direct that every man shall, on being discharged, receive out of the public store a portion of clothing and provisions sufficient for his support for one year; together with a suitable quantity of seeds, grain etc, for the tillage of the land; and a portion of tools and implements of agriculture, proper for their use. And whenever any man, who may become a settler, can maintain, feed, and clothe, such number of convicts as may be judged necessary by the governor, for the time being, to assist him in clearing and cultivating the land, the service of such convicts shall be assigned to him.": Article featured in the First Fleet Folio June 2000. (sic)

1790. Saturday 6th March. HMS Sirus and HMS Supply having on board 65 officers and men, with 5 women and children belonging to the Marine detachment and the civil department, 116 male and 67 female convicts, with 27 children, sailed for that small but beautiful, fertile Island of Norfolk. The Governor had sized on the opportunity of getting rid of his uncongenial Lieutenant Governor, by giving him a commission as Commandant of Norfolk Island, and it is quite possible that Ross himself was glad enough to go.

1790. June. Five of the six ships comprising the 'The Second Fleet' arrived at Sydney. The sixth HMS Guardian had been so severely damaged by a collision with and Iceberg that she had to be beached in Table Bay, narrowly escaping total loss.

1790. Thursday 10th June. In a despatch from Sydney Australia Governor Hunter writes to the Duke of Portland he states "I shall now only trouble your Grace further by mentioning that there are a considerable number of the Marines, who were the first troops sent to this country, and who upon the recall of that Corps from hence were allowed to enlist for a five years in the New South Wales Corps, some of them having completed this last engagement, are desirous of settling in the country and are entitled to a double proportion of land in consequence of a double tour of duty."(Sic)

1790. December. The ship Lady Juliana reached Sydney Cove. This was the first ship to arrive from England since the First Fleet. She carried 226 female convicts. This arrival was an important milestone for Thomas Lucas, because among the convicts a woman was the spinster Ann Howard. She had been convicted at the Old Bailey and sentenced to seven years transportation.

It seems that Thomas Lucas and Ann Howard began to live together at Sydney Cove, and on Thursday 29th December 1791 a son was born. On Sunday 29th January 1792 he was baptised Thomas. This was the period when the colony was on extremely short rations. With the responsibility now of a de facto wife and a tiny baby, when volunteers were called for transfer to the New South Wales Corps, Thomas Lucas enlisted for five years, and was promoted to Corporal, joining the new Corps in April 1792.

Thomas Lucas appears to have still been stationed at Sydney until he left as part of a relief detachment in September 1794, with Ann and the baby Thomas on the store ship Daedalus for Norfolk Island. Ann was pregnant again, and she and the toddler Thomas were landed on Norfolk Island in October 1794, but Corporal Lucas did not come ashore until a week later. Perhaps he had to stay on board until unloading was finished. The soldiers all landed a week later.

Two months later Ann's sentence expired, and then on Saturday 20th December 1794, baby Richard was born, but there is no record of his baptism. Thomas continued in the Army for two and a half years and was discharged on Thursday 6th April 1797. As a former Marine he was entitled a land grant of 60 acres, and Governor Hunter granted this in August 1797. In the meantime, a third son, John was born, but he was not baptised until four years later. In most of the Norfolk Island records the children are recorded under the name Howard, not Lucas.

The farm was developed, and a living was made by the sale of wheat, maize and pork to the government stores.

1799. Saturday 19th October. a fourth son was born called Nathaniel. On Sunday 2nd August, the Reverend Henry Fulton, baptised the two youngest children, John and Nathaniel. Fifteen days later (probably after banns had been published for the necessary three Sundays) Thomas and Ann were married on Monday 17th August 1801. Thomas signed his usual clear signature, but Ann made her mark.1

In 1803 the decision was made to abandon Norfolk Island. Thomas Lucas elected to be transferred to the Derwent. When the Lucas family left Norfolk Island they left behind a farm, which had been developed with 42 acres cleared and 17 acres not cleared. They had a shingled house of two floors, a thatched and boarded barn of two floors, 3 thatched outhouses and one boarded outhouse, various sheep and pigs as well as what and oats being cultivated.

The settlers were granted compensation for the farm and stock and promised a grant of land four times as much, i.e. for Thomas Lucas, 240 acres, in Van Diemen's Land. Nevertheless, the settlers were reluctant to move.

On Saturday 3rd September 1808, the City of Edinburgh took aboard the last group of settlers for Van Diemen's Land, and the Lucas family was among them. They sailed on Friday 9th September and arrived in Van Diemen's Land Sunday 2nd October 1808.

The Lucas family settled into Van Diemen's Land, and apparently chose land at Brown's River near the present Kingston, where they are recognised as the first settlers. A muster on Sunday 30th April 1809 shows Thomas Lucas as having 530 acres between Hobart Town and Brown's River. This was the largest holding in Van Diemen's Land at the time.

On Tuesday 29th August 1815, at the age of 56 Thomas died and he was buried in St David's Cemetery in Hobart. At his funeral the Masonic Lodge performed their ceremonies over a brother mason at the graveside. (sic)

1790. Vancouver's Expedition in the Discovery.

1790. An empty bottle is sometimes referred to as a 'Dead Marine'. The origin of the term is somewhat obscure, but the following story is told to account for the expression. This is one of the few Sailor expressions that can actually be traced to a specific person on a specific date.

William IV who was known as the 'Sailor King' was the third son of George III, he was born Prince William Henry. In 1789 he became Duke of Clarence. As a youth he joined the Navy as a midshipman and rose through the ranks. Someone in his social position who might be expected to become a Rear Admiral through patronage. Which he did through true merit.

Shortly after receiving his promotion to Rear Admiral in 1790, His Highness was at dinner on board one of his fleet's ships. He ordered the steward to remove the 'Dead Marines' to make room for new bottles.

There was also in the mess a dignified elderly Major of Marines who promptly took exception to this remark, and rising from the table asked, "May I respectfully ask your Royal Highness why you apply the name of the Corps, to which I have the honour to belong, to those empty bottles? The Duke, with tact and quick wit, replied; "I call them Marines because they are honest fellows who have done their duty and are now quite ready to do it again." This reply somewhat mollified the indignant officer of Marines.

An alternative derivation comes from the animosity between the Navy and the Marines. The Royal Naval seaman says that like an empty bottle a Marine is of no use to anyone, and if dropped over the side in the position of attention would float upright because of the size of his boots. The Marine's retort is that like an empty bottle he is always ready for duty again.

Although some have been known to suggest that the term is derived from the fact that an empty bottle always floats head up, and it has been rumored that a Marine will do this even when dead, owing to the traditional size of his feet and boots. I think the former explanation is certainly the most just and decidedly the most apt. It is supposed that the Duke of Clarence made use of this term on one occasion and the event is commemorated in verse by Colonel W. Drury, R.

The story also caught the imagination of the Army officers. They wanted their soldiers to be held in the same favorable view. They adapted the term for their use, changing it to 'Dead Soldiers'.

Since it's a more nautical term, 'Dead Marines' is usually refer to freshly emptied wine bottles, by Naval ratings and Royal Marines.

This same Duke of Clarence is said to have added the words 'By Land or Sea' to the badge of the Royal Marines.

1790 \- 1805. The Marines uniform of the day. (Taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI.)

1791. Tuesday 16th August. Loss of Pandora.

1791. Wednesday 16th November. Chatham Orders. All the Officers, N.C. Officers and Private Men are to hold themselves in readiness to turn out a minute's notice to march where they may be ordered to receive Their R. Highness the Duke and Duchess of York; and uniformly dressed; and those that are unfit to join the Battalion are not to be straggling about the streets on any account.

1791. November. Phoenix took Resolu.
1791. Thursday 18th December. After 18 months service in Norfolk Island, major Ross returned to Sydney, and with the greater part of Marines left for England on board HMS Gorgon leaving behind only one Captainand Lieutenant, three 1st Lieutenants, the Judge Advocate (Collins), eight Non Commissioned Officers, two Drummers and fifty Privates.

1791. On a memorial being presented, an invalid establishment was formed, allowing the following officers to retire, one Commandant on 24d per day, one Lieutenant Colonel, one Major, and twelve Captains, six First Lieutenants, and three Second Lieutenants.

1792. Early in the year. The most important matter that employed the attention of the House of Commons in the early part of the year 1792, was a message from his Majesty, presented by Mr. Pitt on the 28th of January, which in fact announced the commencement of hostilities against France.

In almost every war between Great Britain and France, the West India islands have been among the first and principal scenes of contest, and the efforts of the british minister were again directed to that quarter of the world, with considerable hope of success ; for these islands, generally, were badly defended, and the French were too much occupied in preserving their own territories in Europe, to provide adequate means of protection for their distant possessions ; and as the black population of the colonies was strongly incensed against their employers, the british government confidently anticipated a speedy and easy reduction of the french West India islands. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1792. April. An attack was made upon the island of Tobago by vice-admiral Laforej^ in the Trusty of 50 guns, and some small craft, conveying 470 troops, including 32 marines under major Richard Bright, from Barbadoes. The landing was effected on the 14th; and on the 15th, after assaulting the fort of Scarborough, which was garrisoned by 200 men under a lieutenant-colonel of the french 32nd regiment, the island became again a dependency of Great Britain.

An attempt was next made on Martinique by rear-admiral Gardner with three ships of the line and a fleet of transports, having on board 1100 british, and 800 french-royalist troops, who were landed on the 16th and 17th; and on the 18th the united forces moved forward in two columns to the attack, the two batteries defending the town of St. Pierre. Owing to some confusion among the royalists they fired upon each other, and then retreated to the place of debarkation, followed by the English; and the admiral was compelled to re-embark in great haste, whilst many hundreds, who had espoused the royalist cause, took refuge on board the ships, to avoid the cruel vengeance of their adversaries.

The revolted state of the inhabitants in St. Domingo induced the better disposed to seek for british protection ; and in conse- quence of information brought to commodore Ford, commanding the naval forces at Jamaica in the 50-gun ship Europa, and some small frigates, that officer arrived near the harbour of Cape Nicolas Mole on the 21st of September; and finding that the inhabitants were apprehensive of an attack from the mulattoes and blacks, the commodore sent on shore terms of capitulation similar to those agreed upon at the surrender of Jeremie. Soon after daylight the next morning this proposal was returned, duly executed; and the Europa having proceeded to the anchorage, the town and its extensive dependencies surrendered to his britannic Majesty.

The marines of the Europa, under major Robinson, were the only british force on shore for several days in this important service; and they continued there until the arrival of troops from Jamaica.

The first encounter since the commencement of the war was on the 13th of May, when the 32-gun frigate Iris fell in with the french frigate Citoyenne Frangaise of 32 guns, off Bordeaux, and after engaging her from 6h. 30m. p.m. until 8 a.m., the stranger hauled her tacks on board, and shot a-head. At this moment, when the Iris was preparing to make sail in pursuit, her foremast, main top-mast, and mizen-mast went over the side. The Iris had 4 men killed, and 32 wounded; whilst the enemy sustained a loss of 15 killed, and 37 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1792. Wednesday 12th September. Trial of some of the Bounty mutineers at Portsmouth.

1792. Thursday 13th September. The battering ships took their stations between the new and old mole, parallel with the rock, and about half a mile distant from it. The attention of general Elliot was principally directed to the effect of the red-hot shot upon the battering ships, but at the same time the whole peninsula seemed to be overwhelmed by the torrents of fire which poured upon it. About two o'clock in the morning, the admiral's ship was observed to be on fire, and shortly afterwards a second ship was in flames. Through the whole night of the 13th the fire was continued by the garrison without intermission, and when daylight appeared, a dreadful scene presented itself; the flames continued to rage on board the battering ships, and the men were seen imploring pity and assistance.

The governor having humanely ordered a cessation of the cannonade, the boats from the rock assisted in rescuing the Spaniards from the destruction which was at hand; and by the intrepidity of captain Curtis of the navy, and his gallant followers, above 400 of the enemy were extricated from their perilous situation. Nine battering ships blew up, and the tenth was destroyed by the British. The impression made on the enemy by the resistance of the garrison is strongly depicted in the following extract of a letter from a french officer: — " The eye is fatigued with the sight, and the heart, is rent with the groans of the dying and wounded. Their number makes me thrill with horror; and I am told that in other parts of the lines, not within my view, the number is still greater."

The loss of the garrison was comparatively small: the whole number between the 9th of August to the 17th of October, being 65 slain, and the wounded 388; nor was the danger done to the works very considerable.

About the time of the attack, lord Howe sailed from England with thirty-four ships of the line, escorting a fleet of transports laden with troops and supplies for the garrison; but owing to contrary winds they did not reach the straits until the 11th of October, and on the 18th this powerful armament entered the bay, in presence of the combined fleets of France and Spain. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1792. Friday 14th September. The Rainbow of 44 guns, captain Trollope, cruising off the Isle of Bas, captured the french 40 gun frigate Hebe, after a short action, in which the french ship had 5 killed, and several wounded; but the Rainbow sustained no injury, and had only one man killed.

The Santa Margarita, captain Elliot Salter, being on a cruise near Cape Henry, on the 29th of July brought to action the french 36-gun frigate Amazone. At 5 h. p. m., when within musket-shot, the enemy's ship opened her fire, and wore round on the same tack as the Santa Margarita: both then gradually closed until within pistol-shot of each other, in which position the actionwas maintained for an hour and a quarter; when the Amazone surrendered, with loss of main and mizen-masts, her captain, the vicomte de Montguiote, and 70 men killed, and more than that number wounded. The Santa Margarita had 5 men killed, and 17 wounded.

Lieutenant Frederick Hill Flight, and second-lieutenant Thomas Dyne, were the officer of marines on board the Santa Margarita.

On the 6th of December the Ruby of 64 guns, captain John Collins, having chased from the squadron under sir Richard Hughes, near Barbadoes, captured the french 64-gun ship Solitaire, commanded by the chevalier de Borda, after a close action of forty minutes, during which the enemy lost her mizen-mast, and had 20 men killed, and 35 wounded. The Ruby had only 2 men slightly wounded, but her masts, sails, and rigging were much injured. Captain Collins was honoured with knighthood for his gallant conduct in this action. The officers of marines in the Ruby were, captain Jonas Matthews, lieutenant Solomon Debrisay, and second-lieutenant Mark Oates.

While the fleet under earl Howe was equipping at Spithead to proceed to the relief of Gibraltar, the Royal George of 108 guns was careened, that some defects under water might be repaired. The ship, as usual on coming into port, was crowded with people from the shore; and among these were many wives and families resident in the neighbourhood of Portsmouth. In this situation, about ten in the morning on the 29th of August, while rear-admiral Kempenfelt was writing in his cabin, a sudden squall of wind threw the ship upon her broadside: the ports being open, and the sudden motion of the cannon probably increasing the shock, she almost instantly filled with water and sank. The rear-admiral; Mr. Saunders, first-lieutenant; Mr. Waghorne, 5th lieutenant; major John Graham, first-lieute- nants Richard Graham and Adam Currie, and second-lieutenant William Smith of the marines, the master, carpenter, surgeon, three master's mates, and all the midshipmen except four, with above 800 persons, are supposed to have perished. Upwards of 300 persons, including captain Waghorne, were saved. The Royal George was launched in 1 755, and was a favourite ship, having carried the flag of admiral Boscawen and of lord Hawke on the 20th of November 1759, when he defeated the french fleet under Conflans in Quiberon bay.

The honourable captain James Luttrell, in the Mediator of 44 guns, when cruising offFerrol, on the 12th of December fell in with a squadron of five ships of war bound to Port-au-Prince, consisting of PEugene of 36 guns, an american brig of 14 guns, the Menagere, a large ship en flute, mounting 30 guns, laden with stores and ammunition; next to this ship was placed the Alexander, 24 guns, under american colours, and the nearmost of their line was the Dauphin Royal of 28 guns. At 10 a. m. the enemy opened their fire, as the Mediator bore down upon them; and on their being obliged to tack and wear, the british ship was enabled to close with her opponents; upon which the brig and the Dauphin Royal stood away under a crowd of sail. At eleven the Mediator cut off' the Alexander from her consorts, and pouring in her broadside, compelled the enemy to strike her colours. The other two ships, after firing a few guns, made off before the wind. About noon, as soon as the prisoners were exchanged, captain Luttrell went in pursuit of the Menagere and Eugene; but the latte having separated, her consort was pursued until 9 p. m., when the Menagere, being within gun-shot, hauled down her colours.

The Mediator was much cut up in her masts and rigging but suffered no loss. The Alexander had 6 killed and 9 wounded, and the Menagere 3 killed and 7 wounded. Lieutenant Rankine of the marines was serving on board the Mediator. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1792. Monday 19th November. Sounds Within the womb of American liberty, was partly contained that revolution in France, which, after a long and sanguinary struggle, has not as yet accomplished any permanent system. It is not my task to retrace its extensive causes, and it would be presumptuous to anticipate its final issue. In this, reason, unguided by precedents, is soon lost in the labyrinths of speculation.

Confining myself to such points alone as affect the dignity of my Country, or the honour of my corps, fancy shall not assume the reins, but I will strike at once to that momentous day which again involved those arbiters of Europe in all the horrors of war.

A conventional decree of 19th November 1792, circulated through every Country, and translated into every language, seemed represent the French Nation as the encouragers and protectors of reform in every State. At this period Britain was recovering fast from her late disastrous efforts. An unexampled influx of wealth, added to her native joys of contentment and freedom. An edict so much militating against the internal peace of every society, therefore, naturally roused the watchful jealousy of our Government. Discussions ensued, which were agitated with temper, until those libertines in the cause of emancipation, brought their amiable Monarch to the scaffold. I blush to say that there were even Englishmen who were capable of extenuating the bloody deed, while there were others, but under a more generous impulse, who, tasting pure freedom themselves, wished that the blessing might also flow through all the channels of mankind. A set of free thinkers in politics, and Philanthropists in theory, also started up, who, with all the enthusiasm of laudable zeal worshipped a statue erected by an American Stay-Maker, on which were inscribed "The Rights of Man." The mania of that day, thank God, is extinguished, and an Englishman has now only to contrast the fawning attitude of the French People, under the present yoke of a foreign and unprincipled Usurper, with their uncontrolled and licentious barbarity towards a good but fallen King, in order to form his opinions, and to suppress his sympathies in behalf of a nation, which, to gain its own ideal liberties, has uniformly aimed to desolate and enslave the world. He must also cease to admire the boasted victories and conquests of its soldiery, few of whom but do not now feel those chains which their triumphs have forged, and what all these once brave legions dare not now wrest from the hands of one man. But to resume my narrative Towards the close of 1792 a small addition was granted to the corps of Marines, and a much greater took place early in 93, in consequence of the intermeddling policy of France, and the war which followed it.

The narrow views that had influenced so great a reduction at the peace of 1783, were bitterly apparent at the commencement of hostilities. In every contest our enemies begin with superior advantages, from their despotic means. Impress is precarious and slow compulsive registration enforced by terror, brings forth a host at once. It is to the faithful Marine Soldier who knows not the meaning of desertion, that the nation, under such sudden emergencies, is often obliged to have recourse, in equipping as well as manning her fleets; for it is not in human nature to place confidence in that man who has been constrained to serve, and who recognises not either a voluntary will, or a sacred obligation to discharge his allotted duties.

It has always been remarked, that the corps of Marines recruit more successfully in every part of our isles, where their nature is ascertained, than any other under his Majesty. From this circumstance must have originated the motive of low bounties being given by its parties in 1793, while those of the line, and other departments were considerably higher.

This restriction upon our increase loaded our service with difficulties and presented almost insurmountable barriers to the attainment of that knowledge of tactics, in which every Marine Officer and Soldier should be conversant previous to his embarkation. For a time, there seemed but little disposition to remedy the former errors, until the imperious demands of an increasing Navy urged the adoption of more active measures.

At this period of surrounding danger, the liberal patriotism of the town of Manchester was highly conspicuous, and gave a local spur to access in strengthening the neglected ranks of the Marine corps.

What enhanced its manly and honest zeal, was, that the expression of it was almost coeval with that day, on which our Gracious Sovereign unbosomed his insulted feelings, and the perils that hovered round his Country, to a convened Legislature.

A sum of £5501-4s.-9d. was soon subscribed by that Loyal Society, which was applied to the auxiliary purpose of raising and sending forth to battle 1085 recruits, between the 19th of February and 3d of October, when a General Meeting, to inspect and close the accounts of their acting Committee, was dissolved, and their thanks were tendered to William Douglas, Esq. its Chairman.

These volunteers were levied under the endearing and uniting name of "The Manchester Marine Corps." My feelings lead me to diverge more extensively upon this meritorious theme, which my bounds, however, compel me to close with an earnest hope, that while the virtuous action shall long stand registered on our annals, its imitative influence may also be felt by the present, and transcend to the latest generations of my countrymen.

Owing to an inadequate establishment, from the cause assigned, many ships put to sea with only half a complement of Marines, while others had none at all. What prevented Capt. Faulkener, in the Venus, from consummating a gallant action by victory, but this deficiency? In many cases, regiments of the line were substituted; an alternative which can only be the offspring of necessity, but not the suggestion of public good.

The British arms were very early triumphant in the West, under the joint auspices of Major General Cuyler and Sir John Laforey.

Their force which included Major (now Colonel) Bright, 1 Lieutenant, 2 Serjeants, 1 Drummer, and 27 private Marines, not amounting to 400 men, carried Fort Castries by storm, and with it the island of Tobago, garrisoned by greater numbers. Some untoward circumstances arising from the cowardice or treachery of a guide, added to a dark night, occasioned a small derangement in our approach to the attack, but it was amply attoned by a general intrepidity in the troops; the main body of which pushed boldly towards the barrier, who attracted the whole attention of the enemy, while the flank companies of the 9th and 60th regiments entered their works. This affair was achieved by the bayonet, with little loss on either side; for mercy, as usual, was shewn by Englishmen to the vanquished.

St. Pierre and Micquelon also soon became easy conquests. Such are the crouded and brilliant instances of this war, that I cannot venture upon a minute detail of any or render justice to their merits.

Lord Hood, who had been recently called forth by his Country, in the hour of threatened danger, and who, upon its having been dispelled, had again become the citizen, was once more placed at the head of a powerful fleet. This he destined to carry to the Mediterranean, where it was his lot to perform very important services, throughout which, he approved himself an accomplished adept in the schools of a Sully and a Marlborough. Never since our existence before, have the talents of a Naval Officer been exerted on so wide a field.

Untrained to the courtly habits of life, uninstructed in the arts of diplomacy, the world usually attaches to him no embellishments of character, but professional bravery, uncorruptible zeal, impressive unadorned manners. The Nation, however, could not have had a more dignified representative, a cooler agent, or a more indefatigable servant than Lord Hood upon so trying an occasion, and amidst such mingled and arduous duties. His intercourse with the deputies from different departments in the South of France, was guided by wisdom and led to success, while his appeals to their community breathed a well-timed humanity towards that oppressed land.

After an interchange of terms, the Honourable Capt. Elphinstone (now Lord Keith) took possession of Fort La Malgue with 1800 troops and Marines upon the 28th of August. The fleet of Spain hove in sight, anchored, and reinforced that post with 1000 men. At first the inhabitants of Toulon, though royalists, were still jealous of the issue of things, but they were tranquillized in all their fears, by a solemn assurance, that the place and ships were held in trust for Louis the 17th, their lawful Sovereign. The approach of a part of Carteaux army, to Ollioules, produced a very spirited attack from La Malgue, headed by Capt. Elphinstone, and consisting of 600 Spaniards, British troops and Marines, who drove a superior enemy from that village, and took their cannon, ammunition, and some prisoners. The dispositions of the English commander were masterly and attested his abilities to wage war on either element.

Lord Mulgrave arrived at Toulon early in September, and assumed the command of the combined detachments, with the local rank of Brigadier General.

The Marines of the fleet were dispersed over the different posts of defence, some of which were cannonaded by the enemy, daily increasing in numbers.

All the military talents of Lord Mulgrave were requisite at this trying juncture. They were soon displayed in the most active measures, by occupying situations essential for checking the enemy's attacks, and affording a temporary security to many extensive objects, until reinforcements should arrive.

His Lordship had to guard against the insults of the Army of Le Poype on the East, as well as that of Carteaux on the West, in which he was materially aided also by the activity and steady bravery of the Officers and Seamen of the fleet. At this time too, the Spaniards were actuated by a spirit of cordial union.

On the 28th of September, a seasonable supply of 2800 Sardinian and Neapolitan troops arrived, who, in three days after, in conjunction with the other allied corps, of which the British Marines formed one, had an opportunity of signalizing themselves, led by Lord Mulgrave himself, in recovering the important heights of Pharon, which had been surprized and carried under cover of a fog, upon the 30th.

To the rapid enterprize of his Lordship, as much as the seconding valour of every subordinate Soldier and Seaman, may justly be ascribed the glory and success of the 1st of October. Very honorable mention was made of Serjeant Moreno, and three privates of the Spanish Marine Corps, who, with a daring and judicious zeal, traced out the line of march for the allied column on the right, to within pistol shot of the works.

Directed by genius, the laurel was obtained, and its value enhanced by a very trifling loss, while that of the French exceeded 1400 killed and wounded; Lieutenant Carter, of Marines, was amongst the English wounded.

A very bold sortie, from Fort Mulgrave, took place on the 8th of October, against the enemy's batteries, opposite the Hauteur de Grasse, evidently constructed with a view to incommode the fleet.

In this, 50 British Marines co-operated, and shared in the honor of destroying their guns on the Hauteur de Reinier; a service which was peculiarly allotted to the seamen under Lieutenant Serocold.

Fort Pomet, partly garrisoned by my corps, had been exposed to a severe cannonade; particularly from 2 guns and 1 mortar above it, which allowed no tests but of steady courage.

Captain Elphinstone bore testimony of Marine spirit, in an attack from Fort Pharon upon the French forces to the eastward, when Captain Dexter was distinguished for his services.

Much am I inclined to diverge upon the meritorious acts of all, but my scope is necessarily limited.

Lord Mulgrave resigned the command of the combined troops to Major General O'Hara, upon the 27th of October, after the most creditable discharge of his trust.

The British posts were extremely wide, and the duties of all were of the most fatiguing kind; but they were supported with the fortitude of Soldiers.

One of the most brilliant events of this checquered warfare, although unnoticed in any of the official details of it, and generally unknown, was meritedly attached to Lieutenant (afterwards Captain) Thomas Nailor, who was entrusted with the defence of a fort, having under him a little garrison of 120 men, principally Marines. A body of 2000 French moved on to attack him upon the morning of a day, with which I am uninformed as to date, under cover of a fog, and sanguine in the hope of surprising him. But he was on the alert and prepared to receive them. With a thoughtful but unshaken valour he awaited the onset, ordering his little band to reserve their fire, until the republicans were close, and to maintain it by platoons; but by no means in a scattered form. A Neapolitan Lieutenant Colonel had thrown himself into the fort when on the eve of its being attempted, but he fell early in the conflict. After repeated essays to carry it with those superior numbers, the French relinquished the field with the loss of nearly 400 killed and wounded; casting back an eye of disappointment, mingled with admiration, of their undaunted opponents.

That young man is now no more. Owing to bad health, he retreated from public to private life, both of which he adorned by modest merit, the mildest manners, and most intrinsic worth. The final destiny of man, but recently closed his life unstained by dishonour.

During the progress of this siege too, a very flattering occasion intervened of testifying the personal zeal of Lieutenant (now Captain) Burdwood, in one of the sorties from Toulon. Embarking in it originally as a Volunteer with the Light Company of the Royals, his talents were decreed to conduct the retreat of its remains, after having been deprived of its Officers. So much were his merits appreciated by that gallant corps, that a deputation of Serjeants waited on him the following day, to solicit that, if a similar opportunity should again offer, he would give a preference by attaching himself to the First Regiment of Foot. The Officers of it also, anxious to express their feelings, voted him a perpetual member of their mess; upon which books, his name now stands in record of their gratitude.

Jealous feuds were apparent in the breast of the Spanish Commander, Don Langara, early in October. It has since appeared that he spoke the sentiments of his court, which was basely negociating with the authorized agents of the diabolical Robespierre. Every trifling incident was seized as a subject far contention, and the subsequent conduct of the Spanish troops warrants the suspicion that this influence was general. The address of Lord Hood, under this dilemma, was great and manly.

The Enemy, from constant reinforcements, became daring in their attacks. On the 15th of November they attempted Fort Mulgrave on the Hauteur de Grasse, with a large force.

This post was occupied by the Spaniards on the right, who soon gave way, and retreated, firing their musquets in the air. To Capt. D. Campbell of the 2d battalion of Royals, and Lieut. Lemoine of the corps of Artillery, was owing the repulse of the enemy, and saving that very important post.

Towards the close of November, the French having opened against Fort Malbousket, and their shells also reaching the town, it was requisite to dislodge them from the ground they held. A body of 2300, under Gen. Dundas, of which the Marines composed a part, advanced against it, under many obstructions, on the 30th, drove the enemy from it, but, under an ill judged impetuosity, rushed onwards, instead of maintaining the post they had gained. The republicans gathering in numbers, in turn recovered all, and took Gen. O'Hara prisoner, after he was wounded, and had used the utmost endeavours to rally our Soldiers. This Officer foresaw not the unfortunate ardency but had arrived at the post in order to arrange its defence. He unhappily fell a sacrifice to his overstrained zeal.

Little hope now remained of preserving Toulon; the enemy, from his numbers, pushing matters to a close. Sickness began its ravages; and no reinforcements were at hand to supply them.

The very material post of Fort Mulgrave, partly garrisoned by British Marines, was much annoyed by shells, without having the means of retreat from their effects. On the 17th of December, at two in the morning, the French advanced to storm it. Here again the Spaniards gave way, and it was in vain that English courage alone was exerted in supporting their quarter of it. From hence our men retreated to Fort Balaguier, under cover of the different posts on the heights. After dawn, one unceasing fire against the different posts on Pharon, commenced, which ended in the republicans gaining possession of the mountain that overlooks Toulon. These reiterated disasters could not now be retrieved. To withdraw every detachment within the town of Toulon, for re-embarkation, became the only alternative. On the 18th it was directed that the whole combined forces should assemble near Fort La Malgue with secrecy, and about ten at night they began their march and the evacuation of Toulon. Avoiding the Fort of St. Catharine, which had been shamefully quitted during the day, without orders, the whole struck through a sally post, by which they gained an advanced part of the road, and arrived at Fort Malgue, where they formed on the rising ground above the shore. The Army reached the ships by day break, without loss.

General Dundas says, "it was impossible for him to express, but in general terms, the high approbation due to the Officers and men of the Regiments and Marines, for their exertions during a service the most harassing, distressing, and severe, seldom experienced by troops, for so long a time." The Royal Artillery was included in this encomium, as well as the Sardinian, Spanish, and French loyal auxiliaries.

It was supposed that Lieutenants John Williams, Barry, and Lynn, with 71 Marines, besides other gallant companions of the British Army, had fallen sacrifices in defending the posts of Mulgrave and Fort Pharon, but all the former and many of the latter rejoined, after having been prisoners, who now live ornaments to their corps.

Towards this seat of perilous duty Sir Sidney Smith had repaired in a private character, which, however, did not restrain him from tendering his services to Lord Hood. He was accordingly employed to carry into execution the destruction of the ships in the inner road of Toulon, the arsenals and magazines. Short was the time allowed him, and many were the attending dangers. It called forth all the resources of his ample mind, and all the courage of his intrepid followers. Besides an open enemy, he had to counteract the schemes of a treacherous friend, which had well-nigh overwhelmed him and his seamen, by the precipitate explosion of two powder ships, to which the Spaniards set fire, instead of sinking them. The conduct of Langara, throughout, but ill accorded with the reputed honour of his nation. It is not the calling of an Officer, and a brave man, to be the hidden agent of perfidy. Although the plan laid down by Lord Hood was well entitled to success, it still was not to that extent he wished. From the conflagration at Toulon, however, may be dated the wide triumphs of the British flag through the subsequent stages of the war, an achievement which can never be forgotten by a grateful nation, which must recognize its safety, and its commercial prosperity, in that early event.

In whatever quarter of the globe we cast an eye each continued to witness the exertions of the Marine Soldier. The convulsions at St. Domingo called aloud for British protection, whither an expedition sailed from Jamaica, under Commodore Ford. Proceeding first to Jeremie, it entered into terms; after which the Europa, carrying his broad pendant, went to Cape Nicola Mole, where she arrived on the 22d of September. On the following day, matters having been arranged, Captain Robinson, an Officer of distinguished merit and abilities, was landed with 50 Marines, to whom the Commodore granted the Brevet rank of Major and invested him with the command of its garrison. This gentleman acquitted himself with so much credit to himself that, when superseded in this important key to St. Domingo by Lieutenant Colonel Dansey, everything had been so properly conducted, that no trouble accrued to his successor, in the adjustments usually consequent upon such events. Commodore Ford gave his cordial approbation of the firm and regular conduct of the Seamen and Marines of his squadron, in the most unequivocal language, and their steadiness through every allotted duty, in that destructive clime, was uniformly observed.

The operations of the squadron and army, in the East, were most active and early. Pondicherry, and many subordinate places surrendered without much resistance, owing to the zealous intelligence conveyed by Mr. Baldwin, British Consul, in Egypt, of the commencement of hostilities.

Some gallant single actions were fought during 1793. That between La Nymphe and La Cleopatra was well contested, and in which Lieut.

John Whitaker, of Marines, is mentioned, as having ably seconded Sir Edward Pellew on the quarter deck. The former was wounded in the course of it, besides 10 of his party killed or maimed. Another equally brave, but not alike fortunate, happened on the coast of America, betwixt the Boston, Captain Courtenay, and L'Ambuscade,

French frigate. That promising Officer, ever anxiously in search of an occasion to distinguish himself, decoyed his antagonist from Sandy Hook. They met and fought; during the heat of the combat, one fatal shot decided the fate both of Captain Courtenay, and Lieutenant Butler, of Marines. A sincere friendship existed between them, and as they had been united in their lives, so were they also united in their deaths. Those amiable young men were hand in hand chanting every loyal Briton's anthem, "God save the King," at the moment their golden pitchers were broken. Adored by the crew, they unhappily left their guns to bid their departed father a long adieu, but he was no more, and to this circumstance alone was owing the Frenchman's escape, whom the Boston was unable to follow.

The capture of La Reunion, by the Crescent, Captain Saumarez, was a proof of English discipline, as the republican frigate sustained a loss of 120 killed and wounded, without one accident on our side.

The Honorable Captain Yorke, in the Circe, hastened to share in the glory, but was prevented by light winds.

This closes my details for 1793. (Taken from Chapter 38 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1792. Tuesday 11th December. The last of the Marines left Sydney (NSW) with Governor Phillip on his ship HMS Atlantic.

1792. Saturday 15th December. A number of Marines remained in Australia as settlers and in a despatch from Governor Phillip, these included 8 at Parramatta and 31 at Norfolk Island, while others remained in Sydney, some had died and six had been executed.

1792. Lodging money was allowed at the following rates: commandants 20s, per week, field-officers 12s., captains 8s., and subalterns 6s. The non-commissioned officers and privates obtained the privilege of allotting. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1792. By the Benevolent Act of 1792 Non-Commissioned Officers and Private Marines were allowed the privilege of allotting a portion of their pay (usually a moiety) to their wives, families, or others, which, till that period, was confined to the Seamen alone.

Immediately after embarkation, he who has a relative or a friend to whom he inclines to allot such a part, should execute this instrument, which the Captain of the ship he may belong to, will forward to the Navy Board; the Treasurer of which, authenticates the ticket and transmits it to the person for whose benefit it is designed.

The Receiver General of Land Tax, Collectors of Customs or Excise, and Clerks of the Checque, are officially obliged to pay these allowances to the holder of it, every four weeks, and should no money be in hand for the purpose, one or other must name a day of recall within a fortnight, under a penalty, as likewise if any deduction shall be made from the net sum. Tickets of allotment are irrevocable by the grantor, while he lives and is in public pay, unless he shews a very solid cause for cancelling them. If a wife who holds one, having children under fourteen, shall die, the fact must be attested by the Minister and Church Wardens of the parish, a person named who undertakes to receive their future allowances, and all the circumstances thus established must be remitted to the Navy Board for its sanction. He who becomes the representative ought to appear in person to receive such monies, unless prevented by sickness. But should a wife die (leaving children of the above description) and if no steps are taken or any claims made for their benefit, within six months, such allotments become void, and they will in future be paid either to the grantor himself, or his heirs and executors after his decease.

Those who hold such tickets may always be assured of the friends who gave them being alive, up to the date of the latest payment, as the Navy Board never fails to acquaint those Agents who have been accustomed to issue the money for allotments, with every death that happens; each of whom is bound, under a penalty, to acknowledge the receipt of such an intimation within two days. The same forms are observed in Ireland, where allotments are paid by the Collectors or Commissioners of Revenue.

All enquiries concerning the situation or destinies of distant relatives serving in the Royal Marines when embarked on board of ship, should be preferred to the Navy Board, Somerset Place, London, and through its present Secretary, (R. A. Nelson,) or whoever may succeed him, as the returns of ships are transmitted to that office, in which the Marines are included. In order to identify the Soldier, about whom an enquiry is made it is necessary to hand, at the same time, the number of his divisional company, as well as that of his allotment ticket, if he has granted one.

Successful reference may also be had to the division, where he is attached, by addressing a letter, "On his Majesty's service," to the Adjutant of it; always remarking the number of his Company.

In the year 1792 Marines were placed on the same footing and became sharers in the benefit of an Act "To prevent frauds and abuses in payment of wages, prize-money, and other allowances."

Wills, or letters of Attorney, when executed on board of ship, must be attested by the Captain, and one or more of the signing Officers. They are not valid unless they are revocable. The Captain acquaints the Navy Board in his ship's return when any Seaman or Marine under his command has made his testament, which is an evidence of the justice of future claims on his property in case of decease. Any will made by either, after his discharge from the service, or any power of Attorney affecting pay, prize-money, or other property acquired by him, while on board his Majesty's fleet, if executed within the bills of London or Westminster, must be attested by an Officer appointed by the Treasurer of the Navy, where wages are paid. If either a will or power of Attorney, as above, is made in England or Ireland, it must be witnessed by the Minister and Church Wardens; if in Scotland, by the Clergyman and two Elders of that parish in which the executor of such an instrument may reside.

Any Marine dying on board intestate upon information of his decease reaching his friends, he who is entitled to his effects must give in a petition to the Inspector of Wills, (J. Bedingfield, Esq) Somerset Place, London, or whoever may be his successor, stating the name of such Marine, to what part of the King's dominions he belonged, the name of the ship or ships in which he served, the applicant's own name, at full length, his relation to, or connexion with the defunct, what other kindred the deceased may have alive to the best of the petitioner's knowledge, and where resident. This must be certified by two respectable housekeepers of the parish, town, or place where the applicant dwells, who must aver that they believe such account to be true, which is also to be attested by the Minister and Church Wardens, that those subscribing witnesses live in the parish and are of honest repute.

Upon a petition and a certificate, executed agreeable to such prescribed forms, being transmitted to the Inspector of Wills, he will enquire into the truth of all, and when satisfied that no will of the deceased remains with him, he will send or deliver to the claimants an abstract of his petition, with a note or ticket signed by himself and subjoined, marked by his stamp, representing that such statement of the claimant appears just, and that the person so petitioning may have letters of administration to the deceased, provided he is otherwise entitled by law, which will be addressed to a Proctor in Doctor's Commons, that letters may pass in favour of the applicant, while the original petition and certificate are preserved on the records of the Treasurer of the Navy and kept by him, and the letters of administration must be lodged and registered in the same manner as the probates of wills, with the Inspector, who must give a cheque signed and stamped by him, or his representative, to the Administrators or their Attorneys, which will be sufficient for either to demand payment of all sums due to them on account of the deceased. Proctors are liable to a penalty of 500-l. if aiding to procure probates or letters of administration to empower any to receive pay, prize-money, &c. for service in the fleet, without having first obtained a certificate from the Inspector of Wills and powers of Attorney, and they will, moreover, be incapacitated from acting in any Ecclesiastical Court of Great Britain or Ireland.

Non-Commissioned Officers and Private Marines should be cautious to execute latter wills and powers exactly conformable to the prescribed rules, for if not attended to, they will be of no effect, besides the testator or executor being subject to a penalty.

The stated fees of Proctors are as follow, and with them I shall close an Appendix, which, I humbly trust, will prove of general benefit. Every remark which it contains is alike applicable in pursuing the interests of the heirs of Seamen as well as of Marines.

For seal, parchment, writing, and suing forth the probate granted to the Executors of any Marine whose property is 20-l. £0-15-2.

To Proctor on letters of administration on do. when 20-l. £1-4-2.

To Proctor for probate when property is 40-l. £1-8-8.

Do. letters of administration when do. do. £1-17-8

To Proctor for probate when property is 60-l. £1-11-2

To do. letters of administration when do. do. £2-8-6

To Proctors for probate when property is 100-l. £1 13-8

Do. letters of administration when do. do. £2-11-0

If the funds exceed my statements, the charges progressively become augmented, of which any Proctor can inform, as they are uniformly limited.

FINISH.

M. Swinney, Printer, Birmingham. (Taken from the Appendix 'An Historical Review of the Royal marine Corps' By Alexander Gillespie)

1792. Lodging money was allowed at the following rates: Commandants 20 shillings per week, Field Officers 12 shillings. Captains 8 shillings and Subalterns 6 shillings. The non-commissioned Officers and Privates obtained the privilege of allotting.

1792. Although no complete Marine units were garrisoned in Australia between 1792 and 1824 a few individual Marines and Officers were attached to garrison Regiments in NSW during that period. Those who choose to stay after having completing their military service and in some cases having married, were give crown land to settle on and build a home. Many Australians today can trace their ancestors back to these Marines.

1792 \- 1824. At that time, private Marines enlisted for life although discharge by purchase was allowed on payment of 10 guineas. Those who went to NSW, however, had the option of discharge after three years. Recruits were paid a 2 guinea bounty as an inducement to join.

1792 \- 1824. Although no complete Marine units were garrisoned in Australia, a few individual Marine officers were attached to garrison regiments in NSW during that period.

1793. Saturday 2nd February. War declared by France against Great Britain. It meant that for the next twenty three years the Marines were in action around the world. At the start of the war the Marines had 70 companies However, the establishment was raised to 9,815 men.

1793. Wednesday 2nd January. The 32-gun frigate Magicienne, captain Thomas Graves, in company with the Endymion frigate, escorting a convoy to the West Indies, chased two suspicious sail. At 12 h. 30 m. a. m., the Magicienne opened her fire, and after a few broadsides her opponent surrendered. The Magicienne then stood on, and brought the headmost ship to action, which continued until 2 h. 30 m. p. m., when the british ship's mizen-mast and main-topmast came down, and in another five minutes the fore and main-masts followed. The Endymion soon arrived up, cheered, and passed on in pursuit of the enemy, which was the Sybille of 40 guns, having about 300 supernumerary seamen on board, bound to the Chesapeake. The Magicienne lost 3 officers, and 16 seamen and marines killed; her first-lieutenant, 1 midshipman, her boatswain, lieutenants Henry Reddish Furzer and William Minto, of the marines, and 29 wounded, out of a crew of 189 men.

The fleet under vice-admiral Barrington, consisting of twelve sail of the line, had nearly reached Ushant on their way down Channel on the 5th of April, when several vessels hove in sight, and the signal was immediately made for a general chase. About sunset the strangers were discovered to be three or four ships of war, and seventeen sail of convoy. At half-past nine the sternmost ship, on perceiving that the Fourdroyant of 80 guns, captain Jervis (afterwards earl St. Vincent), was gaining fast upon her, bore away, and was pursued by the british fleet. It came on to blow fresh, which occasioned the Fourdroyant to separate from the squadron, and at 12 h. 47m. a.m. on the 6th she brought the french 74-gun ship Pegase to close action and continued to engage her until 1 h. 30 m. a. m., when she laid her on board on the larboard quarter, and compelled the french ship to surrender, having 80 men killed and 40 wounded, whilst the Fourdroyant had only 3 men wounded. The officers of marines of the Fourdroyant were, first-lieutenant John Hobbs, second-lieutenant Richard Murphy. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1793. Wednesday 13th March. Scourge captured Sans Culotte.

1793. Friday 15th March. Syren, and convoy engaged batteries at Moordyke.

1793. Sunday 14th April. Phaeton captured General Dumourier.

1793. Monday 15th April. The capture of Tobago. The British forces numbered 400 men that included Major Richard Bright, 1 Lieutenant 2 Sergeants, 1 Drummer and 27 Private Marines.

1793. Monday 13th May. Iris engaged Citoyenne Francaise.

1793. Monday 27th of May. The Venus of 32 guns, captain J. Faulknor, when one hundred and twenty-five leagues to the westward of Cape Finisterre, discovered the french 36-gun frigate Semillante. At 8 a.m. the Venus opened her fire, and a warm action was maintained on both sides, as the ships gradually approached, until 10 a.m., when they were scarcely half a cable's length asunder.

By this time the Semillante had suffered severely in her masts and rigging, with a loss of 12 men killed, and 20 wounded; and when the Venus was endeavouring to run her alongside, a stranger, under french colours, hove in sight to leeward, on which the Semillante bore up to join her. This terminated the action, and the Venus hauled to the wind as well as her crippled state would permit, having sustained a loss of 2 killed, and 20 wounded. A party of the 2nd regiment of foot was serving as marines on board the Venus.

The consort of the Semillante was the twelve-pounder 36-gun frigate Cleopatre, captain Mullon, of which we have to give a further account, by relating her proceedings in the ensuing month, when cruising off the Start. On the 18th of June, at 4 a.m., the Cleopatre was discovered by the Nymphe of 36 guns, eighteen-pounders, captain Edward Pellew, and immediately chase; but at 5 a. m., finding her adversary closing with her fast, the Cleopatre hauled to the wind and, under top-sails, resolutely awaited her approach. At 6h. 15m. a.m., when within hail, both ships opened their fire, and the action continued with great fury until 7 a.m., both frigates running before the wind. The wheel and mizen-mast of the Cleopatre having been shot away, she fell on board of her antagonist's head and stern; and at 7h. 10m. a.m. was boarded by a party from the Nymphe, who struck the french national colours. The Cleopatre had her captain killed, and her total loss amounted to 63 killed and wounded. On board the Nymphe 23 men were killed; lieutenant John Whitaker of the marines, and 26 men wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1793. Monday 27th May. Hytzna taken by French squadron.

1793. Monday 27th May. The Venus of 32 guns, captain J. Faulknor, when one hundred and twenty-five leagues to the westward of Cape Finisterre, discovered the french 36-gun frigate Semillante. At 8 a.m. the Venus opened her fire, and a warm action was maintained on both sides, as the ships gradually approached, until 10 a.m., when they were scarcely half a cable's length asunder.

By this time the Semillante had suffered severely in her masts and rigging, with a loss of 12 men killed, and 20 wounded; and when the Venus was endeavouring to run her alongside, a stranger, under french colours, hove in sight to leeward, on which the Semillante bore up to join her. This terminated the action, and the Venus hauled to the wind as well as her crippled state would permit, having sustained a loss of 2 killed, and 20 wounded. A party of the 2nd regiment of foot was serving as marines on board the Venus.

The consort of the Semillante was the twelve-pounder 36-gun frigate Cleopatre, captain Mullon, of which we have to give a further account, by relating her proceedings in the ensuing month, when cruising off the Start. On the 18th of June, at 4 a.m., the Cleopatre was discovered by the Nymphe of 36 guns, eighteen-pounders, captain Edward Pellew, and immediately chase; but at 5 a. m., finding her adversary closing with her fast, the Cleopatre hauled to the wind and, under top-sails, resolutely awaited her approach. At 6h. 15m. a.m., when within hail, both ships opened their fire, and the action continued with great fury until 7 a.m., both frigates running before the wind. The wheel and mizen-mast of the Cleopatre having been shot away, she fell on board of her antagonist's head and stern; and at 7h. 10m. a.m. was boarded by a party from the Nymphe, who struck the french national colours. The Cleopatre had her captain killed, and her total loss amounted to 63 killed and wounded. On board the Nymphe 23 men were killed; lieutenant John Whitaker of the marines, and 26 men wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1793. Tuesday 18th June. Nymphe captured Cleopatre.

1793. July. The Marines were authorised to recruit in Ireland at three recruiting stations in Dublin, Waterford and Cork.

1793. Wednesday 31st July. Boston engaged L'embuscade.

1793. Thursday 15th August. The assemblage of a powerful fleet in the harbour of Toulon, made it necessary that a british naval force should be despatched to the Mediterranean. Accordingly, a fleet in several divisions proceeded to that station; and on the 15th of August vice-admiral lord Hood arrived before Toulon, with twenty-one sail of the line and several frigates. The French had in that port, ready for sea, seventeen ships of the line, four refitting, nine repairing, and one on the stocks; making a total of thirty sail of the line.

The fleet was commanded by rear-admiral the comte de Tregoff, whose attachment to the ancient monarchy was in accordance with the sentiments of a great portion of the inhabitants of the southern provinces.

In order to encourage the loyalists to declare their sentiments, lord Hood issued a preliminary declaration, in which he pledged himself to support the people of Provence, provided the standard of royalty were hoisted, the ships in the harbour dismantled, and free egress and regress allowed to the british fleet. In that case, no private property of any individual, whatever his previous principles or conduct might have been, should be injured; and as England had no object in view but a firm and lasting peace on liberal and honourable terms, his lordship solemnly promised them, that the port, with all the ships and the forts of Toulon, should be restored to France, when that object was accomplished.

He next addressed an animated proclamation to the towns and provinces in the south of France, assuring them of the determination of the coalesced powers to co-operate with the well-disposed, in putting down the tyrannous faction that governed the country. The reply to this proclamation was favourable to the admiral's wishes, and on the 27th of August lord Hood landed 1500 troops, with 200 marines and seamen, near Fort la Malgue, of which they immediately took possession, and captain Elphinstone of the Robust was appointed governor. On a message being conveyed from the fort to the french rearadmiral Julien, that such ships as did not proceed into the harbour would be treated as enemies, the crews abandoned their ships, and about 5000 men and officers escaped into the interior. In the morning the ships moved into the harbour, and in the afternoon the british and Spanish fleets (the latter, composed of seventeen sail of the line, having recently arrived) anchored together in the outer harbour of Toulon. A reinforcement of 1000 men from the Spanish fleet having been sent into Fort la Malgue, rear-admiral Gravina took the command of the troops, and rear-admiral Goodall was appointed governor of Toulon and its dependencies.

On the 31st, captain Elphinstone, with 300 british and the same number of Spanish troops, made a successful attack on a french body of 800 infantry, with two pieces of cannon, near Ollioules; and after a slight resistance the enemy abandoned the position, leaving their cannon and ammunition in the hands of the British. In this affair captain Douglas of the 11th regiment was killed, and 13 wounded; and the Spaniards lost 2 killed, and 3 wounded.

During the night of the 30th September the republicans, availing themselves of a thick fog, surprised a detachment of Spanish troops, and took possession of the heights of Pharon, immediately over Toulon; but on the following day they were driven from their new possession with great slaughter by the allied troops under the command of brigadier-general Mulgrave, assisted by rear-admiral Gravina and captain Elphinstone. Out of 2000 men the republicans lost 1 500 in killed, wounded, and missing. Of the combined forces 8 were killed, 72 wounded and missing, and 48 prisoners. Buonaparte assisted in defending a battery on the Pharon heights; and for his skill and bravery on that day he became so much noticed, that he was shortly afterwards made a brigadier-general. On the night of the 5th of October, a detachment of 50 Spaniards, 100 Piedmontese, 50 Neapolitans, and 408 British, including 50 marines and a party of seamen, — the whole under lieutenant-colonel Nugent, proceeded to the attack of three batteries recently erected on the heights Des Moulins, and two to the southward on the height De Regnier; all of which menaced the shipping in the road: the force on these heights consisted of more than 1200 men, besides 300 in the batteries. The British, having gallantly marched up the difficult ascent, stormed and carried the batteries with very little loss; and after destroying the guns, they returned to their quarters without molestation.

Towards the end of October, the third and last division of Neapolitan troops arrived at Toulon, and the combined forces were then as follows: — French royalists, 1542; Piedmontese, 1584; Neapolitans, 4,832; Spaniards, 6,840; British, 2,114; making a total of 16,912 rank and file. Of this number not more than 12,000 were effective, the remainder being sick in the hospitals; and of those fit for duty, three-fourths were necessarily distributed among the different posts, extending at least fifteen miles, including several intermediate points; between most of which there was only a water communication.

The army of Kellerman had directed its march on Toulon, and supposing that half of his force had arrived by the 9th of October, there would then have been before the place 33,000 troops. General Dugommier had taken charge of the besieging army, having under him the generals Laharpe, Gamier, Lapoype, Monnet, and though last, not least, Napoleon Buonaparte.

On the evening of the 15th November the republican troops made a vigorous attack on Fort Mulgrave, situated on the heights of Balaguier: the first assault was directed against the right, where the Spaniards were stationed, who retreated in disorder, firing their muskets to create alarm. Major-general O'Hara fortunately arriving at this moment from on board the Victory, directed a company of the Royals to advance; and these gallant fellows instantly leaped the works, and routed the enemy with the bayonet. The loss of the allies amounted to 61 in killed and wounded, including among the latter captain Duncan Campbell of the Rovals, who had commanded the detachment, and lieutenant Lemoine of the royal artillery. The loss of the French was supposed to amount to 600 in killed and wounded.

General Dugommier, having erected works on the heights of Arenes, directly opposite to the fort of Malbousquet, on which were mounted twenty pieces of cannon, established his camp on the crest of another eminence, at a short distance in its rear; and as these guns greatly annoyed the garrison and endangered the arsenal, which was contiguous to it, it was determined to attack the enemy's position.

For this service a corps of 400 french royalists, 600 Spaniards, 600 Neapolitans, 300 Sardinians, and 300 British, forming a total of 2200 men, under major-general Dundas, marched from Toulon on the morning of the 30th of November. They ascended the heights with great difficulty and succeeded at once in driving the enemy from their guns; but the troops, misled by their impetuosity, descended to the hollow in its rear in their endeavour to carry the next eminence, to which the retreating enemy had fled. Here the main body of Dugommier's army attacked them, and not only compelled them to make a rapid retreat, but to relinquish the battery which their valour had won, and which they could here's one for you Bobby???ave held, and carried off the guns, had they remained in that position. The loss in this unfortunate attack was severe on the part of the British, who had 20 killed, 90 wounded, and 98 missing. General O'Hara, in endeavouring to rally the troops, was wounded and taken prisoner, and general Duo-ommier received a wound in the knee, when repelling our attack.

By the early part of December, the republican forces hadreceived such considerable reinforcements, that a council of war decided on an immediate attack on the fortifications and town of Toulon; but whilst these measures were under consideration, on the night of the 14th of December, in the midst of a heavy storm, the French marched from their encampments in three columns, each taking a route leading towards a different point, so that their attack might be simultaneous. By two a. m. on the 16th, the besiegers had erected five batteries in front of Fort Mulgrave, and continued to cannonade the works with considerable effect until two a.m. on the 17th; when, under cover of the dark and tempestuous weather, the enemy succeeded in entering the fort by the Spanish side ; and although resisted by the few remaining British under captain Conolly of the 18th regiment, they compelled the remnant of the garrison (originally not more than 700) to retire towards the shore of Balaguier. During these operations, the column under general Lapoype having succeeded in carrying all the posts upon the heights of Pharon, the line of defence was broken upon in two of its essential points, and the position was so commanding, that the ships were compelled to retire to a place of greater safety.

Under these circumstances a council of war was held by the British, when it was determined to evacuate Toulon, as soon as proper arrangements could be made for that purpose. The troops occupying the redoubt and the lunette of Pharon were ordered to retire to the posts of Artigues and St. Catherine's, whilst those of St. Antoine, St. Andre, Pomet, and the Mills might be withdrawn; but that of Malbousquet and Mississi to be retained as long as possible. The french ships of war, being armed, were to proceed to sea with the fleet, while those in the harbour, together with the arsenal and magazines, were to be destroyed.

The troops were withdrawn from the heights of Balaguier without much interruption from the enemy, as were those of the other posts deemed necessary to be evacuated. The purposed retention of the forts of Malbousquet and Mississi was prevented by the indiscretion of the Neapolitans, who abandoned them without orders, and deserting their posts, hastened on board the ships in the utmost confusion and disorder. In the course of the 18th, the remaining troops were concentrated in the town and in the fort of La Malgue, ready to embark when the conflagration of the shipping should take place.

The important service of destroying the ships and magazines was entrusted to sir Sidney Smith, at his own particular requestand on the same afternoon, taking with him a small lateen vessel, in which he had recently arrived from Malta, and three english and three Spanish gun-boats, sir Sidney proceeded to the arsenal to prepare the combustibles required for the occasion. The dock-yard gates had been judiciously closed and secured, and the galley-slaves, amounting to about 800, for the most part unchained, seemed to view these preparations with vindictive satisfaction; and as the guns of the tender and of a gun-boat were pointed towards them, they remained quiet spectators of the impressive scene. All this while the party of sir Sidney Smith was exposed to a fire of shot and shell from Malbousquet and the neighbouring hills, which tended to keep the slaves, as well as the republicans in the town, in entire subjection.

At 8 p. m. the Vulcan fire-ship, captain Charles Hare, was towed into the basin; and at 10 p. m., on a preconcerted signal, the trains leading to the different magazines and storehouses were set fire to, as well as the fire-ship. The flames ascended in terrific grandeur, and the rapid spread of the fire, almost overpowering by its heat, laid open to view all who were aiding in this perilous service; whilst the enemy, having distinct objects to point at, opened their batteries from every quarter. At this juncture an unexpected and awful explosion took place: the Spaniards, instead of scuttling, set fire to the Iris frigate, containing several thousand barrels of powder, and its effect shook one gun-boat to pieces, while another was blown into the air; but, providentially, only three of the crew were killed.

The business of the arsenal completed, sir Sidney Smith and his brave followers proceeded to the destruction of two 74 gunships, filled with french prisoners, who being landed in a place of safety, the Heros and Themistocle were set on fire. The gallant officer and his party, having effected all that could be done, were returning to the fleet, when another powder-vessel exploded close to them; but, extraordinary as it must appear, without doing any injury. The British were now so exhausted, that they stood slowly out towards their friends, heeding little, after their last narrow escape, the few ill-directed shots that were fired from forts Balaguier and Aiguillette.

The commencement of the conflagration had been the signal for evacuating the town, and under the direction of captain Elphinstone, late governor of Fort la Malgue, the whole of the troops embarked, and were on board the fleet by daylight on the morning of the 19th, without sustaining any loss. The fugitives from Toulon, to the amount of 14,877, men, women, and children, received an asylum on board the british ships, where they crowded to such an extent, that the Princess Royal had 4000, and the Robust 3000 of those unhappy people. Of the unfortunate who were left to the mercy of the enraged republicans, above 5000 perished by the sword or the guillotine, or were drowned in their endeavours to escape from the infuriated soldiery. Twenty sail of the line were lost to France: three ships of 80 guns, and fourteen of 74 guns, were destroyed, and the Commerce de Marseilles of 120 guns, with the Pompee and Puissant of 74 guns, were brought to England.

In the latter part of July, the 32-gun frigate Boston, captain George W. A. Courtenay, was cruising off New York, watching the french 36-gun frigate Embuscade, captain J. B. F. Bompart, lying in that harbour. In consequence of a hostile message sent by captain Courtenay, the french frigate put to sea, and on the morning of the 31st was seen coming down before thewind, to accept the challenge. After some preparation, the Embuscade, at 5h. 5 m. a.m., ranged along the weather side of the Boston, and a furious action was maintained on both sides. At 6 h. 20 m. a. m., captain Courtenay and lieutenant James Edward Butler of the marines, while standing at the fore-part of the quarter-deck, were killed by the same shot. By this time the Boston had lost her main and mizen top-masts and was much disabled in her sails and rigging. Thus, circumstanced, with two of her lieutenants wounded, the british frigate bore up and made sail, followed by the Embuscade until eight a.m., when the french frigate hauled to the wind. The Boston sustained a loss of 10 killed, and 24 wounded: the Embuscade 50 killed and wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1793. Thursday 15th August - 18th December. Operations at Toulon. Lord Hood leading a squadron of 21 ships of the line and several frigates entered the harbour of Toulon to assist the inhabitants against the tyranny of the Republican faction which had seized control of the Government. The Loyalists willingly handed over the town, and 1,500 troops and a number of Marines under the Command of Captain Richard Bidlake near fort La Malgue. The later occupied the fort which stood on a hill between the little and the great roads, while Fort Mulgrave was situated on the tongue of land that continued from the hill into the harbour. Soon afterwards a Spanish fleet arrived with reinforcements, and on the 31st August the allied British marched out and defeated a republican detachment near Ollicules. The Marines of the fleet were dispersed over the various forts and lines of defence, which soon came under fire from the enemy's batteries, the number of the besiegers increasing day after day. Fighting continued until December, when the increasing pressure of the enemy rendered the evacuation of the town inevitable. One of the most brilliant events of the siege was the defence of a redoubt by Lieutenant Thomas Naylor of the Marines with 120 men, mostly of his own Corps. A French column of 2,000 strong, covered by a fog attempted to surprise the redoubt in the early morning, but the garrison was on the alert, and Naylor, ordering his men to reserve their fire until the Republicans were at close quarters and then to fire by platoons, succeeded in killing or wounding nearly a quarter of their numbers and eventually repulsing their attack. Fort Mulgrave became known as the 'Little Gibraltar', and other forts fell one after another into the hands of the Enemy, and at 10pm on the18th December, the defence was restricted to the town and the Fort on La Malgue, which were held while the French men of war in harbour and the magazines were burnt and blown up, and the Loyalist who number nearly 15,000 men, women and children embarked on board the fleet to save them from the bloodthirsty Republicans. (sic)

I793. August to December. 0perations under Lord Hood at Toulon.

1793. September. Lowestoft captured a tower at Mortella, Corsica.

1793. Tuesday 1st October. Ardent and convoy at Tornelli and San Fiorinzo, Corsica.

1793. Saturday 5th October. Bedford and Speedy captured Modeste.

1793. Saturday 12th October. Boats of Captain captured Imperieuse.

1793. Sunday 20th October. Crescent captured Reunion.

1793. Tuesday 22nd October. Agamemnon engaged French frigates.

1793. Wednesday 23rd October. Vice-admiral Vernon, with a squadron of five ships of the line, and one of fifty guns, sailed from Portsmouth on the 20th of July, and arrived at Jamaica on the 23rd October 1793, the day on which war was proclaimed in England; and embarking two hundred soldiers to serve as Marines, he proceeded to Porto Bello, which was the destined object of his attack. At the entrance of the north side of the bay, close by a steep rock, was a strong fort called the Castillo de Ferro, mounting seventy-eight guns, with a battery beneath of twenty-two. On the opposite side of the bay, and about a mile further up, on an eminence, stood Gloria Castle, consisting of two regular bastions towards the sea, mounting ninety guns, with a curtain between of twenty-two more, besides eight guns pointing towards the harbour. A little above this castle, near the other end of the town, lay Fort St. Jeronimo, a strong quadrangular redoubt; under the guns of which, and of Gloria Castle, all the ships of the fleet rode at anchor; and at the bottom of the harbour stands the town of Porto Bello, situated on the north coast of the Isthmus of Darien. On the 20th of November the fleet arrived at the place of its destination. The Hampton-Court took up her position near Castillo de Ferro and was soon followed by the Norwich and Worcester. After firing several broadsides, on perceiving that the Spaniards abandoned their guns, the signal was made for landing; and the seamen and marines on reaching the shore, successfully scaled the walls, and immediately placed the English colours on the lower battery. This was no sooner perceived by the garrison in the upper fort, than they hoisted a white flag, and surrendered at discretion. The Burford was engaged with the Gloria Castle until night; and on the morning of the 22nd it capitulated, when the British troops took possession of that fortress, and of the fort of St. Jeronimo. After destroying the fortifications, the squadron sailed for Jamaica on the 13th of December. Soon after this, Admiral Vernon bombarded Carthagena and having entered the river Chagre, reduced St. Lorenzo, after destroying the castle and custom-house. He then returned to Porto Bello, and thence back to Jamaica. The intelligence of these successes diffused joy throughout the kingdom; and the Commons, in 1740, cheerfully enabled his Majesty to equip a very powerful fleet for the ensuing naval campaign. A camp was ordered to be formed on Hounslow Heath; while another was marked out in the Isle of Wight for 6000 Marines, destined to be employed in the West Indies. In 1741 the House of Commons voted 40,000 seamen for the service of the year, together with ten new regiments of Marines.

The fleet, which had assembled at Spithead under Sir John Norris, consisting of twenty-one sail of the line, proceeded no further than Torbay, and then returned to its former anchorage. On receiving intelligence that the Ferrol squadron had gone to the West Indies, and that the Brest and Toulon fleets were at sea, Lord Cathcart embarked with a large body of troops; and this formidable armament, amounting to one hundred and seventy sail, under Sir Chaloner Ogle, proceeded to the West Indies on the 26th of October. It had scarcely cleared the Channel before it was scattered by a violent tempest; nevertheless, the admiral pursued his voyage, and reached Jamaica on the 9th of January 1741, where he found Admiral Vernon, who now commanded a fleet of thirty ships of the line, with a considerable proportion of frigates, &c, having about 15,000 seamen, with 12,000 troops, including six regiments of English Marines, and four battalions raised in America. Touching at Dominica, to take in wood and water, on their passage to Jmaica, the expedition sustained an irreparable loss in the death of Lord Cathcart, a talented and experienced officer, who died of dysentery. The command then devolved on Lieut. -general Went worth, a man of very moderate abilities, and of no experience. The fleet, now numbering one hundred and twenty four sail, quitted (rish Bay, in Hispaniola, on the 25th of February, and anchored in Plaza Granda, which is to windward of Carthagena, on the 4th of March ; but the commanders of the respective forces, as if determined to give the enemy time to recover from their surprise, remained inactive in the bay until the 9th, when the first division of the fleet under Sir Chaloner Ogle, followed by Admiral Vernon with all the transports, moved forward towards the entrance of the harbour, called Boca Chica, which was defended by several formidable batteries; while the third division, under Commodore Lestock, remained at their anchorage. The Norfolk, Russell, and Shrewsbury, anchored close to the forts of St. Jago and St. Philip, which, being silenced in less than an hour, were taken possession of by a detachment of British grenadiers. On the 10th, the regiments of Harrison and Wentworth, with six regiments of Marines landed on the island of Tierra Bomba, and having pitched their tents, they commenced erecting a battery against the castle of Boca Chica; but they soon found themselves exposed to the fire of a fascine battery on the opposite side of the harbour, on the island of Varu. The admiral immediately directed Captain Boscawen, with a party of seamen, to land a mile to leeward of this battery, which mounted fifteen twenty four pounders, and was situated under a raised battery of five guns. Those gallant fellows soon gained possession of both batteries, and having spiked the guns, returned to their ships. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1793. Thursday 24th October. Thames engaged Uranie.

1793. Thursday 31st October. Quebec, and Convoy attacked Ostend and Nieuport.

1793. Monday 18th November. Latona engaged Tigre and Jean Bart.

1793. Monday 25th November. Penelope and Iphigenia captured Inconstante

1793. Saturday 30th November. General Dugommier, having erected works on the heights of Arenes, directly opposite to the fort of Malbousquet, on which were mounted twenty pieces of cannon, established his camp on the crest of another eminence, at a short distance in its rear; and as these guns greatly annoyed the garrison and endangered the arsenal, which was contiguous to it, it was determined to attack the enemy's position.

For this service a corps of 400 french royalists, 600 Spaniards, 600 Neapolitans, 300 Sardinians, and 300 British, forming a total of 2200 men, under major-general Dundas, marched from Toulon on the morning of the 30th of November. They ascended the heights with great difficulty and succeeded at once in driving the enemy from their guns; but the troops, misled by their impetuosity, descended to the hollow in its rear in their endeavour to carry the next eminence, to which the retreating enemy had fled. Here the main body of Dugommier's army attacked them, and not only compelled them to make a rapid retreat, but to relinquish the battery which their valour had won, and which they could hHere's one for you Bobby???ave held, and carried off the guns, had they remained in that position. The loss in this unfortunate attack was severe on the part of the British, who had 20 killed, 90 wounded, and 98 missing. General O'Hara, in endeavouring to rally the troops, was wounded and taken prisoner, and general Duo-ommier received a wound in the knee, when repelling our attack.

By the early part of December, the republican forces hadreceived such considerable reinforcements, that a council of war decided on an immediate attack on the fortifications and town of Toulon; but whilst these measures were under consideration, on the night of the 14th of December, in the midst of a heavy storm, the French marched from their encampments in three columns, each taking a route leading towards a different point, so that their attack might be simultaneous. By two a. m. on the 16th, the besiegers had erected five batteries in front of Fort Mulgrave, and continued to cannonade the works with considerable effect until two a.m. on the 17th; when, under cover of the dark and tempestuous weather, the enemy succeeded in entering the fort by the Spanish side ; and although resisted by the few remaining British under captain Conolly of the 18th regiment, they compelled the remnant of the garrison (originally not more than 700) to retire towards the shore of Balaguier. During these operations, the column under general Lapoype having succeeded in carrying all the posts upon the heights of Pharon, the line of defence was broken upon in two of its essential points, and the position was so commanding, that the ships were compelled to retire to a place of greater safety.

Under these circumstances a council of war was held by the British, when it was determined to evacuate Toulon, as soon as proper arrangements could be made for that purpose. The troops occupying the redoubt and the lunette of Pharon were ordered to retire to the posts of Artigues and St. Catherine's, whilst those of St. Antoine, St. Andre, Pomet, and the Mills might be withdrawn; but that of Malbousquet and Mississi to be retained as long as possible. The french ships of war, being armed, were to proceed to sea with the fleet, while those in the harbour, together with the arsenal and magazines, were to be destroyed.

The troops were withdrawn from the heights of Balaguier without much interruption from the enemy, as were those of the other posts deemed necessary to be evacuated. The purposed retention of the forts of Malbousquet and Mississi was prevented by the indiscretion of the Neapolitans, who abandoned them without orders, and deserting their posts, hastened on board the ships in the utmost confusion and disorder. In the course of the 18th, the remaining troops were concentrated in the town and in the fort of La Malgue, ready to embark when the conflagration of the shipping should take place.

The important service of destroying the ships and magazines was entrusted to sir Sidney Smith, at his own particular requestand on the same afternoon, taking with him a small lateen vessel, in which he had recently arrived from Malta, and three english and three Spanish gun-boats, sir Sidney proceeded to the arsenal to prepare the combustibles required for the occasion. The dock-yard gates had been judiciously closed and secured, and the galley-slaves, amounting to about 800, for the most part unchained, seemed to view these preparations with vindictive satisfaction; and as the guns of the tender and of a gun-boat were pointed towards them, they remained quiet spectators of the impressive scene. All this while the party of sir Sidney Smith was exposed to a fire of shot and shell from Malbousquet and the neighbouring hills, which tended to keep the slaves, as well as the republicans in the town, in entire subjection.

At 8 p. m. the Vulcan fire-ship, captain Charles Hare, was towed into the basin; and at 10 p. m., on a preconcerted signal, the trains leading to the different magazines and storehouses were set fire to, as well as the fire-ship. The flames ascended in terrific grandeur, and the rapid spread of the fire, almost overpowering by its heat, laid open to view all who were aiding in this perilous service; whilst the enemy, having distinct objects to point at, opened their batteries from every quarter. At this juncture an unexpected and awful explosion took place: the Spaniards, instead of scuttling, set fire to the Iris frigate, containing several thousand barrels of powder, and its effect shook one gun-boat to pieces, while another was blown into the air; but, providentially, only three of the crew were killed.

The business of the arsenal completed, sir Sidney Smith and his brave followers proceeded to the destruction of two 74 gunships, filled with french prisoners, who being landed in a place of safety, the Heros and Themistocle were set on fire. The gallant officer and his party, having effected all that could be done, were returning to the fleet, when another powder-vessel exploded close to them; but, extraordinary as it must appear, without doing any injury. The British were now so exhausted, that they stood slowly out towards their friends, heeding little, after their last narrow escape, the few ill-directed shots that were fired from forts Balaguier and Aiguillette.

The commencement of the conflagration had been the signal for evacuating the town, and under the direction of captain Elphinstone, late governor of Fort la Malgue, the whole of the troops embarked, and were on board the fleet by daylight on the morning of the 19th, without sustaining any loss. The fugitives from Toulon, to the amount of 14,877, men, women, and children, received an asylum on board the british ships, where they crowded to such an extent, that the Princess Royal had 4000, and the Robust 3000 of those unhappy people. Of the unfortunate who were left to the mercy of the enraged republicans, above 5000 perished by the sword or the guillotine, or were drowned in their endeavours to escape from the infuriated soldiery. Twenty sail of the line were lost to France: three ships of 80 guns, and fourteen of 74 guns, were destroyed, and the Commerce de Marseilles of 120 guns, with the Pompee and Puissant of 74 guns, were brought to England.

In the latter part of July, the 32-gun frigate Boston, captain George W. A. Courtenay, was cruising off New York, watching the french 36-gun frigate Embuscade, captain J. B. F. Bompart, lying in that harbour. In consequence of a hostile message sent by captain Courtenay, the french frigate put to sea, and on the morning of the 31st was seen coming down before thewind, to accept the challenge. After some preparation, the Embuscade, at 5h. 5 m. a.m., ranged along the weather side of the Boston, and a furious action was maintained on both sides. At 6 h. 20 m. a. m., captain Courtenay and lieutenant James Edward Butler of the marines, while standing at the fore-part of the quarter-deck, were killed by the same shot. By this time the Boston had lost her main and mizen top-masts and was much disabled in her sails and rigging. Thus, circumstanced, with two of her lieutenants wounded, the british frigate bore up and made sail, followed by the Embuscade until eight a.m., when the french frigate hauled to the wind. The Boston sustained a loss of 10 killed, and 24 wounded: the Embuscade 50 killed and wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1793 \- 1802. The 'French Revolutionary Wars'. In which Great Britain, Austria, Spain, Russia, Germany and the French Royalists were all against French Revolutionaries. While Marines saw action in the Mediterranean, South Africa, India, Egypt and the East Indies, and its strength was increased to 9,815 men.

1793. In consequence of the field officers being restored, and the establishment of an invalid retirement, several officers, who had quit active service, determined on returning to the effective corps; a circumstance that would have been attended with so much injustice to those who had continued in the service, and more particularly to the junior ranks, that it was resolved to resist such applications, for they had already experienced the injury arising from officers re-joining. Memorials were sent to the Board of Admiralty from each division to this effect: "That all officers may take rank and do duty in the corps from the date of their last appointment, receive promotion, and be placed on the list accordingly." The memorials were acceded to and enforced until a recent period, when a few officers were permitted to re-join; but this infraction, which was on a very limited scale, arose from a resolution of Mr. Hume, that he would not consent to the retirement of officers on full pay, or selling out, while serviceable officers remained on half-pay. Only four or five re-joined the corps, and about forty quitted the service.

1793. September. During the time that Toulon remained in possession of the allies, a formidable insurrection existed in Corsica, and general Paoli, the leader of the insurgents, having sought the aid of the English; commodore R. Linzee, with the Alcide and Courageux of 74, Ardent 64, Lowestoffe 32, and Nemesis 28, sailed from Toulon for Villa Franca in the month of September. Owing to some unexplained cause, the commodore delayed the attack on the redoubt of Fornelli, which is situated about two miles in advance of the town of San Fiorenzo, until the garrison had made such preparations as enabled them to defeat the attempt. On the night of the 30th of September, the Ardent was led into a situation to annoy the redoubt, and at the same time covering the approach of the other ships. At 3 h. 30 m. a.m. on the 12th of October, having opened her fire, she was soon joined by the Alcide and Courageux, and the three ships maintained a warm cannonade until 8 h. 15 m. a.m., without any visible effect on the redoubt; but the Courageux and Ardent had been unexpectedly opposed to a raking fire from the town of San Fiorenzo, by which they were considerably damaged; the Courageux having 2 killed and 13 wounded, the Ardent 14 killed and 17 wounded, and the Alcide 9 men wounded. The failure was attributable to a want of co-operation on the part of Paoli's adherents, who had undertaken, simultaneously with the naval operations, to storm the forts on the land side; but it is probable that the ill success was in great measure occasioned by the tardiness of the commodore in making the attack.

The great importance of the harbour of San Fiorenzo to Great Britain, as a point of rendezvous for her Mediterranean squadrons, suggested to lord Hood the propriety of assisting the loyal part of the inhabitants in their attempt to expel the French from the island. On the 24th of January the fleet and transports with the troops, amounting to sixty sail, quitted the bay of Hyeres, and proceeded to that of San Fiorenzo; but the armament was driven to leeward by a heavy gale, and did not reach Porto Ferrajo, in the island of Elba, until the 29th. On the 5th of February the Alcide, Egmont, and Fortitude, of 74 guns, with Lowestoffe and Juno frigates, Avere detached to a bay to the westward of Cape Mortella; and on the evening of the 7th, 1400 troops under major-general Dundas having landed and taken possession of a height which commanded the tower of Mortella, an attack was made upon it on the following day. The Fortitude and Juno, after engaging two hours and a half, were compelled to withdraw, with a loss on board the former of 6 men killed, and 56 wounded; nor was the battering from the height attended with better success until some additional guns were mounted, and then the brave garrison of thirty-three men, commanded by enseigne le Tellier, was compelled to surrender.

The post next attacked was the Convention redoubt, mounting twenty-one pieces of heavy ordnance, and considered as the key of San Fiorenzo. By surprising exertions, several eighteen-pounders were placed on an eminence of very difficult ascent, 700 feet above the level of the sea : this rocky elevation was deemed inaccessible, but the seamen, by means of blocks and tackles, contrived to haul up the guns, and a cannonade was unremittingly kept up during the 16th and 17th, when the works were stormed ; but the greater part of the garrison had retreated, and during the night passed over to the town of San Fiorenzo, with their two frigates. On the 19th, after sinking one of their frigates and burning the other, the French evacuated the town of San Fiorenzo, and retreated towards Bastia, leaving the British in possession of the former place, as well as of the tower and batteries of Fornelli and the seamen soon found means to weigh, and carry off the Minerve, a fine frigate of 40 guns. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1793 \- 1815. 'Per Mare Per Terram' - The Royal Marines 1793-1815 By Ron McGuigan.

The following is a short, concise look at the Royal Marines during the Napoleonic Wars. Largely forgotten when calculating the forces of Great Britain, they formed a valuable reserve of men for the Royal Navy and were often available to serve quickly on land until army reinforcements arrived to assist or replace them.

The value of soldiers aboard a Royal Navy ship was long recognized with the first recorded regiment converted for sea service on 16th October 1664, shortly after the beginnings of Britain's standing army. There then followed a parade of Maritime Regiments raised for service during wartime, with land regiments serving as marines in the fleets as well, and then disbanded at the peace, although some were re-raised as land regiments and their lineage is perpetuated today.

1687 to 1698, a total of seven Marine Regiments were raised and subsequently disbanded.

Early 1702, during the War of the Spanish Succession, orders were issued to raise six regiments of marines.

1701 and 1702, six Marine regiments were either converted or raised for 'Sea Service'. They were either disbanded or converted to foot Regiments by 1714. It is interesting to note that the Marine Regiments had 2nd Lieutenants whilst those Regiments designated for sea service had Ensigns.

1739 The largest number of Marine Regiments was formed from 1739 to 1740, when ten Regiments were raised for service. They ranked as the 44th to 53rd in seniority with the regular Army Regiments. They were all disbanded after the peace in 1748.

Seven years after the last Marine Regiment had been disbanded, it was determined to raise a Marine force on a permanent basis and on 5th April 1755 the order to raise the force was issued. With this in mind, fifty companies of Marines were authorized divided into three divisions based at Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth. The companies were known as Marine Forces. A Colonel Commandant commanded each division. The main staff officer was the Adjutant General.

1755 also marked the date when Officers' Commissions in the Royal Marines were no longer allowed by purchase, but by regular rotation of seniority.

By 1762, there were 135 Companies of Marines, which were drastically reduced to 70 Companies at the peace in 1763. Reaching 146 companies in 1782, by 1784 the establishment of the marine force had again been quickly reduced. These companies served at sea and on land in the Seven Years War 1755-1763 and the American Revolution 1775-1783, sometimes as individual companies and sometimes as ad hoc battalions. In 1791 an invalid establishment was created, and officers allowed to retire from active service.

Whenever the Royal Marines serve with the army, they take precedence in seniority after the 49th Regiment of Foot. Royal Marine seniority is only calculated from its formation in 1755 and not by any previous service of the disbanded marine regiments.

When Great Britain found itself at war again on 1 February 1793, it meant that for the next twenty-three years, the Royal Marines were in action around the globe.

During the years of peace between 1783 and 1793, the Royal Marines had been reduced to about 5,000 men. At the start of the war the Marines had 70 companies and in the Royal Navy estimates for 1793 the establishment was raised to 9,815 men.

In July 1793, the Royal Marines were authorized to recruit in Ireland at three recruiting stations of Dublin, Waterford and Cork.

In 1794 the establishment was increased to 12,000 men and in 1795 its establishment reached 15,000 men. In 1796 it augmented the companies to 8 sergeants, 8 corporals, 8 drummers and 113 privates and later that year to 120 privates for a total establishment of some 18,000 men. There were no further augmentations in either 1797 or 1798. In 1799 its establishment reached 22,716 men and between 1800 and 1801 it reach 24,200. The number of companies increased with the augmentations in establishments.

On 29th April 1802, in recognition of their services, the companies were granted the style of Royal Marines by His Majesty King George III, "In order to mark his approbation of the very meritorious conduct of the Marines during the late war, has been graciously pleased to direct that in future the corps shall be called the Royal Marines." (Also carried in the army lists as Royal Marine Forces) The white facings of the corps were changed to blue in accordance with the practice that royal regiments all wore blue facings.

With the peace in 1802, it was reduced to 100 companies and 12,100 men. But in 1803, with war again declared, the Royal Marine establishment was raised to 22,467 men. With another increase in 1804 it reached 29,000 men. A fourth division was formed at Woolwich in 1805 and the Marine establishment set at 30,000 with four artillery companies. The year 1806 saw additional companies raised to accommodate supernumerary Marines. Between 1807 and 1814 the establishment remained at 31,400 men. The peace of 1814 brought the usual reduction in numbers.

Even these augmentations proved inadequate and many line regiments served in the fleets between 1793 and 1814, although becoming less prevalent in the later years.

The Royal Marine Artillery was raised c.1804 for service in the bomb-ketches and other like vessels with one company raised for each division. A fourth company was raised in 1805 when the Woolwich Division was formed. They first saw service with the Boulogne Squadron and then at Copenhagen 1807.

In 1747, the deployment aboard ship was usually at a ratio of one marine per gun with officers. This ratio was maintained when the Marine Forces were re-raised. The Marines were present in every notable, and not so notable, fleet and ship-to-ship action between 1793-1815. For example, they were at 1st of June, St Vincent, Camperdown, the Nile, Copenhagen, Trafalgar, the Dardenelles, Cape Lissa and Aix Roads.

They always formed part of any cutting out excursion (i.e. seizing an enemy ship by using ships' boats and taking it from its anchorage). But the Marines also distinguished themselves on land either serving with the army or serving as part of a naval brigade (a force made up of both seamen and marines) such as at Tenerife in 1797 or Santa Maura in 1810.

Other examples are 1799 in the Helder where they helped garrison the forts or in 1812, where the Royal Marine Battalions served aboard Commodore Home Popham's squadron off the north coast of Spain. Together with Spanish forces, they disrupted coastal traffic, captured several towns and ports and tied up the French Army of the North not allowing it to reinforce the Army of Portugal, which was subsequently defeated at Salamanca.

Most marine battalions were ad hoc formations temporarily made up from the marines serving in the fleet or squadron. There were Royal Marine battalions formed by the fleets for locations such as South Africa 1795, Acre 1799, Naples 1799, Malta 1800, Egypt 1801, Elba 1801, South Africa 1806, South America 1806-1807, Portugal 1808, Walcheren 1809, Anholt 1811, Java 1811, Netherlands 1813, North America 1814-1815 and Marseilles 1815.

There were, however, three more permanent battalions formed in Britain for service overseas:

The 1st Battalion at Chatham, formed 30 September 1810 for service in Lisbon as the Royal Marine Battalion (numbered when the 2nd Battalion was raised). It left Lisbon in early 1812 to reorganize in Britain and returned to the north coast of Spain in 1812. Left for Britain again in December 1812 and arrived in Chesapeake Bay in June 1813 taking part in all of the operations there. In October 1813, the 1st Battalion left for British North America where it served until July 1814 when it was ordered to be distributed in the Great Lakes squadrons. A cadre reformed the battalion in Bermuda and it went to the Georgia coast, where it last saw action at St. Mary's River, Georgia in January and February 1815. It was finally disbanded in Britain July 1815. It had an artillery company and a small rocket corps attached.

The 2nd Battalion at Chatham, formed in July 1812 for service in the Peninsula. The 2nd Battalion arrived on the north coast of Spain in August 1812. In company with the 1st Battalion, it left for Britain December 1812. It arrived in the Chesapeake Bay in June 1813 taking part in all of the operations there. The 2nd Battalion was sent to British North America in September 1813. By order of the Admiralty in May 1814, the 2nd Battalion was broken up and dispersed among the Great Lakes squadrons. A cadre went to Chesapeake Bay where in August 1814, the 3rd Marine Battalion was now re-designated the 2nd Marine Battalion. It saw service at Bladensburg. In December 1814, the 2nd Battalion, with the 3rd Battalion, went to join the 1st Battalion at St. Mary's River, Georgia. The 2nd Battalion was disbanded in Britain July 1815. It had an artillery company attached.

Each battalion organized for service in North America originally contained:

1 Major Commanding; 1 Major; 8 Captains; 16 Lieutenants; 1 Paymaster; 1 Adjutant; 1 Quartermaster; 1 Surgeon; 1 Assistant-Surgeon; 2 Staff-Sergeants, 40 Sergeants; 40 Corporals; 16 Drummers and 672 Privates.

Each battalion also included one company of Royal Marine Artillery:

1 Captain; 4 Lieutenants; 4 Sergeants; 4 Corporals; 6 Bombardiers; 2 Drummers and 60 Gunners.

Artillery consisted of:

Four light 6 pounders; two light 5 ½ inch howitzers; two 10 inch mortars and two 8 inch brass howitzers.

The 3rd Marine Battalion at Portsmouth, formed in January 1814, by detachments there and by Royal Marine detachments withdrawn from serving in the Netherlands. It consisted of:

1 Major, 4 Captains, 21 Lieutenants 1 Adjutant, 1 Quartermaster and 10 Companies of 100 men each. Attached was one company of Royal Marine Artillery.

It arrived in Chesapeake Bay in July 1814. In August 1814, the 3rd Battalion was re-designated the 2nd Battalion and in September Vice Admiral Cochrane ordered the formation of a new 3rd Battalion using three companies of Royal Marines from the old 2nd Battalion and three companies of Colonial Marines. The Colonial Marines had been formed in Maryland, in May 1814, from escaped slaves and had been serving on the Atlantic coast. They saw service at Bladensburg and North Point.

The 3rd Battalion, with the 2nd Battalion, left Chesapeake Bay in December 1814 and rendezvoused with the 1st Battalion at St. Mary's River, Georgia. In April 1815 the Royal Marine companies were separated from the Colonial Marine companies of the 3rd Battalion. The Colonial Marines were joined by three new companies recruited from escaped slaves in Georgia, continued to be known as the 3rd Battalion, and finally disbanded in August 1815 in Trinidad.

In 1815, the Royal Marines once more went on a war footing. Officers just recently placed upon half-pay were brought back on full pay. The establishment was to be raised to two-thirds of its former war strength. The naval squadrons were reinforced by marine forces including detachments of the Royal Marine Artillery. One RMA company served in Wellington's army where it was stationed at Ostend. Commanded by Captain Charles Burton, it consisted of 124 officers and men. Its original armament was to be of four 6 pounders and two 5½ inch howitzers. These guns were left behind when the company sailed for Ostend in the first week of June. It remained in garrison at Ostend and the company was recalled home at the end of September.

For their services the Royal Marines received medal awards as diverse as the Portuguese Cayenne Medal 1809 awarded to the Marines of HMS Confiance and the Spanish Medals for Bagur and Palamos 1810. They were also eligible for the Naval General Service Medal (awarded in 1849) with clasps for specific fleet and ship-to-ship actions and as well as for boat service (e. g. cutting out excursions by using a ship's boats). Royal Marines were also eligible for the Army General Service Medal (awarded 1848) with clasps for Martinique 1809, Guadeloupe 1810 and Java 1811.

Between 1814 and 1816, the Royal Marines were reduced to a peacetime establishment set at eighty companies (four of artillery) of 6,222 men. This reduction, of course, did not last and its numbers again increased, and you see the Royal Marines once again called upon to serve around the globe both at sea and on land.

1793. On the declaration of war with France, the marines were increased to 9,815 men. In consequence of the field-officers being restored, and the establishment of an invalid retirement, several officers, who had quitted the active service, determined on returning to the effective corps; a circumstance that would have been attended with so much injustice to those who had continued in the service, and more particularly to the junior ranks, that it was resolved to resist such applications; for they had already experienced the injury arising from officers rejoining. Memorials (Appendix 7) were sent to the Board of Admiralty from each division to this effect " That all officers may take rank and do duty in the corps from the date of their last appointment, receive promotion, and be placed on the list accordingly." The memorials were acceded to and enforced until a recent period, when a few officers were permitted to rejoin; but this infraction, which was on a very limited scale, arose from a resolution of Mr. Hume, that he would not consent to the retirement of officers on fullpay, or selling out, while serviceable officers remained on halfpay. Only four or five rejoined the corps, and about forty quitted the service. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1794. The establishment of Marines was increased to 12,115 men, in consequence of a general memorial to Earl Spencer, then first Lord of the Admiralty, presented by General Souter, which having obtained his Lordship's favourable consideration, twenty one companies were added, including those of six field-officers, and the levy money was also increased to eight guineas. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1794. A number of additional Companies were deemed necessary to the corps of Marines, which was composed of 12,115 for the service of 1794. During this year a number of First Lieutenants were appointed to Companies in Black Regiments; a transit which many embraced.

A correspondence with General Paoli having been opened by Lord Hood, relative to the state of Corsica, that active Officer determined, in consequence, upon driving the French from all their ports in the island.

Throughout the whole of this arduous business, the constancy and persevering valour of the Naval Officers and Seamen were never more conspicuous. To their scientific and laborious exertions in dragging cannon to the top of a hill which commanded the Fort of La Convention, must be ascribed the success against that important key to St. Fiorenzo itself. The storm which was consequent upon it, reflects high honour upon that shining Officer Col. (now Gen.) Moore.

The Naval Chief was not contented with possession of the Gulf and Fortress of St. Fiorenzo alone, but followed up his views also against Bastia, the capital. This he resolved to attempt with the skeletons of four regiments, serving in his fleet as Marines, and a brigade of Seamen. The final surrender of that town and citadel, garrisoned by 4000 French and Corsican Soldiers, to a besieging force of 1248, and of mingled descriptions, must ever stand as one of the most brilliant events that adorn our military history. His Lordship was lavish in praise of all his brave coadjutors, which was repeated on the reduction of Calvi and with it the fall of Corsica. This closed his meritorious career.

The defenceless and disaffected state of the French West India islands had prompted an enterprize against them, which sailed from England towards the close of 1793. These objects were confided to Sir John Jervis (now Earl St. Vincent) and Lieutenant General Sir Charles Grey. The rapidity and success of all their movements convinced their Country that the trust could not have been reposed in more able hands.

Soon after their arrival at Barbadoes little time was lost, when their first efforts were levelled against the strong and valuable island of Martinique. My bounds will not authorize me to enlarge upon the train of operations, which preceded its surrender, so very honorable to the talents and zeal of those distinguished Commanders, in most of which, the corps of Marines appears to have had but a trifling share. The chief duty, of an active nature, which fell to their lot was against Fort St. Louis, upon which a combined attack was planned, by a brigade of 1000 Seamen and Marines, under Commodore Thompson, and supported by Captains Riou, Rogers, and Baynton of the Royal Navy, approaching from Point Negro towards its western side, while it was assailed by the Asia and Zebra sloops in front, and harassed by the enfilading fire of two batteries on shore. A body of Grenadiers and Light Infantry, from the camps of La Coste and Sourriere, were also to advance, on the land side, under the cover of a hill. This joint attack was, however, anticipated by the unparalleled enterprise and courage of Captain Faulkener, of the Zebra sloop, who dashed close to the walls of the Fort, and carried it, at the head of his ship's company of Seamen and Marines, at the very moment when the republicans were in consultation about its defence.

Mons. Rochambeau, instead of turning the guns of Fort Bourbon against the town, afterwards occupied by Colonel Symes and the flank corps, as well as Fort Louis, both of which it commands, immediately stipulated for its surrender, and the whole island, which took place on the following day being the 21st of March. His Royal Highness Prince Edward, (now Duke of Kent), who had lately arrived from Canada, commanded at the Camp of La Coste, with deserved credit.

No time was lost in proceeding against St. Lucia, which became an easy conquest. The islands of the Saintes were likewise carried by the Seamen and Marines of the Quebec, Blanche, Ceres, and Rose. The reduction of Guadaloupe immediately followed, where a landing was effected in the Ance de Gosier, of some infantry and a body of 500 Seamen and Marines, under cover of the Winchelsea, Lord Garlies, who, carrying his ship close to the enemy's batteries, quickly silenced them.

The assault of the Fort of La Fleur d'Epée, was attempted in three divisions, headed by Prince Edward, Major General Dundas, and Colonel Symes; to each of which was attached a part of the Naval battalion. The storm was most decisively conducted with the bayonet, but, amidst the heat of the contest, a great part of the garrison was put to the sword. Having thus obtained possession of the quarter of Grande Terre, from the republicans also abandoning Fort Louis, the town of Point a Petre, and the battery upon the islet à Couchon, the 43d Regiment was left at D'Epée, and the rest of the forces were re-embarked. Two divisions of the Army under Prince Edward, and Colonel Symes, were again landed on the evening and morning of the 14th and 15th of April, at Petit Bourg, who seized the evacuated redoubt of D'Arbond, carrying Arret by assault, in which was involved the material post of Palmiste, by day break of the 20th; while Major General Dundas, having been put ashore near the town of Basseterre, led his division against Morne Magdaline, which he also gained.

General Collot being now cooped up within the town, and Fort Charles, both of which were commanded by the heights in possession of the British, he proposed terms for the surrender of Guadaloupe, which were discussed, and subscribed.

Sir Charles Grey says, "that to the unanimity and extraordinary exertions of the Navy and Army, under fatigues never exceeded, his Majesty and their Country, are indebted for the rapid success in extending the British Empire, by adding to it the valuable islands of Martinique, St. Lucia, Guadaloupe, the Saintes, Marigalante, and Descada." Sir John Jervis remarked, "that the unabated exertions of the Officers and men, under his command, could never be surpassed, and that keeping constant pace with the troops no difficulty or danger arrested, for an instant, their career of glory."

A kind of forlorn detachment from France, which escaped all our cruizers, achieved the recovery of Guadaloupe, after a series of hardy contests, in which the Marines bore a part--Lieutenant John Mercer, of my corps, was wounded in one of them, and became a victim to fever, lamented by his friends, and his corps. Fruitless would have been all the enemy's efforts, if fascinating liberty had not erected her standard, whither numbers repaired, in the sanguine hope of sharing in her gifts.

The 1st of June 1794, presents one of the best fought actions that appears on our Naval records. France had continued to molest our commerce by her cruising squadrons, but her internal necessities, during this year of general scarcity, obliged her to concentrate her ships, and, with all her united forces, to cover the safety of an immense convoy from America. This was the main object, for which nothing too much could be risqued.

From the instances of defection which had so often occurred in her military leaders, that republic, jealous of its baneful extension, combined Mons. St. Andre, an approved democrat, in the public character of a Commissioner, with their Chief Vice Admiral Villaret Joyeuse, on board the Montagne.

During three preceding days the fleets were in sight, two partial affairs took place, and some very able manœuvring. The wind having been gained by Lord Howe, on the evening of the 31st of May, at seven in the morning of the following day, he bore up to battle, while the French coolly awaited his approach to so close a distance that little more than an hour decided the victory. The republican Chief gave the first example of flight, in which St. Andre, doubtless, coalesced, in spite of all his popular enthusiasm. Seven captured ships were amongst the fruits of that glorious day, which enervated all the subsequent exertions of a vindictive foe, during the war.

Many of the fleet having been supplied with acting Marines, from different regiments, the loss which befell our establishment was, on that account, proportionally less. Captains (now. Colonel) Smith, and C. Money, besides Lieutenant S. Mitchell, were among the wounded, and comprized the total of our casualties in Officers.

The carnage amongst the French was dreadful, and in the ships alone that were taken, it far exceeded the whole sustained by the British fleet.

The united thanks of a grateful Country were conveyed to the Officers, Seamen, and Marines, for their faithful services on this proud day.

Few single actions appear on the face of this year. One which was fought betwixt the Artois and La Revolutionaire French frigate, did honour to Captain Nagle in achieving her capture; but it deprived his King of a brave and good soldier, his family of a promising member, and his corps of one of its most shining ornaments, in Lieut. Peter Craigie, of Marines, who was severely wounded, and died soon after amputation. (Taken from Chapter 39 'An Historal review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1794. Saturday 11th January. There was a curios sequel to the evacuation of Toulon. Not knowing of the British withdrawal HMS Juno sailing from Malta arrived in Toulon at 10pm in the evening. She had no pilot on board and made her way into the harbour the as best she could. Although here Captain was somewhat surprised to see no British ships in the outer harbour, although the lights of several vessels were clearly visible further in. Eventually a Brig at anchor loomed up through the darkness, and as HMS Juno passed her a shout was not understood, and supposed to be "What ship is that?" Upon the answer the crew of the Brig was heard to cry out "Viva", and as HMS Juno crossed her stern a voice from her called out distinctly "Luff". The helm was at once put to lee, but HMS Juno grounded and so its boats were hoisted out to warp her off. A sudden gust of wind drove her astern, and the anchor was let go, but as she swung to it she touched again aft. While the boats and sail trimmers were at work to get her off again, a boat came out from the shore, and running alongside, two officers and a party of seamen came on board and informed the Captain Sir Samuel Hood that it was the regulation of the port and the Commanding Officers orders that the ship should go to another branch of the harbour to perform quarantine. "Where is Lord Hood's flagship", asked the Captain. The reply he received aroused his suspicion, and it was then discovered that the visitors were Frenchmen. All pretence was dropped." Soyez tranquille" said the visitors, "les Anglais sont des braves gens lestraitons bien, l'Amiral Anglais est parti il ya quelque temps" It was a terrible trap, but just then a gust of wind came down the harbour, and "I believe, Sir" said the 3rd Lieutenant "we shall be able to fetch out if we can only get her under sail". Where upon it was every man to his station to set the sails upon the ship. The Frenchmen drew their cutlasses, but the Marines seizing the boarding pikes from their racks charged and drove the unwelcome visitors below, where they were disarmed. The cable was cut, and the ship got under way, and in spite of heavy fire opened upon them from the batteries and forts on shore HMS Juno succeeded in making her way out to sea without loss of a man.

1794. Sunday 12th January. Sphinx captured Trompeuse.

1794. Wednesday 22nd January. Britannia and Nonsuch captured Vengeur and Resolu.

1794. Saturday 25th January. Houghton and Nonsuch engaged Cybele.

1794. Wednesday 5th February. The Capture of Martinique, by a British expeditionary force under the Command of Admiral Sir John Jervis and Lieutenant General Sir Charles Grey. By Thursday 20th March, only Fort Bourbon and Fort Royal still held out. Jervis ordered the third rate ship of the line HMS Asia of 64 guns, and HMS Zebra to take Fort Saint Louis. HMS Asia was unable to get close, and so Commander Faulkner went in without her help. Despite facing heavy fire, Faulkner ran HMS Zebra close under the walls. He and his ship's company then used HMS Zebra's boats to land. The British stormed the fort and captured it. HMS Zebra lost only her pilot killed and four men wounded. Meanwhile the boats of the British fleet captured Fort Royal and two days later Fort Bourbon capitulated.

1794. Saturday 8th February. Fortitude and Juno captured Mortella, Corsica.

1794. Monday 17th February. Alcide and squadron captured Fornelli, Corsica.

1794. Wednesday 19th February. The Capture of the ship St Fiorenzo in Corsica by Lord Hood. The St Fiorenzo was a 38 gun fifth rate, formerly the French ship named Minerve. She was captured having been scuttled by the French. She was raised and placed on harbour protection from 1812 and finally broken up in 1837.

1794. In the latter part of the month of January 1794, vice-admiral sir John Jervis, K.B. arrived at Barbadoes as the commanderin-chief on that station, accompanied by lieutenant-general sir George Grey with 7000 troops; and on the 5th of February, the expedition arrived off Martinique, consisting of the following ships of war: — Boyne 98 guns, Vengeance and Irresistible of 74 guns, Asia and Veteran of 64, with several frigates and sloops. The troops were disembarked at three different points, and the respective divisions overcame all opposition. By the 16th of March the whole island, except forts Bourbon and Royal, was in possession of the British; but this was not effected without the loss of 71 killed and 193 wounded. Lieu- tenant W. Tremenheere, with a small party of marines and 200 seamen under captain E. Harvey, were landed, and having conveyed a twenty-four pounder gun and two mortars to the heights of Souriere, a fire was opened upon Fort Bourbon, and the island soon surrendered. Guadaloupe was the next object of attack, and a detachment of seamen and marines having assisted in the reduction of the strong post of Fleur d'Epee, the whole colony surrendered on the 20th; but a french squadron appearing off the island on the 3rd of June, disembarked 1400 troops, who regained possession of Fleur d'Epee. Sir John Jervis being apprised of this reverse, quickly repaired off Guadaloupe with four ships of the line, and on the 19th two battalions of seamen were landed and took possession of the village of Gosier.

From the 25th to the end of June several skirmishes took place; and on the morning of the 2nd of July an unsuccessful attempt was made upon the town of Pointe-a-Pitre, which failure led to the abandonment of Grand-terre by the british forces. Between the 10th, and the 3rd of July, the army had 105 killed, 330 wounded, and 56 missing. On the part of the navy, captain Lewis Robertson, 4 seamen, and 2 marines were killed; lieutenant Isaac Woolley, lieutenant of marines John Mercer, 24 seamen, and 3 marines wounded; and 16 seamen missing. Lord Hood arrived at the anchorage before Bastia, and on the same evening the troops, guns, and stores were landed; and a detachment of seamen, commanded by captain Horatio Nelson of the Agamemnon, disembarked to the northward of the town. The total of the combined forces, when landed, amounted to 1248 officers and men, exclusive of about the same number of Corsicans under general Paoli; whilst the french and corsican troops in the garrison of Bastia were about 3000. Lord Hood moored the fleet in the form of a crescent, just out of the reach of the enemy's guns, and the entrance to the harbour was effectually guarded by gun-boats and armed launches.

After a siege of thirty-seven days, and four of negotiation, the town and citadel of Bastia, with the several outposts, surrendered. The loss sustained by the army was only 7 killed and 21 wounded; and that of the navy, lieutenant Carey Tupper of the Victory, and 6 men killed; lieutenant Andrews, and 12 men wounded. On the 19th, captain Nelson, the senior officer in the absence of lord Hood, (who with the fleet had sailed to look after the Toulon squadron,) disembarked the troops at Port Agra, situated about three miles from Calvi; and on the same day lord Hood, arriving in Mortella Bay, sent on shore a detachment of seamen under captains Hallowell and Serecold. On the 27th, the Victory having arrived before Calvi, seven of her lower-deck guns were landed, and the batteries were soon opened; but it was not until the siege had lasted fifty-one days that general Casa-Bianca could be induced to capitulate; and on the 10th of August the garrison of Calvi surrendered.

The loss on the part of the british army was 1 field-officer, 2 lieutenants, and 20 men killed; 3 captains, 4 lieutenants, and 46 wounded. Of the navy, captain W. Serecold, 1 midshipman, and 5 seamen were killed, and 6 seamen wounded. Captain Nelson was not reported wounded, although he lost the sight of his right eye, from some particles of sand which had been driven into it, by a shot striking the battery near him.

On the 20th of October the 36-gun frigate Crescent, captain James Saumarez, was standing close along shore, off Cape Barfleur; and just as the day dawned, she discovered to leeward the french 36-gun frigate Reunion, captain F. A. Denian. The Crescent immediately bore away, and in a short time ranged up alongside the french frigate. In the early part of the action which ensued, the Crescent, after losing her fore-topsail yard and then her fore-topmast, came round on the opposite tack, and brought her larboard guns to bear. The Reunion, having lost her fore-yard and mizen topmast, was exposed to several raking broadsides from her opponent; and after a gallant defence of two hours and ten minutes, in which she had 33 killed and 48 severely wounded, the french frigate struck her colours, just as the british 32-gun frigate Circe was perceptible to leeward, using every exertion to close. Lieutenant Henry Hodge was serving on board the Crescent, which ship had only one man wounded.

On the 4th of October, the 32-gun frigate Thames, captain James Cotes, being some degrees to the westward of Ushant, engaged the french 40-gun frigate Uranie from 10 h. 30 m. a.m., until 2 h. 20 m. p.m., when the latter made off, leaving the british frigate so much crippled as to be incapable of pursuit, having 11 men killed, and 23 wounded. Whilst repairing her damages, three french frigates and a brig hove in sight, and the Thames was captured and carried into Brest. Lieutenant Anthony Stransham was serving on board the Thames. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1794. February - March. Operations at and the capture of Martinique.

1794. February. The Siege of Saint-Florent took place during the 'French Revolutionary War' when a British force joined with Corsican partisans to capture the French garrison town of Saint-Florent, Corsica. After a blockade by Royal Naval ships under Horatio Nelson. A landing was made, and British troops were put ashore where they were joined with around 1,200 Corsicans. The town was dominated by two defensive towers, one to the north at Mortella Point and the other at the strong Convention Redoubt. Once these had been taken the town agreed to surrender and the British fleet under Lord Hood was able to sail into its harbour. A large number of its defenders were able to escape to Bastia where they participated in its defence. Saint-Florent was one of three major French garrisons on Corsica the others being Bastia and Calvi.

1794. Monday 3rd February the important post of Cape Tiburon, St. Domingo, mounting twenty-two pieces of cannon, was taken by the British; and on the 18th, the port of Aoul was carried, after a sharp resistance, by a body of troops under lieutenant colonel Dansey. Fort Brissoton surrendered on the 2nd of June, and on the morning of the 4th the british colours were hoisted at Port-au-Prince. Throughout the operations which led to the capture of the West India islands, the navy and marines took part with the troops; and sir John Jervis observes, " the unabated exertions of the officers and men under his command could never be surpassed; and that, keeping constant pace with the troops, no difficulty or danger arrested, for an instant, their career of glory."

In the course of this year several french frigates, chiefly in squadrons of three or four, cruised in and near the British Channel, and were so successful in their attempts to capture or destroy our merchant shipping, that three british squadrons were ordered to sea to intercept them. One of these, under command of commodore sir John Borlase Warren, consisting of five frigates, fell in with three french frigates and a corvette on the 23rd of April, near Guernsey. At 6 h. 30 m., the Flora being abreast of the rearmost ship, opened her fire, and continued engaging as she passed the three sternmost of the enemy; but having her main-topmast shot away, and otherwise crippled, she dropped astern, and was succeeded by the Arethusa. The French now made all sail to escape, but the Arethusa, Melampus, and Concorde soon approached the Pomone of 40, and Babet of 20 guns, and both these ships surrendered, after a gallant resistance, at 9 h. 30 m. p. m. The pursuit of the other two frigates was continued by the Concorde and Melampus, and the Engageante of 36 guns was captured by the Concorde, after a close engagement of more than an hour, in which the french ship suffered severely. The Resolue affected her escape into Morlaix.

The following is a statement of the killed and wounded, with the names of the officers of marines serving on board the squadron.

Arethusa, 38 guns, captain sir Edward Pellevv, 3 killed, 5 wounded. First-lieutenant Richard Williams.

Flora, 36 guns, commander sir John B. Warren, bart., 1 killed, 3 wounded. First-lieutenant John Richardson.

Melampus, 36 guns, captain Thomas Wells, 5 killed, 5 wounded. Second-lieutenant John Campbell.

Concorde, 36 guns, captain sir Richard Strachan, 1 killed, 12 wounded.

Nymphe, 36 guns, captain George Murray. First-lieutenant Solomon Desbrisay.

Total 10 killed, 25 wounded.

The Pomone lost her main and mizen-masts and had above 100 men killed and wounded.

A very determined defence was made by the french 36-gun frigate Atalante, captain C. A. L. D. Linois, when captured by the Swiftsure of 74 guns, captain Charles Boyles, on the 7th of May, after a running fight of an hour, in which she lost 10 men killed, and 32 wounded. The Swiftsure had one man killed.

On the 29th of May the 28-gun frigate Carysfort, captain Francis Laforey, cruising to the westward of Ushant, captured the french 32-gun frigate Castor, after an action of one hour and fifteen minutes; in which the latter had 16 killed, and 9 wounded. The Carysfort had 1 man killed, and 4 wounded. Lieutenant James Fynmore was serving on board the Carysfort.

On the 17th of June, as the Romney, 50 guns, captain the hon. William Paget, having a convoy under her charge from Naples to Smyrna, was passing the island of Miconi, in the Archipelago, a french frigate was discovered at anchor. Captain Paget directed the convoy to proceed on, and the Romney was presently at an anchor within a little more than a cable's length of the 40-gun frigate Sibylle, commodore J. M. Rondeau.

At one p.m. the Romney, having taken her position with springs on her cables, opened her fire, and the action continued without intermission for an hour and ten minutes; when the Sibylle, being in a defenceless state, and having 46 men killed, and 156 artois and revolutionaire.

112 wounded, struck her colours. The Romney had only 266 men and boys on board; and of these, 8 were killed and 30 wounded. Lieutenant W. H. Allen was the officer of marines on board the Romney.

On the 21st of October a squadron of four frigates under sir Edward Pellew, when a few leagues to the westward of Ushant, chased the french 40-gun frigate Revolutionaire, captain H. Thevenard. The superior sailing of the Artois of 38 guns, enabled her to bring the french frigate to action, and the latter defended herself with great spirit for forty minutes; when the Diamond having approached within gun-shot, and the other two ships coming up fast, the Revolutionaire struck her colours, with a loss of 8 killed, and 4 wounded. The Artois had 2 killed; lieutenant Peter Craigie of the marines (who died after suffering amputation), and 5 wounded.

On the 2nd of May a fleet under earl Howe, consisting of thirty-four ships of the line, with a number of smaller vessels of war, and nearly a hundred sail of merchant-men, sailed from Spithead. When off the Lizard, rear-admiral Montagu was detached with eight ships of the line, to protect the East and West India convoys; leaving twenty-six sail of the line and seven frigates cruising off Ushant.

On the 16th of May the french fleet, consisting of twenty-five ships of the line and several frigates, under rear-admiral Villaret de Joyeuse, and the conventional deputy Jean Bon Saint-Andre, sailed from Brest, with the wind at north-east; and on the 28th the enemy was seen to windward, bearing down towards the english fleet; but they hauled to the wind when they had reached within nine miles; and, after some delay, formed an indifferent line a-head. In the afternoon the rear division, under rear-admiral Pasley, was partially engaged with the enemy, and the Revolutionaire of 120 guns suffered so severely that she bore away from the flee and was taken into Rochefort in a disabled state. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1794. Early April. The Siege and surrender of Bastia in Corsica took place during the French Revolutionary War, when an allied force of British and Anglo Corsicans forces laid siege to the French town of Bastia. After a six-week siege the garrison surrendered due to a lack of supplies owing to a blockade by the Royal Navy. The siege was marked by constant disputes with Lord Hood the naval Commander and Senior Army officers.

1794. Friday 4th April. Lord Hood arrived at the anchorage before Bastia, and on the same evening the troops, guns, and stores were landed; and a detachment of seamen, commanded by captain Horatio Nelson of the Agamemnon, disembarked to the northward of the town. The total of the combined forces, when landed, amounted to 1248 officers and men, exclusive of about the same number of Corsicans under general Paoli; whilst the french and corsican troops in the garrison of Bastia were about 3000. Lord Hood moored the fleet in the form of a crescent, just out of the reach of the enemy's guns, and the entrance to the harbour was effectually guarded by gun-boats and armed launches.

After a siege of thirty-seven days, and four of negotiation, the town and citadel of Bastia, with the several outposts, surrendered. The loss sustained by the army was only 7 killed and 21 wounded; and that of the navy, lieutenant Carey Tupper of the Victory, and 6 men killed; lieutenant Andrews, and 12 men wounded. On the 19th, captain Nelson, the senior officer in the absence of lord Hood, (who with the fleet had sailed to look after the Toulon squadron,) disembarked the troops at Port Agra, situated about three miles from Calvi; and on the same day lord Hood, arriving in Mortella Bay, sent on shore a detachment of seamen under captains Hallowell and Serecold. On the 27th, the Victory having arrived before Calvi, seven of her lower-deck guns were landed, and the batteries were soon opened; but it was not until the siege had lasted fifty-one days that general Casa-Bianca could be induced to capitulate; and on the 10th of August the garrison of Calvi surrendered.

The loss on the part of the british army was 1 field-officer, 2 lieutenants, and 20 men killed; 3 captains, 4 lieutenants, and 46 wounded. Of the navy, captain W. Serecold, 1 midshipman, and 5 seamen were killed, and 6 seamen wounded. Captain Nelson was not reported wounded, although he lost the sight of his right eye, from some particles of sand which had been driven into it, by a shot striking the battery near him.

On the 20th of October the 36-gun frigate Crescent, captain James Saumarez, was standing close along shore, off Cape Barfleur; and just as the day dawned, she discovered to leeward the french 36-gun frigate Reunion, captain F. A. Denian. The Crescent immediately bore away, and in a short time ranged up alongside the french frigate. In the early part of the action which ensued, the Crescent, after losing her fore-topsail yard and then her fore-topmast, came round on the opposite tack, and brought her larboard guns to bear. The Reunion, having lost her fore-yard and mizen topmast, was exposed to several raking broadsides from her opponent; and after a gallant defence of two hours and ten minutes, in which she had 33 killed and 48 severely wounded, the french frigate struck her colours, just as the british 32-gun frigate Circe was perceptible to leeward, using every exertion to close. Lieutenant Henry Hodge was serving on board the Crescent, which ship had only one man wounded.

On the 4th of October, the 32-gun frigate Thames, captain James Cotes, being some degrees to the westward of Ushant, engaged the french 40-gun frigate Uranie from 10 h. 30 m. a.m., until 2 h. 20 m. p.m., when the latter made off, leaving the british frigate so much crippled as to be incapable of pursuit, having 11 men killed, and 23 wounded. Whilst repairing her damages, three french frigates and a brig hove in sight, and the Thames was captured and carried into Brest. Lieutenant Anthony Stransham was serving on board the Thames. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1794. Thursday 10th April. Capture of the Saintes.

1794. April. The British capture of Tobago and Santa-Lucia from the French. However, Santa-Lucia was retaken by the French during the summer of 1795, and later taken back by the British during April 1796.

1794. The North and the South Barracks were built in Deal.

1794. Friday 11th - 12th April. The Winchelsea at Guadaloupe.

1794. Wednesday 23rd April. Sir J. B. Warren's action off Guernsey, when the Arethusa captured the Pomone and Babet.

1794. April - May. Bombardment and capture of Bastia.

1794. Monday 5th May. The Orphers captured the Duguay-Trouin.

1794. Monday 5th - 7th May. The Swiftsure captured the Atalante.

1794. Wednesday 28th May. During the night of the 28th the two fleets continued in sight of each other; and on the morning of the 29th earl Howe, with the intention of making some further impression on the rear of the enemy, ordered the fleet to tack, and then cut through the enemy's line in order to obtain the weather-gage. At 8 a.m. the van of the French wore round to support their rear, and then hauled to the wind. At 9 a. m., when on the larboard and same tack as the british fleet, the French bore away, and at 10 a. m. opened an ineffectual fire upon our van; but some of that division were enabled to get sufficiently near to make an impression on several of the french ships, nor did the British escape with impunity. At 11 h. 30 m. the signal was made to tack in succession, with the intention of passing through the enemy's line; but. the Csesar, the leading ship, wore round, and then ran past the eighth ship of the enemy, before she hauled to starboard and cut through. About 1 p. m. the Queen wore and passing under the lee of the Terrible of 110 guns, ran along the french line, and became so much crippled, that she could not haul up and pass through as intended. On perceiving the disabled condition of the Queen, lord Howe resolved to set the example of cutting the enemy's line, and at 1 h. 30 m. p. m. the Queen Charlotte tacked, and then passed close under the stern of the Eole, the sixth ship from their rear; and the two seconds to the british admiral, the Bellerophon and the Leviathan, passed respectively under the sterns of the Tyrannicide and Indomptable. Lord Howe then came round again on the larboard tack, and hoisting the signal for a general chase, the Queen Charlotte pursued the Terrible.

At 4 p. m. the Queen Charlotte, with several ships, ran down to cover the Queen and Royal George, who were much disabled, from the attack of the french admiral. This movement again brought the two vans within random shot and afforded an opportunity for the Glory to distinguish herself. At 5 p. m. the french commander-in-chief, having recovered his two disabled ships, wore round, and rejoined the rear of his fleet; and the British, by wearing in the same direction, kept the weather-gage. During the two following days the weather was so foggy, that the enemy could only be seen at times; but on the 31st, at 9 a.m., the french fleet was descried to the northward, and plainly seen to consist of twenty-six of the line. At 2 p.m. lord Howe bore up and ran down towards the enemy until 3 h. 30 m., when the British hauled to the wind on the larboard tack. At 5 p.m., having formed the larboard line of bearing, they edged away towards the enemy; but the admiral preferring a daylight contest, again brought the fleet to the wind at 7 p.m., and kept under commanding sail during the night, to preserve the weather-gage. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1794. Thursday 29th May. The Carysfort captured the Castor.

1794. Thursday 29th May - Sunday 1st June. Lord Howe's Victory, the battle of the Glorious First of June off Ushant. One of the great sea battles in which many Marines took part. It was the first and largest fleet action of the naval conflict between Great Britain and the First French Republic during the 'French Revolutionary Wars'. The British Channel Fleet under Admiral Lord Howe attempted to prevent the passage of a vital French grain convoy from the United States of America, which was protected by the French Atlantic Fleet, commanded by Rear-Admiral Villaret Joyeuse. The two forces clashed in the Atlantic Ocean, some 400 nautical miles (741km) west of the French island of Ushant. Howe's ships inflicted a severe tactical defeat on the French fleet. Although in the aftermath of the battle both fleets were left shattered and in no condition for further combat. Both fleets were forced to return to their home ports.

The following is an extract taken from an account wrote immediately after the battle, by an officer who served in the battle. It gives a vivid description of what happened: "The sinking of the Vengeur was one of the most awful sights ever beheld. This ship and the HMS Brunswick by some means got on board each other. HMS Brunswick lost her mizzen mast before she got clear but left her enemy a wreck of horrible ruin. She carried her mast and yards, everyone away, tore her decks and sides to pieces, and left her sinking. She went to the bottom at about a quarter past six, and I saw her sinking, fast, but gradually. After the loss of her mizzen mast, main top mast and rigging cut to pieces, the French hoisted an English Jack, and called for quarters, but HMS Brunswick, having all her boats shot to pieces, could not board the enemy, and was obliged to let her go down, and all on board perished."

The most obstinate conflict of the battle was between HMS Defence that carried 74 guns Captained by J. Gambier and HMS Jacobin with 110 guns. They were in close action for upwards of three hours, at the expiration of which time HMS Jacobin went to the bottom, and HMS Defence had become totally unmanageable as to be obliged and towed out of the line by the frigate HMS Phaeton. The HMS Jacobin lay without masts and a helm, and moving around by the force of the water, which rapidly entering shot holes in her hull, and running over her galleries, she quickly sunk. Yet so invincible was the spirit of her crew, that they were still manning their upper deck guns, while the water was running in at the lower deck ports. It seems that they had previously agreed never to give up and nailed their colours to the staff, which were flying when she went down. Those on the upper deck to a man, refused to take to a cutter, and when the water rose to where they stood, they took off their hats and gave three cheers universally crying out "Vive la Republique Vive la Liberte". This is corroborated in a letter from a Seaman on board HMS Queen. (sic)

1794. Sunday 1st June. The Irresistible and Squadron took Fort Brissoton, P. au Prince.
1794. Sunday 1st of June. Latitude 47° 48' north, longitude 18° 30' west, the wind moderate from south and by west, the enemy were seen about six miles on the lee bow of the British, in line of battle upon the larboard tack. At 5 a.m. the british fleet bore up, but at 7 h. 10 m. hauled to the wind on the same tack as the enemy; and as soon as the crews had taken their breakfast, at 8 h. 12 m. a. m. they filled, and bore down upon their opponents. About a quarter past nine the French opened their fire upon the van of the British, who were steering in a lasking direction towards the enemy. Soon after 10 a. m. the Queen Charlotte passed under the stern of the Montague of 120 guns, and ranged close up on her lee bow, where she became exposed to the fire of the 80- gun ships Juste and Jacobin. A few of the british ships following the example which had been set them by their noble and gallant chief, cut through the french line, and engaged their opponents to leeward; but the remainder hauled up to windward, some at a great distance, whilst others were sufficiently near to engage with effect. At half past ten, when the action was at its height, the french admiral in the Montagne made sail a-head, followed by his second in the line, and afterwards by such ships as had suffered but little in the contest. By 11 h. 30 m. a.m. the firing had nearly ceased, when the British were left with eleven, and the French with twelve, more or less dismasted ships: at this time none of the enemy had struck their colours, and many of the crippled ships were striving to escape under a spritsail, or some small sail set on the stump of their masts. Admiral Villaret, having failed in his attempt to cut off the Queen, which lay disabled at some distance from the body of her fleet, stood on, and contrary to all expectation, was enabled to cover and rescue four of his dismasted ships, the Republican 110, Muscius 74, Scipion 80, and Jemappes 74; a fifth, the Terrible 110, having previously joined him, by gallantly fighting her way through the british fleet. At about 1 h. 15 m. p. m. the action had nearly ceased; but it was not until 2 h. 30 m. p. m. that the six dismasted french ships nearest at hand, the Sans Pareil 80, Juste 80, Amerique, Impetueux, Northumberland, and Achille, of 74 guns, were secured. At a little after 6 f. m. a seventh french ship, the Vengeur of 74 guns, was taken possession of, but in so shattered a state that in ten minutes afterwards she went down, with upwards of 200 of her crew on board, composed chiefly of wounded men.

Admiral Villaret, after recovering his four disabled ships, two of them without a stick standing except their bowsprit, stood away to the northward; and before 7 p.m. the whole of his nineteen remaining line of battle ships were out of sight of the british fleet. It was not until the 3rd that lord Howe had sufficiently repaired his ships to proceed to Spithead where he anchored with his prizes and the whole of his fleet, except thirteen ships, which he had ordered to Plymouth.

As our limited space will not admit of a detailed account of this glorious contest, we merely subjoin a list of the ships and their commanders, with the killed and wounded on the 29th of May, and on the 1st of June; together with the names of the officers of marines serving in the fleet:

Queen Charlotte, 100 guns, admiral earl Howe, captains sir R. Curtis and sir A. Douglas, May 29, 1 killed; June 1, 13

killed, 29 wounded. 2nd regiment of foot. Royal George, 100 guns, vice-admiral sir A. Hood, captain

W. Domett, May 29, 15 killed, 23 wounded; June 1, 5 killed, 49 wounded. Captain L. P. Jones, first-lieutenant Andrew Polkington, second-lieutenant Samuel Claperton.

Royal Sovereign, 100 guns, vice-admiral T. Graves, captain H. Nicholls, May 29, 8 killed, 22 wounded; June 1, 6 killed, 22 wounded. Captain C. B. Money, first-lieutenant Charles Allen, first-lieutenant Stephen Mitchell.

Barfleur, 98 guns, rear-admiral G. Bowyer (wounded), captain C. Collingwood, June 1, 9 killed, 25 wounded. 69th regiment of foot.

Impregnable, 98 guns, rear-admiral B. Caldw Tell, captain G. B. Westcott, June 1, 7 killed, 24 wounded. Captain-lieutenant George James Prosser, first-lieutenant Nicholas Croad, second-lieutenant John Hebrington.

Queen, 98, rear-admiral A. Gardner, captain J. Hutt (wounded), May 29, 22 killed, 27 wounded; June 1, 14 killed, 40 wounded. Captain-lieutenant Thomas Solby, second-lieutenant Frederic Liardet.

Bellerephon, 74 guns, rear-admiral T. Pasley (wounded), captain W. Hope, June 1, 4 killed, 27 wounded. Captain Walter Smith, first-lieutenant Samuel Foreshall, second-lieutenant Richard Gamble.

Glory, 98 guns, captain J. Elphinstone, June 1, 13 killed, 39 wounded.

Gibraltar, 80 guns, captain J. McKenzie, June 1, 2 killed, 12 wounded. 25th regiment of foot.

Caesar, 80 guns, captain A. J. Pye Molloy, May 29, 3 killed, 19 wounded; June 1, 15 killed, 52 wounded. Captain James

Driffield, first-lieutenant Benjamin Dickenson, second-lieutenant Thomas Hopper.

Brunswick, 74 guns, captain J. Harvey (killed), June 1, 44 killed, 114 wounded. 29th regiment of foot.

Valiant, 74 guns, captain T. Pringle, June 1, 2 killed, 9 wounded. Captain Robert Moncrieffe, first-lieutenant Henry Cox, second-lieutenant George Jones.

Leviathan, 74 guns, captain Lord H. Seymour, June 1, 10 killed, 33 wounded. Captain Theophilus Lewis, first lieutenant Thomas Maxwell, first-lieutenant Richard Stephens.

Alfred, 74 guns, captain J. Bazeley, June 1, 8 wounded. Culloden, 74 guns, captain J. Schomberg, June 1, 2 killed, 5 wounded. Captain W. Henville, first-lieutenant Hugh

Holland, second-lieutenant G, A. Livingstone. Defence, 74 guns, captain J. Gambier, May 29, 1 killed, 3 wounded; June 1, 17 killed, 36 wounded. Second-lieutenant Samuel Brother.

Invincible, 74 guns, captain hon. T. Pakenham, May 29, 10 killed, 21 wounded; June 1, 4 killed, 10 wounded. Captain-lieutenant James Cassell, first-lieutenant Alexander

Mackenzie, first-lieutenant Thomas Piers. Majestic, 74 guns, captain C. Cotton, May 29, 1 killed, 13 wounded; June 1, 2 killed, 5 wounded. 2nd regiment of foot.

Marlborough, 74 guns, captain hon. C. C. Berkeley, June 1, 29 killed, 90 wounded. Lieutenant Charles Lyon, 25th regiment of foot.

Montagu, 74 guns, captain J. J. Montagu, June 1, 4 killed, 13 wounded. Captain Robert Henderson, second-lieutenant Charles Lewis, second-lieutenant William Ratton.

Orion, 74 guns, captain J. T. Duckworth, May 29, 3 killed; June 1, 2 killed, 24 wounded. Captain George Dyer, first lieutenant Palms Westiopp, second-lieutenant William B ransom.

Ramilies, 74 guns, captain H. Harvey, May 29, 3 killed; June 1, 2 killed, 7 wounded. 29th regiment of foot.

Russell, 74 guns, captain J. W. Payne, June 1, 8 killed, 26 wounded. 2nd regiment of foot.

Thunderer, 74 guns, captain A. Bertie. 29th regiment of foot.

Tremendous, 74 guns, captain J. Pigott, June 1, 3 killed, 8 wounded. Lieutenant-colonel Duncan Campbell, first-lieutenant John Simpson.

Phaeton, 38 guns, captain W. Bentinck, June 1, 3 killed, 5 wounded. First-lieutenant A. J. Trident. 67 killed, 128 wonded, on the 29th of May.

Total— 287 " 840

The thanks of both houses of Parliament were voted to the flag-officers, captains, and other officers of the fleet for their bravery and gallant conduct, with their approval and acknowledgment of the services of the seamen, marines, and soldiers. The city of London voted the sum of £500 for the relief of the wounded warrant-officers, petty-officers, seamen, and marines, and also for the widows and children of those who so gloriously fell in the action.

Notwithstanding this proud mark of approval, it was so apparent that several captains in the fleet had not done as much as was expected by their country, that the lords commissioners of the Admiralty restricted the distribution of medals to certain officers, excluding the commanders of eight ships in the fleet; and the sentence of a court-martial held on captain Anthony Pye Molloy, at his own request, in consequence of some observations made by the commander-in-chief reflecting on his conduct, dismissed him from the command of the Csesar.

Early on the morning of the 6th of November, at 5 a.m., the 74-gun ships Alexander, captain Rodney Bligh, and Canada, captain Hamilton, fell in with a french squadron of five sail of the line and two frigates, under rear-admiral Nielly, who bore up in chase of the british ships. A running fight was continued until 1 p. m., when the Alexander, having suffered considerably, her main-yard, spanker-boom, and her three top-gallantmasts shot away, and having sustained a loss of 40 men killed and wounded, including among the latter a lieutenant of marines, struck her colours and was taken into Brest.

The officers of marines were major W. Tench, with lieutenants Oliver, Fitzgerald, and William Brown. The Canada arrived at Plymouth in safety. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1794. Sunday 8th June. The Crecent and the Druid engaged a French squadron.

1794. Wednesday 11th June. The Dido engaged a squadron in Gourjeau bay.

1794. Tuesday 17th June. The Romney captured S,bille.

1794. July to Sunday 10th August. The Siege and Capture of Calvi took place during the French Revolutionary by the British forces, ending in a British Victory. Troops under Charles Stuart under took the attack against Calvi, one of his officers being Horatio Nelson. Heavy bombardment drew equally heavy French and Corsican resistance. It was during the fighting on the Saturday 12th July that Nelson lost the sight of his right eye during an assault on the town. There followed heavy fighting, but the French batteries were captured one by one, and on Sunday 10th August the French garrison finally surrendered with full military honours, having held out for 40 days. During the siege it was estimated that 24,000 cannon balls had been fired at the town.

1794. June - August. Victory and Agamemnon at Calvi.

1794. June - December. Unsuccessful operation at Guadaloupe.

1794. Saturday 23rd August. Squadron destroyed Volontaire.

1794. Saturday 23rd August. The Flora and Arethusa destroyed the Filicite, Espion, and Alerte.

1794. Tuesday 21st October. The Artois captured the Revolutionnaire.

1794. Wednesday 22nd October. The Centurion and the Diomede engaged a French Squadron.

1794. Thursday 6th November. The Canada and the Alexander (taken) engaged a French Squadron.

1794. Early December. While the 64-gun ship Ardent, captain Robert Manners Sutton, was stationed off Villa Franca, she took fire and blew up, and everyone on board perished. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1794. Tuesday 30th December. The Blanche attacked the Desirade and captured a French Squadron.

1794. After a mutiny on board HMS Culloden, her crew flogged several Marines for not joining them.

1795. Fifteen thousand Marines were voted for the service of 1795.

In consequence of the reverses of France at Toulon, and in the battle of the 1st of June, her commerce was neglected, and her Sailors became dispirited. Limiting nearly the whole of her energies to one element, she was thus enabled in every quarter, to pour from her frontiers a host of Soldiers and of Conquerors.

Holland, hitherto our ally, was over-run by her legions, who, wherever they directed their steps, found the success of their arms already ensured by the delusive power of their principles.

Although, in reality, a province, still a shew of acknowledged independence was maintained, and the Dutch were admitted as principals in a treaty of alliance which was concluded between the two republics. Thus fraternized, Great Britain had to reckon a new and decided enemy in a recent friend.

Accordingly, orders were issued in February 1795, for the detention of vessels and property belonging to the subjects of Holland, an expedition was framed against the Cape of Good Hope, and an authority to subdue her settlements in the East, were transmitted to our Commanders in that quarter of the world.

In those distant services the Corps of Marines bore a partial, but an active share.

The attempt against the Cape was entrusted to the immediate conduct of Sir George Elphinstone and Major General Craig, who arrived in Simon's Bay early in July. A fruitless summons to surrender it having been forwarded to its Governor, a debarkation of 450 of the 78th Regiment, and 350 Marines, under Major, now Colonel Hill, was effected upon the 14th, in time to save that town from devoted destruction.

Our troops had been expressly restrained from hostility against the Dutch forces, but such was their conduct that it soon provoked retaliation. It being necessary to dislodge them from the strong post of Mysenburgh, which was fortified with heavy guns, and secured from approach both by land and sea, by a steep mountain on the right, and shallow water, constantly agitated by surf, on its left, 800 Seamen were landed under the Captains Spranger and Hardy, which constituted a total strength of 1600 men. As they were without cannon, the whole awaited the fortune of a wind that would allow the ships of war to unite in the attack. This occurred on the 7th of August, when Commodore Blankett got under wey with the America, Stately, Echo, and Rattlesnake; while General Craig advanced with his little army. So judicious was the Naval disposition, that the Dutch were driven by the fire of those ships, and some launches armed with carronades, from one post to another, which the troops successively occupied.

Retiring to a ridge of rocky heights beyond their camp, which they had abandoned, the enemy were very spiritedly assaulted by Major Moneypenny, at the head of the advanced guard, supported by the whole of the gallant 78th. Although seconded by some heavy guns that over-awed it from across the lagoon towards Cape-town, and possessing a hold almost impregnable from its situation, they were still forced from it, after a contest which closed only with the day. In the course of it, the Dutch left behind them some artillery, which were drilled, and once more rendered serviceable by Lieutenant Coffin and his company of pikemen, from the Rattlesnake.

On the morning of the 8th of August, the enemy having drawn their whole force from Cape-town, aimed it to recover the posts they had lost. Observing, however, the strength of the British positions, they desisted from any attempt, and the day was chiefly spent in skirmishing with the 1st battalion of Seamen, under Captain Hardy, and the Marines under Major Hill, who had passed the lagoon. General Craig says, that both Corps were distinguished throughout by regularity in manœuvre, and the most steady resolution. Major Hill was very ably assisted by the valuable advice of Captain, now Lieut. Colonel Sir John Douglas, during the whole of these fatiguing and combined duties.

A small reinforcement arrived on the 9th from St. Helena, but the pressures of the army daily increased to such a degree, that it became expedient, in order to alleviate them, to risque the storm of one of the enemy's principal out-posts on the 27th of August, which unfortunately failed. So critically were matters circumstanced, that it was determined between the Commanders in Chief to try the fortune of another assault in six days, if Sir Allured Clarke should not appear with the expected reinforcements.

The Dutch had resolved, however, to anticipate this issue, which was, in event, to decide the fate of the Colony.

A disastrous affair on the 1st of September, in which the picquet was driven in with loss, and Major Moneypenny most severely wounded, encouraged them to this daring effort on the 3d. With a train of eighteen field-pieces, and all the strength they could muster, they appeared after break of day, but were stayed in their progress by the signal for a fleet having hove in sight.

On the 4th, Major General Craig resigned the command to Sir Allured Clarke, not without expressing his high sense of the animated exertions of all, in the face of a superior enemy, as well as for their cheerful resignation under the greatest hardships and fatigues.

From the powerful aids which had arrived, matters were pushed on most briskly, and the Army moved against the post of Wyneberg on the 14th. Here the Dutch demonstrated a shew of resistance; but Commodore Blanket appearing in Table Bay with three ships, in order to create a diversion, the enemy retreated, and early on the morning of the 16th, proposed terms of surrender. By these, the whole settlement was added to the British dominions.

Sir Allured Clarke united his cordial testimony with that of Sir George Elphinstone, of the very meritorious conduct of the Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the squadron, during a tedious service of labour and even privation of necessary food. Only nine Marines were wounded throughout.

In the East, the Islands of Ceylon and Manar, the Peninsula of Malacca, Cochin, a seaport on the coast of Malabar, and, in fine, most of the valuable settlements of the Dutch in Hindostan, fell successively under the combined efforts of our Naval and Military forces; in all of which, however, intrigue was more conspicuous than active hostility.

It falls not within my scope to enlarge upon the many disastrous events that took place in the West. There Victor Hughes, a man of the most consummate talents, but which were stained by inhumanity, acted both as the agent and the organ of republican France. He perfectly assimilated himself to the temper of his employers; recognizing only the rules of expediency, he was ever the ready advocate for the most sanguinary works and felt not the control of principle where it opposed his interests. His incendiary attempts will long be reviewed with horror by those islands which were the theatres of his plots.

This year abounded with Naval achievements. In the Mediterranean the French suffered a defeat, on the 8th of March, from an inferior force, when on their way to recover Corsica. Admiral Hotham's loss, in killed and wounded, upon this partial occasion, was 315 Seamen and Marines.

Another action was fought on the 12th of July, which terminated in the capture of one ship. Captains Towry and Middleton, the Seamen and Marines of the Dido and Lowestoffe, were eminently noticed for their gallantry in a successful contest with two of the heaviest frigates from France, which terminated in the surrender of one; while the other found refuge in flight.

On the coast of America, the Hon. Captain Cochrane, with Captain Beresford, were equally conspicuous in subduing their superior antagonists; in which the former says, that the carronades on the quarter deck of the Thetis, were very ably served by Lieut. (afterward Captain) Paul Crebbin, and the Marines under his command.

The masterly retreat of Vice-Admiral Cornwallis, in the face of an enemy nearly thrice his force, exhibited such a display of cool valour, as not to produce a parallel upon our annals. The energies of his pen bespoke the feelings of his invincible mind; and although the merit was exclusively his own, yet he generously shared it amongst his faithful associates, in these words:

"Royal Sovereign, June 18, 1795.

"Vice Admiral Cornwallis returns his sincere thanks to the Captains, Officers, Seamen, and Marines of the Fleet under his orders, for their steady and gallant conduct in the presence of the French Fleet yesterday; which firmness, he has no doubt, deterred the enemy from making a more serious attack. It would give the Vice Admiral pleasure to put the whole of their exertions in effect by meeting a more equal force, when the Country would receive advantage, as it now does honour, from the spirit so truly manifested by its brave men."

This gratifying tribute was followed up to each, by the most precious tender which can be offered to a Briton that of the legislative thanks of his Country.

The Marine Soldier can often be retraced upon those proud records.

It was reserved for Lord Bridport to convince the enemy of the decisive weight of an equal force. On the 23d of June they owed the salvation of all their Fleet to their formidable batteries, and the strong Naval port of L'Orient. Lieut. William Jephcote, of Marines, fell upon that day, which augmented our Fleet with three sail of the line.

The engagement betwixt La Blanche, Captain Faulkner, and the French frigate La Pique, fought early in 1795, off the island of Guadaloupe, affords a lasting test of the superiority of English discipline and courage. While our loss was confined to 29 killed and wounded, that of the republicans exceeded a total of 212. After exhibiting every quality of a judicious and brave Officer, Captain Faulkner was shot through the heart, who left not behind him a brighter example of true heroism.

The Marines of La Blanche behaved nobly, and maintained a constant fire under Lieut. Richardson, who, with Serjeant George Dice, did honour to their Corps. (Taken from Chapter 40 'An Historal Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1795. Friday 3rd - 7th January. The Diamond reconnoitred Brest.

1795. Sunday 4th January. The Blanche captures the Pique. The official report reads," The Marines under Lieutenant Richardson keeping up so well directed and constant a fire, that not a man could appear on the forecastle till she struck." (sic)

1795. Tuesday 5th January. The 32-gun frigate Blanche, captain Robert Faulknor, cruising off Grande-terre, Guadaloupe, sustained a very severe action with the french 36-gun frigate Pique. At 1 a.m. the two frigates became closely engaged, and at 2 h. 30 m. the main and mizen-masts of the Blanche fell over the side; the Pique, having shortly afterwards ran foul of her antagonist on the larboard quarter, made several ineffectual attempts to board. About 3 a.m. captain Faulknor was killed by a musket-ball, whilst assisting lieutenant David Milne in lashing the bowsprit of the Pique to the capstan of the british frigate; but the lashings soon afterwards broke loose, and the Pique crossing the stern of the Blanche, fell on board of the latter's starboard quarter. Her bowsprit was immediately lashed by the british crew to the stump of the Blanche's mainmast and in this position, towed before the wind, the enemy were defeated in their attempts to cut the lashings, by the rapid and well-directed fire of the marines under lieutenant Thomas Richardson. Although exposed to a galling and raking fire, with her three masts over the side, the Pique continued to defend herself until 5 h. 15 m. a.m., when, having sustained a loss of 76 killed and 110 wounded, out of a crew of 279 men and boys, the French hailed that they had surrendered. The Blanche lost her commander and 7 killed, and 21 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1795. January - June. The Blanche and the Squadron at St. Lucia, Grenada.

1795. The Marines were further augmented to 15,000 men. In consequence of some differences arising with regard to the Regiments of the line doing duty as marines in the fleet, they were ordered to be disembarked, and many of the men were permitted to enlist in the Marines at an additional bounty of five guineas; and on the 15th of November the levy money was increased to fifteen pounds, which allowed ten guineas and a crown bounty to each recruit. This arrangement gave such fresh vigour to the corps, that the companies were soon up to their full strength. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1795. The French unsuccessfully attempt to retake Corsica.

1795. Saturday 7th March. The Berwick was captured by the French Fleet.

1795. Friday 13th March. The Lively captured the Tourterelle.

1795. Saturday 14th March. Hothams Victory off Genos, and the capture of two sail of the line.

1795. Sunday 29th March. The Cerberus captured the Jean Bart.

1795. Tuesday 7th April. On the night of the 7th of April an expedition, consisting of thirty-three flat-bottomed boats carrying troops, accompanied by some gun-brigs, sailed from Havre to attack these islands; but meeting with the Diamond and Hydra frigates, they were driven back and stood into Caen, where they were reinforced by seven heavy gun-brigs and forty sail of boats. After three weeks' blockade, this formidable flotilla reached the road of La Hogue, which is situated about half-way between Cape Bar fleur and the islands, and they waited until the neap tides, when the current would offer less opposition to their progress. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1795. Friday 10th April. The Astrea captured the Gloire.

1795. Saturday 11th April. The Hannibal captured the Gentille.

1795. Wednesday 6th May. At midnight, the guard-boat made the signal for the enemy's approach, and although the french officers were heard giving their orders, the night was so dark that none of the boats were visible. The attacking force consisted of fifty-two gun-brigs and flat-bottomed boats, having on board above 5000 men. At day-break on the 7th, the flotilla was seen drawn up in line opposite to the south-west front of the western redoubt, and a fire was instantly opened upon them from seventeen pieces of cannon, consisting of 4 four-pounders, 2 six-pounders, and 6 twenty-four pounder long guns, and 2 thirty-two pounder carronades. The brigs remained at the distance of three hundred yards, in order to batter the redoubt with their long guns, while the boats rowed up until within musket-shot of the battery; but the discharge of round, grape, and canister, poured such destruction among them, that they were soon compelled to seek their safety in flight. Six or seven boats were seen to go down, and one small flat was afterwards towed in, bottom upwards, on board of which some papers were found, stating that she had a crew of 144 persons, including 129 men of the second Boulogne battalion.

The loss sustained by the British in this affair amounted to 1 marine killed, 2 marines and 2 seamen wounded; a loss much less in amount than might have been expected from the fire of upwards of 80 long guns, many of which were thirty-six, and none less than eighteen-pounders. According to the french account, their loss amounted to several hundred in killed and wounded. Owing to the calm state of the weather, the british squadron were unable to intercept the flotilla, and consequently they got back to the Hogue without further loss.

A french squadron, consisting of the Hoche 74 guns, commodore Bompart, with eight frigates, having on board 3000 troops with a large train of artillery, sailed from Brest on the evening of the 6th of September, with an intention of invading Ireland. On the following morning they were discovered by the Ethalion, who continued to watch their movements; and by the time the french ships arrived on the Irish coast, a considerable british force was in pursuit. On the 11th of October, when off Tory island, the leading frigate got sight of the enemy; and on the 12th, at day -break, the British found themselves in a situation to prevent their escape. The french ships were formed in an irregular line a-head, thus: — Semillante 3fi, Romaine 40, Bellone 36, Immortalite 40, Loire 40, Hoche 74, Coquille 36, and Embuscade 36 guns.

The british squadron consisted of the following ships: — Canada, 74 guns, captain sir J. B. Warren, 1 wounded. Captain William Patten, first-lieutenant Mark Oates, second-lieutenants Thomas Moore and Richard Bagnold. Foudroyant, 80 guns, captain sir J. T. Bayard, 9 wounded. Captain George Wolfe, first-lieutenant Richard Bunce, second-lieutenants Joseph Collins and Zachaeus Miller.

Robust, 74 guns, captain Edward Thornborough, 10 killed, 40 wounded. Captain Richard Williams, first-lieutenant W. Cottle (mortally wounded), second-lieut. Charles Coleman.

Melampus, 36 guns, captain Graham Moore, 1 wounded. Lieutenants Francis Hole and James Isherwood.

Magnanime, 44 guns, captain the hon. M. de Courcy, 7 wounded. Lieutenant W. H. Snowe, second-lieutenant Thomas Patterson.

Ethalion, 38 guns, captain G. Countess, 1 killed, 4 wounded.

Anson, 44 guns, captain P. C. Durham, 2 killed, 13 wounded. First-lieutenants Thomas Deering and A. Bell (wounded).

Amelia, 38 guns, captain the hon. C. Herbert. First-lieutenant James Coles.

At 7 a.m. on the 12th, the Robust, followed by the Magnanime, edged away, and at 7h. 20m. they became closely engaged with the Embuscade and Coquille, and then passed on to the Hoche. The Foudroyant coming up, and discharging a few broadsides at the Loire, Immortalite, and Bellone, who had been keeping up a galling fire upon the Magnanime as she ranged a-head, and to leeward of the Robust; the three french frigates ceased their annoyance and made sail to the south-west.

The Hoche, after sustaining the attack of the principal part of the british squadron, but more particularly of the Robust and Foudroyant, struck her colours at 10 h. 50 m. a. m; and out of 1237 men and boys, the Hoche lost 270 in killed and wounded. The Bellone, after receiving the fire of several ships, defended herself against the Ethalion for nearly two hours; nor did she surrender until her rigging and sails were cut to pieces, and her loss, out of 519 men, amounted to 20 killed and 45 wounded. The Embuscade, out of 486, lost 15 killed and 26 wounded; and the Coquille, having 18 killed and 31 wounded out of 507, also surrendered to the british squadron. The remaining five frigates, as they stood away to the westward, successively engaged the Anson, who had 2 men killed and 11 wounded, and her masts and rigging much cut up.

On the 14th the Resolue, at 1 a. m., was fallen in with by the Melampus, and after a feeble resistance was captured. On the ]7th the Loire was engaged by the 32-gun frigate Mermaid, captain Jan.es N. Newman, and Kangaroo 18-gun brig, captain Edward Brace. After a spirited action, in which the Mermaid had her mizen-mast and main top-mast shot away, and was otherwise much damaged, with loss of 3 killed and 13 wounded; and having also disabled the brig, the Loire put before the wind and was soon out of sight, although her mast, sails, and rigging gave evidence of the effect produced by the animated fire of her opponent. Lieutenant Mortimer Timson of the marines was serving on board the Mermaid.

The Loire had only escaped from one antagonist to fall into the hands of another, for at daylight on the 18th, having lost her main and fore top-mast, she was discovered by the 44-gun frigate Anson, captain P. C. Durham; who had lost her mizenmast, main-yard, and main cross-trees in her previous action with the french ship and her four companions. The Anson commenced the action at 10 h. 30 m., and the two disabled ships continued the contest until 1 1 h. 45 m. a. m., when the Kangaroo bore up and fired her broadside. Shortly afterwards the Loire's mizen-mast came down, and she surrendered. The Anson had 2 men killed; first-lieutenant Wm. A. Bell of the marines, and 12 wounded. The Loire, out of a complement of 624 men, had 46 killed and 71 wounded. Captain Durham speaks highly of first-lieutenant Deering of the marines.

We have now disposed of five frigates of M. Bompart's squadron; a sixth, the Immortalite, when on her cruise to Brest on the 28th of October, was pursued bythe38-gun frigate Fisgard, captain T. B. Martin, and brought to action at 11 h. 30 m. a. m. So effectual was the fire of the french frigate, that in less than half an hour the Fisgard was rendered ungovernable, having her sails and rigging cut to pieces; but by active exertion she was again alongside of the enemy at half-past one o'clock. The firing was renewed with great fury and continued until 3 p. m.j when the Immortalite, with her mizen-mast over her side, and having six feet water in the hold, her gallant captain with 54 killed and 61 wounded out of a complement of 580, was compelled to haul down her colours. The Fisgard, out of 281 men and boys, lost 10 killed; lieutenant Mark Anthony Gerrard of the marines, and 23 wounded. The two remaining frigates, the Semillante and Romaine, reached the ports of l'Orient and Brest. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1795. Saturday 9th May. The Melampus and squadron were in Gourville Bay.

1795. Sunday 17th May. The Thetis and the Hussar captured the Raison and the Prlvoyante.

1795. Monday 25th May. Thorn captured Courier National in the West indies.

1795. Monday 8th June. The Kingfisher engaged a french convoy.

1795. Tuesday 9th June. The Masquito captured a Privateer.

1795. Wednesday 17th June. Cornwallis's retreat.

1795. Tuesday 23rd June. Bridports Victory off O'Oient.

1795. Thursday 24th June. The Dido and the Lowestoft engaged the Minerve and Artemise.

1795. Monday 25th May. The Thorn captured the Courier National in the West Indies.

1795. Thursday 25th June. The 300 Marines at Quiberon.

1795. Monday 29th of June. The Jason and Pique frigates, captains Charles Sterling and David Milne, when off the Penmarcks at 7 p. m. chased the french 40-gun frigate Seine, which had sailed from the Isle of France, and was making for the first french port. The pursuit continued throughout the day, and at 9 p. m. the Pique commenced firing her bow guns. At 11 p.m. she ranged up alongside, and a running fight continued for two hours and thirty minutes, when the british frigate had her main top-mast shot away, and consequently dropped astern. The Jason now coming up, took the ground; and the Pique, when on the larboard side of her consort, also stuck fast. Almost at the same instant the land near Pointe de la Trenche was seen a-head, and the french frigate was also aground, and totally dismasted. As the tide rose, the Jason swung with her stern towards the enemy's broadside, which cut up her rigging and sails, and she sustained the loss of her second-lieutenant and 6 men killed; her captain and 1 1 wounded. The Jason was soon able to bring her guns to bear; and on the approach of the Mermaid frigate, the Seine struck her colours, having sustained a loss of 170 killed and 100 wounded, out of a complement of 610 men. Every effort to get the Pique afloat proving unavailing, she was abandoned by her crew, whose loss amounted to 2 killed and 6 wounded. First-lieutenant R. A. Symes was serving on board the Jason.

The 32-gun frigate Ambuscade, captain Henry Jenkins, mounting 32 long twelve-pounders, and 8 carronade twelvepounders — total 40 guns, with a reduced crew of 190 men and boys, was cruising off Bordeaux on the 14th of June at 7 a. m., when a sail was discovered running down before the wind. At 9 a.m., when the stranger had arrived nearly within gun-shot, she hauled to the wind and made sail to get away; but the Ambuscade immediately went in pursuit, and at 11 h. 30 m. she was sufficiently near to exchange shots with the french corvette Bai'onnaise, mounting 24 long eight-pounders, 6 long sixes, and 2 brass thirty-six pounders — total 32 guns, having a crew of 250 men and boys. The french ship, after shortening sail, commenced the action, which had continued an hour, when an unfortunate accident happened on board the Ambuscade: one of her main-deck guns burst, which did great damage, and wounded 11 men. The corvette, on seeing the confusion on board the british ship, made sail; but the Ambuscade was presently alongside to leeward. At this time, the Baionnaise being much cut up in her sails and rigging and having sustained a considerable loss in officers and men, with no chance of escape, laid the Ambuscade on board, carrying away with her bowsprit the british ship's starboard quarter-deck barricade, mizenshrouds, and mizen-mast, which in its fall unshipped the wheel. The Baionnaise then dropped under the Ambuscade's stern, but still remaining foul, by a grappling iron caught in the latter's rudder chain, the french troops from their bowsprit scoured the decks of the Ambuscade, whilst the british marines kept up a smart fire in return; but in a short time, lieutenant Dawson, captain Jenkins and lieutenant Sinclair of the marines, were severely wounded; and they were scarcely taken below when Mr. Brown, the master, was killed. The only surviving lieutenant, Joseph Briggs, who had come from a sick cot to take part in the action, was wounded in the head, and the command of the ship now devolved on Mr. Win. B. Murray, the purser. At this moment an explosion of some cartridges on the rudder-head, occasioned by firing a gun from the cabin windows into the bow of the Bai'onnaise, produced a panic, which enabled the french crew from the bowsprit to reach the british quarter-deck, and after a short struggle the Ambuscade surrendered, with the loss of 10 killed and 36 wounded. The Baionnaise had 30 killed; her commander, captain Richer, and 30 men badly wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1795. June - December. Royal Marines in Quiberon.

1795. July. Sir Sidney Smith, when in command of the Diamond frigate, took possession of the two islands of St. Marcouf, situated off the river Isigny, on the coast of Normandy, and about four miles from the shore. The islands, which are close to one another, and each about 200 yards in length and 120 in in breadth, were mounted with several pieces of cannon, and garrisoned by a detachment of invalids and a party of marines, under lieutenants J. Maughan, — Ensor, and — Lawrence, with a proportion of seamen; and the whole under the command of lieutenant Charles P. Price, of the navy. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1795. In the early part of August. A squadron, consisting of the Monarch, Victorious, and Arrogant, of 74 guns, America and Stately, of 64 guns, with two brigs, having on board a detachment of the 78th regiment commanded by major-general Craig, anchored in Simon's Bay, Cape of Good Hope. The governorgeneral Sluysken, refusing to place the colony under the protection of his britannic Majesty, a debarkation took place of 450 men of the 78th regiment, with 300 marines, commanded by major Hill, having under him majors Ballinghall, Douglas, and Wingrove; captains Samuel Baldwin and Gilbert Gardner, and lieutenants C. W. Adair (adjutant), Wingrove, Burn, Clapperton, Glaze, Templeton, and Thomas Mould. Meanwhile the dutch militia had taken post on the adjacent heights and occupied a pass about six miles distant from the town, which they had well-fortified. A thousand seamen were also landed and formed into battalions under captains Hardy of the Echo, and Spranger of the Rattlesnake. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1795. Friday 7th August. The lighter ships of the squadron stood in shore, and with the gun-boats and launches covered the advance of the troops so effectually, that at 4 p. m. major-general Craig, after a fatiguing march over heavy sandy ground, arrived at and took possession of the abandoned dutch camp.

The advanced guard of the 78th, supported by the battalion, drove the Dutch from an advantageous post on a rocky eminence, and on the following day, the 8th, the enemy having augmented his force from Cape Town, and having several fieldpieces, advanced to regain the position they had lost; but after some skirmishing the Dutch were compelled to retire. The battalion of marines under major Hill obtained the commendation of major-general Craig, " for their steadiness and resolution" on this occasion.

Some partial successes gained by the Dutch on the 1st and 2nd of September, encouraged them to meditate a general attack on the british camp; and in the night they advanced with all their force, accompanied by eighteen field-pieces. At this anxious moment the long-expected english fleet, with reinforcements, opportunely appeared in the offing; and on the following morning fourteen sail of East India ships, conveying a large body of troops, with artillery and stores, under the command of general Alured Clarke, came to an anchor in Simon's Bay. The disembarkation was completed on the 14th, and the troops having immediately commenced their march, the dutch governor became so alarmed, that he proposed terms of capitulation: and on the 16th the colony surrendered, when about 1000 regular troops were made prisoners. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1795. Friday 7th August - 16th September. During the 'Napoleonic Wars', Britain captured the Dutch Cape Colony's, from the Dutch East India Company. 350 Marines landed under Major Hill and took part in the battle of Muizenburg, receiving the commendation of Major General Craig "for their steadiness and resolution" upon this occasion. The advanced guard of the 78th, supported by the Marines, drove the Dutch from their position on the heights, and on the Thursday 8th August repelled a counter attack supported by artillery.

1795. Saturday 22nd August. Engagement of Iris and consorts with Dutch frigates.

1795. Tuesday 25th August. Spider (cutter) captured a brig.

1795. Wednesday 26th August. Cutting-out exploits at Alassio and Lanqueglia Bays.

1795. Friday 3rd July. The Melampus and the Hebe captured the Vesuve.

1795. July. Nelson Captures Elba.

1795. Sunday 12th July. The Cumberland captured the Alcide off Hyeres.

1795. Friday 7th August - 16th September. During the 'Napoleonic Wars', Britain captured the Dutch Cape Colony's, from the Dutch East India Company. 350 Marines landed under Major Hill and took part in the battle of Muizenburg, receiving the commendation of Major General Craig "for their steadiness and resolution" upon this occasion. The advanced guard of the 78th, supported by the Marines, drove the Dutch from their position on the heights, and on the Thursday 8th August repelled a counter attack supported by artillery.

1795. Saturday 22nd August. Engagement of the Iris and consorts with dutch Frigates.

1795. Tuesday 25th August. Spider (cutter) captured a Brig.

1795. Friday 26th August. Cutting out exploits at Alassio and Lanqueglia Bays.

1795. Monday 28th September. Rose captured a privateer and sank another.

1795. Monday 28th September. The 32-gun frigate Southampton, captain James Macnamara, when cruising off Genoa, chased several suspicious sail, and at 10 p.m. brought to action the french 36-gun frigate Vestale. After exchanging several broadsides, the enemy's ship made oft under all sail, closely pursued by the Southampton, until the mizen of the latter fell over the side; and although great exertion was made to clear the wreck, and in erecting a jury-mast, the Vestale affected her escape, having 8 men killed, and 9 wounded. Lieutenant Archibald Campbell of the marines was serving on board the Southampton. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1795. Tuesday 29th September. Southampton engaged Vestale.

1795. August. The capture of the Cape Colony by Elphinstone.

1795. August - October. Operations under Commodore Rainier at Ceylon.

1795. August - December. The capture of Malacea, Chinsura and Cohin.

1795. Wednesday 16th September. The Capture of Cape Town from the Dutch.

1795. Wednesday 7th October. Action off St. Vincent. Censeur captured by the French.

1795. Saturday 10th October. Mermaid captured Brutus.

1795. Tuesday 13th October. Mermaid captured Republicaine.

1795. Wednesday 14th October. Melampus and Latona engaged batteries at Groix.

1795. Thursday 15th October. Melampus and consorts engaged Tortue and Nertide.

1795. Saturday 5th December. As the 74-gun ship Culloden, captain Thomas Troubridge, lay at -Spithead, the crew, bursting into open mutiny, unshipped the ladders; and having broken into the magazine, they raised a barricade ofhammocks across the deck between the bits, loaded the two second guns from forward with canister and grape, and pointed them towards the hatchway. The marines, with the exception of six, were immediately under arms, commanded by captain Thomas Currie, with first-lieutenant Hugh Holland, and second-lieutenant G. A. Li- vingstone. The seamen continued below during the night, arming themselves and preparing for defence; but on the morning of the 17th the petty-officers and some of the seamen were allowed to come upon deck. Notwithstanding the endeavours of admirals lord Bridport, Cornwallis, and Colpoys to induce the men to return to their allegiance, they continued to act in defiance of their officers until the 10th, when captain the hon. Thomas Pakenham succeeded in persuading them to return to their duty. On the 15th the ten ringleaders were tried by a court-martial, and on the 13th of January five of them suffered on board the Culloden at Spithead, and the others received the king's pardon. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Eighteen thousand Marines was the establishment of 1796.

The extensive and lamentable casualties which had befallen our troops in the West Indies, with the enterprizing successes of Victor Hughes, demanded auxiliary aids from Europe, not only to remedy misfortunes, but to fill up their exhausted ranks.

After a train of unprecedented bad weather, which was combated by Rear Admiral Christian with an uncommon perseverance, this squadron and army, under Sir Ralph Abercromby, reached Barbadoes early in 1796. An expedition was instantly undertaken against the Dutch settlements in Guiana, to which Demerara, with Issequibo, capitulated on the 22d of April, as did Berbice on the 2d of May, without resistance.

The first object of the main Army was against St. Lucia, upon which island, a debarkation was made on the 27th of April. A series of attacks took place against the enemy's posts, in which Brigadier General Moore, and the 27th Regiment, were particularly noticed.

On the 2d of May 800 Seamen and 320 Marines were landed, who co-operated on shore with much credit, until the total subjection of St. Lucia, upon the 26th. I cannot express their good conduct in stronger terms, than in these which proceeded from Sir Ralph Abercromby, in General Orders of May 27th.

"During the services which have been carried on in the island of St, Lucia, all the courage and every exertion of the Army, would have proved ineffectual, if Rear Admiral Sir H. C. Christian, and the Royal Navy, had not stepped forward with the alacrity which had been so conspicuous in forwarding the most arduous part of the public service; to their skill and unremitting labour is, in a great measure, owing the success which has attended his Majesty's arms. It will afford the Commander in Chief the greatest satisfaction to be able to lay before his Majesty the eminent services which have, on this occasion, been performed by the Royal Navy; and Admiral Sir H. C. Christian will confer a particular obligation on Lieut. General Sir R. Abercromby and the Army at large, if he will communicate to the Royal Navy, and particularly to Captains Lane, Ryves, and Stephenson, and the other Officers who acted on shore; and to the Corps of Marines, the great obligation which they consider themselves under to them.

"T. BUSBY, Adjutant General."

St. Vincents and Grenada, disorganized by the bustling Victor Hughes, were again restored to order; in effecting which objects, the Marines were also auxiliary, in union with their brethren of the Navy.

Early in this year the Dutch possessions of Amboyna and Banda were taken by the exertions of the squadron under Admiral Rainier, and the reduction of Columbo in the isle of Ceylon, with an immense booty, also occurred, by the joint forces under Colonel J. Stuart, and Captain Gardner of the Heroine. Although devoid of much military interest, still those settlements were of high importance in a commercial view, and I reflect with a mixture of pleasure and of pride, upon every instance in which my Corps has been instrumental in promoting the solid interests of their Country.

An expedition, that was destined for the recovery of the Cape of Good Hope, under Admiral Lucas, became a prey to the active vigilance of Sir George Elphinstone, who, with a cool judgment, and anxious to spare the effusion of blood, proposed terms of surrendering his squadron. By this exemplary address, eight ships of war were gained without a shot, or the loss of a man.

The French settlement of Foul Point, on the island of Madagascar, on the coast of Africa, was destroyed by the Seamen and Marines of the Crescent, Brave, and Sphynx, in the month of December.

Captain, now Lord Nelson, gave crouded displays of his zeal and courage upon various services in the Mediterranean during this year, by the cutting out some vessels from under the batteries of Loano, the capture of a Spanish frigate in La Minerve, and in obtaining possession of the Isle of Elba, without any loss. Porto Ferrajo, afterwards noted for its distinguished defence by a few Marines and some mixed troops, likewise capitulated to him, on the Captain, of 74 guns, having been placed against the grand Bastion.

The able valour of Captain Macnamara, of the Southampton, in boarding and bringing off, from under a heavy fire of the batteries on Porquerollos, one of the Hieres islands, the corvette Utile, is beyond praise. Lieut. Lydiard behaved most spiritedly, and William Oirton, private Marine, was the only man killed on this brilliant service.

The conduct of Captain Bowen, his Seamen and Marines, in the Terpsichore, was twice most gallantly evinced by the capture of El Mahonesa and La Vertale, in the months of October and December.

Returning homewards, the Naval incidents of the year were repeated and animated.

On the 17th of March, Sir Sidney Smith, with that intrepidity in hazard so natural to him, destroyed a small convoy within the port of Herqui; which was not accomplished however, without landing some Seamen, under Lieut. Pine, and the Marines of the Diamond, under Lieut. Carter, who, in spite of a body of troops, pushed ashore, climbed the precipice in front of their batteries, and re-embarked, after having spiked the guns. Lieut. Pine was wounded, and Lieut.

Carter mortally, of which he soon died, leaving behind him the merited character of a most excellent Officer and amiable man.

On the 20th, Sir John Warren, with his little squadron, engaged a very superior force, taking one frigate and four of a convoy.

Lieut. Williams, of Marines, appears mentioned by Sir Edward Pellew as having rendered essential service on board the Indefatigable, in capturing La Virginie upon the 21st of April.

The fortunate contest between the Unicorn, Captain Sir Thomas Williams, and La Tribune, began under an obvious disadvantage, and while it has fully established the fame of that Officer, it was likewise most honourable to Lieut. Hart of my Corps. The Seamen and Marines of La Margaretta were also much distinguished in Captain Martin's official dispatch, announcing the capture of La Tamise.

Captain Trollope, in the Glatton, of 54, armed with heavy carronades, stands most highly on the records of this year, by his having encountered and beat a squadron carrying upwards of 200 guns, and in every respect nearly thrice his force. While the circumstances of the battle reflect a lustre upon all who fought, the unsubdued spirit of Captain Strangeways, of Marines, was truly heroic, and demands the grateful sympathy of his Country and his Corps. After having received a ball in his thigh, he was necessarily carried below, and on a tourniquet having been applied by the Surgeon, he insisted upon going again to his quarters, where he continued to animate his men until he fainted from loss of blood, when Captain Trollope was obliged to interpose his authority for his removal from danger. He afterwards fevered and died, forsaking by destiny a distressed widow and family to deplore his fall, to the tutelar care of Providence and the British nation William Hall, Corporal of Marines, was, besides, the only one wounded in this memorable action.

Sir John Warren, by his reiterated exploits through the year, has very meritedly founded a name for spirit and zeal.

Towards the close of 1796 the French fleet put to sea from Brest, with the direct aim of invading the sister kingdom of Ireland. To it an army of 15,000 men was united under General Hoche. Heaven again stepped forth to thwart their schemes, whose elementary agents were employed to overthrow them. Scarcely had they set sail, when the winds began to blow with violence, which burst into a storm after gaining sight of the wished for land. Their armament was finally scattered, and while a part of it, was buried in the ocean, others were doomed to augment the British Navy, and the remains to hasten back, in disappointment and in terror, towards their own ports.

Judging, from external evidences, their reception would have been worthy of Irishmen, had their invaders reached their shores.

Patriotism shone forth in every rank of society, and one godlike churchman [3] exerted those powerful energies, which must always be attached to every reputable member of his honorable calling, in keeping alive the sacred flame.

FOOTNOTE:

[3] Dr Moylan, Titular Bishop of Cork.

(Taken from Chapter 41 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1796. Tuesday 19th January. The revolutionary spirit which prevailed in Holland, rendered that country an easy conquest for the armies of France while at the same time she retained the nominal dignity of an independent state, under the style of the Batavian republic, it gave to the conquerors every advantage which they could have derived from possessing Holland as a province, without incurring the expense of maintaining her as an integral part of the french empire. England took the earliest opportunity of weakening the maritime power of the new ally of France; and on the 19th of January orders were issued for seizing all dutch vessels in the british ports. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Monday 15th February. Ceylon capitulated without resistance.

1796. Monday 16th February. A small squadron, under rearadmiral Peter Rainier, with three transports conveying troops, arrived off the dutch island of Amboyna, the capital of the Molucca islands; and the troops having landed on the same afternoon, possession was taken of the colony without resistance. The squadron sailed for the islands of Banda on the 5th of March, and on the evening of the 7th the expedition arrived off Banda Neira. Early on the afternoon of the 8th the troops, with the marines from the squadron, were disembarked on the north side of the island, covered by the Orpheus frigate, whose fire having silenced the batteries, they were soon occupied by the troops; and on the same evening these islands surrendered to the british arms.

In the early part of August, a dutch squadron, consisting of three small ships of the line, with three frigates and two smaller vessels, arrived off Saldanha bay, with the intention of making an attempt to regain possession of the Cape of Good Hope. Eight ships of the line, under the command of vice-admiral sir George Keith Elphinstone, were lying in Simon's Bay when the intelligence was received of the arrival of the dutch force, and on the 6th the british squadron put to sea; but the violence of the weather compelled them to return to their former anchorage on the 12th. On the 15th the vice-admiral again sailed, and on the following evening discovered the enemy's ships as before described, lying at anchor in Saldanha bay. The british ships soon afterwards anchored within gun-shot of the hostile squadron, and a message was sent by sir George Elphinstone, inviting the dutch officer to surrender without attempting any resistance. On the 17th a capitulation was agreed to, and rear-admiral Lucas surrendered his nine ships. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Tuesday 16th February - Sunday 8th March. The capture of Amboyna and Banda Niera.

1796. Tuesday 16th February. Amboyna capitulated.

1796. Tuesday 8th March. Vice-admiral Hotham was lying in Leghorn roads, with a fleet of fifteen sail of the line and several frigates, when he received intelligence, on the 8th of March, that the french fleet had been seen off the island of Sainte Marguerite. On the 9th the british fleet put to sea, and the 10th the look-out ships got sight of the enemy. On the 13th the french fleet, consisting of thirteen ships of the line, was seen to windward, and the admiral made the signal for a general chase. The Inconstant being far in advance, captain F. T. Freemantle had the opportunity of distinguishing himself, by ranging up within musketshot of the 80-gun ship C^a-Ira (who had lost her fore and main topmasts) and engaging her for some time. During the day the Agamemnon, Bedford, and Egmont became engaged with the rearmost ships, but nothing of importance occurred. On the 14th, at o h. 30 m. a.m., when about seven leagues to the south-west of Genoa, the British finding themselves to windward of the enemy, the Bedford and Captain were ordered to attack the dismasted Ca-Ira, then in tow of the Censeur of 74 guns, and at some distance from the body of their fleet. Both the british ships were so roughly handled in their attempt, as to be compelled to withdraw from the contest, and the Captain was rendered so unmanageable that she was towed clear of her opponents. The wind having died away, it was with difficulty that the enemy's fleet wore round at 8 a. m; and then passing to leeward of the British, they became engaged with the Illustrious and Courageux, both which ships suffered severely; the former losing her main, mizen-mast, and fore-topmast, and the Courageux her main and mizen-masts. The french line then stood on, abandoning the Ca-Ira and Censeur to their fate; but neither of these ships surrendered until they were dismasted and incapable of further resistance, and sustained a loss of 400 men in killed and wounded. The troops serving in the fleet w r ere principally from regiments of the line: the only officers of marines were captain Hugh Dawes, lieutenants Henry Johnstone, Francis Lynn, and William Allen.

Vice-admiral Hotham was lying in San-Fiorenzo bay on the 8th of July, with the fleet as stated above, to which must be added the Victory 100 guns, Bai'fleur 98, Gibraltar 80, Bombay Castle, Saturn, Cumberland, Culloden, and Audacious, of 74 guns, making a total of twentv-three sail of the line and two frigates, when the french fleet, consisting of seventeen sail of the line with several frigates, appeared off that harbour. Admiral Hotham immediately put to sea, and the British, before noon, were under all sail, steering westward in pursuit of the enemy.

On the 13th, at day-break, when off Hyeres, the french fleet was discovered about five miles to leeward; upon which viceadmiral Hotham formed his ships in line of battle, and edged away, so as to cut off the enemy from the shore, then about five leagues distant. At 12 h. 30 m. p.m. a shift of wind brought the leading ships, which were the Victory, Culloden, and Cumberland, in a position to engage; and at 2 p.m. the Alcide 74, struck her colours. Shortly afterwards several other british ships had been distantly engaged, and were coming up fast with the enemy, when the signal was made to discontinue the action. The Victory had 2 midshipmen and 3 marines killed; 1 lieutenant, 1 midshipman, major Frederick Hill Flight and lieutenant William Darley, of the marines, and 11 men wounded; Culloden, 2 killed, and 5 wounded; Blenheim, 2 killed, 2 wounded; Captain, 1 killed and Defence, 1 killed and 6 wounded: making a total of 1 1 killed, and 27 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Wednesday 9th March. Boats of Barfleur and consorts, re-captured vessels at Tunis.

1796. Thursday 10th March. Phaeton and convoy captured Bonne Citoyenne.

1796. Sunday 13th March. The 32-gun frigate Lively, captain George Burl ton, when about thirteen leagues to the westward of Ushant, captured the 28-gun corvette Tourterelle, after a gallant defence, which lasted from 10 b. 40 m. a.m. until 1 h. 30 m. p.m., when, being much disabled, with 16 men killed and 25 wounded, she struck her colours. The Lively had only two men wounded. The officer of marines of the Lively was lieutenant B. Burke.

The Astrea of 32 guns, captain lord Harry Paulet, having chased from a squadron under rear-admiral Colpoys cruising to the westward, on the 10th of April, at 10 h. 30 m. p.m., brought to close action the french 36-gun frigate Gloire, captain Beens, and after a defence of fifty-eight minutes, compelled the enemy to haul down her colours. The Asti'ea did not lose a man and had only 8 wounded. The Gloire lost 40 in killed and wounded. Second-lieutenant William Johnstone was the officer of marines on board the Astrea. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Thursday 17th March. The storming of batteries at Herqui.

1796. Thursday 17th March. Diamond and convoy engaged at Port Spergni. Sir Sidney Smith, with that intrepidity in hazard so natural to him, destroyed a small convoy within the port of Herqui; which was not accomplished however, without landing some Seamen, under Lieut. Pine, and the Marines of the Diamond, under Lieut. Carter, who, in spite of a body of troops, pushed ashore, climbed the precipice in front of their batteries, and re-embarked, after having spiked the guns. Lieut. Pine was wounded, and Lieut. Carter mortally, of which he soon died, leaving behind him the merited character of a most excellent Officer and amiable man.

1796. Friday 18th March. The 38-gun frigate Diamond, captain sir William Sidney Smith, proceeded to attack a trench corvette and convoy in the port of Herqui, near Cape Frehel, which was defended by two batteries mounting 3 twenty-four pounders, situated on a high promontory. Lieutenant H. Pine and lieutenant Edmund Carter, of the marines, landed with a detachment and stormed the battery. The only loss sustained by the British in this gallant affair was lieutenant Carter, mortally wounded.

Lieutenant George Jones, of the marines, was serving on board the 38-gun frigate Revolutionaire, captain Francis Cole, when that ship, having chased from a squadron cruising off Ushant on the 13th of April, captured the french 36-gun frigate Unite, after a short resistance, in which the enemy had 9 men killed and 1 1 wounded; but the Revolutionaire did not sustain any loss. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Sunday 20th March. Anson and consorts engaged with French convoy. Sir John Warren, with his little squadron, engaged a very superior force, taking one frigate and four of a convoy. Lieutenant. Williams, of Marines, appears mentioned by Sir Edward Pellew as having rendered essential service on board the Indefatigable, in capturing La Virginie on the 21st of April.

The fortunate contest between the Unicorn, Captain Sir Thomas Williams, and La Tribune, began under an obvious disadvantage, and while it has fully established the fame of that Officer, it was likewise most honourable to Lieutemant. Hart. The Seamen and Marines of La Margaretta were also much distinguished in Captain Martin's official dispatch, announcing the capture of La Tamise.

Captain Trollope, in the Glatton, of 54, armed with heavy carronades, stands most highly on the records of this year, by his having encountered and beat a squadron carrying upwards of 200 guns, and in every respect nearly thrice his force. While the circumstances of the battle reflect a lustre upon all who fought, the unsubdued spirit of Captain Strangeways, of Marines, was truly heroic, and demands the grateful sympathy of his Country and his Corps. After having received a ball in his thigh, he was necessarily carried below, and on a tourniquet having been applied by the Surgeon, he insisted upon going again to his quarters, where he continued to animate his men until he fainted from loss of blood, when Captain Trollope was obliged to interpose his authority for his removal from danger. He afterwards fevered and died, forsaking by destiny a distressed widow and family to deplore his fall, to the tutelar care of Providence and the British nation. William Hall, Corporal of Marines, was, besides, the only one wounded in this memorable action. capture of La Tamise.

1796. Monday 21st of March. The town and fort of Leogane, in the island of San Domingo, was attacked by a detachment of Colonial and British troops under Major General Forbes with two divisions, supported by the squadron, which consisted of the three ships of the line HMS Leviathan, HMS Swiftsure, and HMS Africa, with the frigates HMS Ceres and HMS Iphigenia, but the fort proving better capable of defence than was anticipated, the troops were withdrawn on the following day and night, without sustaining much loss. HMS Leviathan had 5 men killed, and 12 wounded, and HMS Africa one killed, and 7 wounded, and both ships were so seriously damaged, that they were under the necessity of going to Jamaica to refit.

A more successful attack was afterwards made on the fort and parish of Bombarde, at a distance of fifteen miles. The only road leading to it, by which cannon could be conveyed, had been effectually blockaded by the enemy; never the less the troops, after some difficulty and opposition, surrounded the fort and compelled the garrison, consisting of 300 whites, to surrender; but the possession of the place cost the British 8 killed, and 18 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Spain having become a compulsory ally of France, during the last year, an expedition took place against the valuable island of Trinidad, on the North East coast of Terra Firma, in South America, which surrendered after a very trifling resistance, to the joint forces under Sir Ralph Abercrombie and Rear Admiral Hervey. Blended with this capture, were 4 sail of the line and one frigate, which offered no opposition to our fleet, but were destroyed by the enemy, excepting the St. Damaso of 70 guns.

Another but less fortunate attempt was made upon Porto Rico, but it was relinquished from the inadequacy of means to carry it, after some loss. On both occasions the Marines were placed in readiness to act but were not required to land.

Sir John Jervis (now Earl St. Vincent) had the honourable distinction of standing foremost in the list of Naval Heroes, who, unappalled by very superior numbers, dashed at everything.

His masterly manœuvres, upon the 14th of February, rendered this encouraging advantage unavailing to the Spanish Fleet, which, by a bold and decisive push, he separated, and defeated. This immortal action was not only crowned with the glory of capturing 4 sail of the line, but it had also its influence upon the spirits of our enemy, in every subsequent combat on the sea. An uncommon display of personal intrepidity was evinced by Commodore Nelson, Captain Miller, and Lieutenant (afterwards Captain) Berry, who at the head of the boarders from his Majesty's ship Captain, assaulted and carried, sword in hand, the San Joseff and St. Nicholas. The battle raged from 10 in the morning, until the close of day, which screened this powerful armament from destruction. Major William Norris, Lieut. G. A. Livingstone, and Serjeant Watson, of Marines, finished their lives, and 6 privates were killed, besides 21 wounded, in a contest where all were distinguished. The Legislative thanks were bestowed upon every class of our victorious fleet, and all these honours which a grateful Country could give, were conferred upon her meritorious servants. The port of Cadiz was afterwards most effectually blockaded, and was twice bombarded, in one of which Captain John Oldfield, of Marines, was wounded.

No war, in which England was ever engaged, has produced so many high examples of subordinate enterprise, as that of which I treat.

Like the gymnastick games, it is a spirit which should always be kept up, and although similar to petty skirmishing, it is as a drop in the bucket in the scale of importance, it still has a tendency to animate an emulous zeal, and the love of glory. It is the school in which greater deeds are taught, and to which all should be invited.

While I thus appear the humble advocate in recommending an ardency for early achievement, I would at the same time urge a gradation of recompence, or of honorary grants, suited to the feelings of every description of its agents. These have been of old standing, and have undergone many a change, alternately adapted to the fluctuating manners of society. Many a useful hint might be gleaned from the institutions of the Greeks and the Romans, and as human nature never alters, they might well be applied to ourselves. The French have studied and practised these doctrines with success. Louis the 11th rewarded the prowess and bravery of one of his soldiers, Launay Morvillier, by publicly taking the collar of a military order, from his own neck, and putting it on his. Under the republican system, this has been invariably observed, towards the meanest, by every convention, of whatever stuff it has been composed, and it has been one of the engines by which their numerous armies have been worked into enthusiasm.

Medals, descriptive of those merits that have acquired them, would be estimable even to the poor man. While they adorned the cottage, they would also be viewed by every one of its tenants as monumental emblems of loyal valour; a title which each of its members would not only be loth to forfeit but inclined to rival.

These remarks are introductory to one of the many exploits by which this contest was marked.

The boats of the Lively and La Minerve under Lieut. Hardy, in which, Lieut. Bulkeley, of Marines, most handsomely volunteered, boarded, and carried La Mutine brig of 12 six pounders and 2 thirty-six pound corronades, having 113 men, in the bay of Sancta Cruz, amidst the fire of all the Spanish batteries, and a sharp discharge from the French corvette. Only 15 were wounded in this hot affair. Lieut. Hardy was deservedly promoted, but his brave companions have no traces of the deed, but in their own minds. An unsuccessful essay upon Teneriffe on the 25th of July, under Commodore Nelson, fraught with many feats of unsurpassed bravery, ended in the re-embarkation of the seamen and Marines, by consent of the enemy, who were threatened by Captain Trowbridge, with the vengeance of our squadron, in the event of molestation. Owing to the judicious proposals made by that excellent Officer, boats were supplied by the Spanish Governor, to remedy the loss of our own from the violence of the surf; the wounded were kindly taken into the hospitals, and that generous foe even tendered such refreshments as his invaders might request. Commodore Nelson here lost his arm, which happily did not deprive his Country of the services of one of its most valuable subjects.

Lieut. Robinson and Basham, and 16 of my corps fell, 15 were wounded, and 102 Seamen and Marines were drowned or missing. Although the event was unpropitious, still our arms were not sullied.

Partaking of the diabolical spirit of the times, one of the most daring and sanguinary mutinies broke out in the Hermione, on the 22d of September, that ever disgraced the Christian world. After the most shocking barbarities exercised upon Captain Pigot, the Officers, Marines, and loyal Seamen, who were unsuspicious of their hellish plot, they carried the ship into the Spanish port of La Guira, whose Governor most ingloriously refused to give her up.

An avenging power, in numberless examples, too striking to be overlooked, has followed those traitorous murderers, and has vindicated the justice of his injured laws. Contempt embittered by remorse have been the inseparable companions of all those guilty individuals. Driven from the shores where they sanguinely anticipated nothing but recompence and applause, many of those wretched outcasts, by retracing their steps towards their native land, have met a certain and disgraceful doom, others unable to bear the stings of a wounded conscience, and abhorring existence, have precipitated their own dissolution, while the remains of those unhappy wanderers still throw a wishful eye from, their lurking spots, back on the soil which gave them birth, but where a vigilant Police, that vicegerent of heaven's purposes, is ever awake to their crimes. Even the very ship which was the theatre of their lawless outrage, has also been involved in their accursed destinies, for she was sometime after gallantly cut out of Porto Cavallo, by Sir Edward Hamilton, at the head of a body of Seamen and Marines from the Surprize, although protected by 200 heavy cannon, and under circumstances of incredible carnage, with the loss of only one Englishman .A peculiar spirit of activity seemed to pervade our squadron upon the Jamaica station, during the year 1797. Above 60 vessels of different descriptions were taken or destroyed, under batteries where they rode in confident security, but which were uniformly inadequate to shelter them from determined valour. The zeal and directing genius of Captains W. H. Ricketts, and the unfortunate Pigot, were always well seconded by their Officers, their Sailors and Marines.

At the eventful period when Britain was contending for the general liberties of mankind against the most vindictive and powerful enemies she had ever encountered, when our islands were menaced with invasion, and treason stalked throughout our streets, she suddenly found herself deserted by her long tried and guardian fleets.

The turbulent demon first appeared in the garb of justice, but after having gained its ends, he soon threw away the mask which covered his mutinous and corrupt heart. Those liberal concessions made by a considerate and grateful Country, appeared to stimulate, instead of suppressing revolt, and its contaminating principles diffused themselves over every quarter of the world.

Many were the individual instances of fidelity in my corps, at this awful crisis. Many were the gallant fellows in it who preferred the honorable distinction of allegiance to their King, to the mercenary attainments of self-interest. The partial support of the party of Marines on board the London, given to Admiral Colpoys and his Officers, at a time when they were surrounded by thousands of disaffected comrades, afforded a faint display of what would have been their general energies had such been called forth. They were indeed overpowered by numbers, after a contest, in which Lieutenant (now Captain) W. Sims was severely wounded. The loyal conduct of Serjeant Sweet, on board the Pompee, was evident to the members of a Court Martial which sat upon the trial of some misguided mutineers of that ship.

An instance of true heroism appeared in Charles Cubitt, private Marine, (in the Royal Sovereign I think,) who, after having been stabbed in the belly, by a Sailor, with a pike, pursued him with a loaded musket at his ear, but on the fellow begging for life, he nobly spared him.

The steady faithfulness of all those Marine Soldiers who had served during the American war, and had survived the heavy reduction at its close, was uniformly conspicuous. At the outset of these lamentable events, an unshaken resolve to stand or fall with their Officers, inspired every breast, which, had it been accepted, might have led to the sacrifice of those brave men who would have been opposed to uneven numbers, in the Seamen and many of their fellows, whom public emergency had embarked, untrained even to the common duties of their profession, and unhabituated to that strict obedience, which is the essence of every military virtue.

Unconscious of that dignity which belongs to his character, the raw recruit readily gives in to any scheme urged by the designing; of which there were too many drawn from the dregs of society, amongst those provincial conscripts who had previously been levied at the most enormous bounties, to man the fleet.

This fiendly spirit soon found its way to the Mediterranean, where all the achievements of Earl St. Vincent's life were yet, I may say, surpassed, by the evidences of that manly vigour with which he subdued it. In this, his Lordship was zealously seconded by all the Officers and the Marines of his fleet, and by one uniform system of subordination which emanated from his high example. The conduct of Admiral Duncan, at Yarmouth, and Admiral Pringle, at the Cape of Good Hope, was alike energetic.

Subsequent events have shown that this flame was only stifled, but not extinguished, and it would have yielded me the highest gratification to have here bidden an adieu to the hateful topic.

It is an occasion, worthy of the gratitude of Britons, to notice the relative situations of our republican foes at this alarming juncture. France would have eagerly embraced such an hour of calamity to consummate her ambitious views upon our happy Country, but she was paralyzed by similar principles in her own Navy, while the meditated expedition against Ireland, was detained in the ports of Holland by unabating and contrary winds.

This year was remarkable by an increase of pay to his Majesty's subaltern Officers, the abolition of arrears to them, to Captains of the Army, as well as Marines, besides a very handsome addition to the wages of Seamen, and to inferiors in all the other departments of our military forces. That liberal allowance of provisions which was also granted to the Sailors and Marines of the fleet, has rendered their situations truly enviable, as upon a general aggregate they are more than they can possibly consume.

The overplus being converted into money is nearly adequate to the purchase of those cordials of which they stand in need, and, in consequence, a prudent man is under little necessity to encroach upon his pecuniary gains. No class of his Majesty's servants is more independent or might be more happy.

The gallantry of our Navy in the face of an enemy, notwithstanding these outrageous scenes, was uniformly apparent. That expert Seaman and intrepid Officer, Sir Edward Pellew, stands first on the list, accompanied by his brave supporter Captain R. C. Reynolds, of the Amazon, who nobly seconded the Indefatigable, in a contest, with but few intervals, of ten hours. Their opponent, Les Droits de L'Homme, of 74 guns, had been attached to the squadron destined for Ireland, and was on her return to France when attacked by those daring Officers. She had 1600 men on board, by which she fought her cannon on both sides, and thus enjoyed her great superiority.

The winds blew a storm, and all their animosities subsided at last in the predominant duty of self-preservation; for a glimpse of the moon providentially penetrating the sullen clouds, pointed out the breakers on a near shore, and the gloomy presage of instantaneous destruction. They were fatal to the unhappy Frenchman, who merited a better doom, as well as to the Amazon, after all her efforts. Sir Edward Pellew expressed his grateful feelings to Lieuts. O'Connor and Wilson, of Marines, for their conduct under these trying occasions.

A disastrous fate seems to have always pursued every modern aim at the conquest of our isles. A petty attempt on Wales, by means of a set of wretched criminals, terminated with their immediate surrender to Lord Cawdor; and the capture of the frigates that had transported them, by Sir H. Neal and Captain J. Cooke, of the St. Fiorenzo and Nymphe, in sight of their own fleet in the road of Brest. Lieut. (afterwards Capt.) Carruthers, who was subsequently drowned in the Invincible, and Lieut. Campbell, of Marines, were distinguished in this spirited affair.

Sir John Warren and his squadron were highly active in annoying the enemy's Naval force and coasting trade during this year.

It is needless to enlarge upon the merits of the brilliant victory of the 11th of October, achieved under the most hazardous circumstances, and signally productive of the most important consequences. The very modest recital of Admiral, now Lord Duncan, of the proceedings of that day, adds a lustre to his well-earned glory. Long baulked in the hopes of meeting his cautious enemy, no wonder his joy kept pace with his zeal to close with them when he had them in his power. The Dutch Marine has not yet recovered the blow, and the services of the North Sea fleet have, experimentally, transcended in their effects to enervate the Naval exertions of that province of France, in two wars.

During the very able and vigilant administration of Earl Spencer, reward was the rapid follower of desert, and the British Commander, after not many hours absence from his Country, found himself, on return to it, elevated, from a commoner, to a Peer of the Realm. A suitable tribute was bestowed upon his brave second Vice Admiral, now Sir Richard Onslow, and Captain H. Trollope, who was bearer of the glad tidings, as well as W. G. Fairfax, the Admiral's Captain; both of whom were created Knights Banneret [4], by a benevolent and grateful Sovereign. The Thanks of the Nation were also conveyed to the Officers, Seamen, and Marines, through its representatives.

The generous contributions of the patriotic and the wealthy of our land, were likewise extended to many a disconsolate widow, a fatherless offspring, and a helpless orphan. The sufferings of the wounded and indigent Officer too were alleviated by public kindness, which sought for objects upon which to exercise its benevolence amongst the lowest ranks of those brave defenders. How criminal it is in any to violate the duties of fidelity to such a Country!

In this well-fought battle 751 Seamen and Marines were killed and wounded, amongst the latter of which were numbered Captains Cuthbert and Cassel, Lieuts. Chambers, Smith, Walker, Charles Rea, and Sandys.

A dash at the Brutus, of 74 guns, by Sir Thomas Williams, after the battle, was ineffectual; but did honour to himself, his Officers, Seamen, and Marines, in the Endymion.

The capture of La Nereide, by Captain, now Sir Robert Barlow, in a night action, displayed the courage and talents of that Officer, and was highly honourable to Lieut. Stewart and his detachment.

On the 19th of December one of the most delightful scenes ever witnessed in the metropolis of any Empire, was exhibited in ours.

It was the procession of the best of Kings, his amiable consort, every branch of the Royal Family, and the representatives of the greatest Nation on earth, towards the altars of their God. Never did prayers ascend on high with a greater fervor of devotion, which was heightened by every surrounding object. The occasion was well calculated to convert the heedless infidel, and to excite a military enthusiasm not to be easily effaced.

Bodies of Marines, drawn from Portsmouth and from Chatham, chiefly formed from those who had so often contributed to the Naval victories of the State, in union with their brethren the Seamen, were allotted for the protection of these trophies which their valour had conquered, and what moved along towards the spot, where all were to pour forth their solemn thanksgivings. Their Majesties were greeted on the way by thousands of their affectionate subjects, and the Prime Minister of the day, who had presided over the Councils of his Country with such ability during its unexampled difficulties, was received with that unconstrained applause, which attested that Englishmen knew how to appreciate his transcendent virtues.

FOOTNOTE:

[4] They take precedence next to Knights of the Bath, and are creations exclusively granted to military men, who have performed any feats of valour. They are always understood to take place on the field of battle, for though Sir William Erskine was invested with the order by his present Majesty, in Hyde Park, for his bravery in the battle of Emsdorff, at the head of the 15th Light Dragoons, still he was not acknowledged as such in this country.

(Taken from Chapter 42 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1796. Wednesday 13th April. Revolutionnaire captured Unite off Ushant.

1796. Sunday 17th April. Boats of Diamond captured Vengeur.

1796. Wednesday 20th April. The 44-gun frigate Indefatigable, captain sir Edward Pellew, after a chase of fifteen hours, brought to action, at about midnight, the french 40-gun frigate Virginie and the contest was continued under all sail during one hour and forty-five minutes, by which time the french frigate had lost her mizen-mast and main top-mast; nor was the Indefatigable much less disabled, having had her mizen top-mast and gaff shot away. The Amazon and Concorde arriving up, compelled the Virginie to surrender, having 15 men killed and 27 wounded. First-lieutenant Samuel Williams was serving on board the Indefatigable, which ship did not lose a man in the action. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Wednesday 20th April. Inconstant captured Unite in the Mediterranean.

1796. Monday 25th April. Agamemnon and squadron captured French vessels at Finale.

1796. Wednesday 27th April. The capture of the Island of St. Lucia. 350 Marines were landed and the Re official report read "The conduct of the Marines upon this, as upon all other occasions, was perfectly correct."

1796. Monday 27th April. Rear-admiral sir Hugh C. Christian arrived off Saint Lucie, with a squadron and several transports, having a large body of troops on board under the command of lieutenant-general sir Ralph Abercromby, which were landed at several points, under cover of the ships of war; and 800 seamen were also disembarked, to co-operate in the intended attack on Morne Fortunee. Morne Chabot, the first post attacked, was carried by one division of the force on the 28th, with the loss of 13 killed, and 49 wounded ; but the attempt on the batteries near the grand cul-de-sac on the 3rd of May, and on the post of the Vigie on the night of the 17th, although conducted with the greatest bravery, were both unsuccessful, and was attended with a loss of 12 killed, 56 wounded, and 34 missing at the first of these assaults ; and of one officer killed, 14 men wound- ed, and 65 missing at the latter. After a few attacks of outposts, the enemy retired to the fortress of Morne Fortunee, and having obtained a suspension of arms, the garrison, amounting to 2000 men, marched out with the honours of war, and laid down their arms. The total loss sustained in the reduction of this valuable colony amounted to 66 killed, 378 wounded, and 122 missing. The marines of the squadron, amounting to 320 men, assisted in these operations, and their promptitude and gallantry was acknowledged by lieutenant-general sir Ralph Abercromby in the handsomest terms.

The island of St. Vincent was taken possession of on the 11th, after an obstinate resistance; on which occasion the British lost 38 killed, and 145 wounded. A few days afterwards Grenada also submitted; but not without a determined opposition, and a loss to the British of 9 killed, and 60 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Saturday 30th April. Agamemnon and squadron captured six vessels at Oneglia.

1796. April - May. Operations resulting in capitulation of Barbados.

1796. Wednesday 4th May. Spencer captured Volcan.

1796. Thursday 12th May. Phoenix captured Argo.

1796. Tuesday 17th May. The 36-gun frigate Thetis, captain the hon. A. F. Cochrane, and 28-gun frigate Hussar, captain J. P. Beresford, when twenty leagues from Cape Henry, attacked five french frigates, armed en flute; and after an action of an hour, captured the Prevoyante mounting 24 guns, and Raison 18 guns. The Thetis had 8 men killed, and 9 wounded; the Hussar 3 men wounded. Lieutenant Paul Crebbin of the marines was serving on board the Thetis; and on board the Hussar, lieutenant James Atcherly. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Friday 27th May. Suffisante captured Revanche.

1796. Friday 4th June. The 28-gun frigate Dido, captain George Henry Towry, and 32-gun frigate Lowestoffe, captain Robert Gambier Middleton, when near Toulon, discovered the french 40-gun frigate Minerve, and 36-gun frigate Artemise. At 8 h. 30 m. a.m. the Minerve wore round on the same tack as the Dido and opened her fire; shortly afterwards the Minerve bore up and ran the Dido on board, with her bowsprit locked in the mizen rigging of her little opponent; and after several attempts to board, which were defeated by the marines and pikemen of the Dido, the bowsprit of the Minerve snapped in two, carrying with it the wounded mizen-mast of the british frigate. The Minerve then passing a-head, received the fire of the LowestofTe, which brought down the french ship's fore-mast, also her main and mizen top-masts. About this time the Artemise fired an ineffectual broadside and hauled her wind under all sail. At 11 h. 45 m. a.m. the Minerve, on the fail of her mizen-mast, hailed to say they had surrendered. The Dido had 6 men killed, her first-lieutenant Richard Buckoll, and 14 wounded. The Lowestoffe had only 3 men wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Wednesday 8th June. When cruising at the entrance of the Channel, the 32-gun frigate Unicorn, captain Thomas Williams, and 36-gun frigate Santa Margarita, captain Thomas Byam Martin, chased the french 36-gun frigates Tamise (late Thames) and Tribune, with the Lege re corvette. At one p. m. the enemy opened a fire from their stern chasers with such destructive effect upon the sails and rigging of their opponents, that it was not until 4 p.m. that the Santa Margarita was enabled to close with the Tamise; and after a resistance of twenty minutes, compelled her to strike her colours, having 32 men killed, and 19 wounded. The Santa Margarita, on board which ship was second-lieutenant James Dyson of the marines, had only 2 men killed, and 3 wounded.

Seeing the fate of her companion, the Tribune endeavoured to make her escape ; but the Unicorn, at 10 h. 30 m. p. m., after having ran above 200 miles in the pursuit, ranged up alongside her antagonist, and a close action continued for thirty-five minutes, when the Tribune dropped astern, and endeavoured to gain the wind of the Unicorn ; but by throwing all aback, the latter placed herself on the Tribune's weather bow, and after a few broadsides brought down her fore and main-masts, also her mizen top-mast, and compelled her to strike her colours, having sustained a loss of 37 killed, and 15 wounded. Second-lieutenant George Hart was serving on board the Unicorn, which ship, like the Indefatigable, had the good fortune to escape without any loss. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Wednesday 8th - 11th June. The capture of the Island of St. Vincent, during the evening the troops destined for the attack were safely disembarked, under cover of the 38 gun frigate HMS Arethusa, Captain Thomas Wolley, who also sent a detachment of seamen to serve on shore with the troops. After some skirmishing and an obstinate resistance, the enemy, composed chiefly of people of colour and Charibs, capitulated on the terms proposed by General Abercromby, who, on the 11th, took possession of the island. The loss sustained by the British amounted to 38 officers and privates killed, and 145 wounded.

1796. Thursday 9th June. The british fleet was cruising off Toulon, when a french corvette was descried working up towards the road of Hyeres; upon which, captain Macnamara of the 32gun frigate Southampton, was directed by sir John Jervis to endeavour to bring her out, and with this intent the british frigate steered for the Grande Passe, between the islands of Porquerolles and Posteros. At 6 p.m., the corvette having been discovered lying close to the shore, the Southampton stood boldly across Hyeres road, and at 8 h. 30 m. p.m. got within pistol-shot of the french ship-corvette Utile, of 24 guns, with a crew of 130 men. Captain Macnamara hailed and cautioned the commander not to make a fruitless resistance; but the latter instantly snapped his pistol at the speaker as the Utile fired her broadside, which was quickly returned by the guns of the Southampton. After the third broadside, captain Macnamara hauled athwart the hawse of the Utile, and having lashed the corvette's bowsprit to the main rigging of the British frigate, lieutenant Lydiard, heading the boarders, sprang upon the frenchman's decks, and after a determined resistance of ten minutes, during which the french captain gallantly fell at his post, the corvette surrendered. Lieutenant Archibald Campbell of the marines was serving on board the Southampton, whose loss on this occasion was confined to 1 marine wounded. The Utile's loss amounted to 8 men killed, and 17 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Saturday 11thJune. The capture of Grenada, was taken with ease after the locals knew what had happened on St Vincent only 4 days earlier.

1796. Monday 13th June. At 1 a.m., the 36-gun frigate Dryad, captain lord Amelius Beauclerk, cruising off Cape Clear, discovered the french 40-gun frigate Proserpine, and pursued her until 9 p.m., when she closed on the lee and larboard quarter of her opponent. After a resistance of forty minutes, the Proserpine having sustained a loss of 30 men killed, and 45 wounded, struck her colours. Lieutenant Thomas Shearman was serving on board the Dryad, whose loss amounted to 2 men killed, and 7 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Wednesday 22nd June. Lord Bridport, with fourteen sail of the line and several frigates, when to the westward of Belleisle, and return- ing to his station off Ushant from escorting the expedition under sir J. B. Warren to Quiberon, discovered the french fleet under admiral Villaret, which had chased admiral Cornwallis, standing towards the land: all sail was made in pursuit, but in the afternoon, it fell nearly calm. At 3 a. m. on the 23rd, a light breeze sprang up from the south-west, and as the daylight appeared, the french fleet were seen right a-head in a cluster, except three or four ships, who were somewhat astern of their companions. At 6 a.m. the sternmost of the enemy opened their fire, and at 6 h. 15 m. the Queen Charlotte and Orion commenced action with the Alexandre and Formidable. The breeze freshening, brought up the remainder of the british ships, and the cannonade continued until 7 h. 57 m. a.m., when lord Bridport made the signal to discontinue the action; having taken possession of the Alexandre 74 guns (formerly british), Formidable 74, and Tigre 74. The loss sustained by the british fleet amounted to 31 killed, and 113 wounded. Lieutenant William Jephcott of the marines was killed on board the Sans Pareil. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Friday 27th June. Inconstant saved British residents and consorts at Leghorn.

1796. June. Mermaid and squadron captured Grenada.

1796. Thursday 7th July. Quebec and convoy engaged two French frigates.

1796. Sunday 10th July. Captain seized Porto Ferrajo.

1796. Friday 15th July. HMS Glatton engaged a French squadron off Flanders.

1796. Sunday 17th July. The 50-gun ship Glatton, captain Henry Trollope, mounting 28 long eighteen-pounders on the main-deck, and 28 carronade sixty-eight pounders on the lower deck, being then on the coast of Flanders, discovered several ships under the land, which proved to be four frigates: one mounting 46 guns, one of 44 guns, one of 40, one of 28, with two corvettes of 22 guns each, and two brigs. At 8 p.m. the four frigates formed in line to await the attack; and at 10 p.m. the Glatton ranged up alongside of the commodore, the second from the van, who, on displaying the french colours, opened a brisk fire, and was immediately seconded by the other ships. Shortly afterwards the leading ship tacked, and after receiving a destructive broadside from the Glatton, stood away to the southward. In about twenty minutes after the commencement of the action, the french commodore tacked, to avoid running on the Brill shoal; and while in stays, received a heavy raking fire, which did considerable damage: the other french ships had previously gone on the other tack. After the Glatton got round, which was attended with some difficulty owing to the disabled state of her sails and rigging, she exchanged a few shot with one of the three ships to leeward; but before 11 p.m. the enemy withdrew from the contest, leaving the Glatton so much dismantled as to be incapable of pursuit. No men were killed on board the Glatton, and the only wounded were captain Henry Strangeways of the marines, and a corporal. This gallant officer, although mortally wounded by a musket-ball in the thigh and compelled to quit the deck to have a tourniquet applied, insisted on returning to his quarters, where he continued to animate his men, until, being faint from loss of blood, he was carried below. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Friday 22nd July. The 32-gun frigate Aimable, captain Jemmet Mainwaring, when cruising off the island of Guadaloupe, sustained a gallant action with the french 3fi-gun frigate Pensee, which, after some manoeuvring, commenced at 8 h. 35 m. a.m., and continued until 9 a.m., when the enemy bore away, firing her stern chase-guns until out of range of her dull sailing opponent. The Aimable had only two men wounded, but the Pensee is reported to have sustained a loss of 90 men in killed and wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Friday 22nd - 23rd July. Amiable engaged Pensee, which escaped.

1796. Monday 8th August. Mermaid engaged Vengeance and batteries.

1796. Wednesday 17th August. The surrender of Dutch Squadron at Simon's Bay.

1796. Monday 22nd -23rd August. Galatea and convoy destroyed Andromaque.

1796. Thursday 25th August. Raison engaged Vengeance.

1796. Sunday 28th August. Topaze captured Elizabeth.

1796. Friday 9th September. The Arrogant of 74 guns, captain Richard Lucas, on board of which ship were, captain George Ball and first-lieutenant Robert Johnston, of the marines; with the Victorious 74, captain William Clark; captain of marines, major Frederick H. Flight, first-lieutenant William Darley, and lieutenant Thomas Buck; when off Pulo Way, isle of Sumatra, sustained an action with six french frigates under rear-admiral Sercey. The firing commenced at 7 h. 25 m. a.m., and lasted until 10 h. 55 m., at which time the enemy's squadron bore up to the westward under a crowd of sail. The Arrogant was very seriously cut tip and lost 7 killed and 27 wounded. The Victorious, who had only 485 men at quarters, having a lieutenant and 90 men away in prizes, lost 17 men killed, her captain and 55 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Friday 23rd September. Pelican engaged Medee.

1796. Thursday 13th October. The 32-gun frigate Terpsichore, captain Richard Bo wen, when cruising off the port of Carthagena, observed the Spanish 34-gun frigate Mahonesa running down towards her. Having approached within hail at 9 h. 30 m. a.m., the Spanish frigate rounded to on the weather-beam of the Terpsichore and commenced an action which continued with great spirit for an hour and twenty minute 2 when the enemy endeavoured to make off. At this time the Terpsichore was much disabled in her masts, spars, and rigging; but in less than twenty minutes the british frigate had refitted, was again alongside her opponent, and ready to recommence the contest; when the Mahonesa struck her colours, having lost 30 men killed, and as many wounded. Second lieutenant John Orton of" the marines was serving on board the Terpsichore, which ship had none killed, and but four men wounded.

Having repaired her damages at Gibraltar, the Terpsichore was again at sea in search of an opponent, when on the 12th of December, at day-break, being twenty leagues to the westward of Cadiz, an enemy's frigate was discerned lying to, about four miles on the weather-quarter. Sail was immediately made in chase, which continued until 9 h. 30 m. p.m. on the 13th, when the enemy's ship, (which was the french 36-gun frigate Vestale), hauled up her courses and hove to. At 10 p.m. the Terpsichore ranged close up on her weather-quarter, and both ships opened their fire, which continued until 11 h. 4 m. p.m., when the Vestale struck her colours, having lost her captain and 27 killed, and 37 men wounded. The Terpsichore could only muster at quarters 166 men and boys, having away in prizes two lieutenants, three midshipmen, and 41 men: her loss in the action amounted to four seamen killed, lieutenant George Bowen and 17 men wounded. During the night of the 13th, the french crew rose on the small party in possession of the prize and carried her into Cadiz. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Monday 24th October. Sta. Margaritta captured Buonaparte.

1796. Tuesday 25th October. Sta. Magaritta captured Vengeur and prize.

1796. October - November. Corsica re-taken by the French.

1796. Wednesday 16th November. In consequence of some differences arising with regard to the Regiments of the line doing duty as Marines in the fleet, they were ordered to be disembarked, and many of the men were permitted to enlist in the Marines at an additional bounty of five guineas, and on 16th November the levy money was increased to fifteen pounds, which allowed ten guineas and a crown bounty to each recruit, this arrangement gave such fresh vigour to the Corps, that the companies were soon completed to their full strength.

1796. Friday 2nd December. Crescent and Sphinx at Foul Point, Madagascar.
1796. Friday 2nd December. Hazard captured Musette.

1796. Saturday 3rd December. Lapwing captured Dedeux and destroyed Vaillante.

1796. Monday 12th December. Terpsichore captured Vestale.

1796. Friday 16th December. An expedition had been for some time in preparation in the different french ports for the invasion of Ireland, and the fleet was finally to assemble at Brest; from which anchorage they were to proceed to Bantry Bay. On the 16th of December this armament put to sea, consisting of seventeen ships of the line, thirteen frigates, six corvettes, with transports — in all forty-four sail, having 600 troops on board of each line of battle ship, and in each frigate 250; so that with the number on board the other vessels, the army amounted to 18,000 men; and in addition to the troops, which consisted of both cavalry and infantry, the fleet carried a quantity of field artillery, with stores and ammunition. It blew hard from the eastward, and during the night the Seduisant of 74 guns was wrecked on the Stevenet rock in the passage Du Raz, when about 700 men perished. The remainder of the fleet arrived ofF Dursey island on the 21st, and part of the ships anchored at the eastern extremity of Bear island, where they continued until the 25th; when a heavy gale drove them from their anchors and compelled them to put to sea. They remained scattered on the coast for some days, and then made the best of their way back to Brest; as did the remainder of their men-of-war, with the exception of the Droits de l'Homme and some frigates, of which we shall have presently to give a favourable account. The Droits de l'Homme of 74 guns, commodore La Crosse, having separated from her companions, steered for l'Orient; and on the 13th of January 1797, when off the Penmarcks, was discovered through the thick weather which prevailed by the Indefatigable 44, captain sir Edward Pellew, and the Amazon 38, captain Robert Carthew Reynolds. At 4 h. 15 m. p.m. a squall carried away the fore and main top-masts of the french ship, and she continued steer- ing towards the shore under her courses and mizen top-sail; whilst the Indefatigable and Amazon took positions upon either bow, pouring in an occasional raking fire until 4 h. 30 m. a.m. on the 14th, when the appearance of land close to leeward caused the frigates to haul off from the threatened danger, and the Droits de l'Homme to make a similar effort. During the whole of this long engagement the sea ran extremely high; the Indefatigable had four feet water in the hold, and all her masts were in a wounded state. The Amazon had also suffered severely from the enemy's fire in her masts and rigging, and she had 3 men killed and 15 badly wounded. On board the Indefatigable there were none killed, but 18 men were wounded.

As daylight appeared, the french 74 was seen lying on her broadside in Audieone bay, with the sea beating over her. The Amazon, on perceiving the danger, wore to the northward, and soon afterwards struck the ground and was wrecked; but her crew, with the exception of six persons, got safe to the shore. Lieutenants O'Connor and Wilson of the marines were favourably mentioned by Sir Edward Pellew, for their exertions on this trying occasion. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Monday 19th December. Commodore Nelson, in the 38-gun frigate Minerve, captain George Cockburn, with the 32-gun frigate Blanche, captain d'Arcy Preston, when near PortoFerrajo, fell in with two large Spanish frigates; and whilst the Blanche wore and attacked the one to leeward, the Minerve hauled up, and at 10 h. 40 m. brought to close action the 40-gun frigate Sabina. After a brave resistance of two hours and fifty minutes, the Spanish ship struck her colours, with the loss of her mizen-mast, and having 10 men killed, and 45 wounded. The Minerve had 7 killed; lieutenant Noble and 32 wounded. Shortly afterwards, another Spanish frigate was seen approaching; upon which the Minerve, casting off her prize, brought the stranger to action, and after engaging for half an hour, compelled her to haul off: at this moment the approach of the Principe de Asturias and two frigates, induced the british frigate to look to her own safety, whilst her prize, the Sabina, fell into the enemy's hands. In a few minutes after the Minerve poured her first broadside into the Sabina, the Blanche was close alongside the frigate to leeward, and after some sharp firing, the Ceres hauled down the Spanish colours, with the loss of 7 men killed, and 15 wounded; but like her consort, she was recaptured by the Spanish squadron. The Blanche sustained neither damage nor loss in the action. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1796. Monday 19th December. Blanche engaged Ceres.

1796. December. Theobald Wolfe Tone a leading Irish revolutionary ordered the dispatch of a force of 14,000 French veteran troops under the Command of General Hoche which arrived off the coast of Bantry ay in Ireland. After eluding the Royal Navy, unremitting storms, indecisiveness of its leaders and poor seamanship all combined to a failed landing. The French fleet was forced to return to France. Theobald Wolfe Tone was later to remarked, "England has had its luckiest escape since the Armada."

1796. December. Horatio Nelson had obtained the rank Commodore and was too senior to command a ship. He was transferred to HMS Captain which became his flag ship. The squadron he commanded covered the evacuation of British family's from Leghorn, Corsica and Elba.

1796. The vote for the sea service affording no extension to the Corps, an earnest memorial was addressed to Earl Spencer and in consequence of that application nine companies were added, with a Second-Lieutenant to each company, which was increased to 8 Sergeants, 8 Corporals, 8 Drummers, and 113 Privates each. In November, six more companies were added, and seven additional privates to every company, which then consisted of 120 men. At the same time three Colonels and Second-Commandants were added to the establishment of the corps.

1797. Sunday 8th January. Indefatigable and Amazon destroyed Droits de l'Homme.

1797. Tuesday 31st January. Andromache captured an Algerine corsair.

1797. Monday 13th February. At this period the navy was so much augmented, that the supplies voted were for 120,000 men for the sea service, including 20,000 marines. On the 13th of February admiral sir John Jervis, with fifteen sail of the line, was steering towards Cadiz; when the Minerve frigate, captain George Cockburn, bearing the broad pendant of commodore Nelson, brought intelligence that the Spanish fleet had been seen at the mouth of the Straits, consisting of twenty-seven ships of the line and twelve frigates, under the command of don Josef de Cordova, having sailed from Carthagena on the 12th of February. On the 14th, at daylight, several ships were discovered through the haze to windward of the fleet, and before 9 a.m. twenty sail of the line were visible from the Victory's mast-head. About 11 a.m. the fog had cleared away, and the Spaniards were seen grouped together under all sail, with the wind on the starboard quarter, running down to form a junction with six ships of the line to leeward, who were close hauled on the same tack, striving hard to close with the main body of their fleet.

With the intention of cutting off the lee division of the enemy, and at the same time to be prepared to receive the nineteen bearing down to windward, who at 11 a.m. began trimming in succession on the larboard tack, the british admiral formed his fleet in line of battle astern of the Victory, and steered to the south-west, keeping the six detached ships of the enemy on the lee or larboard bow, directing his course for the opening between the two divisions of the enemy, whilst the latter were still endeavouring to form a junction. At 11 h. 30 m. the van ships w r ere distantly engaged, and about this time two Spanish threedeckers and a two-decker stood across the head of the british line, and joined the ships to leeward thus, augmenting the Spanish lee division to eight, and reducing their force to windward to sixteen sail of the line.

At 8 m. past noon, after passing the sternmost of the enemy's weather-ships, the leading british ship, the Culloden, tacked; and about the same time the Spanish lee division also went about, and stood towards the head of the british line, still on the starboard tack. The Spanish vice-admiral steered to cut the british line a-head of the Victory, but the latter was too rapid in her advance, and compelled the Spanish three-decker to tack close under her lee, raking her whilst in stays with such destructive effect, as induced her to bear away in great confusion, followed by the second three-decker and five other ships; but the Oriente gallantly kept upon the larboard tack, and passing along the british line, succeeded in joining her van. At 1 p. m., just as the rear ship of the British, still on the starboard tack, had reached beyond the leading ships of the spanish weather-division, then passing in the contrary direction, the advanced ships of the enemy bore up together, as a last effort to join their friends to leeward. Commodore Nelson in the Captain, the third ship from the rear of the british line, apprehensive that the weather-division of the enemy would form a junction with those to leeward before the ships in the british van could possibly reach them, immediately wore round, and passing between the Diadem and Excellent, ran athwart the bows of the Spanish ships as far as the sixth from the rear; and at 1 h. 30m. p.m., when the Culloden had arrived up from the british van and commenced firing, the Captain was engaged with the Santissima Trinidada ; for the Spanish admiral, frustrated in his attempt of running to leeward, had with his fleet hauled up on the larboard tack. The Blenheim, Prince George, and Orion, had now taken part in the action, and at 2 h. 26 in. p. m. the Excellent opened her fire on the Salvador del Mundo, as she passed on the latter's weather bow; and then having stood on to the San Ysidro, ranged up on her lee-beam and engaged her until 2 h. 53 m. p. m., when the Spanish colours were hauled down. The Excellent then passed on a-head and engaged the 80-gun ship San Nicolas, who had been contending with the Captain; and in hauling up to avoid her new antagonist, the San Nicolas ran foul of the San Josef, whose mizenmast had been shot away. The Captain now re-opened her fire upon the San Nicolas, and then laid her on board, hooking with her larboard cathead the starboard quarter-gallery of the Spanish 80, and with her spritsail yard, the latter's mizen-rigging. Commodore Nelson immediately boarded, and following a soldier of the 69th regiment, entered the upper gallery window; but by the time he reached the quarter-deck, captain Berry was in possession of the poop, and the Spanish ensign was hauling down. At this time the San Nicolas was foul of the San Josef and had opened a fire of small arms from her stern at the British on the forecastle of the captured ship; upon which commodore Nelson directed his men to board the first-rate, and they were preparing- for the assault, when a Spanish officer looked over the quarter-deck rail, and said they had surrendered.

The Excellent, on quitting the San Nicolas, took a position under the lee of the Santissima T rinidada, who was then warmly engaged by the Orion and Irresistible. After losing her fore and mizen-masts, the fire of this formidable ship ceased, and the Spanish colours disappeared; but the opportune arrival of eleven ships saved the crippled four-decker from further molestation. This was at about 4 p. m., and shortly afterwards the feritish admiral, observing the approach of these ships, ordered the frigates to take the prizes in tow, and for the ships of the fleet to form in close line a-head in the wake of the Victory. All firing had ceased before 5 f. m., when the British found themselves in possession of the San Josef and Salvador del Mundo of 1 12 guns, the San Nicolas of 80, and the San Ysidro of 74 guns. This conquest had been accomplished by fifteen ships of the line against twenty-six Spaniards, with the trifling loss on the part of the British of 73 killed and 227 wounded; and the only ship that lost a spar was the Captain, whose fore top-mast had fallen over the side.

The names of the officers of marines serving in the fleet are stated in the following order of battle, giving the killed and wounded on board of the respective ships—

Culloden, 74 guns, captain T. Troubridge, 10 killed, 47 wounded. Captain Thomas Carrie, lieutenant G. A. Livingstone (killed), lieutenant Richard Barford.

Blenheim, 98 guns, captain T. L. Frederic, 12 killed, 49 wounded. Major James Berkeley, with a subaltern of the 51st, one of the 18th, and one of the 90th regiments.

Prince George, 98 guns, rear-admiral W. Parker, captain John Irwin, 8 killed, 7 wounded. Captain Oliver Naylor, secondlieutenant Robert Miles, second-lieutenant W. T. J. Matthews.

Orion, 74 guns, captain sir James Saumarez, 9 wounded. Captain J. B. Savage, first-lieutenant Henry Hodge, second lieutenant Thomas Weaver.

Colossus, 74 guns, captain George Murray, 5 wounded. Captain Acheson Crozier, first-lieutenant John Crane, second-lieutenant Jacob Harrison.

Irresistible, 74 guns, captain George Martin, 5 killed, 14 wounded. Captain James E. Gordon, first-lieutenant John Kendall, first-lieutenant Charles Tyldesley.

Victory, 100 guns, admiral sir John Jervis, K.B., captains Robert Calder and George Grey, 1 killed, 5 wounded. Major F. H. Flight, first-lieutenant William Darley, second-lieutenant John Williams.

Egmont, 74 guns, captain John Sutton. Major G. Whiting, lieutenant W. H. Duer. Goliath, 74 guns, captain sir C. H. Knowles, bart., 8 wounded. Major Andrew Burn, lieutenant W. H. Young, second-lieutenant Charles Harvey.

Barfleur, 98 guns, vice-admiral hon. William Waldegrave, captain James R. Dacres, 7 wounded. Major James Young, first-lieut. William Johnstone, second-lieut. Edward Cox.

Britannia, 100 guns, vice-admiral Charles Thompson, captain Thomas Foley, 1 wounded. 69th regiment.

Namur, 90 guns, captain J. H. Whitshed, 2 killed, 5 wounded. Captain N. Croad, first-lieutenant Henry A. Durrie, second-lieutenant Thomas Henderson.

Captain, 74 guns, commodore Horatio Nelson, captain R. W. Miller, 24 killed, 56 wounded. Major William Norris (killed), lieutenant John Graham, and lieutenant Charles Pearson, 69th regiment.

Diadem, 64 guns, captain G. H. Towry, 2 wounded. 11th regiment.

Excellent, 74 guns, captain Cuthbert Collingwood, 11 killed, 12 wounded. Captain Arthur Ball, lieutenants William Cottell, William Connolly. Total, — 73 killed, and 227 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1797. Tuesday 14th February. Sir John Jervis's Victory off Cape St. Vincent.

1797. Monday 17th - 18th February. Trinidad surrendered without resistance.

1797. Tuesday 28th February. Terpsichore engaged Santissima Trinidada.

1797. Friday 17th February. The British capture Trinidad from Spain. A fleet of 18 warships under the Command of Sir Ralph Abercromby invaded and took the Island of Trinidad. Within a few of days the last Spanish Governor, Don José María Chacon surrendered the island to Abercromby.

1797. Thursday 9th March. The 36-gun frigate San Fiorenzo, captain sir Harry Neale, and 36-gun frigate Nymphe, captain John Cooke, being the in-shore squadron off Brest, bore down and attacked the french 40-gun frigate Resistance, and 22-gun corvette Constance, and after a slight opposition, both the latter ships surrendered. Neither of the british ships suffered any loss, whilst the Resistance had 10 killed and 9 wounded; and the Constance 8 killed and 6 wounded. First-lieutenant John Campbell was serving on board the Nymphe, and first-lieutenant R. Carruthers on board the San Fiorenzo. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1797. Monday 13th March. Viper captured Virgen Maria del Carmen.

1797. Monday 13th March. Plymouth captured Amitie.

1797. Wednesday 22nd - 23rd March. Hermione destroyed vessels at Porto Rico.

1797. Wednesday 29th March. Kingfisher captured General.

1797. Saturday 1st April. Hazard captured Hardi.

1797. Thursday 6th April. Major Andrew Burn, being the senior officer of marines in the fleet, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. On the 6th of April, in the night, the boats of the 32-gun frigate Magicienne, and 44-gun frigate {en flute) Regulus, commanded by the lieutenants of those ships, on which service lieutenants Philip Luscombe Perry and George Frazer of the marines assisted, entered the harbour of Cape Roxo, in the island of San Domingo, where they captured, sank, and burnt, thirteen sail of square-rigged vessels; and they destroyed two batteries of two guns each at the entrance of the harbour. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1797. Sunday 16th April. Thunderer and Valiant destroyed Harnionie.

1797. Thursday 20th April. Cutting out affair at Port au Paix.

1797. Wednesday 26th April. Irresistible and Emerald captured two Spanish frigates.

1797. Saturday 22nd April. Magicienne, Regulus, and Fortune at Carcasse Bay.

1797. April. A mutiny of the Royal Navy took place at Spithead off Portsmouth.

1797. Saturday 20th May. Oiseau engaged a Spanish frigate.

1797. Sunday 28th May. The Lively and Minerve frigates, captains Benjamin Hallowell and George Cockburn, discovered an armed brig anchored in the road of Santa Cruz. On the following day it was determined to attempt her capture by the boats, under the orders of lieutenant Thomas Masterman Hardy, on which service lieutenant Robert Bulkley of the marines was a volunteer. At 2h. 30 m. p. m. the boats made a resolute attack upon the brig as she lay at anchor, and although opposed by a sharp fire of musketry, they boarded and carried her and under a heavy fire from the batteries on shore, as well as from a large ship lying in the roads, the french brig Mutine, mounting 14 guns, was safely brought alongside the frigates by 4 p. m. The British had none killed, but lieutenant Hardy and 15 men were wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1797. Monday 29th May. Boats of Lively and Minerve cut out Mutine.

1797. May. A second mutiny took place at the Nore, a sand bank off the Kent coast in the Thames where the fleet usually anchored.

1797. Monday 3rd June - 5th July. The Bombardment and assault of the Spanish port of Cadiz was a part of a protracted naval blockade by the British Royal Navy, which comprised of a siege and the shelling of the city as well as an amphibious assault on the port itself. The battle involved Horatio Nelson and John Jervis pitted against the Spanish Jose de Mazarredo and Fererico Gravina. It was a Spanish victory although both sides suffered an economic loss. The British casualties amounted to one killed and 20 wounded that included Captain Thomas Francis Fremantle, 3 boats were sunk, and the Victory's launch driven ashore.

1797. Thursday 15th June. "I write this from Gravesend at which place we arrived yesterday having received a route in the morning at six o'clock, to march immediately.

This place is all bustle and confusion. We have a Captain, two Subalterns and 80 Privates on board the STANDARD man of war and I expect every moment to receive orders to go on board some of the other ci-devont mutinous ships.

I believe ours is the first Militia regiment that ever acted as Marines. To the honour of the men the whole garrison turned out volunteers, and the conduct of those in the ship is most exemplary."

1797. Friday 23rd June. The Leicester and Nottingham Journal. It was the Lieutenant of Marines that was shot by a woman on board the IRIS, and not a Midshipman as was first understood. A disturbance having arisen on board the ship, the Marines as usual were called up to quell it.

The Lieutenant was very active in suppressing the riot; and finding one man particularly outrageous after the others had submitted he cut him down with his sword.

The wife of the man, who was present instantly went down below, and taking a large pistol went up coolly to the Lieutenant and discharged the contents in his belly, which caused his immediate death. She is now in safe custody.

1797. Friday 23rd June. The Leicester and Nottingham Journal. The following is an extract of a letter from an officer of the Warwickshire Militia to a friend in Birmingham.

Gravesend Thursday 15th June 1797.

"I write this from Gravesend at which place we arrived yesterday having received a route in the morning at six o'clock, to march immediately.

This place is all bustle and confusion. We have a Captain, two Subalterns and 80 Privates on board the STANDARD man of war and I expect every moment to receive orders to go on board some of the other mutinous ships.

I believe ours is the first Militia regiment that ever acted as Marines. To the honour of the men the whole garrison turned out volunteers, and the conduct of those in the ship is most exemplary."

1797. Early July. A british fleet of twenty-one sail of the line, under admiral sir John Jervis, blockaded the Spanish fleet of twenty-six ships of the line in the harbour of Cadiz. On the 3rd of that month the town was bombarded by the Thunder, supported by the armed boats of the fleet, who were attacked by the Spanish gun-boats; but these were driven back under the guns of Cadiz, with the loss of two mortar boats and the commandant of the flotilla, who was captured after a personal conflict with rear-admiral Nelson. A second bombardment took place on the 5th by three bomb-vessels, covered by the Theseus, Emerald, and Terpsichore. The cannonade produced considerable effect both on the town and the shipping, and the british and Spanish gun-boats again encountered each other. The loss did not exceed 3 killed; captain Thomas Oldfield of the marines, and 15 men wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1797. Monday 3rd - 5th July. Cadiz bombardad by Nelson.

1797. July. Attack on Santa Cruz by Nelson.

1797. Thursday 6th July. Three Marines Lee, Coffy and Branham who had been found guilty by court Marshall for attempting to excite a mutiny in Stonehouse Barracks. While another Marine, M Gennis was convicted of a similar crime and sentenced to 1000 lashes (although he only received 500) and then transported to Botany Bay for life. The other three were lead out on to Plymouth Hoe and at 2.30pm on the 6th made to kneel in front of their coffins wearing a blind fold. At a given signal the firing squad carried out the order, and both Coffy and Branham fell immediately, but it seems that not one shot out of the sixteen fired had struck Lee, as he remained on his knees by the coffin. Until a Marines discharged his musket through the front of his head. He then fell, and another musket was fired through the side of his head and he died instantly. All four were in their thirties and of Irish decent. Marine Lee was found to belong to the 'United Irishmen' organisation. He was also an Attorney by profession and seems to have been the conspirator, and all who joined him used to meet on the Long Room Hill at Stonehouse to be sworn in as partakers in the plot. The ring leaders had enlisted in to the Marines, probably with the view of spreading disaffection in their ranks. It was also believed that the 58th Regiment and the crews of two ships then in an insubordinate state were also implicated.

1797. Sunday 16th July. Anson and Sylph destroyed Calliope.

1797. Thursday 20th July. The three frigates, with the cutter and mortarboat, together with the boats of the squadron, stood towards the shore; but a gale of wind coming on, they were prevented from landing. On the 22nd, it having been determined to make an attack on the heights on the north side of the bay, and then carry the fort by storm, at 9 p. m. the frigates anchored inshore off the east end of the town and landed their men; but finding the heights too strongly guarded, the British re-embarked in the course of the night, and without loss. On the 24th the Leander joined the squadron, and at 5 p. m. the line of battle ships anchored about seven miles to the north-eastward of the town, and the frigates within two of the shore, as if intending to land in that direction; but this was a feint, and the mole-head was to be the rendezvous for the boats. At 11 p.m. about 700 men embarked in the boats, 180 in the Fox cutter, and 75 on board a large boat which had been captured, numbering, with a small detachment of artillery under lieutenant Baynes, about 1100 men: the detachments of seamen were under their respective captains, and the whole commanded by the rear-admiral in person. Every precaution had been taken to keep the boats together, but the rough state of the weather, and the extreme darkness of the night, rendered this arrangement impracticable.

The following are the names of the ships composing the squadron, and the officers of marines who assisted in this expedition:

Theseus, 74 guns, rear-admiral sir Horatio Nelson, K.B., captain R. W. Miller. Captain Thomas Oldfield, lieutenant George Beatty, Arthur Hull.

Culloden, 74 guns, captain Thomas Troubridge. Lieutenant Barford.

Zealous, 74 guns, captain Samuel Hood. Captain James Home, lieutenants William Vivion, William Judson.

Leander, 50 guns, captain T. B. Thompson. Lieutenant Raby Robinson, (killed).

Seahorse, 38 guns, captain T. F. Freemantle. Lieutenant Francis Wemyss.

Emerald, 36 guns, captain John Waller. Lieutenant William Basham, (killed).

Terpsichore, 32 guns, captain Richard Bowen. Lieutenant John Orton.

Fox cutter, lieutenant John Gibson; and a mortar boat. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1797. A complaint (Taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI.)

1797. Saturday 22nd - Tuesday 25th July. Horatio Nelson led a doomed assault on the Spanish island Santa Cruz de Tenerife was an amphibious assault by the Royal Navy on the Spanish port and city in the Canary Islands. Launched by Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson the assault was defeated, and the remains of the landing party withdrew under a truce with the loss of several hundred casualties. Nelson himself had been wounded in the arm, which was subsequently partially amputated: a stigma that he carried to his grave as a constant reminder of his failure. The ship's surgeon, James Farquhar, wrote in his journal: "Compound fracture of the right arm by a musket ball passing through a little above the elbow; an artery divided, the arm was immediately amputated." It is claimed that within 30 minutes, Nelson was again issuing orders to his men. On Tuesday 1st August Farquhar noted: "Admiral Nelson, amputated arm, continued getting well very fast. Stump looked well; no bad symptoms whatever occurred." British losses were 250 dead, 128 wounded, 300 captured, many drowned and 1 cutter sunk.

1797. July. An order in Council, fixed the pay of Marines at the following rates: Sergeants. Corporals. On board £-12-0s-10p and on shore at, £1-6s-1p. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1797. July 22nd - 24th July. Attack on Santa Cruz by Nelson.

1797. Tuesday 25th July. About 1 h. 30 m. a.m. on the 25th, the Fox cutter, attended by the rear-admiral's boat and some others, had reached within half gun-shot of the mole head, undiscovered; when, on the alarm being given, a fire was opened from more than 30 pieces of cannon and a body of troops stationed along the shore, which so injured the Fox, that she immediately went down with 97 brave fellows, including lieutenant Gibson. A shot struck the rear-admiral on the right elbow, just as he was in the act of drawing his sword, and so disabled him, that he was conveyed back to his ship another shot sank the boat in which captain Bowen had embarked, whereby 8 seamen perished. In spite of all this opposition the British effected a landing, and immediately stormed and carried the mole-head, defended by 300 men and 6 twenty-four pounders. Having spiked these guns our men were about to advance, when a destructive fire was opened upon them from the citadel and the houses near the mole-head, which occasioned the principal part of the loss sustained in this unfortunate enterprise. Captain Troubridge with his division not being able to reach the mole, had pushed on shore under a battery close to the southward of the citadel, as did captain Waller and a few other boats but the surf ran so high that many of the boats put back, while those that did not return were instantly filled with water, which destroyed the men's ammunition. Captain Troubridge having collected a few men, advanced with captain Waller to the principal square of the town, the appointed place of rendezvous; and not meeting the other officers with their detachments, he sent a serjeant with two of the inhabitants to summon the citadel. After waiting an hour, without receiving an answer to his message, captain Troubridge marched to join captains Hood and Miller, who with a small body of men had made good their landing to the southwest of the spot where he had disembarked. By day-break, captain Troubridge's party consisted of no more than 180 seamen with small arms, 80 pikemen, and 80 marines, making a total of 340; and with this force he was meditating an assault. But as they soon found that the streets were commanded by field-pieces, and that 8000 armed Spaniards, with 100 Frenchmen, were approaching them from every point, and considering that the boats were all stove, and that no possibility existed of receiving a reinforcement, captain Troubridge sent captain Hood with a flag of truce to the governor, offering to capitulate on terms, that the british troops should be allowed to re-embark with their arms, take their boats, if saved, or to be provided with others ; and in case of compliance, he engaged that the ships should no further molest the town, nor attack any one of the Canary islands.

Notwithstanding the surprise which the governor expressed on receiving such a proposal, and under such desperate circumstances, he nevertheless acceded to these conditions: captain Troubridge accordingly marched his men to the mole-head and embarked them in boats furnished by the Spaniards. The governor liberally supplied the retreating invaders with a ration of biscuit and wine and removed the british wounded into the hospital; moreover, he intimated to rear-admiral Nelson that he was at liberty to send on shore and purchase such refreshments as his squadron might require.

Thus, terminated an expedition, which although so fatal and unsuccessful, furnished abundant proof of the valour and intrepidity of british seamen and marines. The melancholy loss sustained included captain Richard Bowen, lieutenants John Weatherhead, Theseus ; George Thorpe, Terpsichore ; William Earnshaw, Leander ; and John Gibson, Fox ; lieutenants of marines Raby Robinson and William Basham ; 23 seamen, and 14 marines killed : the rear-admiral (right arm amputated), captains Freemantle and Thompson, lieutenant Douglas, 1 midshipman, 85 seamen, and 15 marines wounded ; 97 seamen and marines drowned, and 5 missing : total, 1 14 killed and drowned, 105 wounded, and 5 missing, — a loss exceeding the killed, and not far short of the total of the killed and wounded in the battle which obtained the glorious victory off Cape St. Vincent. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1797. Thursday 10th August. Arethusa captured Gaite.

1797. Friday 11th August. Sylphe and consorts destroyed gunboats at Sable d'Olonne.

1797. Monday 14th August. The battle of Cape St Vincent was one of the opening battles of the Anglo-Spanish War of 1796 to 1808, as part of the French Revolutionary Wars. During which a British fleet under the command of Admiral Sir John Jervis defeated a larger Spanish fleet under Admiral Don José de Córdobay Ramos near Cape St. Vincent in Portugal. After the battle Admiral Lord St. Vincent wrote: "A very considerable Corps of Marines should be kept up, and I hope to see the day when there is not another foot soldier in the kingdom, in Ireland or in the colonies". While Nelson also voiced his opinion: "When I become First Lord of the Admiralty, every fleet shall have perfect battalions of Marines, with their artillery, and commanded by experienced field officers, they will be prepared to make a serious impression on the enemy's coast." 1 Major, 1 Lieut., 1 Sergeant, and 5 rank and file killed, 21 wounded.

1797. Tuesday 15th August. Alexandrian captured Coq.

1797. Monday 21st August. Penguin captured two French brigs.

1797. Sunday 27th August. Jason and Triton captured part of a French convoy.

1797. Monday 28th August. Pomone destroyed Petit Dia'le.

1797. Sunday 17th September. Pelican destroyed Trompeur.

1797. Early October. Admiral Duncan, with the major part of his ships, were refitting in Yarmouth roads, leaving a small squadron, under captain Trollope, to watch the dutch fleet in the Texel. On the 9th, the Active cutter appeared at the hack of Yarmouth sands, with the signal flying for an enemy: all was bustle and confusion, and before noon admiral Duncan, with eleven sail of the line, put to sea, directing his course with a fair wind straight across to his old station, and was joined on the next day by the remaining ships belonging ito his fleet. On the afternoon of the 10th, the advanced ships were sufficiently near to count twenty-two sail of vessels at anchor in the Texel, but these were chiefly merchant-men; and on receiving information from captain Trollope of the course of the enemy, the admiral stood along shore to the southward.

On the 11th July, at 7 a.m., the look-out ships made the signal for the enemy in sight to leeward; and at 8 h. 30 m. a.m. the dutch squadron was discernible in the quarter pointed out, consisting of four ships of 74 guns, seven of 64 guns, four of 50 guns, one of 44 guns, one of 40 guns, and two ships of 32 guns ; making fifteen ships of the line and four frigates, commanded by vice-admiral De AY inter, who hauled to the wind on the larboard tack on discovering the british fleet ; and squaring their main-yards, the Dutch resolutely awaited the approach of their opponents. The british ships were so scattered, that admiral Duncan, at 11 h. 10 m., brought to on the starboard tack, to enable the dull sailers to take their allotted stations; but find ing that the enemy were drawing fast in-shore, he made the following signals: " Each ship to engage her opponent — to bear up — and, for the van to attack the enemy's rear."

At 11 a.m. admiral Duncan made the signal to pass through the enemy's line and engage to leeward, which was replaced by the signal for close action. At about half-past noon the M onarch, bearing the flag of vice-admiral Onslow, passed under the stern of the Jupiter, the fourth ship from the rear, and then ranged close up to leeward, leaving the Haerlem to the Powerful. The Monmouth and Russell were soon in action, followed by the remaining ships of the larboard division.

It was about a quarter of an hour after the Monarch had broken the dutch line, that the Venerable, frustrated in her attempt to pass astern of the Vryheid by the advance of the States-general, ran under the stern of the latter, whilst the Triumph closed with the next ship in the line, the Wassanaer. Meanwhile, the Venerable had ranged close on the lee side of the Vryheid, with whom the Ardent was warmly engaged on the opposite side, and a-head by the Bedford, as the latter cut through the line astern of the Devries.

The ships in the centre of the enemy's line, not being immediately engaged, advanced to the succour of their admiral; and from their fire, the Venerable and Ardent, as well as the other ships of the british van, received considerable injury. The Hercules having caught fire on the poop, bore up out of the line, and shortly after the flames were extinguished she surrendered, for it was stated that in their alarm they had thrown their powder overboard.

The Venerable had received so much damage as to be obliged to haul off; upon which the Triumph, after compelling the Wassanaer to surrender, closed with the Vryheid, and this nobly defended ship, after being engaged by four powerful opponents, with her three masts over the side, dropped out of the line and struck her colours. The action ceased with the surrender of admiral De Winter's ship, at which time the British were in possession of the Vryheid and Jupiter, of 74 guns; Devries, Gelykheid, Haerlem, Hercules, and Wassanaer, of 64 guns; Alkmaar and Delft, of 50 guns, and the frigates Monnikendam and Ambuscade. The remainder of the dutch ships bore away towards the land, then only five miles distant; and as the british fleet was in nine fathoms water, they hastened to secure their prizes, to enable them to get clear of the shore, which was the land between Camperdown and the village of Egmont.

The british fleet consisted of the following ships, which sustained the casualties severally enumerated.

Venerable, 74 guns, admiral A. Duncan, captain W. G. Fairfax, 15 killed, 62 wounded. Brevet-major Thomas Trollope, second-lieutenant Patrick O'Malley, and second-lieutenant George Chambers (wounded).

Monarch, 74 guns, vice-admiral R. Onslow, captain E. O'Brien, 36 killed, 100 wounded. Captain Thomas Abernethy, second-lieutenant Richard R. Trotter, second-lieutenant J. J. Smith (wounded).

Russell, 74 guns, captain H. Trollope, 7 wounded. Second lieutenant John Jennings, second-lieutenant Robert Stevens.

Montagu, 74 guns, captain John Knight, 3 killed, 5 wounded. Captain John Williams, second-lieutenant Thomas Aslett, second-lieutenant Robert Miles.

Bedford, 74 guns, captain sir T. Byard, 30 killed, 41 wounded. Captain John Victor, first-lieutenant Richard Bunce, second-lieutenant James Collins.

Powerful, 74 guns, captain W. O. B. Drury, 10 killed, 78 wounded. Captain Thomas Strickland, lieutenant Francis

Black, second-lieutenant R. G. W. Walker (wounded).

Triumph, 74 guns, captain W. Essington (wounded), 29 killed, 55 wounded. First-lieutenant Thomas A. Parke, second-lieutenant Henry Steele.

Belliqueux, 64 guns, captain J. Inglis, 25 killed, 78 wounded. Captain James Cassel (wounded), second-lieutenant Robert Pinkerton.

Agincourt, 64 guns, captain J. Williamson. Captain T. Hopper.

Lancaster, 64 guns, captain J. Wells, 3 killed, 18 wounded. Captain Walter Smith, second-lieutenant John Sandys, (wounded).

Ardent, 64 guns, captain R. R. Burgess, 41 killed, 107 wounded. Captain Richard Cuthbert (wounded), second-lieutenant James Marrie.

Veteran, 64 guns, captain G. Gregory, 4 killed, 21 wounded. Captain-lieutenant Henry Elliott, second-lieutenant R. J.

Director, 64 guns, captain W. Bligh, 7 wounded. Captain Thomas Davy, first-lieutenant David Weir

Monmouth, 64 guns, captain J. Walker, 5 killed, 22 wounded. Captain John Clarke, second-lieutenant Robert Phillips.

Isis, 50 guns, captain W. Mitchell, 2 killed, 21 wounded. First-lieutenant J. IN. N. D'Esterre, second-lieutenant Charles Ilea (wounded).

Adamant, 50 guns, captain W. Hotham, Second-lieutenant John Owen, second-lieutenant John Maughan.

Total— 203 killed, and 622 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1797. Wednesday 4th October. Alexandrian captured Epicharis.

1797. Wednesday 11th October. The battle of Camperdown was the most significant action between British and Dutch forces during the French Revolutionary Wars and resulted in a complete victory for the British, who captured eleven Dutch ships without losing any of their own. Although they suffered 203 killed and 622 wounded. While the Dutch suffered 540 killed, 620 wounded.

1797. Wednesday 25th October. Indefatigable captured Hyene.

1797. Sunday 12th November. Cerberus captured Epervier.

1797. Monday 13th November. Boats of fairy captured Epervier, a lugger.

1797. Tuesday 14th November. Cerberus captured Renard.

1797. Wednesday 20th December. At 10 a.m., the 36-gun frigate Phoebe, captain Robert Barlow, being in latitude 50° north, longitude 8° west, discovered and chased the french 36-gun frigate Nereide on her weather bow. The pursuit continued all day, and at 6 p.m. both ships having been taken aback, bore up; and at 9 p. m. the Nereide commenced firing her stern chasers, which did considerable damage to the Phcebe's sails and rigging. At 9h. 10m. p.m., just as the Phoebe was in a situation to commence the attack, the Nereide hove in stays, and as soon as the Phcebe could reduce her sails she came round, and the two frigates exchanged broadsides in passing on opposite tacks. At 10 p.m. the Phcebe got alongside her opponent, and both ships having backed their main top-sails, commenced the action in right earnest, the Nereide placing herself within musket-shot to windward of her opponent. In a short time, the french frigate fell on board of the Phoebe, but the latter bore away clear of her; having again hauled up, she renewed her fire, and both ships continued to engage until 10 h. 45 m. p.m., when the Nereide hauled down her light, and hailed that she surrendered. Out of a crew of 330 men, she had 20 killed and 55 wounded; whilst the Phoebe, out of 261 men and boys, had only 3 killed and 10 wounded. Lieutenant Robert D. Stuart, and his detachment of marines, obtained the favourable report of captain Barlow.

On the occasion of the public thanksgiving in St. Paul's cathedral, the following order was issued: —

GUARD OF HONOUR. 195

"Admiralty Office, Wth of December 1797.

Sir,

I am commanded by my lords the commissioners of the Admiralty, to signify their direction to you to order a captain's guard of marines, together with the band of the division under your command, to march from Chatham to be in town on the 18th instant, (which, if possible, is to be commanded by officers who were in the actions of 1st of June, 1794, 14th of February, or 11th of October last,) in order to attend his Majesty to St. Paul's cathedral on the 19th instant, to offer thanksgiving for the many victories obtained by his Majesty's navy in the course of the present war. This being a king's guard, the colours must of course accompany it, and their lordships desire it may be selected from the best and most orderly men at quarters.

I am, sir, &c &c.

(Signed) William Marsden."

" To Major-General Innes, Chatham."

" Chatham, 13th December 1797.

Agreeable to the orders of my lords commissioners of the Admiralty, a captain's guard, consisting of 1 captain, 4 subalterns, 8 Serjeants, 8 corporals, 3 drummers, and 120 privates, with the divisional colours and band, are to march on Friday morning next to London, to be in readiness to attend his Majesty to St. Paul's cathedral on the 19th instant, to offer thanksgiving for the many signal victories obtained by his Majesty's navy in the course of the present war. The officers for this duty are major Andrew Burn, first-lieutenants Thomas Piers, Templeton, M'Leod, and Woodmeston: second-lieutenants Robert

Phillips, Charles Rea, and — Merry."

" D. O., Wth of December 1797.

" To the non-commissioned officers and privates of the

detachment under orders to march to-morrow.

11 From your characters as men and soldiers, you have been selected from the whole of the division to compose a guard of honour to attend your Sovereign to St. Paul's on the day of general thanksgiving for the signal victories obtained over the enemies of your country by his Majesty's naval forces, in which the corps to which you belong has ever borne a part.

" Upon so solemn an occasion you need not be told, that not only the eyes of your King, but those of your country will be fixed upon your conduct on that day. To add further to the honour of your situation, the officers by whom you will be conducted are such as have distinguished themselves in the different actions with the enemy's fleets.

" You will not fail to recollect, that the division to which you belong has well earned the honour of being styled the ' first division,' from the eminent loyalty it displayed in its answer to the infamous hand-bill, and which conduct was followed by every other corps. And although but a small part, you are to consider yourselves as the representatives of the whole, beingentrusted with the most sacred pledge for your good behaviour, and the colours of your division.

" Firmly relying upon your correctness in all points, I look forward with impatience for your return, to receive my public thanks." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1797. Thursday 21st December. Phoebe captured Nereide.

1797. Friday 29th December. Anson captured Daphne.

1798 \- 1799. The Fourth Anglo Mysore War was a conflict in South India between the Kingdom of Mysore and the British East India Company at that time run by the Earl of Mornington.

1798. Twenty thousand Marines constituted the force of 1798.

No occurrences worthy of particular remark happened this year either in Asia or America; but few opportunities presented to signalize our Navy, and these were of an inferior rate, while the diminished territory of our enemies in both, left but a limited range for further conquest.

The possession of Port-au-Prince, and its dependencies in the island of St. Domingo was relinquished, after a struggle truly honourable to our soldiery and squadrons; but in which the loss of many lives, and an immense expenditure, were unhappily involved.

It is to the shores of the Mediterranean and the coasts of Africa, the eye is called to witness scenes of insatiable ambition, but of unrivalled glory.

At this era France had overcome her numerous foes by the enchantments of her principles, the charms of her gold, or the terror of her arms. Hitherto she had almost supported her immense armies within those provinces she had subdued, or the countries she had invaded. Peace shut the channel of such resources, as there were now but scanty gleanings from an unabating rapacity, which had desolated every soil that had been visited by her citizens.

An army, long inured to plunder and to victory, became a natural object of jealousy within the bosom of their Country. One enemy, manly in politics, unexhausted in wealth, and unbended in attitude, continued to oppose this insinuating monster, too long arrayed in the borrowed garb of freedom. The riches of our island, and the virtues of its natives, had each their effects in stimulating this mass of men to farther dangers, and in attracting the hatred of a Government, which, consciously, derived all its temporary energies from that infidelity to God, and annihilation of every moral principle which, by pervading France, had reconciled Frenchmen to the commission of any act.

The title of "Invading Army of England" was bestowed upon these extended corps, who were diverted from employing their speculative ideas as subjects, by pointing out to them future duties as soldiers. We may judge of this mighty force when we reflect that its right wing alone, posted on the coasts of the Mediterranean exceeded 40,000. At the head of it was Buonaparte, denominated the Conqueror of Italy, and deservedly standing high as a General; but his exploits had rendered him an object of suspicion to the rulers of France, who were well aware of his popularity amongst the soldiery, and his thirst for power.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Although eclipsed in comparison, still the subordinate Naval transactions in the Mediterranean were guided by a similar spirit.

Lieut. Perry, of Marines, distinguished himself upon a voluntary dash at the corvette Mendovi, which was carried by the boats of the Flora, under a heavy fire from the batteries of Corigo, that brig, and the vessels in the harbour. John Perks, private Marine, was the only brave fellow killed in this daring attempt, and Lieut. Perry was slightly wounded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An unfortunate meeting between the Ambuscade and La Bayonnaire, of equal force, closed the transactions of 1798. So habituated are Englishmen to conquer on the sea, that they never reckon upon many accidents to which contests, on that element, are subject. The courage of Captain Jenkins could not compensate for his want of fortune. He and Lieutenant Sinclair, of Marines, were badly wounded, before the colours were struck, and the enemy, for once, successfully availed themselves of a panic, occasioned by the bursting of a gun, to gain her by boarding. (Taken from Chapter 43 'An Histoical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1798. Wednesday 3rd January. George taken by Spanish privateers.

1798. Friday 5th January. Pomone sank Cheri.

1798. Monday 8th January. Kingfisher captured Betsy

1798. Sunday 14th January. Sibylle and Fox at Caista Roads, Manilla.

1798. Yuseday 16th January. Boats of Babel captured Desiree.

1798. Monday 22nd January. Sibylle and Fox at Samboangon.

1798. Tueasday 23rd January. Melampus captured Volage.

1798. Saturday 3rd February. Speedy engaged Papillon.

1798. Friday 16th February. Boats of Alfred captured Scipion.

1798. Sunday 25th February. Marquis of Coburg sunk Revanche.

1798. Wednesday 21st March. A desperate action was fought between the Mars and La Hercule, of nearly equal force, both ships touching during the space of one hour and a half. English valour at last prevailed, but with a heavy loss. Captain Alexander Hood, who blended in himself all the talents and virtues of his ancestors, fell in the moment of victory; and Captain Joseph White, of Marines, shared his fate, while discharging the duty of a gallant Officer.

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

1798. Thursday 22nd - 23rd March. Phaeton, Canada, and Anson engaged Charente.

1798. Sunday 8th - 9th April. Diamond and Hydra in Caen River.

1798. Tuesday 17th April. Recovery captured Revanche.

1798. Saturday 21st April. During the early part of the year, the french government kept England in a state of alarm by the threat of an invasion; but while troops were assembling on the northern shores of France for the purpose of putting this plan into execution, a more serious and secret expedition was preparing at Toulon, which sailed from that port on the 19th of May under the command of general Buonaparte, as we shall presently relate. Lord Bridport, while cruising off Brest on the 21st of April with the Channel fleet, consisting of ten sail of the line, detached the Mars and Ramillies, of 74 guns, with the Jason frigate, in chase of some suspicious vessels.

The Mars, captain Alexander Hood, having distanced her companions, continued the pursuit of a ship of the line, which at 7 h. 30 m. p. m. evinced an intention to escape through the passage Du Raz. At 8h. 30 m. p.m., the Bee du Raz bearing north by east two or three miles, the french 74-gun ship Hercule, captain L'Heritier, finding it im- possible to work up against the strong current, came, to an anchor, and furled sails. At 9h. 15 m., the Mars having closed with the Hercule, both ships commenced the action at the same time, and captain Hood finding that the current would not admit of remaining under weigh, the Mars ranged a-head, let go her anchor, and then dropped alongside of her opponent at 9 h. 30 m. p. m. The cannonade continued until 10 h. 30 m., at which time, the Hercule having failed in two attempts to board, and being very much shattered, a french officer hailed that they had surrendered. The loss sustained by the Mars, out of a crew of 634 men and boys, amounted to her commander, captain Joseph White of the marines, and 20 killed, and 8 missing; 2 lieutenants, 1 midshipman, and 57 wounded. The Hercule had 290 men killed and wounded. The subalterns of marines on board the Mars, were first-lieutenant Christopher Epworth, second-lieutenants J. H. Hawkins and Walter Taite.

1798. Saturday 21st April. Mars captured Hercule.

1798. Tuesday 24th April. Pearl engaged two French frigates.

1798. Thursday 30th April. James Scott, Sergeant of Marines and John Easty noted that two Marines were missing. Easty wrote, about one o'clock in the afternoon Edward odges, Michell Towlien, Marines which belonged to rose hill and was doing Duty they went out Shooting and was Lost in the woods.

1798. Saturday 2nd May: James Scott recorded that a greyhound, which Tolan and Odgers had taken with then, returned to camp at Rosehill.

1798. Saturday 5th May. Badger and Sandfly repulsed 52 gun brigs at Marcon.

1798. Wednesday 6th May: Scott wrote that he had abandoned all hope that Tolan and Odgers would be found, because of bad weather.

Their ration of provisions, except in being debarred from an allowance of spirits, was equal to that which the Marines received. Under these circumstances I record with pleasure, that they behaved better than had been predicted of them – To have expected sudden and complete reformation of conduct were romantic and chimerical Watkin Tench – on the convicts. (sic)

1798. Monday 7th May. Victorieuse captured Brutus.

1798. Monday 7th May. The Defence and Battle of the Islands of St. Marcou took place near the Cotentin peninsula on the Normandy coast of France in May 1798 during the French Revolutionary Wars. During 1795 a British garrison was set up on the islands, which operated as a resupply base for Royal Naval ships cruising off the coast of Northern France. Their strength was that of 500 Marines a few sailors and 17 guns. Wanting to remove the British presence on the islands and simultaneously test the equipment and tactics then being developed in France for a projected invasion of Britain, the French launched a massed amphibious assault on the southern island using over 50 landing ships and thousands of troops. Although significant Royal Naval forces were in the area, a combination of wind and tide prevented them from intervening and the island's 500-strong garrison was left to resist the attack alone. The British suffer 1 killed and 4 wounded, while the French suffered 900 killed, 3000 wounded, 500 captured and 7 boats destroyed.

1798. Sunday 13th May. The 36-gun frigate Flora, captain R. G. Middleton, chased the french brig-corvette Mondovi, mounting 16 guns with a crew of 68 men, into the harbour of Cerigo, in the island of that name in the Archipelago; and on the same evening the boats of the frigate, under the orders of lieutenant William Russell, attacked the Mondovi, in face of a heavy fire from the brig and the boats which commanded the entrance of the harbour. She was nevertheless gallantly boarded and brought out with no greater loss on the part of the British than one marine killed; lieutenant Richard Parry of the marines (who was a volunteer on this service), and seven wounded. The Mondovi lost 1 killed, 4 drowned, and 8 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.

1798. Saturday 19th May. Disembarkation at Ostend.

1798. Sunday 27th May. Plymouth (Uniform). Light Infantry Officers ordered to wear on their shoulders 'a Bugle, Horn and wings'.

1798. Tuesday 29th May. When the signal was made for the fleet to weigh, it was reluctantly complied with, and such ships as did get under sail soon returned to Yarmouth roads. Soon afterwards, but in the course of the day, with the exception of the Venerable and Adamant, who proceeded off the Texel, the whole returned to Yarmouth roads. Admiral Duncan, on finding himself deserted by his squadron, turned the hands up on board the Venerable, and thus addressed his crew,

" My Lads,

" I once more call you together with a sorrowful heart from what I have lately seen, the disaffection of the fleets: I call it disaffection, for the crews have no grievances. To be deserted by my fleet in the face of an enemy, is a crime which, I believe, never before happened to a british admiral; nor could I have supposed it possible. My greatest comfort, under God, duncan's address, is, that I have been supported by the officers, seamen, and marines of this ship; for which, with a heart overflowing with gratitude, I request you to accept my sincere thanks. I flatter myself, much good will result from your example, by bringing those deluded people to a sense of that duty which they owe, not only to their king and country, but to themselves.

" The british navy has ever been the support of that liberty which has been handed down to us by our ancestors, and which I trust we shall maintain to the latest posterity; and that can only be done by unanimity and obedience. This ship's company, and others who have distinguished themselves by their loyalty and good order, deserve to be, and doubtless will be, the favourites of a grateful country. They will also have, from their inward feelings, a comfort which will be lasting, and not like the floating and false confidence of those who have swerved from their duty.

" It has often been my pride, with you, to look into the Texel, and see a foe which dreaded coming out to meet us: my pride is now humbled indeed My feelings are not easily to be expressed; our cup has overflowed and made us wanton. The all-wise Providence has given us this check as a warning, and I hope we shall improve by it: on him, then, let us trust, where our only security can be found. I find there are many good men among us; for my own part, I have had full confidence in all of this ship, and once more beg to express my approbation of your conduct. May God, who has thus far conducted you, continue to do so; and may the british navy, the glory and support of our country, be restored to its wonted splendour, and be, not only the bulwark of Britain, but the terror of the world. But this can only be effected by a strict adherence to our duty and obedience; and let us pray that the Almighty God may keep us in the right way of thinking.

God bless you all"

This unassuming and impressive appeal to the generous character of english seamen, roused them to a proper sense of their duty, and they declared their resolution to support their admiral under all circumstances. Their example was followed by the other ships which had remained with the Venerable in Yarmouth roads, and notwithstanding the defection of so considerable a part of his squadron, admiral Duncan repaired to his station, to watch the motions of the dutch fleet. The principal subject of complaint, on the part of the mutineers, was the unequal distribution of prize-money, for which they blamed their fellow-seamen at Portsmouth. Emboldened by the strength of their position, they resolved to persevere in, their demands and they proceeded to secure sufficiency of provisions by seizing vessels laden with stores; and they cut off all communication with London by placing four of their ships across the entrance of the Thames.

These transactions were warmly reprobated by the seamen at Portsmouth and Plymouth; who, admonishing their fellow-seamen at the Nore, condemned their proceedings as a scandal to the name of the british sailor; and they exhorted them to turn to their duty, and to be satisfied with the concession already obtained. But this warning proved ineffectual: the committee of delegates on board the Sandwich commissioned captain the earl of Northesk, whom they had in confinement on board the Montague, to lay their petition before the king in the name of the fleet. This address was loyal and respectful to his Majesty but reflecting severely on his ministers; and they threatened, in case of a refusal of their demands, to put imme- diately to sea. Not receiving an answer to their message, and learning tiat their proceedings were highly disapproved of by the nation at large, the mutineers, despairing of success, struck the red flag, and restored a free passage of the trade to the metropolis. Every ship was now left at its own command, and they all gradually returned to obedience; although on board of some, violent struggles took place between the loyal and the disaffected parties.

The principal ringleader of the mutiny, Richard Parker, was imprisoned, and after a trial on board the IN eptune which lasted three days, he was sentenced to death. He suffered with great intrepidity, acknowledging the j ustice of his sentence, and expressing his hope that mercy might be extended to his associates; but it was considered necessary to make public examples of the most guilty, who were accordingly tried, condemned, and executed. Others were sentenced to be severely flogged, wdiilst several remained under sentence of death until after the victory obtained by admiral Duncan off Camperdown, when his Majesty sent a general pardon to those unhappy men. The mutiny at Portsmouth and Plymouth may be attributed to the popular maxim, of the inherent right of all men to require an equitable treatment; and if denied them, to obtain it by force if other means proved insufficient. The unjust treatment of sailors in the navy was undeniable: it was a subject of ordinary discourse, and the impartial public loudly participated in their claims for redress.

There certainly was a reasonable pretext for the combinations at Portsmouth and Plymouth, but the formidable revolt at the Nore was not impelled by necessity, nor provoked by unjust aggression or neglect. It was impatience of authority, progressive in its demands, intent on civil discord and convulsion; and was rather the influence of malcontent incendiaries, than the genuine spirit of the English sailor. As soon as the determination of taking the ships to the Nore was made known, the officers of the Agamemnon declined doing duty, and retired to the ward-room, where they remained unmolested.

When the mutineers applied to captain David Wilson of the marines for the keys of the arm-chest, the gallant veteran, finding himself unsupported by captain Fancourt, threw the keys overboard, telling the delegates to go after them. On board this ship, as in many others, if the captain had shown a determination to resist the demands of the seamen, there is little doubt, but the spirit of insubordination would have been crushed.

Unhappily, there was a yielding timidity, that was soon taken advantage of by the daring leaders of this combination. Captain Fancourt declined calling on the marines to act; for the late Captain Edward Pelham Brenton of the navy, who was then a lieutenant of the Agamemnon, states, " that the captain, when urged to avail himself of the assistance of the marines, refused to do so, because some of the men would be shot, and he could not endure seeing them lying suffering on the deck; but with a little patience, there would be unanimity again" The marines would as zealously have obeyed their officers as they did on board the enerable and Adamant, had the opportunity been afforded them; and we find that, in the sequel, when there was some disaffection among the mutineers, the marines again showed their readiness to support the officers in regaining the command of their ships.

In the reply of the seamen to the lords commissioners of the Admiralty there is a passage referring to the claims of the marines, to this effect: — " And as a further proof of our moderation, and that we are actuated by a true spirit of benevolence towards our brethren the marines, who are not noticed in your lordships' answer, we humbly propose that their pay be augmented, while serving on board, in the same proportion as ordinary seamen."

The commissioners, in their consideration of this representation, resolved to recommend to his Majesty, " that none of the allowance made to the marines, when on shore, shall be stopped on their being embarked on board his Majesty's ships. We have also resolved, that all seamen, marines, and others serving in his Majesty's ships shall have the full allowance of provisions, without any deduction for leakage or waste."

The contaminating effect of insubordination extended beyond the discontented crews of the fleet, and evil-disposed persons on shore contrived to disseminate a spirit of disaffection among the troops; but their treacherous designs were overthrown by a firm and vigorous resistance. Serjeant Andrew Gilborn, for his loyalty on the occasion, was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant; and in the ensuing year Serjeant O'Neal obtained a similar reward for conduct equally praiseworthy, in detecting a conspiracy on board the 80-gun ship Caesar.

The following are copies of letters detailing these circumstances: —

" Marine Barracks, Plymouth, 9tk of July 1797.

Sir,

I have to request you will represent to my lords commissioners of the Admiralty, that serjeant Andrew Gilborn of this division was the man who was instrumental in discovering the late mutiny, and whose activity after the discovery enabled me to bring the charges home to the individuals who have suffered for it. His conduct appears to me to deserve some marked approbation; and I think if a commission was given him, in which opinion I am joined by major-general Campbell, the president of the court-martial, it would be a very strong incitement to the non-commissioned officers for similar exertions: his services have been in his situation various and meritorious, and he is a child of the service, his father for many years serving with credit here as a serjeant-major.

If their lordships should not think it right to give him a commission, I trust they will find it necessary to order him some other reward, to show good conduct does not pass unnoticed.

(Signed) J. BOWATER."

" E. Nepean, Esq."

"Admiralty Office, WthJuly, 1797.

Sir,

I have received and read to my lords commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 9th instant, recommending serjeant Andrew Gilborn to their lordships as deserving some marked approbation of his conduct in discovering the late mutiny, and whose activity afterwards enabled you to bring the charges home to the individuals who have suffered for it : and in return, I am commanded by their lordships to acquaint you, that in consequence of what has been stated of his good conduct, he has been promoted to the rank of second-lieu-tenant.

(Signed) E. NEPEAN."

" M. G. Bowater."

" Marine Barracks, Plymouth, 26tk August 1798.

Sir,

I beg you will lay the enclosed letter from captain Home before my lords commissioners of the Admiralty, and I have in justice to Serjeant O'Neal to state, that he was also very active in bringing forward evidence on the marines who mutinied and were shot here the 6th of July 1797. His family is also good, and his appearance much above his present situation; I therefore think it a part of my duty to say, if their lordships should be pleased to honour him with a commission, I think it would be rewarding merit.

(Signed) J. BOWATER."

" E. Nepean, Esq"

"Admiralty Office, 28th August 1798.

Sir,

I have received and read to my lords commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 26th instant, inclosing one you had received from captain Home, stating the meritorious behaviour of serjeant O'Neal in detecting the late conspiracy of the united Irishmen belonging to his Majesty's ship Caesar, and strongly recommending him to their lordships for promotion ; at the same time informing their lordships, that serjeant O'Neal was also very active in bringing forward evidence on the marines who mutinied, and were shot at Plymouth in July 1797, and recommending him to their lordships as meriting the reward of a commission ; and in return, I am commanded by their lordships to acquaint you, that in consequence of the good conduct of serjeant O'Neal on the occasions above stated, their lordships have been pleased to recommend him to his Majesty for a commission of second-lieutenant of marines, and that you should take care to let the cause of his promotion be generally known, as an inducement to other persons who may be placed under similar circumstances to follow so laudable an example.

(Signed) E. NEPEAN."

" M. G. Bowaterr (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1798. Wednesday 30th - 31st May. Hydra and consorts destroyed Confiante.

1798. May to September. The Irish Rebellion was an uprising against British rule in Ireland. The Republican Revolutionary group were heavily influenced by the ideas of the American and French Revolutions and were the main organising force behind the rebellion.

1798. Saturday 16th June. Boats of Aurora destroyed two vessels.

1798. Tuesday 19th June. Aurora engaged off Adeira.

1798. Friday 22nd -Thursday 28th June. Only three vessels were spoken, and from these no intelligence could be obtained, nor was there any appearance of the enemy as the harbours of Alexandria opened to their view. A retrograde movement was now resolved upon, taking a more northerly course, and it was not until the 4th of July that the British made the coast of Natalia. The fleet continued beating to windward until the 16th, when the weather becoming more favourable, it anchored on the 19th in the harbour of Syracuse; and having obtained provisions and water, put to sea again on the 25th. It is remarkable that the two fleets crossed each other's track on the 22nd of June but as the weather was hazy, and the British sailed in close order, having no frigates to spread as look-out ships, the enemy was not discovered. It is equally striking, that as the british squadron quitted the shore on its departure from Alexandria, it was actually seen from the Pharos tower on the morning of the 30th, the very day on which the French, in the evening, made their appearance on the coast of Egypt. On leaving Syracuse, the rear-admiral directed his course to the Morea for as the enemy had not been seen in the Archipelago, nor in the Adriatic, and not gone down the Mediterranean, no other conclusion remained but that Egypt had been their destination. On the 28th the Culloden was despatched to Coron, whence she brought intelligence that the french fleet had been seen about four weeks since on the coast of Candia, steering south-east. The british ships now pursued that course, and on the 1st of August, at 10 a. m., the minarets of Alexandria made their welcome appearance but although the french flag was flying on the walls of the city, the enemy's fleet was not discovered. This disappointment was of short duration, for at 1 p. m. the Zealous signalled that seventeen ships of war, thirteen or fourteen of them in line of battle, were at anchor in a bay upon her larboard bow. The british fleet instantly hauled up, steering to the eastward under top-gallant sails, with a fine breeze at north-north-west. The enemy's fleet, which had been signalled by the Zealous, consisted of one ship of 120 guns, three of 80 guns, nine of 74 guns, and four frigates.

On first taking up this anchorage, vice-admiral Brueys held a council of war, composed of the flag-officers and captains, to determine whether, in case of attack, the fleet should engage at anchor or under sail. All the officers, except rear-admiral Blanquet, approved of the fleet's remaining at anchor; but he maintained, that it was only when a fleet could be supported by strong forts crossing each other in their fire, that any advantage could be gained by anchoring; and as the majority was against his opinion, the rear-admiral requested that the Franklin might be placed as one of the seconds to the commander-in-chief. Ihis request was complied with, and the ships were formed in line a-head in the following order:

Guerrier 74, Conquerant 74, Spartiate 74, Aquilon 74, Peuple-Souverain 74, Franklin 80, Orient 1 20, Tonnant 80, Heureux 74, Mercure 74, Guillaume Tell 80, Genereux 74, Timoleon 74, with the four frigates forming an inner line. The van ship bore from Aboukir island south, distance a mile and three quarters, and between each line of battle ship the distance was about 160 yards; so that the line occupied a space of about a mile and five-eighths, but the line was not a straight one; from the Orient, the centre ship, the van bore north-west, the rear ship south-east by south, and the Guerrier and Timoleon from each other about north-west half north, and south-east half south ; hence the line formed an obtuse angle, having its projecting centre towards the sea. Besides the bomb-vessels, which were stationed on the flanks of the line, a battery was erected on Aboukir island, mounting 4 twelve-pounders, a few pieces of lighter calibre, and 2 thirteen inch mortars. As soon as the french admiral was convinced that the British intended an immediate attack, he directed the necessary preparations for battle, and ordered each ship to lay out an anchor on the south-east, and to send a stream cable to the next ship astern of her, making a hawser fast to it, in order to spring her broadside towards the enemy. The british ships at 4 p.m. were ordered to prepare to anchor by the stern, and shortly afterwards the admiral made the signal to attack the enemy's van and centre thus, occupying the attention of only one half their line, while it was intended to place a british ship on the bow and quarter of every french ship of the seven brought into action. At 5 h. 30 m., the fleet being nearly abreast of the shoal, the signal was made to form in line of battle ahead and astern of the admiral, as most convenient ; and at 6 p. m. captain Hood, in the Zealous, by careful sounding, led the fleet, which on rounding the shoal brought the wind on their starboard beam, in the following order : — Goliath, Zealous, Orion, Audacious, Theseus, Vanguard, Minotaur, De-fence, Bellerophon, Majestic, Leander, with the Culloden at some distance to the northward, and beyond her the Alexander and Swiftsure, using every exertion to close with the squadron. Soon after the british ships had thus formed, they hoisted their colours, with jacks in various parts of the rigging.

At about 6h. 20 m. p.m., the french line having also hoisted their colours, the Conquerant and the Guerrier opened their fire upon the Goliath and Zealous, then in line close to each other, and at some distance a-head of the other ships. At 6h. 30 m. the Goliath crossed the head of the french line, and after pouring her broadside into the bows of the Guerrier, bore up for that ship's inner bow; but the anchor did not bring the ship up until abreast of the larboard quarter of the second ship, the Conquerant, and she then commenced a warm action with the latter. The Zealous, following the Goliath, brought up abreast of the inner and larboard-bow of the Guerrier, which was precisely the position captain Foley intended the Goliath to have taken, and in less than five minutes her fire brought down the Guerrier's fore-mast, just at the moment the sun was sinking into the horizon; and this auspicious commencement of the battle was greeted with three cheers from the british fleet. The Orion, after firing at the Guerrier in passing, rounded the Zealous on her starboard side, and passed the Goliath on the same side, intending to bring up abreast of the fourth ship, the Aquilon; but the Serieuse frigate having presumed to fire at the Orion, the latter opened upon her so effectually with her starboard guns, that the frigate, after being dismasted, drifted upon the shoal and sank : the Orion then dropped her anchor, and brought up, head to wind, abaft the Peuple-Souverain. Previous to the delay occasioned by the interruption of the Serieuse, the Theseus and Audacious had previously anchored; the former, steering close a-head of the Guerrier, and passing between the Zealous and Goliath, into whose opponents she successively fired in passing, anchored by the stern in line a-head of the Goliath, and abreast of the Spartiate. In the mean-time the Audacious had anchored on the outside of the line, and on the starboard bow of the Conquerant.

Having detailed the proceedings of the leading ships, and explained the manner in which they took up their respective positions, it must be evident that this advantageous manoeuvre arose from pure accident, and was never premeditated by the victorious leader of the attacking squadron : it was entirely owing to the circumstance of the Goliath not bringing up in the situation assigned to her, and which incident induced captain Hood to place the Zealous in the position intended for the leading british ship. The two succeeding ships availed themselves of the opportunity which presented itself, of doubling in upon the van of the enemy; and by thus bringing their whole force upon the van and centre, the British were enabled to subdue a considerable portion of their opponents, and then fall upon the rear of the french line; which, until that moment, had been incapable of taking any part in the action.

The Vanguard, after receiving the fire of the van-ships as she edged away, anchored within eighty yards of the starboard beam of the Spartiate, at about 6 h. 40 m. p. m; and a few minutes afterwards the Minotaur, placing herself a-head of the Vanguard, brought up abreast of the Aquilon. At about 7 p.m. the Defence anchored on the starboard side of the Peuple Souverain, whilst the Bellerophon and Majestic passed on with the intention of attacking the ships in the centre and rear; and shortly after 7 p. m. the Bellerophon dropped her stern anchor abreast of the Orient. Soon afterwards the Majestic brought up abreast of the Tonnant, from whose heavy fire the british ship suffered severely, and lost her gallant captain.

To return to the proceedings in the van: the Guerrier continued to defend herself until 9 p.m., although exposed to the constant fire of the Zealous, who had placed herself in a position of comparative safety; and after being assailed by the raking broadsides of three other ships, and having lost her three masts, with more than 350 men killed and wounded, the Guerrier was taken possession of by the Zealous, whilst the latter had only seven men wounded. The Conquerant, unable to contend against her three opponents, was the first ship that surrendered: her fore and mizen-masts were shot away, and her main-mast in a falling state; and she sustained a heavy loss in killed and wounded. Of her principal opponents, the Goliath had 21 killed and 41 wounded; whilst the Audacious, from her secure position on the larboard bow, had only 1 killed and 35 wounded.

The Spartiate, after sustaining the fire of the Theseus, Vanguard, and Minotaur, and from the quarter-guns of the Audacious, and having lost all her masts, struck her colours about the same time as the Guerrier. The Vanguard was exposed to the raicing fire of the Aquilon as she sprung her broadside, until the Minotaur gave the french ship full occupation; and from the united fire of the Aquilon and Spartiate, the Vanguard sustained a loss of 30 killed, and 76 wounded.

The Aquilon, assailed by the Minotaur on her starboard side, and by the Theseus on the inner side of the line, was soon reduced to the same dismasted state as her three companions a-head; and at 9 h. 25 m. p.m. she struck her colours. The Minotaur had 23 killed and 64 wounded: and the Theseus 5 killed and 30 wounded.

The Peuple-Souverain lost her fore and main-masts by the close fire of the Defence and raking broadsides of the Orion, as the latter lay on the french ship's larboard quarter. The cable of the Defence having been shot away, she re-anchored abreast of the Orient. The Defence had only 4 killed and 11 wounded; while the Orion sustained a loss of 13 killed and 29 wounded.

The Bellerophon, from being exposed to the formidable broadside of the Orient, lost her mizen-mast, and then her main-mast at about 8 p.m. At about 8 h. 20 m. p.m., being entirely disabled, she cut her stern cable, and setting her sprit-sail, wore clear of the fire of her powerful opponent: but she had scarcely filled her fore top-sail, than her shattered fore-mast fell over her larboard bow. In drifting along the french rear, she received a broadside from the Tonnant, and some distant shots from the Heureux. The loss sustained by the Bellerophon amounted to 49 killed, and 14S wounded.

The Majestic anchored so close to the Tonnant, that her captain was killed by a musket-ball, about half an hour after the firing commenced. About 8 h. 30 m., finding she was drifting athwart the hawse of the Heureux, the Majestic slipped her stern cable, and letting go her best bower, brought up head to wind, having the Heureux on her starboard quarter; and shortly afterwards the Tonnant, after slipping her cable in consequence of the fire on board the Orient, brought up on the larboard bow of the british ship.

When the Alexander and Swiftsure had reached the island of Aboukir and expected soon to be round the reef that lies off its northern extremity, the wind shifted from north-north-west to north, which caused the Alexander, then on the lee bow of the Swiftsure, to tack, and consequently gave the lead to the latter ship. The Culloden having unfortunately grounded shortly after the commencement of the action, stuck fast on the reef off the island, and her signals enabled her two friends, as they successively came up, to round the shoal in safety.

About 8 p.m., just as the Bellerophon had withdrawn from the contest, the Swiftsure brought up by the stern, about half a ship's length from the spot the former had quitted, and opened a fire from her foremost guns at the starboard bow of the Orient, and her aftermost at the quarter of the Franklin ; whilst the Leander, who had recently arrived, (on account of her detention in rendering the Culloden assistance,) kept under weigh in the vacant space left by the Peuple-Souverain when she quitted the line, and poured a raking fire into the bows of the Franklin with impunity. Shortly afterwards the Alexander came rapidly up, passed through the opening which the Tonnant had left, and dropped her bow anchor, so as to bring her broadside to bear on the larboard quarter of the three-decker. About 9 p.m. a fire broke out on the poop of the Orient, which after spreading along the decks, and ascending the rigging with terrific rapidity, reached the magazine; and about 10 p.m. this superb ship blew up with a tremendous explosion. The vibration shook the ships severely, but the flaming mass very fortunately flew over the Swiftsure, whilst a few fragments fell on board the Alexander.

This melancholy catastrophe was so impressive, that it was full ten minutes before the mighty strife was renewed. By this time the wind, as if just recovering from the trance into which all nature had been hushed, freshened up; and as the breeze ruffled the water's surface, it seemed to bring reanimation to the appalled senses of the combatants.

The Franklin was the first to recommence hostilities by firing her lower deck guns at the Defence and Swiftsure, who returned the fire with powerful effect, as they lay close on her starboard bow and quarter. This gallantly fought ship, without a second ahead or astern, continued to defend herself until her main and mizen-masts went by the board; and being incapable of further opposition, she struck her colours about midnight. At this time no other french ship but the Tonnant continued the cannonade, while the Swiftsure, owing to the position of the Alexander, could make little or no return to the Tonnant's gall ing fire. The Majestic was still the principal opponent of this formidable ship, whose heavy fire brought down her main and mizen-masts at 3 a.m. on the 2nd; and shortly afterwards the Tonnant's three lower masts were shot away, but even this circumstance did not compel her to strike her colours.

At 4 a.m., just as the day broke, the firing recommenced between the Tonnant, Guillaume Tell, Genereux, and Timoleon on one side, and the Alexander and Majestic on the other. This renewal of the action brought the Theseus and Goliath to the spot, when the Artemise frigate fired a broadside and struck her colours, but she shortly afterwards caught fire and blew up. In the mean-time the four french ships had dropped so far to leeward, as to be almost out of gun-shot of the British. The Goliath, Theseus, Alexander, and Leander stood towards the Heureux and Mercure, who had run themselves on shore to the southward of the bay and compelled them to surrender; but whilst attending to these ships, the Genereux and Guillaume Tell, with the frigates Justice and Diane, took the opportunity of getting under-weight, and effected their escape; receiving the fire of the Zealous in passing, which they returned, without doing any injury except to the sails and rigging.

The Tonnant and Timoleon were lying ashore mere wrecks, but both kept their colours flying until the approach of the Theseus and Leander on the morning of the 3rd, when the Tonnant surrendered; and shortly afterwards the Timoleon, having been set on fire by her crew, exploded. Thus, terminated this memorable battle, leaving in the hands of the British two ships of 80, and seven of 74 guns; whilst only two of the line and two frigates made their escape. he following is a statement of the british ships, in the order in which they led into action on the 1st of August 1798, showing the number of killed and wounded; also, the names of the officers of marines serving on board the respective ships: —

Goliath, 74 guns, captain T. Foley, 21 killed, 41 wounded. Lieutenants Charles Harvey and William Bulkley.

Zealous, 74 guns, captain Samuel Hood, 1 killed, 7 wounded. First-lieutenant William Vivion, second-lieutenant William Judson.

Orion, 74 guns, captain sir James Saumarez, 13 killed, 29 wounded. Captain John B. Savage, second-lieutenant Thomas Weaver.

Audacious, 74 guns, captain Davidge Gould, 1 killed, 35 wounded. Captain James Weir, lieutenants Richard McCarthy and Augustus Bozon.

Theseus, 74 guns, captain R. W. Miller, 5 killed, 30 wounded. Captain Thomas Oldfield, first-lieutenant George Beatty, second-lieutenant Arthur Hull.

Vanguard, 74 guns, rear-admiral sir Horatio Nelson, K.B., captain Edward Berry, 30 killed, 76 wounded. Captain-lieutenant William Faddy (killed), first-lieutenants Thomas Young and Christopher Noble, and second-lieutenant J. Hair.

Minotaur, 74 guns, captain T. Louis, 23 killed, 64 wounded. Second-lieutenant John S. Kirchner (killed), second-lieutenant John Jewell (wounded).

Defence, 74 guns, captain J. Peyton, 4 killed, 11 wounded. Captain William Binks, second-lieutenant James Wheeler.

Bellerophon, 74 guns, captain H. D'Esterre Darby, 49 killed, 148 wounded. Captain John Hopkins (mortally wounded), second-lieutenant John Wright.

Majestic, 74 guns, captain G. B. Westcott (killed), 50 killed, 143 wounded. Captain George Dunsmuire, first-lieutenant Robert Hart.

Leander, 50 guns, captain T. B. Thompson, 14 wounded. No marine officer.

Culloden, 74 guns, captain T. Troubridge. Captain-lieutenant James Knox, lieutenant Richard Barford.

Alexander, 74 guns, captain A. J. Ball, 14 killed, 58 wounded. Captain John Creswell (wounded), first-lieutenants Thomas B. Adair and John Scobell.

Swiftsure, 74 guns, captain B. Hallowell, 7 killed, 22 wounded. Captain Charles Allen, first-lieutenant James Short, second lieutenant John Witts.

Total, — 218 killed, and 678 wounded.

This glorious victory obtained rewards for the officers of every class. The rear-admiral was created a peer of Great Britain by the title of baron Nelson of the Nile and of Burham Thorpe, with a pension of £2000 per annum from the Parliament of England, and £1000 from that of Ireland. The senior lieutenants of each ship, and many inferior officers, were promoted; but the only reward conferred upon the marines was the brevet rank of major on the senior officer serving in the squadron, — captain Thomas Oldfield.

It is related of the late sir John Savage, who was captain of marines on board the Orion in the eventful battle before us, that when the ship was approaching her station, he thus laconically addressed his men as they were drawn up on the poop: — " My lads, do you see these ships; and do you see that land? Well, the ships are those of the enemy, and that is the land of Egypt; and if you don't give those Frenchmen a d — d good licking, you will very soon be in the house of bondage!"

The 50-gun ship Leander sailed from before Alexandria on the 6th of August, with the despatches from rear-admiral sir Horatio Nelson to the commander-in-chief on the Mediterranean station; and on the 18th, when within six miles of the west end of Goza de Candia, discovered a large ship coming towards her with a fine breeze from the southward, whilst the Leander lay becalmed. The stranger was the french 74-gun ship Genereux, which had escaped from the battle of the Nile, mounting 80 guns, with a crew of 936 men and boys; while the Leander mounted 51 guns of smaller calibre, and had only 282 men and boys on board.

At 9 a.m. the Genereux ranged up within half gun-shot on the Leander's larboard and weather quarter, both ships being under a press of sail; but finding an action inevitable, the Leander took in her canvas, and hauled up to bring her broadside to bear. On a shot being fired by the Genereux, a vigorous cannonade commenced on both sides, the ships nearing each other until 10 h. 30 m. a. m., when the french ship struck the Leander on her larboard bow and dropped alongside. A spirited and well-directed fire from the marines on the poop of the Leander, commanded by serjeant James Dair, (no officer having arrived on board since the death of lieutenant Raby Robinson, who was killed at Tenerifie,) and from the small-arm men of the quarter-deck, prevented the enemy in their attempts to board.

A light air springing up, the Genereux forged a-head and disentangled herself from the Leander, now lying with her mizenmast over the starboard quarter, her fore top-mast over the larboard bow, and both her lower yards on the booms. In this crippled condition the Leander, by the aid of her sprit-sail, wore under the stern of her antagonist, and raked her with great effect. The cannonade continued without intermission until 3 h. 30 m. p.m., when the Genereux, by the aid of a light breeze, was enabled to station herself on the larboard bow of her opponent. The Leander was now totally ungovernable; not a stick standing, save the bowsprit and the shattered remains of the fore and main-masts, and the ship's hull was cut to pieces. In this defenceless state the Leander, on being hailed by her opponent, signified she had surrendered. Her loss amounted to 35 killed and 57 wounded, out of a reduced crew of 282 men and boys. Of this number serjeant James Dair and 7 marines were killed, and 9 privates wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1798. Tuesday 26th - 27th June. Seahorse captured Sensible.

1798. On the 26th of June the 36-gun frigate Sensible, on her passage from Malta to Toulon with despatches, was fallen in with by the 38-gun frigate Seahorse, captain Edward James Foote, who, after a chase which continued from 4 p. m. until 4 a.m. on the 27th, came up with the trench frigate, and a close action was maintained for about eight minutes; when the Sensible, having lost 18 men killed, her captain and 36 wounded, hauled down her colours. Lieutenant Francis Wemyss was serving on board the Seahorse. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1798. Friday 29th June. Pique and Jason captured Seine.

1798. Wednesday 11th July. Boats of Regulus captured three vessels.

1798. Sunday 15th July. At 9 a. m., the Lion of 64 guns, captain Manley Dixon, when near Carthagena, fell in with four Spanish 34-gun frigates, who were formed close in order of battle, on the larboard line of bearing. The third from their van, the Dorotea, having her fore top-mast gone, the Lion bore down and made this ship her principal object of attack. The other three frigates tacked in succession and passed the Lion very gallantly within musket-shot, receiving the broadside of the british ship as they passed. Captain Dixon continued to pursue the Dorotea, who kept up a galling fire from her chase guns. The three frigates having again tacked, made a second attempt to support their friend but they were repulsed by a broadside from the Lion as she closed with the Dorotea, who still nobly defended herself, whilst her consorts made a third and ineffectual attempt to rescue her. The Lion now wore round on the same tack as the Dorotea, who, being abandoned by her friends, with her mizen-mast over the side, and having sustained a loss of 20 men killed and 23 wounded, hauled down the Spanish colours. The Lion suffered considerably in her masts and rigging, but she had only 2 men wounded. The officers of marines were lieutenants Philip Patriarche and John C. Hoskins.

For some months past great exertions were made in the southern ports of France in equipping the expedition intended for the invasion of Egypt, and on the 19th of May this formidable armament sailed from Toulon. It consisted of thirteen sail of the line, eight frigates, two Venetian sixty-fours, six fri gates en flute, with various smaller vessels; numbering together seventy-two vessels of war, and when joined by vessels from other ports, a total of 400 transports. This immense fleet, whose crews amounted to 10,000 men, conveyed 36,000 troops, and the whole force was under the command of Napoleon Buonaparte.

The fleet first steered for Genoa and having been joined by the transports in that port, stood across to Cape Corse, and remained in sight of the eastern coast of Corsica until the 30th. It then sailed along the island of Sardinia, in expectation of the convoy from Civita Vecchia but after waiting until the 7th of June, the fleet proceeded without the looked-for reinforcement. On the 8th the expedition quitted the coast of Sicily, and on the 9th, when in sight of the islands of Goza and Malta, was joined by the Civita division of transports. The troops effected a landing on the 10th, and on the 12th the islands of Malta, Goza, and Comino surrendered by capitulation.

After a stay of four days, Buonaparte quitted Malta on the 19th of June, leaving general Vaubois with 4000 troops in possession of the island. The expedition steered a direct course to the eastward, the advanced frigates detaining and destroying every vessel they fell in with, to prevent the circulation of in- telligence respecting the probable destination of the fleet; and on the morning of the 1st of July, the minarets of Alexandria were discerned by the leading ships. Learning that an english squadron had appeared on the coast, Buonaparte expedited the landing of part of the army; and on the 2nd, after an action in which the French had many killed and wounded, including general Kleber among the latter, they obtained possession of Alexandria. In the course of the next day the remainder of the troops were disembarked, and the ships of the line and four frigates proceeded to the bay of Aboukir; where we take leave of them for a short time, to introduce a subject of greater interest.

Rear-admiral sir Horatio Nelson having returned to England to recruit his health, after the unsuccessful and disastrous attack on Santa Cruz, arrived off Cadiz in the Vanguard on the 29th of April, and on the 2nd of May repaired to Gibraltar, where, being joined by the Orion and Alexander, seventy-fours, two frigates and a sloop, he sailed thence on the 9th. On the 22nd, in a heavy gale, the Vanguard carried away her main and mizen top-masts, and then her fore-mast, and consequently proceeded to the harbour of St. Pietro, in Sardinia, in company with the two other line of battle ships. Having got up a jury fore-mast, the Vanguard and her companions put to sea on the 27th, and steered for the rendezvous off Toulon, which they reached on the 31st. On the 5th of June the Mutine brig apprized sir Horatio that ten ships of the line were on their way to join him; and on the evening of the 7th this reinforcement placed themselves on the orders of the rear-admiral, making his force thirteen sail of the line, one of 50 guns, and a brig.

The squadron, after being some days detained by a calm, steered towards the island of Corsica, where it arrived on the 12th, and then pursued its course along the shore of Tuscany, with a fine breeze at north-west. On the 17th they stood into the bay of Naples and learning that the French had coasted the island of Sardinia, and probably proceeded to Mlta, the rear-admiral again got under sail; but the light airs during the two succeeding days so retarded the progress of the squadron, that it was not until the morning of the 20th that it entered the straits of Mes-ina. Receiving intelligence of the French being in possession of Malta and Goza, and that their fleet was lying at anchor at the latter place, the British were soon clear of the straits, and the island of Malta was now their destination. At day-break on the 22nd it was ascertained from a ragusian brig, which had the day before passed through the french fleet, that the enemy quitted Malta on the 18th, with the wind at northwest; it was therefore conjectured that Alexandria was their destination, and accordingly the british fleet immediately bore up, and steered south-east under all sail. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1798. Thursday 26th July. Brilliant engaged Vertu and Regenre.

1798. Wednesday 1st August - Friday 3rd August. The Battle of the Nile took place. France had declared war on Britain during 1793, where upon several Naval battles took place between the two countries. One of the most famous victories was the battle of the Nile. The Lieutenant of Marines in Nelson's flagship wrote, "Fought the French fleet at anchor off Alexandria, consisting of 13 sail of the line and several frigates, took 10 sail of the line and burnt one three decker and one frigate and sunk one frigate. Captain Faddy of the Marines and six privates killed and seven wounded." The total British losses were 218 killed and 677 wounded, while the French losses were very high and estimated at around 3 to 4000 casualties, with a further 3000 captured, 2 ships of the line and 2 frigates were destroyed, and 9 ships of the line captured.

1798. Saturday 4th August. Boats of Melpomene and Childess captured Aventurier.

1798. Tuesday 7th August. Espoir captured Liguria.

1798. Tuesday 7th August. Indefatigable captured Vaillante.

1798. Sunday 12th August. Hazard captured Neptune.

1798. Saturday 18th August. Leander captured by Gentreux.

1798. Wednesday 22nd August. Naiad and Magnanime captured Decade.

1798. Wednesday 2nd September. The Siege of Malta was a two year blockade by the British of the French occupied garrison of Valletta the largest city on the Island. That had been captured by a French expeditionary force during earlier during 1998. The garrison held over 3,000 men under the command of Claude Henri Belgrand de Vaubois and was besieged for over two years, eventually surrendering on Wednesday 2nd September 1880.

1798. Friday 7th September. Phaeton and Alison captured Flore.

1798. Saturday 22nd September. During the night the 32-gun frigate Hermione, captain Hugh Pigot, was cruising off the west end of Porto Rico, when a most daring and unexampled mutiny broke out on board of her. It appears that captain Pigot had threatened to flog the last man off the mizen top-sailyard, after reefing top-sail and the men well knowing from his determined character that he would keep his word, each hastened to get into the top, and in their eagerness to escape punishment, two poor fellows, missing their hold, fell on the quarter-deck, when both were killed. The circumstance being reported to the captain, he brutally replied, " Throw the lubbers overboard."

This tyrannical conduct, coupled with a succession of acts of oppression, produced such increasing discontent, that on the following night the men loudly expressed their dissatisfaction, and on the first-lieutenant going among them to inquire the cause of the disturbance, the wretches cut his throat with a tomahawk, and then threw him overboard. The captain, hearing a noise, ran on deck, but was driven back with repeated wounds; and his coxswain and three other seamen, having followed him into his cabin, forced him out of the windows.

In a similar manner the mutineers proceeded with eight other officers, cutting and mangling their victims in the most cruel manner; and the only officers that escaped were the master, gunner, carpenter, and one midshipman (David O'Brien Casey). We have gone somewhat into the details of this revolting act of cruelty to show, that although the tyrannous conduct of captain Pigot had driven the men to desperation, yet the marines were not unmindful of the trust reposed in them; and the following evidence of the captain's steward, extracted from the minutes of the court-martial, testify that, even under such aggravating circumstances, a marine was still faithful to the trust reposed in him. " On the 21st of September, about 11 p.m., I left the cabin, after extinguishing the light, and went to my hammock under the half-deck, where I had lain but a few minutes, when I heard a confused noise of people round the main-mast. The next thing I heard was, the bulk-head of the cabin burst through, and a number of people rushing in. I immediately jumped out of my hammock, and saw the sentinel at the cabin door, bleeding. I entreated him, for God's sake, to tell me what the matter was. He said that some of the people had broken into the cabin, and were murdering captain Pigot, begging me at the same time to keep out of the way, as they had been asking for me." This clearly proves that the marine was firm to his duty, and by resisting the mutineers in their attempt to enter the cabin, he probably fell a victim to his loyalty. The captain, three lieutenants, purser, surgeon, captain's clerk, one midshipman and lieutenant of marines, were murdered. The ship was carried into La Guyra, a port of the Spanish main; and was recaptured by the boats of the Surprise, as related in our account of the transactions of 1799. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1798. Friday 12th - 14th October. A larger French force consisting of 3,000 men and including Wolfe Tone attempted to land in County Donegal near Lough Swilly. Later it became known as the battle of Donegal They were intercepted by a larger Royal Naval squadron, and finally surrendered after a three hour battle without being able to land in Ireland. It was the last action of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The battle also brought to an end the French trying to land soldiers in Ireland. Wolfe Tone was tried by a court-martial in Dublin and found guilty. He asked for death by firing squad, but when this was refused, Tone cheated the hangman by slitting his own throat in prison on Monday 12th November and died a week later.

1798. Friday 12th October – Sunday 14th October. Warrens Victory Off Ireland. Captain R. Williams of the Marines lowered a boat and took possession of the French ship La Hoche with 50 officers of ranks on board going to join the rebel forces in Ireland, and also the notorious Wolf Tone, at whose subsequent trail in Dublin he was a principle witness. A pair of large engravings of this action were published by an officer of Marines who was present on board HMS Canada.

1798. Tuesday 16th October. Kangaroo engaged Loire.

1798. Wednesday 17th October. Mermaid engaged Loire.

1798. Thursday 18th October. Anson and Kangaroo captured Loire.

1798. Saturday 20th October. Fisgard captured Immorlalite.

1798. Wednesday 24th October. Sirius captured Furie and Waakzamheid.

1798. Sunday 28th October. The fortified island of Goza, about five miles to the North-west of Malta, belonging to the Knights of that Order, surrendered to Captain Ball, of the Alexander. When Captain, later Major Cresswell, along with a party of Marines, took possession of it.

1798. Sunday 28th - 29th October. Cesar and consorts engaged four French frigates.

1798. October. Malta. 300 Marines served on shore during the blockade of Valetta under Major Weir who raised an efficient Regiment of Maltese. Castle of Gozo occupied by Captain J. Creswell and detachment Marines.

1798. Wednesday 7th November – 14th November. The reduction of Minorca. Captain Minto with Marines of HMS Centaur and HMS Leviathan.

1798. Monday 3rd December. Victorieuse and consorts at Trinidad.

1798. Friday 7th December. Perdrix captured Armee d'Italie.

1798. Friday 14th December. Aminscale captured by Bayonnaise.

1798. During the disturbances that took place in various parts of the kingdom, the loyalty of the troops was unshaken, and the example of devotion to their Sovereign which was first shown by the Marines at Chatham, then commanded by Lieutenant General Innes, was eagerly followed by the soldiers of the line in that garrison. The public journals were daily filled with the loyal resolutions of various Corps, and the seditious designs of the secret agitators entirely frustrated. Sergeant Pinn of the Chatham division particularly distinguished himself upon this occasion, and as a recompense for his excellent conduct the Lieutenant General granted him his discharge, but as this was done without the sanction of the Board of Admiralty the general was tried by a court martial for a breach of the Articles of War. Although there was no positive sanction of the Board for the step he had taken, yet it appeared in evidence that the Earl of St. Vincent, (then the first Lord,) in a conversation with General Innes upon the subject, had approved of the measure, consequently the court pronounced an honourable acquittal. His Royal Highness the Duke of York, commander of the forces, wrote to Lieutenant General Innes, expressing his high approbation of the loyalty and example shown by the Chatham division, and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty also conveyed their satisfaction of their loyalty and zeal. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1798. Its recorded that tobacco was introduced in the navy, mostly for chewing, but was known and used on shore long before this time.

1799. Twenty thousand Marines formed the establishment of 1799.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sir Sidney had employed this momentous interval, in a train of judicious measures. Leaving Constantinople on the 19th of February, he arrived off Alexandria upon the 3d of March, where he relieved Commodore Trowbridge, and assumed the command of the Naval Forces.

That city had been long closely blockaded by Capt. Hood, and Sir Sidney, anxious to divert the French from their purposes against Syria, commenced its bombardment, but perceiving it fruitless, he proceeded for that coast in order to rally its affrightened Pacha, and to intercept the battering cannon destined for the siege of St. Acre, which he well knew must be transported by sea.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I must here pause to render justice to the memory of one of the mildest and bravest of men, who unfortunately fell upon that day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their virtues transcended to every subordinate rank and animated all.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A second army, collected from Rhodes and other islands, attacked the French at Damietta, under Sir Sidney and Colonel Douglas, destroyed their magazines there, and had erected cannon against the French redoubt; but Turkish disobedience and insubordination subjected this mass to a disaster similar to that of Aboukir.

Sensible of Colonel Douglas's professional talents, the Grand Vizier entreated Sir Sidney to permit his repairing to Jaffa, in order to organize his army, there; he accordingly went thither.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"L. S.

"Given at our camp, before El-Arisch,

"Feb. 2nd, 1800."

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

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

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

Captain, now Sir William D'Arley, of Marines, landed singly in the Neapolitan territory, in order to acquire a knowledge of the state, strength, and views of the Royal party; during which period he made many a hair-breadth escape. So judiciously did he discharge this important mission, that the command of a district was assigned him; he was entrusted with a high military post, in which he continued to animate the motley army of Ruffo, by his counsels and his energies. In a variety of actions, they fought, and beat the united French and rebel troops, who had possessed themselves of the kingdom of Naples, and had organized it into a republic; taking also Cotrona and Cantanzaro. Introductory to their principal operations, the British squadron was extremely active. In April, Captain Hallowell, with some Seamen and Marines, obtained Procita and its castle, in the Gulf of Naples; while Captain Knox, of my Corps, was detached to the Isle of Ischia, which, with its strong fortress, was delivered up without resistance.

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

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

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

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

Lieut. Colonel Strickland, Commanding Officer.

Captain Creswell (Brevet Major, pro tempore.)

Capt. Weir

Dunsmuire

Minto

Knox

Wolfe

Torkington

Williams.

Lieut. Noble

\---- Hare

\---- M'Carthey

\---- Pearce

\---- Burford

\---- Short

\---- Wills

\---- Harvey

\---- Scobill

\---- Adair

\---- Burne

\---- Jones

\---- Walker

Lieut. Hart

\---- Collins

\---- Jewell

\---- Toomer

\---- Perroll

\---- Millar

\---- Buzon

\---- Wright

\---- Wheeler

\---- Ross

\---- Wyemyss} Adjutants

\---- Tyldsley}

\---- Vyvion, Quarter-master.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some Seamen, and the Marines of the Culloden and Minotaur, occupied

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

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

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

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

Lieuts. Facey and Stupart, of the Navy, and Lieut. Davison, of my Corps, headed this daring enterprize. They were all distinguished; but limiting the detail of it to my peculiar province, I am led to notice the cool courage of that promising brother Officer, who, taking a steady aim with a pistol amidst this confused scene, shot a Swiss Soldier in the mouth, who had levelled his musket at Mr.

Pomeroy Peter, a brave young Midshipman, in the act of boarding over a high close netting. Mr. Peter did the rest with a pike. A gallant Marine, Thomas Needham, having his right arm broken by a grape shot, on being asked by Lieutenant Facey, if it was not disabled? answered "Yes, but, thank God, I can pull a trigger with my right, and with my left hand I can still manage a cutlass." In this state he continued to fight until the vessel was carried.

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

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

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

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

An unsurpassed unanimity between the land and naval services prevailed, and English valour was conspicuous throughout.

A garrison of Seamen and Marines having been placed at Limmen Town, in West Friezland, under Captain Boorder, of the Navy, consisting of only 157 men, was attacked at five on the morning of the 11th of October by more than 700 of the enemy, in four quarters. Their advanced party against the North battery was surrounded and taken by the seamen, and after a long contest, the whole gave way. The Marines immediately pursued, killed and wounded more than 40, and would have taken their colours and cannon if they had not, in the rout, broken down a bridge, which checked our progress. Captain Boorder says, "that Lieutenants Wyburn, Howel, Higginson, and Gardner, of Marines, behaved with honour to themselves, and credit to their Country, and that their men distinguished themselves in a most gallant manner." The names of Captains Mortlock, Sir Harry Neale, Winthorp, Bolton, Macnamara, and Cuninghame, with their Officers, Seamen, and Marines, stand meritedly high in the subordinate catalogue of this year's naval deeds. (Taken from Chapter 44 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1799. Sunday 3rd - 22nd February. The 32-gun frigate Daedalus, captain Henry L. Ball, on the East India station, fell in with the french 36-gun frigate Prudente, (but mounting only 30 guns). At 10 minutes past noon the Daedalus bore up across the stern of the french frigate within pistol-shot, and after raking her, luffed up to leeward; and thus, close alongside, the two ships engaged with great spirit. In about a quarter of an hour the mizen-mast of the Prudente fell over her quarter; she nevertheless continued the action until 1 h. 21 m. p.m., when being much cut up in masts and sails, the french frigate hailed to say they had surrendered. Out of a crew of 301 men and boys, she lost 27 killed and 22 wounded. The Daedalus suffered but little, and had only 2 killed and 12 wounded, out of a crew of 212. Lieutenant Edward Jolliffe of the marines was serving on board the Daedalus. On the 9th of June the 32-gun frigate Success, captain Peard, chased a Spanish polacre into the harbour of La Seloa, near Cape Creux. Three boats were detached under the command of lieutenant Facey, assisted by lieutenant Stupart and lieutenant John Davison of the marines, to bring out the polacre, which proved to be the Bella Aurora, mounting 10 carriage guns, with a crew of 110 men, surrounded by a boarding netting, and upported by a battery and a body of men at small arms on the shore. Notwithstanding this formidable preparation, she was gallantly boarded and brought out; but this bold enterprise was attended with a serious loss to the British, who had 4 seamen killed, and lieutenant Stupart with 8 men badly wounded. For his services on this occasion lieutenant Facey was promoted to the rank of commander. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1799. Saturday 4th January. Wolverine engaged Ruse and Furet.

1799. Sunday 3rd - 22nd February. Bulldog and Perseus bombarded Alexandria.

1799. Wednesday 6th February. Argo captured Santa Teresa.

1799. Saturday 9th February. Daedalus captured Prudente.

1799. Friday 22nd February. Espoir engaged Spanish flotilla and captured Africa.

1799. Friday 22nd February. The 38-gun frigate Sibylle, captain Edward Cooke, in the bay of Bengal, sustained a severe action with the french 40-gun frigate Forte. About 1 a.m. the Sibylle bore up and poured her broadside into the stern of her opponent, then luffed close alongside of her to leeward, and a furious night action was maintained within musket-shot for more than an hour. As the Forte endeavoured to make her escape at 2 h. 30 m., the action was renewed by the Sibylle, which brought down the three masts of the enemy's ship, and she then surrendered, with the loss of her captain and 65 killed, and 80 wounded. The Sibylle (who had only 9 private marines on board) had 5 killed and 17 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1799. Thursday 28th February. Sybille captured Forte.

1799. February. Salerno. Marines of Zealous assisted Neapolitans to repulse 3,000 French troops.

1799. Monday 18th March. Telegraph captured Hirondelle.

1799. Monday 18th March. Captain Troubridge arriving at Palermo with four ships of the line, was immediately detached by lord Nelson to blockade the port of Naples; and on the 2nd of April the squadron anchored off the island of Procida, of which they took possession, and hoisted the Sicilian colours: on the following day Ischia, Capraia, and all the other of the Ponza islands, followed the example of Procida. The squadron rejoined lord Nelson on the 17th, and between that date and the 13th of June, his lordship had collected a fleet of sixteen sail of the line under his immediate command. On the departure of captain Troubridge, the blockade of the port of Naples devolved upon captain James Foote, in the 38-gun frigate Seahorse, having under his orders the Perseus bomb, with two brigs. In the mean-time, the immense austro-russian army under general Suwarrow, which had entered Italy since the middle of April, was now bearing down all opposition in the neapolitan territory. Cardinal Ruffo defeated the French near Naples on the 5th of June, and the fortified rock of Rivigliano capitulated to the Seahorse on the 14th. On the 15th the important fortress of Castel-a-mare surrendered on the following terms: "That the garrison should march out with the honours of war; and that such of them as chose, be allowed to avail themselves of the protection of the british flag." The little squadron proceeded on the 17th to attack Castel del Uovo, which with Castel Nuovo constituted the principal sea defence of the capital. The latter is situated in the heart of the city and has a communication with the palace; whilst the Castel del Uovo runs out into the bay and is joined to the land by a narrow pass with a drawbridge: these two forts, and that of St. Elmo on the western side of the city, were the only strongholds possessed by the French in the immediate neighbourhood of Naples.

Captain Foote, after sending a summons to the commandant in Castel del Uovo, had commenced the attack of that fortress when on the 19th he was requested by cardinal RufFo to cease hostilities while the flag of truce was flying, as negotiations had taken place on the part of the russian minister, count Micheroux. On the 20th the captain received from the cardinal a plan of the capitulation, already signed by him and the chief of the Russians and required the signature of captain Foote that officer complied with the request, but at the same time expressed his opinion that the terms were too favourable to the republicans. On the 22nd the capitulation of the forts of Nuovo and del Uovo was signed in form by the cardinal RufFo, by the russian as well as turkish commanders, and by captain Foote as commanding british officer in the bay of Naples ; whilst colonel Mejan, the french commandant at fort St. Elmo, had previously approved the terms, which stipulated that the two garrisons, consisting of about 1500 individuals, chiefly Neapolitans and revolutionists, should march out with the honours of war; that they should have the choice of embarking in cartels for Toulon, or of remaining at Naples; and that until such cartels were prepared, the garrisons should keep possession of their forts ; whilst four hostages were to be detained at fort St. Elmo, until the arrival of the individuals at Toulon had been ascertained.

It necessarily required some days for assembling the transports to convey the garrisons to their destination, and in the mean-time the flags of truce remained hoisted as well at the two forts, as on board the british and neapolitan ships of war in the bay. Whilst matters were in this state, on the 24th lord Nelson, with sixteen sail of the line and a 64-gun ship, arrived in sight, and the Foudroyant made the signal to annul the flag of truce then flying on board the squadron of captain Foote. On the same afternoon a conference was held on board the flag-ship, at which were present sir William and lady Hamilton, and cardinal RufFo the latter insisted that the inviolability of the treaty ought to be held sacred; but lord Nelson considered that as the treaty had been entered into with rebels, it ought not to be carried into execution without the approbation of his Sicilian Majesty. Upon this decision of the british admiral, the cardinal indignantly retired from the conference.

On the 26th the garrisons of the forts of Nuovo and del Uovo, in obedience to the ninth article of the treaty, set at liberty the state prisoners as well as the english prisoners of war; and then the garrison, as stipulated in the third article; marched out with the honours of war, and grounded their arms. The principal part embarked on board fourteen transports to be conveyed to Toulon, conformably with the fifth article; but in reality, to be held as prisoners until the king of the two Sicilies, then at Palermo, determined how they should be disposed of. Thus, the treaty was violated by the order of lord Nelson; for had his fleet by any fortunate chance been prevented entering the bay until the 27th or 28th, those unhappy victims of violated faith would have been on their way to Toulon, and british honour preserved inviolate. On the 8th of July Ferdinand the Fourth and his queen arrived from Palermo, but the monarch was entirely under the influence of lady Hamilton and his ministers, and through their perfidy the unhappy wretches on board the prison-ships (cartels that had been), underwent the greatest sufferings. " It is now," says a letter from one of these miserable victims of misguided policy, " twenty-four days that we are lying in this road, unprovided with everything necessary to existence: we have only bread to eat, and we drink nothing but putrid water, or wine mixed with sea-water, and have nothing but the bare planks to sleep upon. Our houses have been pillaged, and the greater part of our relations have been either imprisoned or massacred."

An apologist for lord Nelson styles him "commander-in- chief," and considers that in such capacity, as representative of the king of England, he might annul treaties. Lord Nelson was only third or admitting that the eail St. Vincent had resigned second in command, but even the sovereign power did not extend to the enemies of his country, without whom as parties, a treaty could not exist. If captain Foote, in signing the treaty, had exceeded his orders, he should have been tried and punished; but even then, the faith of the nation having been once solemnly pledged, it ought not to have been compromised.

Since the surrender of the castles of Nuovo and del Uovo, the french troops had evacuated the city of Naples, but a detachment amounting to about 800 men, under major-general Mejan, still remaining in the fort of St. Elmo, it was resolved to attack this fortress with the british and portuguese marines, who had been landed from the squadron under the command of captain Troubridge of the Culloden.

The battalion of marines amounted to about 800 men, comprising the following officers: —

Lieutenant-colonel Strickland captain Creswell (temporary rank of major), captains Weir, Dunsmuire, Minto, Knox, Wolfe, Torkington, and Williams; lieutenants Noble, Hare, McCarthy, Pearce, Barford, Short, Witts, Harvey, Scobell, Adair, Bunce, Jones, Walker, Hart, Collins, Jewell, Toomer, Perrott, Miller, Bozon, Wright, Wheeler, Ross, and Wemyss and Tyldesley (adjutants), and Vyvion (quarter- master.) These, with the 400 Portuguese marines, 500 Swiss, 450 Russians, and 70 Greeks, formed a total of 2170 men, exclusive of officers.

The commandant of fort St. Elmo having expressed his determination to defend the place entrusted to his charge to the last extremity, captain Troubridge resolved to storm the fort as soon as two practicable breaches could be made. On the 3rd of July a battery, mounting 3 thirty-six pounders, and 4 mortars, was opened within 700 yards of the walls, and on the 5th another battery of 4 thirty-six pounders. On the same day the Russians opened a battery of 4 thirty-six pounders against the angle opposite to the point attacked by the British, to which 4 more mortars were subsequently added.

On the Uth, the three-gun battery being entirely destroyed, and the guns dismounted by the fire of the besieged, captain Hallowell was directed to construct another battery of 6 thirtypounders within 180 yards of the walls. Some trees intervened between the battery and the fort, which it was necessary to remove before the fire could be opened with effect; and although this was a service of great danger, it was gallantly performed under the cheering example of the british officers. A second battery of 1 eighteen-pounder and 2 howitzers, was getting ready, when an officer appeared on the walls with a flag of truce. A capitulation being agreed upon, the garrison marched out with the honours of war, and, in this instance, were honourably conveyed to Toulon. The loss sustained by the british, russian, and neapolitan forces, amounted to 5 officers and 32 rank and file killed; 5 officers and 79 rank and file wounded.

The fort of Capua, a small town on the river Volturno, and distant about fifteen miles from Naples, became the next object of attack. On the 20th captain Troubridge, with the seamen and marines and portuguese troops, marched from Naples, and encamped before Capua on the morning of the 22nd. On the same day a bridge of pontoons was thrown across the Volturno, to facilitate the communication between the different corps, and batteries of guns and mortars were constructed within 500 yards of the works. On the 25th a battery of 4 twenty-four pounders opened upon the fort, which was replied to by a fire from 11 guns. On the 26th fresh trenches were opened, and new batteries commenced within a few yards of the glacis, when the garrison proposed terms of capitulation, which were rejected; but others, sent back by captain Troubridge, were acceded to by the french commandant. On the morning of the 29th, the french garrison, numbering 2800 officers and men, under brigadier-general Girardon, marched out with the honours of war, and were conveyed to Toulon. The fort was mounted with 108 pieces of ordnance, exclusive of ten that were unserviceable.

The neighbouring fort of Gaeta surrendered on the 31st, and the french garrison, amounting to 1498 officers and men, were allowed to march out with their arms and personal effects, and they were to be sent to a french port. Here again the poor unhappy neapolitan insurgents were handed over, without any effort to protect them, to those who would soon become their executioners. The fort of Gaeta mounted 72 pieces of cannon, including 58 brass twenty-four and eighteen-pounders, with 13 heavy mortars; and the magazines contained an immense quantity of powder and other garrison stores. On the 29th and 30th of September, 200 seamen and marines landed at Civita-Vecchia, and assisted by a detachment of neapolitan troops, took possession of that town, as also of Corneto and Talfa. Since the 17th of July, Leghorn had been evacuated, and the persevering exertions of the British in a great degree assisted in freeing Naples, Rome, and Tuscany from the dominion of the French 80. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1799. March - May. Tigre Theseus and Alliance at Acre.

1799. Wednesday 20th March to 21st May 1799. The Defence of Acre (The Otteman Empire, against the French and Turks). Sir Sidney Smith shelled Bonaparte outside Saint John d'Acer, forcing him to lift the siege.

1799. Tuesday 26th March. Plymouth (Uniform). The Light Infantry Companies where directed to wear the new round Hats Bound in Black Tape, White Band and Looping, and Green worsted Tuft, to distinguish them from the Battalion Companies whose hats had Black Looping and red and White Tuffs. The grenadiers wore the same as the light Infantry but had White Tuffs. But the Flank Companies did not last much longer as they were definitely abolished by an Admiralty Order of the 1st November 1804.

1799. Tuesday 30th March. Sparrow and Trent at Porto Rico.

1799. Tuesday 30th March. The boats of the 36-gun frigate Trent, commanded by lieutenant Nathaniel Belchier, with lieutenant M'Gee of the marines, attacked a Spanish ship and three schooners, anchored under protection of a battery of 5 guns in a bay about seven leagues to the northward of Cape Roxo, in the island of Porto Rico. Lieutenant M'Gee, with the marines and some seamen under lieutenant Belchier, landed and stormed the battery, which they carried in gallant style, after killing 5, and wounding several of the Spaniards who defended it. The ship and one of the schooners was brought out during the time occupied by the party on shore in spiking the guns. This exploit was effected with no greater loss than 3 men wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1799. Friday 9th April. San Fiorenzo and Amelia engaged three French frigates.

1799. Tuesday 13th April. Amaranthe captured Vengeur.

1799. Saturday 4th May. Fortune and gunboats captured by Salamine.

1799. Tuesday 7th May' The fifty-first day of the siege, the long-expected reinforcement from Rhodes made its appearance in the offing, consisting of some turkish corvettes, and above twenty transports with troops on board. The approach of this reinforcement induced Buonaparte to order a vigorous attack, in the hope of getting possession of the town before the troops could disembark: the fire from the french batteries suddenly increased considerably, whilst the flanking fire from the British afloat was less effectual, owing to the epaulments and traverses of great thickness, which the enemy had thrown up to protect themselves. The attacking columns of the enemy suffered severely from the fire of a brass eighteen-pounder, under the R direction of Mr. Schroder, master's mate, and a twenty-four pounder in the north ravelin under Mr. Jones, midshipman; these being within grape range, added to the turkish musketry, did great execution. Two djerms lying in the mole, mounting 2 sixty-eight pounders, worked under the able direction of Mr. James Bray, carpenter of the Tigre, threw shells into the centre of the attacking column with evident effect, and checked its advance; nevertheless, the besiegers gained ground, and effected a lodgement in the second story of the north-east tower, the upper part of which was entirely battered down, and its ruins formed the ascent from the ditch by which they mounted. As the day appeared on the 8th, the french standard was seen flying on the outer angle of the tower; and the enemy, having covered themselves by this lodgement, and the approach to it by traverses across the ditch, the fire from the besieged became of less effect, and even the flanking fire from the gunboats did but little execution. Those traverses were constructed by the French under the fire from the fortress during the preceding night and were composed of sand-bags with the bodies of the dead built in with them and were so high that their bayonets only were visible above them. At this crisis the troops of Hassan Bey were in the boats, and half way to the shore: an effort was therefore necessary, to preserve the place until this reinforcement could take their stations on the walls. Sir Sidney now landed with the ships' boats at the mole, and led the seamen, armed with pikes, to the breach, where they found a few Turks hurling stones on the heads of the assailants, who falling down the slope, impeded the progress of the rest. Fresh parties of the French ascended to the assault, the heap of ruins between the two contending forces serving as abreast-work for both; and here the muzzles of their muskets touched, and the spear-heads of the standards locked. Djezzar Pacha was sitting in his palace, rewarding those who brought him the heads of his enemies, and distributing musket cartridges with his own hands; but hearing that sir Sidney and his brave companions were on the breach, the old man hastened thither and pulled them down with violence, saying, that if any harm happened to his english friends, all would be lost. This amicable contest occasioned a rush of Turks to the spot, which fortunate occurrence gained time for the arrival of the first division of Hassan Bey's troops.

Sir Sidney, having overcome the pacha's repugnance to the admission of any troops but his Albanians into the gardens of the seraglio, and as this spot was now an important post, as occupying the terre-pleine of the rampart, the commodore introduced 1000 men of the Chifflic regiment, armed with bayonets and disciplined after the European method. The garrison, animated by the appearance of such a reinforcement, were soon in sufficient numbers to defend the breach. Sir Sidney then proposed to the pacha to allow the Chifflic regiment to make a sally and take the assailants in flank: the Turks rushed out with much bravery, but not being calculated for such a movement, they were driven back with great loss, whilst the town gate was efficaciously protected by the sixty-eight pounders of the Tigre.

The sortie had the effect of obliging the besiegers to show themselves above their parapets, and consequently exposed to the flanking fire of the British, which brought down numbers; while those remaining were killed or dispersed by the grenades thrown among them.

After this repulse, the enemy commenced a new breach, by an incessant fire directed to the southward of the lodgement: every shot knocking down whole sheets of the wall, which was much less solid than that of the tower, and on which they had expended so much time and ammunition. At this moment, the group of french generals, which the shells from the sixtyeight pounders had frequently dispersed, was assembled on Richard Cosur-de-Lion's mount, and Buonaparte was distinguishable in the centre of them; his gesticulations indicated a renewal of the attack, and as an aide-de-camp was despatched to the camp, it showed he only waited a reinforcement. Sir Sidney immediately directed the ships of Hassan Bey to take their stations in the shoal w r ater to the southward, and made the Tigre signal to get under way, and join the Theseus to the northward. A little before sunset a dense column appeared advancing slowly to the breach, which they mounted unmolested, and then descended from the ramparts into the pacha's garden. Here, in a few minutes, the most advanced of the Frenchmen lay headless trunks, — the sabre, with the dagger in the other hand, proving more than a match for the bayonet. The rest of the assailants precipitately retreated, and their leader, general Lannes, who was seen daringly encouraging his men to mount the breach, was carried off wounded by a musket-ball, while general Rambeaud was among the killed.

In the dusk of the evening the british uniform was mistaken for the french by the newly arrived Turks, and in consequence of this confusion many a sabre blow was parried by the british officers; and major Douglas, with Messrs. Ives and Jones, nearly lost their lives while forcing their way through a torrent of fuo-itives. At length the pacha's exertions restored confidence; and both parties being worn out with fatigue, an end was put to this contest, which had lasted twenty-five hours.

In this splendid defence the British had 1 seaman killed, 7 wounded, and Mr. Lamb, midshipman, with 3 seamen, drowned. Sir Sidney now addressed a circular to the princes and chiefs of the Christians of Mount Lebanon, and also to the sheiks of the Druses, exhorting them to cut off the supplies from the french camp. Two ambassadors were immediately sent by the Syrians, and active measures were taken to prevent any supplies arriving overland; while Buonaparte's career further northward was effectually stopped by a warlike people, inhabiting a country now become impenetrable by their determined resistance.

General Kleber's division, just arrived from the fords of the Jordan, was intended for the next attempt to mount the breach of Acre. To frustrate that movement, another sortie was resolved upon; and during the night of the 19th the turkish Chifflic regiment, led by its lieutenant-colonel Soliman Aga, rushed out of the gates, and gained the third parallel of the besiegers; and their impetuosity carried them to the second trench, where, although they lost some of their standards, four of the enemy's cannon were spiked before they retreated. By this movement Kleber's division, instead of mounting the breach, had full occupation during three hours' conflict, nor did the French recover their works without sustaining a heavy loss.

Since their last failure, the french grenadiers refused to mount the breach over the dead bodies of their unburied countrymen consequently a flag of truce was sent into the town by an Arab dervise, with a letter to the pacha proposing a cessation of arms for the purpose of burying the dead, the stench of which had become intolerable, and threatened the existence of every person on both sides. While the answer was under consideration, a discharge of shot and shells announced another assault; but, fortunately, the garrison was prepared to receive them, and the assailants only contributed to increase the number of the dead bodies under the walls. Sir Sidney rescued the Arab from the indignation of the Turks, by conveying him on board the Tigre, whence he was sent back to the french general with a message that must have made the army sensible of the well-merited reproof.

The French, having abandoned all hopes of success, raised the siege of Acre on the 20th; and on the 21st of May they made a precipitate retreat, leaving twenty-three pieces of cannon (after burning their carriages) in the hands of the besieged. The army reached Cantoura on the afternoon of the 21st, the ruins of Ctesarea on the 22nd, and Jaffa on the 24th here it rested three days and reached Gaza on the 30th. On the 1st of June it entered the desert, and halted on the 2nd at El- Arish, where Buonaparte left a garrison: the main body then continued its march, arriving at Cairo on the 14th. Berthier states the loss of the french army, during the last four months, at 700 men who died of disease, 500 killed in the different actions, and about 1800 wounded; it is probable, however, that it greatly exceeded this statement.

The british seamen and marines rejoined their ships, and sir Sidney with his little squadron quitted the bay of Acre on the 12th of June.Lord Nelson having urged the Sicilian government to place the island in the best possible state of defence, a large body of troops assembled; and preparations were made under his lordship's auspices to fit out the gun-boats, and mount the batteries with 65 twenty-four pounders, which had been brought from Naples. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1799. Wednesday 12th May. Courier engaged a French privateer.

1799. Thursday 30th May. While the 74-gun ship Impetueux, captain sir Edward Pellew, was lying in Bantry Bay in company with several sail of the line under admiral sir Alan Gardner, the seamen refused to assist in obeying the signal to unmoor, insisting upon having a boat to convey a letter to the admiral, complaining of tyranny and hard usage. Finding all endeavours to persuade the men to return to their duty of no avail, sir Edward ordered captain Wm. Henry Boys to get his detachment under arms, and the marines, who had previously withstood every attempt of the conspirators to seduce them from their duty, now displayed that unwavering loyalty and prompt obedience, for which in the most trying circumstances this valuable force has always been distinguished. The sailors finding themselves firmly opposed, ran below, exclaiming, " Put out the lights, and remove the ladders," but sir Edward and the officers, following them closely, seized the ringleaders and dragged them aft to the quarter-deck. This decisive conduct had the desired effect, and the ship's company returned to their duty. Sir Edward Pellew, in his letter to rear-admiral sir Charles Cotton, bart., applying for a court-martial on the mutineers, observes, " I cannot in justice close my letter without informing you, sir, of the alert and manly conduct of the marines, in support of the King's service on this occasion." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1799. Thursday 6th June. The cutting out of La Selva.

1799. Wednesday 9th June. Boats of Success cut out Belle Aurore.

1799. Saturday June 26. Alemene captured Conrageux.

1799. The strength of the Marines at that time was 22,716 men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1799. Thursday 11th July. Naples and the siege of Port St. Elmo. 800 Marines under Colonel Strickland.

1799. Sunday 18th July. Alemene and boats captured two Spanish vessels.

1799. Monday 29th July – 4th August. The taking of Capua and Gaeta.

1799. Monday 9th August. Speedy and boats captured Spanish armed vessel.

1799. Wednesday 11th - 12th August. Attack on Schiermonikoog.

1799. Friday 13th - 30th August. Operations in the Texel.

1799. Saturday 14th August. Fox, Dadalus and boats destroyed Kosseir.

1799. Thursday 19th August. Surinam taken.

1799. Friday 20th August. Clyde captured Vestale.

1799. Thursday 26th August. Tamar captured Republicaine.

1799. Monday 13th September. Arrow and Wolverine captured Draak and Gier.

1799. Monday 20th September. Camel and Rattlesnake engaged Freueuse.

1799. Wednesday 2nd October. The battle of Alkmaar was fought between forces of the French Republic and her ally, the Batavian Republic under the command of general Guillaume Marie Anne Brune, and an expeditionary force from Great Britain and her ally Russia, commanded by Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany in the vicinity of Alkmaar during the Anglo-Russian Invasion of Holland. Although the battle ended in a tactical draw, the Anglo-Russians were in a position at the end of the battle that favoured them slightly in a strategic sense. This prompted Brune to order a strategic withdrawal the next day to a line between Monnickendam in the East and Castricum in the West. There the final battle of the campaign would take place on Sunday 6th October.

1799. Sunday 3rd October. Speedy chased Spanish coasters on shore.

1799. Tuesday 5th October. Ferret engaged Spanish privateer.

1799. Sunday 10th - 11th October. Jupiter engaged Prencuse.

1799. Friday 11th October. The defence of Lemmer Town, West Friesland. The garrison consisted of 157 Seamen and Marines. At 5 am a small advance party of French and Batavians attempted to storm the north Battery. They were entrapped between two fires surrounded by the seamen armed with pikes and surrendered. The main body of the enemy 670 strong soon after assaulted the village, but after a sharp fight of four hours and a half were driven off with a loss of 5 and 11 wounded. The officers present 1st Lieut. Marmaduke WY bourn and L2nd Lieutenants. J. Howell, Jas. Higginson and Rd. Gardner.

1799. Tuesday 12th October. Trincomalee engaged Iphigenie and both sank.

1799. Friday 15th October. Ethalion captured Thetis.

1799. Sunday 17th October. Boats of Echo cut out Buonaparte.

1799. Sunday 17th October. Triton and consorts captured Santa Brigida.

1799. Wednesday 20th October. Cerberus engaged five Spanish frigates.

1799. Sunday 24th October. Orpheus captured Zeelast and Zeevraght.

1799. Monday 25th October. Boats of Surprise cut out Hermione.

1799. Friday 29th - 31st October. Boats of Tigre engaged off Damietta.

1799. Monday 21st October. Captain Edward Hamilton, with the beats of the 32-gun frigate Surprise, containing 100 officers and men, put off from the ship at 8 p.m., to attempt the capture of the Spanish frigate Hermione (formerly british), mounting 44 guns, moored head and stern between two strong batteries situated at the entrance of the harbour of Puerto Cabello. Towards midnight the boats beat off the Spanish guard-boat when about three-quarters of a mile from the Hermione, who opened a fire from her bow guns, on hearing the alarm. The boats immediately dashed on; and about half-past midnight captain Hamilton with eight or ten followers got on board the Hermione and took possession of the forecastle without much resistance. Mr. McCullen in the gig boarded on the larboard bow and joined the captain's party; but the two cutters, under the first-lieutenant and boatswain, were beaten back in their attempt the gangways. The second-lieutenant in the launch was directed to cut the bower, and the carpenter in the jolly-boat the sterncable; and then both boats, after reinforcing the boarding-party with some men, were to go a-head and tow the ship. Captain Hamilton, after leaving the gunner with 12 men on the starboard gangway, proceeded with the surgeon's party to the quarter-deck, which was obstinately defended for a quarter of an hour with great loss on both sides; captain Hamilton, the gunner, and several men being severely wounded. At this moment, the first-lieutenant with M. la Tour du Pin, acting lieutenant of marines, boarded with their respective divisions, and the boats under the second-lieutenant took the ship in tow, whilst the men ordered to go aloft, loosed the top-sails. The quarter-deck being in possession of the British, whose force was increased by the marines and others, no time was lost in attacking the main-deck. Captain Hamilton and the gunner were so severely wounded, as to be incapable of further duty; but M. de la Tour du Pin and the surgeon leading the men down the after-ladder so quickly after the Spaniards, gave them no time to prepare for a regular defence; and after a severe struggle and dreadful slaughter on the part of the Spaniards, who were also fired at from the upper-deck, the survivors of the frigate's crew called for quarter. In passing the batteries the captured ship sustained a heavy fire, but fortunately without any loss; and at 2 a. m. she was out of gun-shot, and in entire possession of the British. In effecting this desperate service, not a man of the attacking party was killed, and only 12 wounded; whilst the Spaniards, out of a crew of 365, had 119 killed and 97 wounded.

A garrison of seamen and marines, amounting to 157 men, having been placed at Lemmertown, in West Friesland, under captain Boorder of the Espiegle sloop of war, were attacked on the 11th of October at 5 a.m. by the advanced party of French and Batavians, consisting of an officer with 30 rank and file, who attempted to storm the north battery. The British soon got them between two fires, and so effectually surrounded them, that they laid down their arms with the loss of 2 killed. The prisoners had scarcely been secured, when the main body, amounting to 670 men, attacked the British, who after a contest of four hours and a-half, routed the enemy in every direction, with the loss of 5 killed and 9 wounded. The marines continuing the pursuit, killed and wounded more than 40; and if the allied forces had not broken down a bridge in their retreat, they would have lost their colours and two field-pieces. Captain Boorder, in his official letter, says, " Lieutenants Wyburn, Howel, Higginson, and Gardner of the marines, behaved with honour to themselves and credit to their country; and their men distinguished themselves in the most gallant manner." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1799. Saturday 6th November. Speedy engaged twelve Spanish vessels.

1799. Monday 22nd November. Courier captured Guerriere.

1799. Wednesday 24th November. Solebay captured Egyptienne and three others.

1799. Friday 3rd December. Racoon captured Intrepide.

1799. Saturday 11th December. The french 40-gun frigate Preneuse was pursued by the Tremendous 74, and 50-gun ship Adamant, who were cruising off Port Louis, Isle of France; and finding it impossible to escape from the Adamant, she ran ashore on the west side of the river Tombeau, near to some batteries, and about three miles from Port Louis. The frigate cut away all her masts, and at 3 h. 30 m. p.m., in conjunction with the batteries, fired upon the Adamant, who was working up towards her.

At 5h. 30 m. the Adamant commenced engaging, and after 15 minutes the Preneuse signified she had surrendered. At 7 p. m. three boats were sent to destroy the french frigate, under the orders of lieutenant Edward Grey, accompanied by lieutenants Walker and Symes, and by lieutenant John Owen of the marines. At 8 p. m. the french batteries opened their fire of shot and shell at the boats, and at the Adamant as she was working up towards the object of attack. About 9 p. m., just as the boats were getting alongside of the Preneuse, two launches filled with men pulled from her to the shore, whilst lieutenant Grey and his party, under a heavy fire from the batteries, gallantly boarded the frigate; and having removed captain L'Hermite, with 14 officers and the few men that remained on board, she was set on fire and destroyed, and the boats returned without sustaining any loss.

The appearance of a british squadron on the coast of Egypt in the latter part of October, assisted by some russian and turkish frigates, induced Buonaparte to strengthen Damietta, Rosetta, and particularly Alexandria ; and having appointed general Marmont governor of the latter city, the general-in-chief busied himself in forming schemes that had for their object the junction of the Red and Mediterranean seas, by means of a canal through the isthmus of Suez : and in order to ascertain the practicability of such a plan, Buonaparte resolved to proceed thither himself, first sending a detachment of troops to take possession of the town and neighbourhood.

On the 2nd of November, general Bon set out on that expedition; and on the 8th the advanced division, under Eugene Beauharnois, entered the seaport of Suez, which is a small town situated at the northern extremity of the western arm of the Red Sea, distant about 30 leagues from Cairo, and nearly the same from the Mediterranean. Buonaparte was prevented following general Bon by the plague breaking out among his troops, and by the information he had just acquired of the hostile intentions of Turkey.

Buonaparte quitted Cairo on the 25th of December, and on the 27th arrived at Suez, attended by the members of the " Institute of Egypt." Immediately preceding to reconnoitre the town, harbour, and the neighbouring coast, he afterwards crossed the Red Sea by means of a ford, only practicable at low water, in order to reach a spot, which the Arabs still call the " Fountain of Moses," and where, according to the traditions of the country, lie the rocks which, on being touched, produced water to the followers of the prophet. In their way back to Suez, the general and his escort nearly suffered the fate of Pharoah and his army : the ford, which had been crossed with such ease in the morning, being now covered by the rapid rise of the tide, the travellers were compelled to descend to the bottom of the gulph ; and here, owing to some mistake about the depth of the water, Buonaparte was under the necessiy of being carried on the shoulders of his guide, and it was not without difficulty that they succeeded in effecting" their escape.

After various surveys of the locality of Suez, Buonaparte was unexpectedly called back to Cairo; for the officer, who a month previous to his departure for Suez had been sent to Achmet Djezzar, had returned without obtaining an audience. Indignant at this treatment, the general sent the following letter to Djezzar: — " I do not desire to make war if you are not my enemy, but you must explain yourself. Your continuing to afford refuge to Ibrahim Bey and allowing him to remain on the frontiers of Egypt, will be considered by me as an act of hostility, and I shall in that case march to Acre. If you arc disposed to live in peace with me, you will remove Ibrahim forty leagues from the frontiers of Egypt and let there be a free commerce between Damietta and Syria. On those terms I shall respect your sovereignty and allow a free commerce by land between Egypt and Syria."

This letter met with no better fate than the message sent by colonel Beauvoisins consequently Buonaparte determined on immediate preparations for fulfilling his promise to Djezzar; believing that by such proceeding he would gain favour with the grand Signior, to whom the pacha of Acre had long been a rebellious subject. The arrival of a body of troops in the castle of El-Arish, situated just within the frontiers of Egypt, quickened the movements of Buonaparte, who marched from the neighbourhood of Cairo in the early part of January 1799, with an army of 13,000 men, accompanied by 37 field-pieces, and 11 howitzers, to effect the conquest of Syria; and generals Regnier, Kleber, Bon, Lannes, and Murat had commands under Buonaparte in this expedition. The remainder of the army, about 17,000 men, was scattered over the different provinces of Lower Egypt; and by the 18th of February the whole of the army destined to invade Syria had assembled before El-Arish.

Commodore sir Sidney Smith, who jointly with his brother, Mr. Spencer Smith, had been invested with the rank of minister-plenipotentiary to the Sublime Porte, and had recently been at Constantinople arranging a plan of active co-operation with the Turks in Egypt, arrived off Alexandria on the 3rd of March in the 74-gun ship Tigre, and superseded captain Troubridge; who on the 7th sailed in the Culloden, leaving the Theseus 74, and Alliance frigate (en flute) on the station. On the same evening an express arrived from Djezzar with an account of the invasion of Syria by Buonaparte, and of his having that very day carried Jaffa by storm. In consequence of this intelligence, the commodore on the following day despatched the Theseus to Acre, with colonel Phelipeaux, a french royalist officer of engineers: the Tigre meanwhile remained off Alexandria, to observe the enemy's movements. The removal of most of the vessels in the old port to the eastern or new harbour, gave intimation that some naval expedition was in preparation ; and this supposition being confirmed by a neutral vessel which had sailed from Alexandria on the 9th, it determined the commodore to detach the Marianne gun-vessel on the following day to reconnoitre the coast to the eastward, and to join him in the road of Cai'ffa; a port about eight miles south-east of Acre, whither the Tigre immediately proceeded. Having been joined by the Marianne on the 15th off Caiffa, the Tigre anchored in the bay of Acre, where the Theseus had arrived two days before. On the 16th sir Sidney landed, and commenced putting the town of Acre, with its rotten and ruined walls, in the best possible state to resist the attacks of a European army: and thus encouraged, the pacha and the garrison determined to make a vigorous defence.

The Theseus was detached on the 17th to reconnoitre the coast to the southward, while sir Sydney proceeded with the boats of the Tigre to the anchorage of Cai'ffa, near the promontory of Mount Carmel, in order to intercept the maritime portion of the french expedition; but as the their advance-guard, mounted on asses and dromedaries, were discovered by the sea side, sir Sydney returned to the Tigre, and sent the launch with a 32 pounder carronade, under lieutenant John Bushby, to the mouth of the river Kerdanneh, to defend the fort.

On the 18th, at day-break, the launch opened a fire on the french troops, which compelled them to retire precipitately to the skirts of Mount Carmel. The main body, finding the route near the sea thus exposed, approached by the Nazareth road, but not without being harassed by the Samaritan Arabs; and being driven by the fire from the british ships, directed at the trenches, from making an attack along the coast to the northward, the French invested the town of Acre to the north-east, where the defences were much stronger.

On the 18th a french flotilla, consisting of a corvette and nine sailing gun-vessels, were seen from the Tigre, who after a chase of three hours captured seven gun-vessels, mounting together 34 guns, laden with battering cannon and every kind of siege equipage, which they had brought from Damietta. The french guns intended for the attack of Acre were now landed for its defence, and the captured gun-boats were manned and sent to co-operate in harassing the enemy and cutting off his supplies. For five successive days and nights the gun-vessels were occupied in annoying the French and rendering assistance to the Turks. On the 21st an unsuccessful attempt was made to cut out of the port of Caiffa four djerms, or lighters, which had put in there on the 18th from Alexandria, having on board supplies for the french army; and at 10 a. m. the boats of the two line of battle ships, covered by some of the gun-vessels, proceeded to the attack. In this gallant though unfortunate attempt, 4 midshipmen and 8 seamen were killed; 1 midshipman and 26 seamen wounded, 8 of whom, with twelve others, were taken prisoners. Among the officers who distinguished themselves on this occasion, we find the name of lieutenant Charles Frederick Burton of the marines.

On the 20th of March, the French before Acre opened their trenches against the front or saliant angle, on the east side of the town, and a constant cannonade was kept upon that point until the 1st of April; when the breach which the enemy had made in the tower appearing to them practicable, and conceiving that the counterscarp had suffered from a mine they had sprung, the french troops resolutely advanced to the assault. On both these points they were deceived; whilst the Turks, stimulated by the heroic example of the british seamen and marines, continued to pour down a shower of stones and grenades upon the assailants, and drove them back with considerable loss.

The violence of the weather, and the unsheltered state of the anchorage, compelled the Theseus and Tigre to put to sea; and on their return, which was on the 6th of April, it was discovered that the French had pushed their approaches to the counterscarp, and even to the ditch of the north-east angle of the town, and were mining the tower, so as to increase the breach which they had made by the fire of their field-pieces.

Although the fire from the guns captured from the enemy, and which had been admirably mounted under the direction of colonel Phelipeaux and captain Wilmot of the Alliance, appeared to slacken the efforts of the enemy, yet much danger was apprehended from the mine. A sortie was therefore determined upon, and the seamen and marines of the squadron were to force their way into the mine, while the turkish troops attacked the enemy's trenches on the right and left.

Just before day-break on the 7th of April, the columns moved forward to the attack, but the impetuosity and noise of the Tuiks rendered abortive the attempt to surprise the besiegers; yet, in other respects, the Mahometans performed their part to admiration. Lieutenant J. W. Wright received two balls in his right arm, whilst leading the seamen pioneers; he nevertheless proceeded to the bottom of the mine, and pulling down the supporters, destroyed as much as could be effected in its present state. Major Douglas and the marines were highly distinguished in this enterprise; and they ably supported the seamen in the desperate service, bringing off the wounded under a tremendous fire from the enemy.

The loss sustained by the British was 1 major of marines, Thomas Oldfield, and 2 privates killed; lieutenant John W. Wright of the navy, lieutenant George Beatty of the marines, 2 midshipmen, 1 serjeant, 6 privates of marines, and 12 seamen wounded. The return of the detachment to the garrison was ably covered by the fire of the Theseus, in the excellent position she had taken for that purpose: the Turks, as proofs of their prowess, brought in 60 frenchmen's heads, and a number of muskets and intrenching tools.

General Berthier, who commanded a division of the enemy, affords the best testimony of the merits of the marines upon this occasion; and we therefore, without comment, give an extract from a letter of that gallant officer, dated from the french camp :-— " On the 18th Germinal (7th of April), the enemy at break of day attacked our left and centre ; each column was headed by british marines belonging to the ships, and their colours were seen waving with those of the Djezzar, and the batteries were all manned by Englishmen. The enemy attempted to surprise our advanced posts, but their design was seen through: we received them with a brisk fire from our parallels, and all that appeared were either killed or wounded. The enemy ultimately retired without gaining an inch towards destroying our works. The central column acted with more obstinacy, and their object was to penetrate to the entrance of our mine; they were commanded by major Thomas Oldfield, who advanced boldly towards the entrance of the mine at the head of some of his intrepid countrymen. They attacked like heroes, and were received by heroes, — death only checked their bold career: the remainder retreated and took refuge in the fortress. The approaches of our parallels remained covered with the dead bodies of English and of Turks.

The body of major Oldfield was carried off by our grenadiers, who brought him to head-quarters; but he had expired before their arrival. His sword, to which he had done so much honour, was also honoured after his fall: it remains in the hands of one of our grenadiers. He was buried amongst us and has carried with him the esteem of the whole french army." This eulogium from an enemy, and a soldier whose proud renown is associated with that of Napoleon, is the noblest epitaph that the brave could aspire to.

Sir Sidney Smith, at a meeting of the anniversary of the Naval Asylum, held on the 2nd of June 1802, offered a tribute to the memory of this gallant soldier. After speaking of the many virtues of captain Miller, sir Sidney thus enlarges upon the merits of his departed friend, major Oldfield, — "The next is major Oldfield of the marines. I will tell the company where the body of this brave man was contended for, and they will judge where, and how, he died. It was in a sortie of the garri- son of St. Jean d'Acre, when attacked by general Buonaparte, that major Oldfield, who commanded a column, was missing. On our troops advancing, he was found — his body was found at the mouth of one of the enemy's mines, and at the foot of their works: our brave men hooked him by the neck- cloth as he lay dead, to draw him off; the enemy at the same time pierced him with a halbert, and each party struggled for his body. The neck-cloth gave way, and the enemy succeeded in dragging to their works this brave man; and here I must do them the justice which such gallant foes are justly entitled to: they buried him with all the honours of war! "

When Buonaparte commenced the siege of Acre, he had no other artillery than field-pieces; but the squadron of admiral Perree, which sailed from Alexandria, consisting of three frigates and two corvettes, having on board a quantity of battering cannon and other munitions of war, reached Jaffa in safety; and in addition to these, by Buonaparte's desire, he landed 4 eigh teen-pounders from the Junon.

The garrison of Acre continued to make occasional sorties, under the protection of field-pieces in the ships' boats, until the evening of the 1st of May; when the French, after several hours' cannonade from 23 pieces of artillery, including 9 battering twenty-four and eighteen-pounders brought by admiral Perree's squadron, and which reached the besieging army on the 27th of April overland from Jaffa, made a fourth desperate attempt to mount the breach, which was now much extended. The Tigre and Theseus were stationed on either side of the town, so as to flank the walls; whilst the gun-boats were moored in the best manner for opening on the enemy's trenches.

Opposed by this destructive fire, the french troops, notwithstanding their determined bravery, were repulsed with a heavy loss. On the part of the British, captain David Wilmot of the Alliance was killed by a musket-shot, as he was mounting a howitzer on the breach; a midshipman and 4 seamen were also slain, and lieutenant William Knight with 8 men wounded: in addition to this loss they had to regret the death of olonel Phelipeaux, from excessive fatigue and anxiety. The French continued to batter in breach with progressive effect, although they had been repulsed with great slaughter in their several attempts to storm: nor were they more successful in their attacks on the two ravelins that had been erected by sir Sidney to flank the nearest approaches of the besiegers, which were only a few yards distant. The frequent sorties from the garrison impeded the enemy in their covering works, and these were only suspended during the intervals which were caused by the excessive fatigue on both sides. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1799. Friday 17th December. Amiable engaged Sirene and Bergere.

1799. Monday 20th December. Boats of Queen Charlotte re-captured Lady Nelson.

1799. Friday 24th - 30th December. Tigre took El Arisch.

1799. Sunday 26th December. Viper captured Furet.

1799. Notwithstanding the losses which France had sustained during the past year, there were great preparations in the french arsenals for the equipment and increase of her navy and measures were taken for the immediate construction of sixteen ships of the line, and eighteen heavy frigates. The naval force of Great Britain continued on the same establishment as the preceding year; and the parliamentary vote was for 120,000 seamen, including 20,00d marines. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1799. The Scotch Brigade Marines. It has been said that war is the logical continuation of diplomacy, but it could be argued more reasonably that war is the logical extension of competition in trade. We have been referred to, rather contemptuously, as a nation of shopkeepers, and the bayonet can be seen as a complement of the clerk's quill.

The conduct of many a campaign has been dictated by commercial considerations as much as by purely military ones, and the trader's preoccupation with his profit and loss account once sent a party of the Scotch Brigade, later numbered the 94th Foot, the 2nd Battalion of the Connaught Rangers, to serve as Marines on the waters of the Bay of Bengal.

In 1799 the shipping of the East India Company was being ravaged by a French frigate, La Forte, said to be the fastest and best armed frigate in any navy in the world. To hunt down and destroy this tiger of the seas was the allotted task of HMS SYBILLE, commanded by Captain Edward Cooke. The SYBILLE had spent several months at Calcutta in 1798 and the inevitable disease engendered by a lengthy stay in so unhealthy a position had so reduced the numbers of her crew that barely 250 men were fit for duty. Particularly heavy had been the reduction of numbers among her complement of Royal Marines that only, nine remained, and to remedy this shortage of Marines a company of the Scotch Brigade, then newly arrived in India from Cape Town, was pressed into service. In the Regimental History of the Connaught Rangers, Volume II, it is stated that 5 officers and 96 NCOs and men were embarked in the SYBILLE, but it will be apparent later in this paper that these figures are inaccurate.

On the 19th February 1799, the SYBILLE put to sea and immediately cleared ship for action. In the days before aerial reconnaissance the sea was a very big place, and day followed day without contact being made with the enemy. At length the HAPPY CHANCE, a prize taken by La Forte, was encountered proceeding to Madras under a flag of truce to exchange prisoners. From her came the welcome news that La Forte was in the neighbourhood. On the evening of February 28th flashes were seen on the horizon but no sound was heard. Despite the general opinion that these flashes were caused by lightning, Captain Cooke turned the SYBILLE's head to the South East to investigate. As darkness fell the source of the flashes was discovered to be indeed La Forte. She was found in the process of putting prize crews aboard her latest two captures, the MORNINGTON and the ENDEAVOUR. Under cover of darkness the SYBILLE crept up on her prey and not until 12 30 am on March 1st did a lookout on La Forte notice her. To the French Admiral and Captain, it seemed that another prize was sailing into their grasp, and without calling her crew to action stations La Forte approached her "victim" A gun was fired at the SYBILLE and when no notice was taken the awful realisation dawned on the French that they had caught a Tartar and drums hastily called the crew of La Forte to action stations to face a sterner test than had been posed by Company merchantmen.

Every advantage seemed to lie with La Forte. She mounted 58 guns, 28 of them 24-pounders, while the SYBILLE could make reply with 48 guns, 28 being 18-pounders. La Forte suffered from one result of her previous successes, so many of her men had been taken up in supplying prize crews that her complement of some 600 was reduced to 370, almost the same as the SYBILLE's But on the decks of the SYBILLE stood a company of trained soldiers and their discipline and accurate fire was the deciding factor in the action that followed.

La Forte began the battle by firing broadsides at the SYBILLE, without any effect, as apparently no thought was given to the rapidly reducing range and the shot passed harmlessly overhead. As the SYBILLE passed the stern of La Forte the covers were stripped from the battle lanterns and a double-shotted broadside tore the length of the French ship with sickening results, eighty men falling to the deck. Taking up position alongside La Forte the SYBILLE soon mastered the enemy gunners and commenced to hammer the French ship to matchwood at twenty yards range. To the Scotch Brigade it was a wonderful opportunity to display the power of the Brown Bess as close range. Front and rear ranks took turns to fire and load, now aiming at the French gunners, now shooting down any one who showed himself on deck. About 2 o'clock in the morning of March 1st the action faltered, and it was apparent that the French were attempting to set sail and escape. To pick off the sailors from the rigging was child's play to trained soldiers, and when the masts of La Forte crashed to the deck it was all over.

At dawn Lieutenant Nauger (or Manger) RN took a party of the Scotch Brigade to take possession of La Forte. The effects of sustained musketry could be seen from the comparative losses on the two ships engaged, La Forte losing 65 killed and 85 wounded, while the SYBILLE's "butcher's bill" amounted to only 6 killed and 16 wounded. Among the dead on the SYBILLE were her Commander, Captain Cooke, a Captain Davis, an aide-de-camp of Lord Mornington, serving as a volunteer, and two men of the Scotch Brigade, Pts Peter Duckett and James Mollison,

In 1848 the Naval General Service Medal with the clasp SYBILLE was issued to survivors of the action and twelve men made good their claim, Lieutenant Manger, Midshipman Lysaght and ten seamen. Not a single claim was made by a man of the Scotch Brigade Marines, perhaps none surviving or perhaps more likely none being aware that they were entitled to a medal at all. To answer this question, it became necessary to trace the names of the men of the Scotch

Brigade who embarked on the SYBILLE. I enlisted the aid of A Y McPeake, a former officer of the Connaught Rangers, and the muster rolls of the Scotch Brigade for the relevant period were traced. Mollison and Duckett were shown as "Dead", but no mention was made of any party detached to serve as Marines. Captain Morgan suggested a search for the Victualling List of HMS SYBILLE. A Y McPeake took up the trail again and after failing at the Public Record Office (records for this India Station not being held there) ran the quarry to earth at the India Office. Omitting the members of the crew of the SYBILLE the Victualling List gave 101 names.

Of the 94 men of the Scotch Brigade who served on the SYBILLE only one man can be represented by his medals today, Lieutenant Bogle. As a Captain in the 94th Foot he received the Gold Medal for Badajoz with a clasp for Nivelle. Later he was appointed a CB. As his name does not appear on the Military General Service Medal Roll he must have died prior to 1848. There are, however, two names on the Victualling List of HMS SYBILLE which may coincide with names on the MGS Roll. This contains a Sgt James Rickie (or Richie) and a Drummer James Miller, who may be the same men as the Sgt Richie and Pte James Miller of the Victualling List. Miller also received the Array of India Medal. To determine whether this is so would entail tracing the discharge papers of the men who served in Spain to discover the date of enlistment. Since the muster roll of the Scotch Brigade does not include NCOs (except those who had died since the previous muster was prepared), this cannot be used to shorten the task.

Although the tangible results of our search are but small the rescuing from oblivion of the names of the men of the Scotch Brigade who served so gallantly on INS SYBILLE can be regarded as reward enough for any student of military history. (Sic)

(Editor's Note: We are most grateful to the Editor of Seaby's Bulletin for permission to publish this article, which appeared in the December 1972 issue.) From O.D. Cresswell.

### Chapter7

1800 – 1824

1800. The strength of the Marines was 24,200.

1800. Friday 24th January. A convention was signed at the fort of El-Arish, by two commissioners from general Kleber and those sent by the grand Vizier, for the evacuation of Egypt by the french army. This treaty, consisting of twenty-two articles which was ratified by general Kleber on the 25th, stipulated that the french army should evacuate Egypt, embarking at Alexandria, Rosetta, and Aboukir; and that there should be an armistice of three months, or longer if necessary ; that all subjects of the Sublime Porte prisoners among the French should be set at liberty ; and that the vessels containing the french army should have proper passports to go to France, and not be molested by any of the belligerents. Major Douglas, of the marines, was immediately sent to England by sir Sidney Smith with a copy of the convention, and it was announced in the " London Gazette" on the 25th of March 1800. This official notice of the treaty of El-Arish implied an approval of the measure; but long before its appearance in the " Gazette," the convention had been disowned and denounced by a party, without whose entire concurrence it could not be carried into effect. After making the necessary arrangements for the removal of the army according to the terms of the treaty, general Kleber learnt, to his surprise, that the captain of the Theseus, then cruising off Alexandria, by the express orders of sir Sidney Smith would not allow any vessel to depart from the shores of Egypt; although, it should be observed, generals Desaix, Davoust, and some other officers of distinction, had already sailed for France. Shortly afterwards, general Kleber received a letter from sir Sidney, dated at the Isle of Cyprus on the 20th of February, informing that officer, that the commander-inchief in the Mediterranean had received orders which opposed the immediate execution of the treaty of El-Arish. This was followed by a letter from lord Keith, acquainting the general that he had received positive commands to consent to no capitulation with the french troops in Egypt and Syria, unless they laid down their arms and surrendered as prisoners of war, abandoning all their ships and stores in the port and citadel of Alexandria ; that in case of such capitulation, the troops would not be allowed to return to France without exchange, and that all ships having troops on board, would be detained as prizes.

The instant general Kleber read this letter, he determined on giving battle to the grand Vizier; he nevertheless calmly observed to lieutenant Wright, the bearer of the letter, " You shall know my answer to your admiral to-morrow." That very night Kleber had the letter printed, and the next morning issued it to his army with the following postscript: " Soldats! on ne repond a. une telle insolence que par des victoires: preparez-vous a. combattre!"

It is true that sir Sidney Smith did not affix his signature to the formal convention concluded at El-Arish, but he signed, conjointly with general Desaix and M. Poussielgue, a preliminary document containing the basis of the treaty, of which the last article runs thus: " That the french army evacuate Egypt with arms and baggage, whenever the necessary means for such evacuation shall have been procured, and to withdraw to the ports which shall be agreed upon." This agreement bears date on board the Tigre "8 Nivose," or 29th of December; and it was therefore very natural that sir Sidney should feel indignant at the refusal of his superiors to ratify a treaty which he had full power to sanction. This extraordinary proceeding, which had not the sanction of the british government, evidently emanated from lord Keith, and was contrary to the intention of the english cabinet; for in a letter from his lordship addressed to M. Poussielgue, he states, " I had received no orders on this head from the King's ministers, although I was of opinion that his Majesty should not take part in this convention ; but since the treaty has been concluded, his Majesty, being desirous of showing his respect for his allies, I have received instructions to allow a free passage for the french troops."

The rupture of the treaty of El-Arish stimulated the injured party to wreak the most signal vengeance, upon the Turks, who were undeserving of such animosity, as they took no part in this breach of faith ; but unluckily for them, they happened to be in immediate contact with the enraged french army, for the grand Vizier with his numerous force had taken possession of the dif- ferent strong-holds the instant the French had quitted them on their way to the coast to embark, under the terms of the treaty. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1800. Wednesday 5th February. Fairy and Harpy engaged Pallas.

1800. Thursday 6th February. Loire and consorts captured Pallas.

1800. Saturday 15th February. Lord Keith, when cruising off Malta with the Queen Charlotte 100 guns, Foudroyant 80, Audacious, Northumberland, and Alexander, of 74 guns, and Lion 64, received intelligence from captain Peard, of the 32-gun frigate Success, that a french squadron, consisting of the Genereux 74, bearing the flag of admiral Perree, with a frigate, two corvettes, and several transports having on board 3000 troops, had sailed from Toulon on the 7th, and would attempt throwing supplies into Valetta. In order to intercept this reinforcement, the Queen Charlotte kept close to the entrance of the harbour, whilst the Foudroyant, Audacious, and Northumberland were stationed to windward in the south-east, the Lion off the passage between Goza and Malta, and the Alexander on the south-east side of the island. On the 18th, at daylight, the Alexander chased the squadron of admiral Perree, and captured a store-ship. The Genereux, to avoid the fire of the Alexander, bore up, and the Success being to leeward, raked her with several broadsides; but the frigate soon after became exposed to the fire of the Genereux, by which she had 1 man killed and 8 wounded. At 4 h. 30 m. p.m. the Foudroyant, bearing the flag of rear-admiral Nelson, followed closely by the Northumberland, having fired two shots at the Genereux, the latter discharged her broadside and struck her colours. The only loss she sustained was rearadmiral Perree, who after being wounded by a splinter, lost his right leg, which occasioned the death of this gallant and upright man.

Some idea may be formed of the sufferings experienced by the french troops in Valetta, by the exorbitant prices of the following articles: a fowl sixteen francs, a rabbit twelve, an egg twenty sous, a rat forty sous, and fish six francs per pound: in addition to these privations the typhus fever was making destructive ravages among the troops, and the only bouille served to the sick in the hospitals was made of horse-flesh. In this emergency, general Vaubois determined to despatch the Guillaume Tell to announce to the first consul that the place could not hold out another month.

Shortly after the capture of the Genereux, the Queen Charlotte proceeded to Leghorn, and we shall presently relate the distressing event which sealed her fate. In the early part of March, lord Nelson returned to Eugland, leaving the blockading squadron in charge of captain Troubridge; and during that officer's temporary absence, the squadron cruising off Malta on the 30th of March consisted of the Lion 64, captain Manley Dixon; Foudroyant 80, captain sir Edward Berry; Alexander 74, lieutenant William Harrington (acting), and the 36-gun frigate Penelope, captain Henry Blackwood. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1800. Tuesday February 18th. Alexander and Success captured Genereux and transports.

1800. February. A large convoy under the Command of Contre-Admiral Jean-Baptiste Perrée sailed from Toulon in France to try and resupply its besieged garrison of Valletta on the Island of Malta. The blockade squadron under the Command of Rear Admiral Lord Nelson intercepted the convoy and in the brief battle Jean Baptise Perrée was killed and his flagship captured.

1800. Quote."Every revolving year seemed to add to the naval superiority of Great Britain. In each quarter the enemy's fleets were blockaded within their ports, the happy result of our reiterated victories. In the Mediterranean, Lord Keith, by his cruizers, was highly instrumental in producing the fall of Genoa, to the Austrian General Melas, by cutting off its supplies, and occasional bombardments. Early in 1800 a battalion of Marines was landed at Malta, which had withstood a tedious blockade, and still held out with uncommon perseverance. The occasion presented no opportunities of signalising themselves, but by the most exemplary good conduct, under the following Officers" Captain Weir. (Major Commandant.)

1800. Sunday 2nd March. Nereide captured Vengeance.

1800. Wednesday 5th March. Phoebe captured Heureux.

1800. Sunday 16th March. The Queen Charlotte of 100 guns, captain Todd, was ordered by lord Keith to get under way from Leghorn roads, and proceed to reconnoitre the island of Capraia, then occupied by the French; and on the succeeding morning, when about three leagues from Leghorn, she was discovered to be on fire. Assistance was immediately forwarded from the shore, but many boats were deterred from approaching the ship, by the guns going off in all directions as they became heated by the flames. The fire is supposed to have originated in some hay on the booms, which had ignited by falling on the match-tub, usually kept there for firing signal-guns. The mainsail being set at the time was instantly in flames, even before the men could get at the clue garnets. Lieutenant Heneage Dundas went below from the forecastle, with as many hands as he could collect, to drown the lower deck ; the ports of which were opened, the scuppers plugged, fore and main hatches secured, the cocks turned, water drawn in at the ports, and the pumps kept going, and by these exertions the lower deck was kept free from fire for a long time ; nor did lieutenant Dundas and Mr. John Baird, the carpenter, quit this station until the guns from the middle deck fell through. About 9 o'clock, finding it impossible to remain below, these officers got out of the fore-mast lower deck port, and climbed over the bows to the forecastle, where there had assembled about 150 men, drawing water and throwing it as fast as possible upon the fire. Before 1 o'clock the heat was so insufferable that few remained in the head, and many, by jumping overboard, were saved by the boats from the shore. Captain Breedon and lieutenant William Ferguson of the marines, jumped out of the stern-port, and swam towards one of the ship's boats, which the lieutenant reached in safety, but captain Breedon sunk, and was seen no more. Lieutenant Thomas Peebles, of the marines, not being a swimmer, had no chance of reaching the boat, and therefore hastened forward, got up over the ship's bows to the head; and as the last extremity, when the flames had reached the forecastle and the heat became too intense to be borne, he dropped overboard, and was picked up after being sometime in the water. There were saved from the wreck 3 lieutenants, 2 lieutenants of marines, 3 midshipmen, the clerk, and 146 seamen and marines. Those who perished were the captain, 3 lieutenants, 1 captain of marines, the master, purser, surgeon, boatswain, 4 master's mates, 18 midshipmen, 2 clerks, 3 surgeon's mates, and about 630 seamen and marines.

After the loss of the Queen Charlotte, lord Keith hoisted his flag on board the Audacious 74, having under his orders the Minotaur 74, several frigates, sloops, and gun-boats, which squadron on several occasions successfully co-operated with the austrian army in their attacks upon the outworks of Genoa; and within the first three weeks of May, the town had been thrice bombarded. The French, being much annoyed by those at- tacks, prepared a flotilla, consisting of a galley, rowing fifty-two oars and mounting 2 brass thirty-six pounders of extraordinary length, besides smaller pieces; an armed cutter, three armed settees, and several gun-boats. On the 20th, in the afternoon, this flotilla, standing outside the mole-head, exchanged several shot with the british ships in passing, and the Audacious was twice hulled by the long guns of the galley. At sunset the flotilla took up a position under the guns of the two moles and the city bastions.

On the 21st, at 1 a.m., the english flotilla made another attack, when the batteries quickly eturned the fire, particularly from the thirty-six pounders of the Prima galley, now lying chain-moored close to the inside of the old, or eastern mole- head. Captain Beaver proposed carrying the galley by board- ing, and after dark ten boats, containing about 100 officers and men, drew off from the flotilla, and proceeded to the immediate attack, in the hope of being able to reach the galley unperceived; but a boat stationed between the two mole-heads opened her fire upon them, and the British then dashed on towards the galley ; the gunwhale of which projected upwards of three feet from the side of the hull, and was strengthened by a stout barricade, along the summit of which several wallpieces and blunderbusses were mounted. As an additional obstruction to the advance of boats, the oars were banked, or fixed in their places, with the handles secured to the benches or thwarts; and with a crew of 257 fighting men the Prima was thus lying prepared, under the protection of formidable batteries. She was first assaulted on the starboard-side a-midships by a boat of the Haerlem, commanded by midshipman John Caldwell, who was promptly supported by other boats ; while the crew of the barge of the Minotaur, commanded by captain Beaver, (who was accompanied by lieutenant Thomas Peebles of the marines), and of the Vestal's launch, by lieutenant William Gibson, got up over the quarter, and after a desperate struggle with the french soldiers on the poop, they drove the enemy at all points, the greater part jumping overboard; and in a few minutes the commodore's broad pendant was hauled down by lieutenant Gibson, when all further resistance ceased.

The boats were then ordered a-head to take the captured vessel in tow, and the slaves in seeming cheerfulness manned the sweeps. After a little delay in clearing her from her chain moorings, the galley moved towards the entrance of the harbour under a tremendous fire of shot and shells, and from musketry on the mole-head, round which she passed within a dozen yards, with no greater loss than 5 men wounded. Of the crew of the galley, 1 was killed and 15 wounded by the British when they boarded; some were drowned, and many others succeeded in reaching the shore. Before the galley was out of gun-shot, an alarm was raised of fire below when a drunken french sailor was discovered attempting to break open the door of the magazine, for the purpose, as he unhesitatingly avowed, of blowing up the ship. Had the wretch succeeded, nearly 500 persons might have perished; for besides the British and the 70 french soldiers and seamen remaining on board, there were upwards of 300 miserable beings chained to the oars. It is to be regretted that lord Keith in his official letter should have been so regardless of the fair fame of his officers, as to have omitted the names of every individual engaged in this very gallant and well-conducted enterprise; but we have the gratification of recording the name of lieutenant Thomas Peebles of the marines, who was one of the first on board the enemy.

On the 4th of June general Massena consented to evacuate Genoa, and with his 8000 troops to retire to Nice; consequently, on the 5th the Audacious, Minotaur, and Genereux of 74 guns, and a small neapolitan squadron entered the mole. On the very day on which the treaty was signed, Buonaparte after crossing the Alps with a powerful rmy, entered Milan, and proclaimed afresh the Cisalpine republic. On the 7th the first consul, still unacquainted with the surrender of Genoa, quitted Milan to attack the Austrians; and general d'Ott, who had quitted Genoa after three days' possession, was defeated by Buonaparte at Casteggio and Montebello.

On the 14th the famous battle of Marengo was fought, where general Melas was defeated with a loss of 4500 men left dead upon the field of battle, nearly 8000 wounded, above 6000 prisoners, 12 stands of colours, and 30 pieces of cannon; and on the part of the French, of 2000 killed, 3600 wounded, and 700 prisoners. A convention for a suspension of arms was signed on the 15th at Alexandria, by which France was put in possession of twelve important fortresses Genoa was consequently re-occupied by the French, and general Massena returned to that city on the 24th. The occupation was so sudden, that the Minotaur found some difficulty in warping out of the mole in time to make her escape.

Rear-admiral sir John Borlase Warren, cruising off the Penmarcks with the Renown and Defence, of 74 guns, Fisgard and Unicorn frigates, detached the boats of the squadron on the evening of the 10th of June, under command of lieutenant Henry Burke, to cut out a convoy in the small harbour of St. Croix, known to be laden with provisions for the Brest fleet; and among the officers employed on this occasion, we find the name of lieutenant Mark Anthony Gerrard of the marines, a volunteer on that service. The boats proceeded to the attack at 11 p. m., but owing to the freshness of the wind, they did not reach the enemy's anchorage until after daylight on the 11th; and notwithstanding they were opposed by a heavy battery, three armed vessels, and a constant fire of musketry from the shore, they captured a gun-boat mounting 2 long twenty-four pounders, a chasse maree of 10, and another of 6 guns, and eight merchant vessels. The remainder of the convoy, amounting to twenty sail, escaped by running upon the rocks.

The boats of the same squadron, with the exception of the Unicorn, in which lieutenant M. A. Gerrard of the marines was again a volunteer, attacked a corvette mounting 28 guns, a brig of 18, a lugger of 16, and a cutter of 10 guns, lying at anchor with several merchant vessels in Quimper river. At daylight on the 24th of June the boats arrived off' the entrance of the river, and for their protection two divisions of marines were landed; that on the right commanded by lieutenant Burke of the Renown, and that on the left by lieutenant Gerrard. The boats in the meantime pulled with all expedition to the attack, but the enemy's vessels had retired far beyond their reach. After blowing up three batteries, the British returned to their ships without sustaining any loss.

Sir John B. Warren having received information that a large convoy from Sables-d'Olonne, bound to Brest, was lying within the island of Noirmontier, anchored the squadron in the bay of Bourgneuf on the 1st of July, with the intention of attacking the ship Therese of 20 guns, a lugger of 12, a cutter, and two schooners of 6 guns each, moored within the sands of the bay, under the protection of six batteries on the south-east part of the island, besides flanking guns on several projecting points.

The boats after assembling on board the Fisgard, proceeded in the evening in three divisions, amounting together to 192 officers and men under lieutenant Burke, assisted by several officers, including lieutenants of marines John Thompson, Charles Henry Ballinghall, Mark Anthony Gerrard, and Hugh Hutton. At midnight the British boarded, and after a spirited resistance, carried the ship and three other armed vessels, as well as fifteen sail of merchant-men, — the whole laden with provisions and ship timber for the Brest fleet but it being impossible to bring them off, lieutenant Burke caused them to be effectually destroyed.

Having performed this essential service without incurring any loss, the boats, in attempting to pass over the sand-banks, unfortunately grounded, and in less tban ten minutes were left perfectly dry. In this helpless situation they were exposed to a continual fire from the forts on Noirmontier island, and from the musketry of 400 french soldiers. But nothing daunted by this formidable opposition, the British attacked some vessels afloat near them, in the hope of securing one sufficiently large to carry them all off. Having accomplished this object, they by great exertion and intrepidity drew her upwards of two miles over the sands, until she floated, by which time the men were wading up to their middle in water. Notwithstanding this gallant perseverance, 92 officers and men were taken prisoners, including lieutenants of marines Thompson and Ballinghall, who were wounded; but the remainder, after compelling the enemy to retreat, got back to their ships. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1800. Thursday 20th March. A battle was fought at the village of Matarieh (built upon the ruins of the ancient Heliopolis), between the french army under general Kleber, stated at 10,000 men, and the turkish army under the grand Vizier Jussuf, computed at 60,000, or some say 80,000 men. After five days' fighting, during which the Turks were driven from village to village, the French gained a complete victory; and the grand Vizier fled with only 500 followers, leaving his camp, artillery, and baggage on the field of battle. The loss of the Turks is stated to have amounted to 50,000, whilst the French suffered comparatively but little.

After suppressing the revolt at Cairo, and the expulsion of a small british force under lieutenant-colonel Murray, which had disembarked from the 50-gun ship Centurion, and some smaller vessels at Suez, the French found themselves in possession of the posts they had formerly occupied in Egypt. In the month of June, general Kleber received an intimation of the desire of the british government to renew the convention; but being now firmly established and having no confidence in the promises of those who had once deceived him, the french general declined any negotiation, and instantly began to strengthen the principal defences along the coast, and to make preparations for repelling any attack which the British might probably undertake.

Unfortunately for the french-egyptian army, general Kleber was assassinated on the 14th of June: whilst walking on the terrace of his palace at Cairo, accompanied by the architect M. Protain, a stranger rushed out of an adjoining gallery, and stabbed the general with a poniard; and M. Protain, in endea- vouring to hold the assassin, was wounded in six places, but not mortally. General Kleber was buried with military honours in a suburb of Cairo, and it will be only justice to the memory of this brave man to say, that among his enemies, no less than among his friends, he bore the character of a brave officer and an honourable man. The command of the army devolved on general Abdallah Jacques Menou, of whom we shall have occasion to speak in our account of the next year, in bringing to a close the French campaign in Egypt.

The garrison of Malta, under general Vaubois, consisting of 3000 sailors and seamen, had been shut up in the fortress of Valetta since the close of the year 1798, menaced on the land side by a powerful force of Maltese, Neapolitans, and British, and blockaded by a squadron of british and portuguese ships.

In the early part of 1799 the french garrison received some supplies by a frigate from Toulon, which had eluded the vigilance of the blockading squadron; but in the latter part of the year the troops began to experience the miseries of famine and disease. To alleviate the sufferings of the garrison, a portion of the inhabitants was from time to time ordered out of the city, and the original number of 45,000 was by this expedient reduced to barely 9000.

On the 1st of November 1799, lord Nelson, then with his flag on board the 80-gun ship Vanguard, sent in a summons of surrender; to which General Vaubois replied, " Jaloux de meriter l'estime de votre nation, comme vous recherchez celle de la notre, nous sommes resolus de defendre cette forteresse jusqu'a. l'extremite."

The blockade of the island was so rigidly maintained since the arrival of the frigate in the early part of the last year with the supplies, that the french were kept in ignorance of the revolution on the 9th of November, until the arrival of an aviso with despatches from the new government. The garrison of Valetta were so elated with the news of the advancement of Buonaparte to be chief consul, that they rashly swore never to deliver up the island to the enemies of France. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1800. Friday 21st March. Petrel captured Ligurienne.

1800. Sunday 30th March. At 11 p.m., the 80-gun ship Guillaume Tell, captain Saulnier, bearing the flag of rear-admiral Denis Decres, taking advantage of a strong southerly gale and the darkness that had succeeded the setting of the moon, sailed from the harbour of Valetta at 1 1 h. 55 m. p.m. The Penelope, then in-shore of the Lion who lay at anchor, having discovered the french ship under a press of sail, captain Blackwood sent a brig to apprize the commodore, and then stood after the stranger. At half-past midnight the Penelope, luffing up under the stern of the Guillaume Tell, gave her the larboard broadside.

She then bore away under her larboard quarter, and discharged the starboard guns, receiving in return a fire from the 80-gun ship's stern chasers. The Penelope continued to harass her adversary by pouring in a raking fire with such effect, that before the dawn of day on the 31st the Guillaume Tell's main and mizen top-masts and main yard came down. About 5 a.m. the Lion, steering between the Penelope and the enemy's ship, and within pistol-shot of the latter's larboard side, opened a destructive fire upon the crippled ship : then luffing up across the bows of the Guillaume Tell, the latter's jib-boom passed between the Lion's main and mizen shrouds; but as the jibboom was soon carried away, the 64 gained a position on the bow of her antagonist, where she continued until 5 h 30 m. a.m., by which time the Lion was so damaged by the heavy broadside of the french ship, that she dropped astern. At 6 a. m. the Foudroyant arrived up under a crowd of sail and passing close to the starboard side of her antagonist, poured in her broadside, which the french ship immediately returned, and with such effect, as to cut away a great deal of the Foudroyant's rigging. The latter unavoidably shot a-head, but having regained her position, the firing recommenced. The second broadside from the Guillaume Tell brought down the fore top-mast, main top-sail yard, jib-boom, and sprit-sail yard of the Foudroyant; and having her sails cut to pieces, the british 80 dropped astern, leaving the Lion upon the enemy's larboard side, whilst the Penelope upon the same quarter was occasionally firing at the enemy's ship. At 6 h. 30 m. a.m., just as the main and mizen-masts of the french ship came down, the Foudroyant, having partially refitted herself, again closed with her opponent. At 8 h. a.m. the Guillaume Tell lost her fore-mast, and at 8 h. 20 m. this nobly-defended ship, from her dismasted state rolled so heavily, that it became necessary to close the lower deck ports and being incapable of further defence she struck her colours, having upwards of 200 men killed and wounded. The Foudroyant had 8 killed and 64 wounded; the Lion 8 killed and 38 wounded; and the Penelope 1 killed and 3 wounded. The officers of marines belonging to these shipswere as follows: — Foudroyant, captain George Wolfe, lieutenants Richard Bunee, Zaccheus Miller, and James Collins; Lion, lieutenants Philip Patriarche and John C. Hoskins; and lieutenant John Senhouse, Penelope; but as these officers composed part of the battalion landed at Malta, it is doubtful if they had returned to their ships previous to the action.

The brave garrison of Malta still holding out, a summons was again sent to general Vaubois by the officer commanding the blockading force, but the reply was in unison with that gallant veteran's former message: — " Cette place est en trop bon etat; et je suis moi-meme trop jaloux de bien servir mon pays, et de conserver mon honneur, pour ecouter vos propositions.' By the beginning of August all the beasts of burden had been consumed, and dogs, cats, fowls, and rabbits, for want of nourishment, had disappeared. Firewood began likewise to fail, but this was remedied by breaking up the Boudeuse frigate. There was also a great want of water, and the troops were dying in numbers daily. The general being now convinced that he could not hold out much longer, wished to save two fine 40-gun frigates to the republic, and accordingly on the evening of the 24th the Diane and Justice put to sea; but they were soon discovered and chased by the british squadron, and after a short running fight with the Success frigate, the Diane, having only 114 men on board, struck her colours, but the Justice escaped and arrived at Toulon. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1800. March. The French ship Guillaume Tell set sail from Valletta to Toulon France laden with soldiers to try and break the blockade of Malta. However, it was intercepted, and after a long battle it finally surrender to a larger British squadron Commanded by Rear Admiral Nelson. The defeat rendered the French position on Valletta untenable, and its surrender inevitable. Although the town of Vaubois held out ffurther five months. It eventually surrendered on Saturday 4th September, by which time the garrison mortality rate from malnourishment and typhus had reached 100 men a day. Malta was retained by Britain, and control of the island was a factor in the outbreak of the Napoleonic Wars in 1803. After the surrender a battalion of Marines were garrisoned at Valetta.

1800. March. The British blockade of Genoa and Massena was besieged by the Austrians under the Command of General Melas attacked and by the third week in April had managed to advance towards the Var River. While Massena and half the army in Genoa were besieged by land, by the Austrians and under a very tight blockade by the Royal Navy. In response Berthier moved but not to the threatened frontier, but to Geneva and Massena and was instructed to hold Genoa until at least Wednesday 4th June.

1800. Sunday 6th April. Emerald captured a Spanish ship.

1800. Monday 7th April. Boats of Leviathan and Emerald captured Los Ingleses.

1800. Monday 7th April. Leviathan and Emerald captured Carmen and Florentine.

1800. Saturday 12th April. Boats of Calypso cut out Diligente.

1800. Monday 21st April. Lark engaged a French privateer.

1800. Friday 25th April. Lark and boats captured Imprenable.

1800. April - June. Blockade of Genoa'.

1800. April - June. Blockade and surrender of Savona.

1800. Wednesday 21st May. Boats of Minotaur, and consort cut out a galley.

1800. Wednesday 4th June. Thames and Cynthia attacked Quiberon.

1800. Friday 6th June. Impetueux and consorts at Morbihan.

1800. Wednesday 11th June. Boats of Renown and consorts cut out Nochette and others.

1800. Monday 23rd June. Storming of forts at Quimper.

1800. Tuesday 1st July. Boats of Renown and consorts at Noirmontier.

1800. Tuesday 8th July. Capture of Desiree, and consort at Dunkirk.

1800. Friday 25th July. Nemesis and Arrow captured Freya.

1800. Tuesday 29th July. Boats of Impetueux, and consort captured Cerbere.

1800. Monday 4th August. Belliqneux captured Concorde.

1800. Wednesday 20th August. The 38-gun frigate Seine, captain David Milne, when cruising in the Mona passage, at 8 h. 30 m. a. m. gave chase to the french 40-gun frigate Vengeance. At 4 p.m. the latter commenced firing her stern chasers, but it was not until 11 h. 30 m. p.m. that the Seine reached a position on the quarter of her opponent; and after exchanging some broadsides, the rigging of the british ship was so disabled as to cause her to drop astern. The remainder of the night was occupied in reeving fresh rigging, while the ship continued carrying all the sail she could in pursuit of the enemy. At 8 a. m. the Seine got close alongside her opponent, and the action continued with great spirit on both sides until 10 h. 30 m. a. m., when the Vengeance, having lost her fore-mast, mizen-mast, and main top- mast, all of which had fallen in-board, with a loss of 35 killed and 70 wounded, out of a crew of 326, hailed the Seine from the bowsprit of the french ship that they had surrendered. The Seine, out of 281 men and boys, had one lieutenant, George Milne, and 12 killed; lieutenant Archibald Macdonald of the marines, and 24 wounded. Captain Milne, in speaking of his officers, says, — " I am much indebted to the services of lieutenant Archibald Macdonald of the marines, who was taken down wounded, and came up when dressed; but was obliged from a second wound to be taken below. Yet I am happy to state the life of this valuable officer will be saved, to render further services to his Majesty." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1800. Friday 29th of August, while the squadron under sir John B. Warren, as already mentioned, with several transports in company, was proceeding along the coast of Spain, the french privateer Guepe, mounting 18 long eight-pounders, and manned with 160 men, was seen to run into Vigo, and anchor near to some batteries in the narrows of Redondella. In the evening a division of twenty boats, under the orders of lieutenant Burke of the Renown, proceeded to the attack of the privateer. About 40 minutes past midnight the enemy discovered the boats; and to show that they were prepared to receive them, the crew of the privateer cheered in defiance: the captain having laid over the hatches, to prevent his men from quitting their quarters. Notwithstanding these resolute preparations, the British gallantly boarded, and in 15 minutes carried the Guepe, with the loss of 3 seamen and 1 marine killed; 3 lieutenants, lieutenant John Wright of the marines, 12 seamen, and 5 marines wounded. The enemy's loss amounted to 25 killed and 40 wounded, including her brave commmander, mortally wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1800. Wednesday 25th August. The Battle of Ferrol. During the abortive attack on this place by an expedition under the command of Lieutenant General Sit James Pultney, Lieutenant Jasper Farmar and George Richards with their detachments landed and stormed a battery of six guns which commanded the landing area for the Army.

1800. Friday 29th August. Boats of squadron cut out Guepe.

1800. Wednesday 3rd September. Eight boats from the 74-gun ship Minotaur and 32-gun frigate Niger {en flute), under the command of captain Hillyar of the latter, (in which service lieutenant John Jewell of the marines was a volunteer), proceeded at 8 p.m. to cut out two Spanish corvettes, the Esmeralda and Paz, each mounting 22 guns, anchored in Barcelona roads. At 9 p. m., after receiving the broadside of the Esmeralda, the boats dashed on, and were on board before the Spaniards had time to reload their guns, and after a short struggle carried the corvette. On hearing the cheers of the British, the Paz cut her cables to run under the battery at the mole-head; but the ship casting the wrong way, she was boarded and in possession before 10 p. m.; and in spite of a fire from ten gun-boats, each armed with 2 thirty-six pounders, and a fort which threw shells from Mont- jouic, the prizes were brought off, with a loss of only 2 seamen and 1 marine killed, and 5 wounded. On board the Paz, 1 man was killed and 4 wounded; the Esmeralda had 2 killed and 17 wounded.

The Phaeton frigate of 38-guns, captain J. N. Morris, cruising off Malaga, discovered the Spanish national polacre-ship San Josef, mounting 2 long twenty-four pounders in the bow, 2 brass long eighteen-pounders for stern chasers, with 4 twelve and 6 four-pounders on her sides, having on board 34 seamen and 24 soldiers, and moored under the protection of 5 guns mounted on the fort of Fuengirola. On the evening of the 27th of October, an attempt to cut out this formidable vessel being determined upon, the boats of the Phseton were placed under the orders of lieutenant Francis Beaufort, supported by lieutenant George Huish and lieutenant Duncan Campbell, of the marines. On the approach of the boats, they were fired upon by a french privateer-schooner that had entered during the night, and which lay in a position to flank the polacre; nevertheless, the British got alongside the latter at 5 a. m. on the 28th, and in spite of an obstinate resistance boarded and carried her. Lieutenant Beaufort was severely wounded in the head and received several slugs through his left arm and body; and lieutenant Campbell several slight sabre wounds. The total loss on the part of the British was 1 seaman killed, and 4 wounded. Of the crew of the San Josef 6 men were badly, and 13 slightly wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1800. Wednesday 3rd September. General Vaubois proposed terms for the surrender of the fortress, and on the 5th the articles of capitulation were agreed to by the respective chiefs. Of the two 64-gun ships in the port, the Athenien, the only one in a sea-worthy state, was brought away. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1800. Wednesday 4th September. The French capitulation of Malta to the British fleet, which had been blockading the island for two years. The Marines occupied Valetta after its surrender.

1800. Thursday 5th September. Malta capitulated. of which the Marines took possession. The indefatigable exertions of Captain (now Sir A.) Ball, of the Royal Navy, did him much honor, and it was partly owing to the seasonable arrival of Major General Pigott with a reinforcement, as well as to the debarkation of the Marines, that this important key to Egypt was so soon added to our dominion. The steady vigilance of the Navy, during a blockade of two years, had a pre-eminent share in this final event. The fortress of Savona, reduced to famine, by the activity of Captain Downman and his little squadron.

1800. Monday 11th September. Curacoa capitulated.

1800. September. Active engaged at Amsterdam, Curacoa.

1800. Wednesday 8th October. Gipsy captured Quid pro Quo.

1800. Sunday 12th October. Mail Arrangements Chatham Division. It is possible that many of the Private Men's letters may not reach their friends owing to the incorrectness of the superscription, the Sergeants of the Companies to which such men belong are ordered to address the men's letters before they are brought to the Commanding Officer to sign, after which they are to be returned to the Adjutant's Office and delivered to the men who have the Commanding Officer's leave to put them into the Post Office themselves upon paying one penny with each letter.

1800. Sunday 12th October. Lieutenants of marines Alexander, Montgomerie, Mitchell, and Jordan, assisted, in the boats of the Montagu and Magnificent, in capturing eleven vessels lying under the protection of a battery and two armed vessels in a harbour near l'Orient. Captain Knight, in reporting this exploit, concludes his letter by observing, — " This service, which was completely and expeditiously performed with the loss of only 1 killed and 3 wounded, has won my approbation, and will, I trust, merit your lordships'." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1800. Monday 27th October. Boats of Phaeton cut out San Josef.

1800. Friday 7th November. Netley captured San Miguel.

1800. Thursday 13th November. Milbrook captured Bellone which afterwards escaped.

1800. Monday 17th November. Boats of squadron destroyed Reolaise.

1800. Sunday 7th December. Nile and Lurcher captured a convoy.

1800. Wednesday 10th December. Admiral Pasley captured by Spanish gun-vessels.

1800. 'The life of John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent' by Admiral Sir William James GCB.

(Extracts from this book published in 1950 by Longmans, Green & Co Ltd)

'DEDICATED TO THE ROYAL MARINES' of which Admiral of the Fleet the Earl of St Vincent was Lieutenant-General from the year 1800 to 1814 and General from 1814 till his death, and who, by their loyal support, enabled him to suppress mutiny which threatened to blunt the only weapon, still unsheathed in Europe, that could hold Napoleon in check, and for and whom he obtained the title of "Royal" after their splendid fighting at the Battle of Copenhagen, of whom he wrote: "I never knew an appeal to them for honour, courage or loyalty, that they did not more than realise my expectations. If ever the hour of real danger should come to England, they will be found the country's sheet anchor", and who, in the many Colonial wars of the nineteenth century and the two World Wars of the present century, have added lustre to their renown and adorned British history by their conduct in numerous sea and land battles, in amphibious operations in all quarters of the globe, in many hazardous assaults and many dauntless retreats, this work is dedicated by the author.

MUTINY

The "sad work" referred to by the First Lord had begun on April 15th when on Lord Bridport making a signal to the Channel Fleet to weigh, the crew of his flagship swarmed up the shrouds and gave three cheers as the signal to the fleet to mutiny. This mutiny ended when the Admiralty met all the demands of the leaders. On May 7th another mutiny accompanied by bloodshed broke out in a squadron of the Channel Fleet lying at Spithead. Order was restored by the most respected and popular Admiral, Lord Howe, who exercised great tact.

It was these mutinies that the First Lord described as sad work; the far more serious mutiny at the Nore had not yet broken out.

Jervis was confident that the men who had served so long with him and had fought so well at St Vincent would remain loyal if untampered with by agents from England, but he could not be so sure of the ships that from time to time joined him from England. He knew that if trouble arose he could rely implicitly on the Marines and so his first precaution was to berth them apart and enhance their importance by ceremonials.

The Founding of Australia by Captain Arthur Phillip R.N. at Sydney Cove, January. 26th 1788, Algernon Talmadge R.A, 1937, Courtesy State Library of New South Wales.

1801. The naval strength was augmented to 135,000 men, including a considerable addition to the marines, which establishment was increased to 22,696, and subsequently to 30,000 men. In consequence of an attack made by a small british squadron upon the danish 40-gun frigate Freija, in September 1798, by enforcing a long recognised right of searching neutral ships for contraband of war, but more particularly for the passage of the Sound by a british squadron, the emperor Paul of Russia issued an order for the sequestration of all british property in his dominions. This, however, was shortly afterwards rescinded; but on the 5th of November, the news of the capture of Malta by the British occasioned an embargo to be laid on all our shipping in the ports of Russia, amounting to more than 200 sail. A convention between Russia and Sweden soon followed, both parties agreeing to an armed neutrality; and Denmark, at the instigation of the former, was also induced to join the confederacy. Whilst thus menaced by the threatening attitude of the three northern powers, their hostile preparations were met by a corresponding resistance on the part of Great Britain ; and on the 12th of March admiral sir Hyde Parker was despatched from Yarmouth roads, with fifteen sail of the line, and as many frigates, sloops, and bombs as made the whole armament amount to fifty-three sail ; and there were embarked on board a division of this fleet, under command of Colonel Stewart of the 49th regiment, two companies of rifles, and a detachment of artillery.

The nominal force of the three powers, against which the british fleet was destined to act, was as follows: Russia eightytwo, Denmark twenty-three, and Sweden eighteen sail of the line, having between them eighty frigates and corvettes; but Russia did not really possess more than sixty-one sail, thirty one being in the Baltic, and the remainder in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Of these thirty-one ships, which were divided between the different ports of Russia, not above twenty sail of the line could be brought to act as a fleet; and even these were badly equipped and wretchedly manned. The Swedes had eleven sail of the line at Carlscrona, and by all accounts tolerably manned; whilst the Danish force at Copenhagen consisted of ten sail of the line ready for sea, exclusive of about the same number in an unserviceable state. Thus, the reputed force, as stated by several writers, of eighty-eight sail, did not exceed forty-one of the line; and it must have been under fortunate circumstances that twenty-five of these forty-five sail, could be assembled on any particular time and place. Moreover, this reduced number made up of three different nations, and very little acquainted with naval tactics, were opposed to a fleet of fifteen sail of British, under rearadmiral Nelson.

In the hope that Denmark, in spite of her hostile demonstrations, would be inclined to negotiate, the honourable Nicholas Vansittart took his departure for Copenhagen on the 12th. Owing to the blowing weather, the fleet did not reach the entrance of the Sound until the 21st, when the ships anchored off Knoll-point, on the Swedish shore. On the 23rd the Blanche, with Mr. Vansittart on board, returned to the fleet from Copenhagan, bringing also Mr. Drummond the british charge d'affaires at that capital, who, instead of a reply of conciliation from the danish government, brought one of open defiance; and the Danes, taking advantage of the time which had been lost in negotiating, had considerably strengthened their means of defence.

At 6 a.m. on the 30th, with a fine breeze at north-north-west, the british fleet proceeded into the Sound, in line a-head. At 7 a. m. the batteries at Elsineur opened their fire upon the Monarch and the other ships in succession as they passed; but not a shot struck them, nor did any but the van ships fire in return. The seven bomb-vessels, however, threw shells, and about 200 are stated to have fallen in Cronenberg and Helsingen, where they did some damage. The British observing that there were only a few guns mounted on the Swedish shore, passed near the castle of Helsinburg, and thus avoided the fire from above 100 pieces of cannon on Cronenberg castle.

At noon the fleet anchored, when about fifteen miles from the city of Copenhagen; and the commander-in-chief, accompanied by vice-admiral lord Nelson and rear-admiral Graves, with the commanding-officer of the troops, proceeded in the Lark lugger to reconnoitre the enemy's defences. A council of war was held in the evening, at which it was proposed to delay the attack; but lord Nelson, in urging immediate operations, offered to carry the business through in a proper manner with ten sail of the line, and a proportionate number of smaller vessels. This proposal met the approbation of admiral Parker, who added two 50-gun ships to the number stipulated by his enterprising second in command.

The approach to Copenhagen was through an intricate channel, which the Danes had rendered more difficult by judiciously removing or misplacing the buoys on the shoals; but this was remedied by the anxious care of lord Nelson, who proceeded on the same evening to re-buoy the outer channel, — a narrow passage lying between the island of Saltholm and the Middle Ground. It was at first intended to make the attack from the northward, but a second examination of the Danish position on the 31st, and a favourable change of wind, determined the viceadmiral to commence operations from the southward. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. The Baker rifle was used during the Napoleonic Wars. It continued to be in service in the British Army until the 1840's.

1801. Thursday 1st January. After the Act of Union was passed with Ireland which incorporated Ireland into the United Kingdom, there was an influx of Irish volunteers into the Marines.

1801. Saturday 3rd January. At 9h. 30 m. p.m., five boats of the 38-gun frigate Melpomene, captain sir Charles Hamilton, manned with 55 volunteers from that ship, 5 from a transport in company, and lieutenant Christie with 35 men from the African corps, under the orders of lieutenant Thomas Dick, assisted by lieutenant Wm. Palmer and lieutenant Wm. Vyvian of themarines, proceeded to the attack of a french 18-gun brig-corvette and an armed schooner, at the entrance of the Senegal river. Having passed the heavy surf on the bar in safety, and without discovery by the battery on the point, the boats at 11 p.m. had arrived within a few yards of the brig; when by a single discharge of her 2 bow guns, two of them were sunk, and lieutenant Palmer and 7 seamen were killed. Notwithstanding this loss, the three remaining boats dashed alongside, boarded, and after a severe contest of twenty minutes carried the french brig Senegal, of 18 long eight and twelve-pounder carronades and 60 men, whilst the schooner cut her cables and took shelter under the battery. The prize was immediately got under sail, but having unfortunately grounded on the bar, after several attempts to get her or! she was abandoned; and the three boats succeeded in reaching the ship across a heavy surf and exposed to a severe fire of grape and musketry from the adjoining batteries.

In this gallant affair lieutenant Palmer, lieutenant of marines Wm. Vyvian, and 9 men were killed, and 18 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Tuesday 6th January. Boats of Mercury captured French convoy of fifteen sail.

1801. Friday 9th January. Constitution captured by two French cutters.

1801. Friday 9th January. Constitution re-captured by Harpy and Greyhound.

1801. Friday 16th - 17th January. Garland and consorts captured Eclair.

1801. Tuesday 20th January. Mercury captured Sans Pareil.

1801. Friday 23rd January. Active's company in a Spanish prize captured Sta. Maria.

1801. Tuesday 27th January. Ossian and Sirius captured Dedaigneux.

1801. Tuesday 27th January. Concorde engaged Bravoure.

1801. Thursday 29th January. Bordolais sunk Curieux.

1801. Saturday 31st January. A squadron, consisting of the Foudroyant of 80 guns, Kent, Ajax, Minotaur, Northumberland, Tigre, and Swiftsure, with a fleet amounting to above sixty sail of vessels, conveying an army of 16,000 men under general sir Ralph Abercromby, anchored in Marmorice bay. On the 1st of February the expedition arrived in sight of Alexandria, and on the 2nd anchored in Aboukir bay. A succession of strong northerly gales, attended by a heavy swell, set in, and lasted until the evening of the 7th when the weather becoming moderate, preparations were made for landing the troops. At this time, according to the returns in the Moniteur, the french force in Egypt amounted to 21,000 fighting men; and there were also about 900 sick, 1000 sailors, 4 or 500 greek auxiliaries, with perhaps 1200 persons in civil employments; and the whole was under the command of general Abdallah Jacques Menou.

At 2 a.m. on the 8th, the british troops began embarking, and at 9 a.m. the signal was made for the boats to advance towards the shore, which operation was promptly accomplished under the respective captains and agents of transports; while the launches, containing the field artillery, as well as the detachment of seamen to co-operate with the army, was under the immediate direction of sir William Sidney Smith, assisted by several other officers.

The whole line moved forward under the direction of the honourable captain Cochrane, flanked by the smaller vessels; and the landing was covered by the Tartarus and Fury bombs, while the Peterel, Minorca, and Cameleon were moored as near as possible to the shore. The british force, amounting altogether to about 700 men, was opposed by the whole garrison of Alexandria, consisting of 1500 infantry and 180 cavalry, exclusive of several detachments from Rosetta and other places; forming a total of at least 2,500 men, under the command of general Friant, who had stationed a part of his men with 15 pieces of artillery upon an almost inaccessible hill, which commanded the whole space of debarkation ; while others, with field pieces and mortars, were placed in such positions as the ground afforded. As the boats arrived near the shore, a heavy fire of grape and musketry was opened from behind the sand-hills, and the castle of Aboukir maintained a constant discharge of shot and shells on their right flank; but despite of all opposition the beach was attained, and the troops, having steadily formed, immediately advanced and compelled the enemy to relinquish all his advantageous positions. The boats returned without delay, and before the evening of the 9th the whole army, with a proportion of stores and provisions, was landed.

The brigade of seamen, amounting to about 1000 men, commanded by sir William Sidney Smith, landed with the army; their duty was to drag the cannon up the heights, — a service they performed with their usual alacrity and determination, and in which they sustained a loss of 22 killed; 3 lieutenants, 4 mid- shipmen, and 63 wounded. The army on the same occasion had 4 officers, 4 Serjeants, and 94 rank and file killed; 26 officers, 34 Serjeants, 5 drummers, 450 rank and file wounded: making a total of 124 killed, 585 wounded, and 38 missing. On the 12th the army moved forward and came in sight of the French, whose force had been reinforced by 4000 men under general Lanusse, including upwards of 1000 cavalry; and now amounting to about 7000 men, formed upon an advantageous ridge, having their right on the canal of Alexandria, and their left towards the sea.

Several detachments of marines were landed from the squadron and formed into a battalion, consisting of 35 Serjeants, 32 corporals, 22 drummers, and 500 privates, under the command of lieutenant-colonel Walter Smith, with the following officers: Major: William Minto.

Captains: George Wolfe, Robert Torkington, and R. Roe.

Lieutenants: Paul Hussey, Thomas Mould, John Linzee Shea, Roger P. Symons, Walter Stubbe, James Short, Edward Bailie, Zaccheus Fayerman, Robert Stewart, Arthur Hall, Richard Hill, and John Witts.

Second-lieutenants: John Jewell, Richard Parry, Charles F. Burton, George Peebles, James Jones, Alexander Murray, Zaccheus Miller, Richard Ekenhead, George A. Mayhew, Richard Turner, John Davenport, Thomas Hussey, Thomas Edensor, Thomas Appleton, Thomas A. Lascelles, M. L. Crof- ton, William Pridham, George Johns, Richard Swale, and William Swyer. Adjutant: Charles Tyldesley.

After the battalion had assisted in filling bags with sand for the batteries, they received orders to march at seven on that morning to join the army, then about 15 miles distant, which they effected, after much fatigue, at one on the morning of the 13th. At 5 the troops were under arms and having made the necessary preparations for attacking the enemy, the army advanced in two lines, in order to turn their flank; but the French, anticipating this movement, descended from the heights they occupied, and at about 7 o'clock attacked the leading brigades of both lines. The engagement becoming general, the marines were somewhat crowded in their ranks by the regiments on their right and left, owing to the narrowing of the peninsula on which they actted and it was at this moment, in their too great eagerness to cope with the enemy, they suffered a severe loss.

The brigade of seamen, under sir Sidney Smith, emulated the brave troops with whom they were associated, and sustained a loss of 1 midshipman and 5 seamen killed, and 19 wounded. The battalion of marines had 2 lieutenants, Paul Hussey and John Linzee Shea, with 22 rank and file killed 1 major, William Minto; 1 captain, Robert Torkington; 2 lieutenants, Richard Parry and George Peebles (both severely); 2 Serjeants, 2 drummers, and 27 rank and file wounded. Total, — 24 killed, and 35 wounded. On the part of the army, 6 officers and 150 killed; 66 officers, 61 Serjeants, and 946 rank and file wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Wednesday 18th February. Penguin engaged French vessels.

1801. Thursday 19th February. Capture of Africaine.

1801. Thursday 19th February. At 4 p. m., the 36-gun frigate Phoebe, captain Robert Barlow, when about two leagues to the eastward of Gibraltar, discovered and chased a strange ship near Ceuta, steering up the Mediterranean under a press of sail. At 7 h. 30 m. p. m., the stranger finding an action unavoidable, shortened sail; and on the Phcebe firing a shot at her, a broadside was returned from the french 40-gun frigate Africaine, commodore Le Saulnier, having 400 troops on board, bound to Egypt. The Phcebe steering a parallel course with the enemy, continued engaging within pistol-shot until 9 h. 30m. p.m., when the Africaine being nearly unrigged, having five feet water in the hold, and having sustained a loss of 200 killed and 143 wounded, out of a crew of 715 men, struck her colours. Of the crew of 239 on board the Phoebe, only 1 man was killed; her first-lieutenant J. W. Holland, her master Thomas Griffiths, and 10 men wounded. Lieutenant Thomas Weaver commanded the detachment of marines on board the Phcebe. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. March. The following appeared in public orders on the morning after the battle:

" G. O. Uth of March,1801.

" The commander-in-chief has the greatest satisfaction in thanking the troops for their soldier-like and intrepid conduct in the action of yesterday. He feels it incumbent upon him particularly to express his most perfect satisfaction with the steady and gallant conduct of major-general Craddock's brigade, and he desires that major-general Craddock will assure the officers and men of the 90th regiment, that their meritorious conduct commands his admiration. To the 92nd and Dillon's regiment an equal share of praise is due when it has been so well earned, the commander-in-chief has the greatest pleasure in bestowing it.

" Sir Ralph Abercromby desires that lieutenant-colonel Smith and the battalion of marines will accept his thanks, for their gallant conduct in the course of the service of yesterday.

At the request of lord Keith, that corps will march this afternoon to Aboukir, and will place themselves under the command of colonel the earl of Dalhousie."

Accordingly, in the afternoon the battalion marched to Aboukir, where it remained sometime after the surrender of that fortress, which capitulated on the 18th, after a bombardment of two days. The castle mounted 10 guns and 2 heavy mortars, and was garrisoned with 300 men, under a chef de bataillon.

Although general Menou was officially apprized on the 4th of March of the arrival of the british expedition in Aboukir bay, he did not quit his head-quarters at Cairo until the 11th, nor did he arrive at the camp, under the eastern walls of Alexandria, before the evening of the 18th. The reinforcements he brought with him augmented the french force at Alexandria to 9730 men, including 1380 cavalry, with 46 pieces of cannon.

The effective force of the british army at Bedah did not exceed 10,000 men, including only 300 cavalry, with 12 pieces of moveable artillery, and 30 pieces in the different redoubts, hrown up to protect the encampment. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Friday 13th March. The Battle of Aboukir in Egypt. The British army of 7000 strong effected its disembarkation at Aboukir, defeating the French force opposing it. In this engagement Lieutenant E, Bailie of the Marines was attached to the 27th Foot. The Marines detachments of about 30 ships were formed into a battalion of just over 600 strong (all ranks) and landed on the Saturday 12th March. This battalion was attached to the 3rd Brigade under Lord Cavan, as were the 50th and the 79th Regiments. It was at once paraded under a blazing sun, and after 2 to 3 hours one half of the battalion set off to fill sand bags for the batteries, while the other heavily laden with muskets and knapsacks of the working party advanced for a considerable distance through sand in which the men often sank knee deep. Some hours later, at 7 in the evening, it was re-joined by the other half battalion and the whole were ordered to march and join the rest of the army, then about 15 miles distant. After the hard day's work, the battalion had put in under a boiling Eastern sun it reached its destination at one in the morning of the 13th, a fine marching record for men whose services had been on ships up to the day before.

At 5am the troops were under arms, and the British advanced in two lines with the object of turning the French Flank. To counter this the French descended from the hills on which they had been posted and attacked the leading Brigades. The engagement becoming general the Marines, owing to the narrowness of the peninsular upon which the fighting was taking place, were somewhat crowded in their ranks by the battalions on their right and left, and it was at this crisis, owing to their too great eagerness to get to close quarters with the enemy, that they suffered severe loss. Both officers and men greatly distinguished them -elves and charged the French so repeatedly and with such determination and gallantry that they earned for themselves the cognomen of "The Bulldogs of the Army". The battalion was under the command of Colonel Walter Smith, and in Sir Ralph Abercrombie's Orders of the day following, he was asked to accept the thanks of the General for himself and his battalion "for their gallant conduct in the course of the services of yesterday. (sic)

1801. Wednesday 18th March. The Marines marched to Aboukir, and when Aboukir Castle surrendered after some day's bombardment, they were again thanked in orders for their assistance and detailed as its garrison. Two days later the Marines were relieved by the 92nd Regiment and joined Major General Erye Coote's Brigade before Alexandria. This city capitulated on the Saturday 3rd September, the Marines were re-embarked on the 5th, on which day their Brigadier Major General Finch issued the following farewell order: "Major General Finch, in 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 honour of commanding the First 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."

1801. Monday 2nd March. Capture of Bienvenue.

1801. Sunday 8th - 8th March. Disembarkation in Egypt. (Naval Brigade Ashore).

1801. Friday 13th March. French defeated near Alexandria. (Naval Brigade Ashore).

1801. Friday 20th March. St Bartholomew capitulated.

1801. Saturday 21st March. French defeated at Canopus. (Naval Brigade Ashore).

1801. Saturday 21st March. At about an hour before daylight, the French attacked the British with great impetuosity; but after an obstinate and sanguinary contest, were repulsed with a loss of 800 killed, 200 wounded, and 400 prisoners, according to their own account; but their loss has been estimated at 3000 in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Among the killed were generals Lanusse, Roize, and Baudot; and among the wounded, general D'Estaing and several other distinguished officers.

The loss of the British was also very severe: it amounted to 10 officers and 233 killed; 60 officers and 1133 wounded, with 3 officers and 31 missing. The commander-in-chief was mortally wounded by a musket-ball in the upper part of the thigh; and major-general Moore and brigadier Hope were both wounded in the head, but not dangerously.

The marines were at Aboukir castle at the period of the action, but the seamen under sir Sidney Smith shared in the battle, and sustained a loss of 1 master's mate, Mr. Krebs, and 3 seamen killed; sir Sidney himself, lieutenant Davis, and 48 seamen wounded: making the grand total in the battle of Canopus, so named by the French, amount to 247 killed, 1243 wounded, and 34 missing.

General sir Ralph Abercromby, at his own request, was conveyed on board the Foudroyant, where he breathed his last on the 28th of March. Major-general J. H. Hutchinson, who succeeded to the command of the army, thus eloquently expresses himself on the death of the late commander-in-chief: — "Were it permitted to a soldier to regret any one who has fallen in the service of his country, I might be excused for lamenting him more than any other person; but it is some consolation to those who tenderly loved him, that as his life was honourable, so was his death glorious. His memory will be recorded in the annals of his country, will be sacred to every british soldier, and embalmed in the recollections of a grateful posterity." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Sunday 22nd March. Andromache and Cleopatra at Cuba.

1801. Tuesday 24th March. St. Martin, W. Indies, surrendered.

1801. Thursday 26th March. A second ottoman squadron arrived, having on board 5000 Turks and Albanians. This made the turkish force in Aboukir bay amount to six sail of the line, and eight frio-ates and corvettes. On the 3rd of April the turkish troops were landed, and with a division of 800 british, and 8 pieces of cannon, under colonel Spencer, after a fatiguing march across the desert, gained possession of the castle of Rosetta, which was a post of great importance, protecting an unmolested navigation of the Nile, and enabling the British, by a communication with the friendly inhabitants of the Delta, to obtain supplies and provisions. On the 16th the castle of Jullien, on the banks of the Nile, mounting 15 pieces of cannon, was attacked by a division of british and turkish gun-boats, and on the land side by the troops of colonel Spencer's corps; but it was not until the 19th that the castle surrendered, after a brave resistance. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Sunday 29th March. St. Thomas and St. John, W. Indies, capitulated.

1801. Monday 30th March. British Fleet forced the Sound.

1801. Tuesday 31st March. Santa Cruz, W. Indies, surrendered.

1801. Wednesday 1st April. During the morning of the 1st April the british fleet got under way, but shortly afterwards re-anchored off the western extremity of the Middle Ground, — a shoal extending along the whole sea-front of the city of Copenhagen, leaving an intervening channel of deep water, called the King's channel, which is about three-quarters of a mile wide: in this channel, close to the town, the Danes had moored their line of defence, consisting of block-ships, radeaus, prames, and gun-vessels. Lord Nelson having embarked on board the Amazon during the forenoon, again reconnoitred the position he was about to attack; and soon after his return, at 1 p. m., the Elephant made the signal to weigh, which intimation was welcomed by a hearty cheer from the british fleet.

The vice-admiral's squadron, amounting in the whole to thirty-six square-rigged vessels, was soon under sail in two divisions, with a light but favourable wind, and, led by the Amazon, entered the upper channel, coasting along the edge of the Middle Ground until they had reached and partly rounded its southern extremity, where at about 8 p.m. they anchored: the north- westernmost ship was then about two miles distant from the southernmost of the danish line.

British squadron under the command of lord Nelson before Copenhagen, 2nd cf April 1801.

Elephant, 74 guns, vice-admiral lord Nelson, captain T. Foley, 10 killed, 13 wounded. Captain-lieutenant Thomas Piers, first-lieutenant John Claperton, second-lieut. W. B. Watts.

Defiance, 74 guns, rear-admiral T. Graves, captain E. Retalick, 24 killed, 51 wounded. Captain Jos. Lambrecht, seccnd lieutenant James DufF, second-lieutenant William Furber.

Edgar, 74 guns, captain G. Murray, 31 killed, 111 wounded. Captain Alexander Mackenzie, second-lieutenant Benjamin Spencer (killed), second-lieutenant James Campbell.

Monarch, 74 guns, captain J. R. Mosse (killed), 5Q killed, 164 wounded. Captain Anthony Stransham, first-lieutenant James Marrie, second-lieutenant J. C. Urquhart.

Bellona, 74 guns, captain sir T. B. Thompson (wounded), 11 killed, 72 wounded. Captain Samuel Williams, first-lieutenant Henry A. Durre, second-lieutenants Robert Hall and John George.

Ganges, 74 guns, captain T. F. Freemantle, 7 killed, 1 wounded. Captain John B. Savage, first-lieutenant Christopher Abbott, second-lieutenant Charles R. Miller.

Russell, 74 guns, captain W. Cumming, 6 wounded. Captain lieutenant William Barry, lieutenant George H. L. Crispin.

Agamemnon, 64 guns, captain R. D. Fancourt.

Ardent, 64 guns, captain T. Bertie, 30 killed, 64 wounded. Captain John Hopper, second-lieutenant Charles Symonds, Charles H. Ballinghall.

Polyphemus, 64 guns, captain J. Lawford, 6 killed, 25 wounded. Captain George Edward Roby, second-lieutenant Joseph Langston.

Glatton, 50 guns, captain W. Bligh, 18 killed, 37 wounded. First-lieutenant Peter Lely, second-lieutenant. Richard Rouse.

Isis, 50 guns, captain J. Walker, 33 killed, and 88 wounded. Lieutenant Henry Long (killed), lieutenant Richard Mc Cormick.

Amazon, 38 guns, captain H. Riou (killed), 14 killed, 23 wounded. First-lieutenant Demetrius Grevis James.

Desiree, 36 guns, captain H. Inman, 4 wounded. Second-lieutenant John Humphries.

Blanche, 36 guns, captain G. E. Hammond, 7 killed, 9 wounded. Lieutenant Robert Clarke.

Alcmene, 32 guns, captain S. Sutton, 5 killed, 19 wounded. First-lieutenant Stephen M. Sandys (wounded).

Jamaica, 24 guns, captain J. Rose.

Arrow, 28 guns, captain W. Bolton.

Dart, 28 guns, captain J. F. Devonshire, 3 killed, 1 wounded.

Total— 255 killed, and 688 wounded.

Brigs Cruiser and Harpy.

Bomb-vessels: Discovery, Explosion, Hecla, Sulphur, Terror,

Volcano, and Zebra.

Fire-ships: Otter and Zephyr, and some gun brigs, &c. Leaving at anchor, under admiral Parker, the followin:

London 98, admiral sir Hyde Parker, St. George 98, Warrior 74,

Defence 74, Saturn 74, Ramillies, Raisonable, and Veteran, of 64 guns. Part of the night was passed in active preparations for the attack: captain T. M. Hardy proceeded in a small boat to examine the channel and approached so near the danish line as to sound around the first ship, using a pole lest the heaving the lead should betray them.

The danish force consisted of two-decked ships, chiefly old and in a dismantled state, frigates, prames, and radeaus, mounting altogether 628 guns; and these eighteen vessels were moored in a line extending more than a mile, flanked at the north end, or that nearest the town, by two artificial or pile-formed islands, called the Trek oner batteries ; one of 30 twenty- four, the other of 38 thirty-six pounders, with furnaces for heating shot ; and both these batteries were commanded by the two-decked block-ships Mars and Elphanten. Off the harbour and docks, which lie in the heart of the city, were moored two 74-gun ships, a 40-gun frigate, two large brigs, and several armed xebecs; and these vessels also had furnaces for heating shot. Along the shore of Amag island, a little way to the southward of the floating line, were several gun and mortar batteries; and thus, the extent of the line of defence in front of Copenhagen covered a space of between three and four miles. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Thursday 2nd April. The Battle of Copenhagen saw a British fleet under the command of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker fight and strategically defeat a Danish-Norwegian fleet anchored just off Copenhagen, Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson led the main attack. He is supposed to have disobeyed Sir Hyde Parker's order to withdraw by holding the telescope to his blind eye to look at the signals from Parker. However, Parker's signals had given him permission to withdraw at his discretion, at which Nelson declined. His action to carry on resulted in the destruction of many of the Danish-Norwegian ships before a truce was finally agreed. Copenhagen is often considered to be Nelson's hardest fought Battle.

1801. Thursday. 2nd of April. A favourable breeze sprang up with the break of day, when all the captains were called on board the Elephant by signal, and the plan of attack determined upon; the ships being directed to anchor by the stern, abreast of their opponents in the danish line. At 9 h. 30 m. a. m. lord Nelson made the signal for the shis to weigh in succession.

The Edgar was the leading ship, and the Agamemnon was to have followed, but having anchored outside the end of the great shoal, she was unable to weather it, and was consequently obliged again to anchor in six fathoms water. The Polyphemus now followed the Edgar, and the Isis was the third ship.

The Bellona, in hugging too close to the Middle Ground, stuck fast when about 450 yards from the rear of the danish line; and the Bellona, following close to the Russell, also grounded, with her jib-boom almost over her leader's taffrail. The Elephant was next to the Russell, and lord Nelson, on perceiving the situation of that ship, ordered the helm to be put a-starboard, and passed to the westward, or along the Russell's larboard beam: all the successive ships followed the same course, and reached their stations in safety. Admiral Parker's squadron got under sail at the same time that lord Nelson weighed and took up a new position nearer to the mouth of the harbour, but still at too great a distance to do more than menace the north wing of defence.

At 10 a. m. the cannonade commenced, and for the first half hour the only ships engaged were Polyphemus, Isis, Edgar, Ardent, and Monarch. About il h. 30 m. a.m. the Glatton, Elephant, Ganges, and Defiance reached their stations, as did the several frigates, bombs, etc. The Desiree, by raking the Provoosteen, was of great service in drawing her attention from the Polyphemus and Isis; particularly from the latter, who bore the brunt of that ship's heavy fire, and suffered severely. Owing to the strength of the current, the Jamaica, with the gun-vessels and bombs, could not get near enough to do much execution. The unfortunate circumstance of the Bellona, Russell, and Agamemnon remaining aground, occasioned several of the bhtish ships to have a greater share of the enemy's fire than could have been anticipated, or that they were well able to bear: the Amazon was among the many sufferers on that account, as well as the four other smaller ships under the orders of captain Riou, who consequently had to contend with the Trekoner batteries. The cannonade had continued three hours, when sir Hyde Parker, considering that the Defence, Ramillies, and Ve teran (which had been detached to reinforce lord Nelson) were approaching but slowly, and that the three line of battle ships remained immoveable where they had grounded, while the Agamemnon continued in the same position with signal of inability flying, was induced to throw out the signal to discontinue the engagement.

It is related of lord Nelson, that when the signal-lieutenant reported that No. 39, " leave off action," was flying on board the London, the vice-admiral continued to walk the deck and appeared not to notice it. The officer meeting him at the next turn, asked if he should repeat it: " No!" he sharply replied, " answer it." Presently his lordship called after him to know if the signal for close action was still hoisted; and on being answered in the affirmative, he quickly observed, " Mind you keep it so." Then reverting to the message of the commanderin-chief, he exclaimed, " Leave off action? No, d n me if I do! You know, Foley," turning to the captain I have only one eye: I have a right to be blind sometimes," and then putting the glass to the blind eye, in that mood of mind which sports with bitterness, he exclaimed, " I really do not see the signal." Presently he exclaimed, "D n the signal! keep mine for closer action flying! That's the way I answer such signals; — nail mine to the mast! " On board the Elephant the signal was never repeated; and although it did appear on board the Defiance, rear-admiral Graves would not suffer the flags to be hoisted anywhere but at the lee main top-sail yard-arm; whilst he kept " No. 16," the signal for close action, flying at the main top-gallant mast-head.

About this time the frigates and sloops had suffered so severely, as to be compelled to haul off from the Trekoner batteries; and while the Amazon was unavoidably exposed to their raking fire, captain Riou and several men were killed. The fire of the Danes began to slacken at 1 h. 30 m., and by 2 p. m. it had nearly ceased along the whole line astern of the Zealand, the sixth ship from the rear. Some of the smaller nelson's letter craft had gone adrift, and but few of the vessels whose flags had been struck would allow themselves to be taken possession of; for reinforcements were constantly arriving from the shore, who did not inquire whether the flag had been struck or not; many of them had never been engaged in war before, knowing nothing of its laws, and thinking only of devoting themselves to the defence of their country.

Lord Nelson was so irritated by these proceedings, that he meditated sending in fire-ships to burn the surrendered vessels: as a preliminary measure, however, his lordship wrote the celebrated letter to the Crown Prince of Denmark, wherein he says, " Vice-admiral lord Nelson has been commanded to spare Denmark when she no longer resists. The line of defence which covered her shores has struck to the british flag; but if the firing is continued on the part of Denmark, he must set on fire all the prizes he has taken, without having the power of saving the men who have so nobly defended them. The brave Danes are the brothers and should never be the enemies of Englishmen." A wafer was then brought, but Nelson ordered a candle, and sealing the letter with wax, his lordship observed, " This is no time to appear hurried and informal." This letter was immediately despatched by captain sir Frederic Thesiger, acting as aide-de-camp to lord Nelson, who found the Crown Prince at the sally-port. In the mean-time, the destructive cannonade was still kept up by the Defiance, Monarch, and Ganges, who silenced the fire of several ships in the rear of the danish line; but the great crown-battery, comparatively uninjured, still continued its fire, and as 1500 men had been thrown into it from the shore, it was considered too strong to be stormed. Preparations were making to withdraw the fleet from the intricate channel while the wind continued fair, when the danish adjutant-general arrived with a flag of truce; upon sight of which the Trekoner ceased firing, and the cannonade, which had continued five hours, was brought to a close.

The message from the Crown Prince being to ascertain the precise object of lord Nelson's note, the vice-admiral replied, in writing, that as humanity was his chief consideration, he consented to stay hostilities, and was desirous that the wounded Danes should be taken on shore. It was his intention to take his prisoners out of the captured vessels, and then burn or carry off the prizes as he might afterwards determine. In conclusion, his lordship expressed his hope, that the victory he had gained would lead to a conciliation between the two countries. Sir Frederic Thesiger returned with the adjutant-general, and the latter was referred to the british commander-in-chief for a final adjustment of the terms. The cessation of hostilities was a favourable moment, and readily taken advantage of by removing the leading british ships, all of whom were much crippled in their rigging and sails. The Monarch touched upon the shoal, but the Ganges taking her a-midships, pushed her over it. The Glatton, drawing less water, passed clear, but the Defiance and Elephant grounded about a mile from the crown battery, and, notwithstanding the great exertion of their crews, remained immovable several hours; whilst the Desiree, who had gone to assist the Bellona at the opposite end of the line, became fixed on the same shoal. The Bellona was, however, soon afloat, having extricated herself by picking up the cable which the Isis had slipped, and by that means hove off the shoal. Soon after the Elephant grounded, lord Nelson followed the danish adjutant-general on board the London to attend the conference, which secured to England one of her brightest triumphs.

The danish floating batteries were mostly knocked to pieces; and it is probable that they would have been reduced to that condition in far less time than four hours, had the pilots ventured to place the ships nearer than three and four hundred yards, in which case the heavy carronades of the Ardent and Glatton would have produced their full effect. It would be impossible to make an accurate return of the loss sustained by the Danes, as the ships were frequently re-peopled from the shore; but the aggregate of killed, wounded, and prisoners has been stated at 6000 men.

The night of the 2nd of April was employed by the British in bringing away the captured vessels, and in floating the grounded ships. The generality of the prizes were so defective and worthless, that the whole, with the exception of the Holstein of 60 guns, were, destroyed. On the 9th an armistice was agreed upon, which was to continue for fourteen weeks, and Denmark engaged to suspend all proceedings under the armed neutrality which she had entered into with Sweden and Russia.

The thanks of Parliament were voted to the officers, seamen, and marines in the fleet for the gallantry displayed before Copenhagen on the 2nd of April. Three commanders were promoted to post rank; the senior lieutenants of each ship engaged also gained a step, and the rank of brevet-major was conferred on captain James Lambrecht, the senior officer of marines in the squadron. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Friday 3rd April. HMS Trent at Havre De Grace. The bravery of Lieutenant Tait of the Marines (This officer had been thought to have been the original of Sir Walter Scott's 'Captain Clutterbuck'.

1801. Friday 3rd April. The 36-gun frigate Trent, captain sir Edward Hamilton, while lying at anchor off the Isle of Brehat, at daylight discovered a ship with a cutter and lugger, steering towards Plampoul. The boats of the frigate were immediately despatched after the strangers, under the orders of lieutenant George Chamberlayne, with the other officers of the frigate. Several boats from the shore took the ship in tow, but on the approach of the British they cast her off and prepared to defend themselves. After a sharp conflict the french lugger and boats were driven on the rocks, and although protected by five batteries, the ship, which was a captured english vessel, was boarded and brought away. Lieutenant Taite of the marines unfortunately lost a leg upon this occasion; which accident, with 2 seamen killed, was the extent of the loss sustained by the British.

After Buonaparte had concluded the treaty of Luneville on the 9th of February with the emperor of Germany, the first consul seemed to entertain serious hopes of landing his victorious legions on the shores of Britain. The port of Boulogne was to be the central rendezvous of the grand flotilla; and in the month of July nine divisions of gun-vessels, with nine battalions of troops, besides artillery, were ordered to assemble. These preparations spread considerable alarm on the coast of England and caused corresponding preparations for the defensive to be made by the british government. Vice-admiral lord Nelson was appointed to the chief command from Orfordness to Beachy Head; and having his flag on board the 32-gun frigate Medusa, he sailed from the Downs with about thirty other vessels, and on the 4th of August bombarded the port of Boulogne.

On the night of the 15th the boats of the squadron, in four divisions, accompanied by several mortar-boats, made an attack on the french flotilla; but owing to the darkness of the night and the uncertainty of the tide, the attacking party separated. The first division, under captain Somerville, was carried considerably to the eastward of Boulogne bay; and finding it impracticable to reach the flotilla in the order prescribed, the boats were ordered to cast each other off, and make the best of their way towards the enemy. A little before day-break on the 1 6th, some of the leading boats attacked a brig lying close to the pier-head, and after a sharp conflict carried her; but owing to the vessel being secured with a chain, and the heavy fire of grape and musketry from the shore and four armed vessels within pistol-shot, they were compelled to abandon their prize. The boats now retreated with a loss of 18 killed and 55 wounded; among the latter was captain George Young of the marines. The other three divisions attacked with equal determi nation, but were alike unsuccessful, and their combined loss amounted to 44 men killed and 71 wounded; making a total in this gallant enterprise of 62 men killed and 126 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Wednesday 15th April. The British cut the canal of Alexandria and let the waters of Madieh into the basin of the ancient lake Mareotis; which for ages past had been dry, except that a considerable portion of it, at certain seasons especially, was impassable, owing to the swampy nature of its bed. Although the first rush of water from its volume and impetuosity was awfully grand, some time elapsed before the whole area of the lake became covered. When this was accomplished, the troops under general Menou, amounting to about 6000 men, became shut up in Alexandria, and separated from the 4000 under general Lagrange, entrenched at El- Aft, and the 5000 under general Belliard in garrison at Cairo. Leaving major-general Coote in command of the army before Alexandria, major-general Hutchinson arrived at Rosetta on the 26th of April, to direct in person the operations against the French in the interior of the country; and on the 5th of May the major-general, with the combined British and Turks, in number about 8000, advanced towards the position of general Lagrange at El-Aft, accompanied by the gun-boats on the river, under the command of captain James Stevenson. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Thursday 16th April. St. Eustatius, W. Indies, seized.

1801. Thursday 7th May. The french general abandoned El-Aft and retreated towards Rahmineh, which place was attacked by the gun-boats under captain Curry on the 9th, in which affair the British sustained a loss of lieutenant Hobbes and 3 seamen killed, and 7 wounded. During the night the enemy retreated towards Cairo, leaving in the fort 110 sick and wounded. The possession of this important post effectually cut off all communication between Alexandria and the interior of Egypt. Owing to various delays, the allied forces did not arrive at Embaeth, a village distant about a mile and half from the fortress of Giseh, until the 20th of June. On the 22nd, while preparations were making to besiege Cairo, general Belliard sent a flag of truce to lieutenant-general Hutchinson, offering to capitulate upon honourable terms: these were signed by the respective parties on the 27th, stipulating that the french troops, amounting to 8000 effective, 1000 sick, and about 500 convalescent, should be conveyed to a port in France.

Whilst these operations were going forward, a force of 6000 men was approaching from Bombay, under the command of major-general Baird, which landed in Kossei'r bay on the 9th and 14th of May. Between the 10th and 15th of June, the two divisions of this army commenced their march across the desert by the valley of Kuittah, and on the 30th arrived at Kenneh, on the banks of the Nile; but owing to the difficulty in procuring boats to descend the river, the major-general did not effect a junction with the army under lieutenant-general Hutchinson until several days after the surrender of Cairo. A detachment of 320 men, under lieutenant-colonel Lloyd of the 86th regiment, which marched across the desert, a distance of above eighty miles, reached Cairo on the 12th, after a painful and distressing journey, in which 3 officers and 20 men perished. The last division of the french troops, taken prisoners at Cairo and other places, amounting to nearly 13,500 men, having by the 10th of August sailed from the bay of Aboukir, immediate measures were adopted for the reduction of Alexandria, which was the last strong-hold of the French in Egypt. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Saturday 16th May. About 5000 troops, under major general Eyre Coote, embarked on lake Mareotis, escorted by the flotilla of gun-boats under captain Stevenson; and having proceeded to a position westward of the town of Alexandria, disembarked early on the morning of the 17th without opposition; previous to which the French set fire to their flotilla of eighteen gun-boats, stationed opposite to Pompey's pillar, and protected by a battery of 3 long eighteen-pounders. After sustaining a combined naval and military attack, the island of Marabou capitulated on the 21st, and on the same evening a small squadron of the allies entered the harbour; soon after which the French sank several merchant vessels to impede the further progress of the British to the eastward, having previously moved their two 64-gun ships and corvettes close up to the town.

Four batteries on each side of the town opened upon the entrenched camp of the French on the morning of the 26th and being pressed on all sides, general Menou, on the evening of the 27th, sent an aide-de-camp to lieutenant-general Hutchinson requesting three days' armistice, in order to prepare a capitulation this proposal was acceded to, and on the 2nd of September the city of Alexandria surrendered. The garrison, consisting of 8000 soldiers and 1300 sailors, were to be conveyed to France at british expense, as had already been the case with the garrison of Cairo. This concluding operation of the campaign was effected with a loss of 13 killed and 113 wounded and to the british navy, in the attack on Marabou, of 2 killed and 2 wounded: making the total loss on the part of the British in the egyptian campaign, of 330 killed, 1872 wounded, and 39 missing that of the French, commencing at the disembarkation of the british troops in Aboukir bay, between 3000 and 4000 men in killed alone.

The marines, as constituting a material proportion of the strength of lord Keith's fleet, were continued on the coast, and their duties were confined to the blockade of Alexandria, where they might be ready to re-embark in case of emergency. They were withdrawn from the defence of Aboukir and remained attached to the brigade of major-general Coote until the 5th of August, when, at the desire of lord Keith, they re-embarked on board their respective ships. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Sunday 5th July. The following testimonials bespeak the exemplary conduct of the battalion in such nattering terms, that no comment, can enhance their merit, and we therefore subjoin the official report

" 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 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 honour to be, sir,

Your very obedient humble servant,

" Lieut.-col. Smith, (Signed) KEITH."

Previous to their embarkation, major-general Coote issued the following: —

" Camp, near Alexandria, 3rd August 1801.

" At the request of admiral lord Keith, it is lieutenant-general 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 honour to be, &c.

" Lieut -col. Smith, EYRE COOTE."

The battalion having done duty during some time in the first brigade under major-general Finch, that officer thus expressed his sentiments —

"Brigade Orders, August 5th, 1801.

I have the honour to be, &c.

" Lieut -col. Smith, EYRE COOTE."

The battalion having done duty during some time in the first brigade under major-general Finch, that officer thus expressed his sentiments:

"Brigade Orders, August 5th, 1801.

" Major-general Finch, in 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 honour of commanding the first 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." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Monday 6th July. The Battle of Algeciras Bay refers to two separate battles during July 1801 between an allied French-Spanish fleet and the British near Gibraltar. The French drove off an attack by the larger British fleet and captured one of their ships of the line. The battle of Algezitas is remembered by the Heroism of Lieutenant J.D. Williams of the HMS Hannibal.

1801. Wednesday 8th July. The second Battle of Algeciras Bay in which the British pursued the Franco Spanish fleet, destroying two Spanish ships and capturing one French ship. The British squadron suffered various degrees of damage and lost 121 men killed and 240 wounded. While the French lost 306 killed, including Captains Laindet Lalonde and Moncousu, and 280 wounded.

The British fleet consisted of six ships of the line:

HMS Caesar 80 guns (flag of Rear-Adm. James Saumarez, with Captain Jahleel Brenton).

HMS Pompee 74 guns (Captain Charles Stirling).

HMS Spencer 74 guns (Captain Henry D'Esterre Darby).

HMS Venerable 74 guns (Captain Samuel Hood).

HMS Hannibal 74 guns (Captain Solomon Ferris).

HMS Audacious 74 guns (Captain Shuldham Peard).

The French squadron consisted of:

Formidable 80 guns (flag of Rear-Adm. Linois, with Captain Laindet Lalonde †).

Indomptable 80 guns (Captain Moncousu).

Desaix 74 guns (Captain Jean-Anne Christy de la Pallière).

Muiron 40 guns (Captain Martinencq).

The Spanish element of the Franco-Spanish squadron consisted of:

Real Carlos 112 guns (Captain Don J. Esquerra).

San Hermenegildo 112 guns (Captain Don J. Emparran).

San Fernando 94 guns (Captain Don J. Malina).

Argonauta guns 80 (Captain Don. J. Herrera).

San Agustín 74 guns (Captain Don. R. Topete).

San Sabina 44 guns (frigate carrying the flag of both Vice-Adm. Moreno and Rear Admiral Linois).

1801. Wednesday 3rd August. The 38-gun frigate Pomone, captain E. L. Gower, having outsailed the three other frigates with which she was cruising off Elba, at 8h. 10 m. p.m., after the interchange of a few shot from their chase guns, and a resistance of about ten minutes duration, captured the french 40-gun frigate Carrere. The Pomone had 2 men killed; lieutenant Charles Douglas of the marines lost a leg, and 2 seamen were wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Saturday 15th August – 16th August. The Attack on the Boulogne Flotilla.

1801. Tuesday 18th - 21st August. Marabou Island surrendered. (Naval Brigade Ashore).

1801. Wednesday 19th April. Sibylle captured Chiffonne.

1801. Wednesday 6th May. Speedy captured Gamo.

1801. Monday 25th May. Lieutenant Wilson of the marines assisted in the boats of the 28-gun frigate Mercury, under the orders of lieutenant William Mather, in attacking the late british bombvessel Bull-dog, lying moored off the mole of Ancona. She was boarded, and the cables cut, when the alarm having spread, a heavy fire was opened upon the British of musketry and cannon. A favourable light breeze enabled the prize to gain sufficient offing as to be without the reach of the batteries, when it unfortunately fell calm; and the current carrying the captured vessel close to the shore, she was attacked by the gun-boats, and lieutenant Mather was reluctantly compelled to abandon his prize, with the loss of 2 killed, and 4 wounded. Lieutenant Wilson was again employed in the boats in the attack of a pirate tartan, mounting 8 guns, and a crew of 60 men, lying among the rocks of the small islands of Tremiti, in the gulf of Venice. Notwithstanding the boats were exposed to a sharp fire of cannon and musketry, both from the vessel and from a four-pounder upon an eminence, they gallantly rowed and while lieutenant Mather boarded the vessel, lieutenant Wilson landed with the marines, and drove the enemy from the hill, taking several prisoners. The service being fully accomplished, the marines re-embarked, and the tartan was brought out without any loss on the part of the British. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Tuesday 9th June. Kangaroo and Speedy destroyed gunboats and consorts.

1801. Wednesday June 24. Swiftsure captured by Dix Aout and consorts.

1801. Sunday 28th June. Boats of Mercury and Corso captured Tigre.

1801. Friday 3rd July. Speedy captured by French squadron.

1801. Monday 6th July. Action on Algeciras. Loss of Hannibal.

1801. Sunday 12th July. Saumarez's action off Gibraltar.

1801. Tuesday 21st July. Cutting out of Chevrette.

1801. Tuesday 21st July. Pasley engaged a 22 gun xebec.

1801. Friday 31st July. Sylph engaged a French frigate.

1801. July. The Beaulieu, Doris, and Uranie frigates were lying at anchor about 3 miles to the south-south-east of St. Matthew's light-house, and in full view of the combined fleet of France and Spain, when the french 20-gun ship-corvette Chevrette was discovered also at anchor under some batteries in Camaret bay. It was resolved to make an attempt to cut her out from this position of apparent security; accordingly, on the night of the 20th the boats of the Beaulieu and Doris, manned entirely by volunteers, and placed under the orders of lieutenant Woodley Losack of the Ville de Paris, proceeded on this enterprise. From the circumstance of the boats not pulling alike, the detachments separated, and some returned to their ships; whilst the remainder, having reached the entrance of the bay of Camaret, lay upon their oars until daylight on the 21st, and disappointed in not having been supported by their companions, they pulled back to the frigates. As they had been discovered by the Chevrette as well as from the shore, so much of the plan as contemplated a surprise was defeated; consequently, the corvette on the following morning got under way, and having run about a mile and a half further up the bay, she was moored close under some heavy batteries. The Chevrette then embarked a detachment of soldiers, sufficient to augment her number of men to 339, and made the most careful preparation to repel an attack; bringing the arms and ammunition upon deck and loading the guns with grape and canister. Having thus profited by the discovery of the morning, the corvette, in defiance, displayed a large french ensign over the english colours. This insulting bravado, while it tended to inspire the British with increased ardour to renew the attack, made them more determined to reverse the position of the national flags.

At about 9 h. 30 m. p. m. the boats of the three frigates, joined by two from the Robust, numbering altogether fifteen boats, containing 280 officers and men, still under the command of lieutenant Losack, proceeded again to the attack of the Chevrette. Shortly after their departure, the division of six boats under that officer went in chase of a boat supposed to be from the shore. The remainder lay on their oars, awaiting the return of the commanding officer; and after some time had elapsed, lieutenant Keith Maxwell of the Beaulieu, the next officer in command, considering that they had at least six miles to pull, and that the night was far advanced, resolved, notwithstanding that his force was now reduced to 180 men, to proceed without further delay. He then gave orders, that whilst one party was engaged in disarming the enemy on deck, some of the smartest topmen of the Beaulieu should fight their way aloft and loose the sails; others to cut the cable, and a quartermaster was named, who was to take charge of the helm of the corvette.

It was about 1 p. m. on the 22nd when the boats arrived in sight of the Chevrette; who, after hailing, opened a heavy fire of musketry and grape, and presently there was a loud roll of musketry from the shore. In face of this determined preparation, the boats dashed nobly on towards the ship: those of the Beaulieu, under lieutenants Maxwell and James Pasley, with lieutenant James Sinclair of the marines, boarded on the starboard bow and quarter; those of the Uranie under lieutenant Martin Neville, one of the Robust's under midshipman Robert Warren, and one of the Doris's under lieutenant Walter Burke, on the larboard bow. The French obstinately opposed the assailants, and in their turn boarded the boats; whilst in their efforts to overcome this formidable opposition, many of the British lost their fire-arms, and with their swords only succeeded in gaining a footing on the enemy's deck. Those who had been selected for going aloft, fought their way to their respective stations, and although some were killed and wounded, the remainder gained the corvette's yards ; and here, finding the foot ropes strapped up, the intrepid fellows had to scramble out upon their hands and knees : yet so quickly was this part of the service performed, that in less than three minutes after the boats got alongside, and in a conflict against numbers more than trebly superior, the three top-sails and courses were loosened, and the cable having been cut at the same time, the shi casted as a light breeze sprang up from off the land, and the Chevrette began drifting out of the bay. The Frenchmen perceiving their sails fall, and the ship under way, were seized with astonishment and consternation: some leaped overboard, whilst others threw away their arms, and ran down the hatchways. The British had now possession of the upper deck, but those of the corvette's crew who had fled below, still maintained a smart fire of musketry; nevertheless, they were soon overpowered, and compelled to submit. The batteries continued to fire at the ship, and just as she cleared the point it fell calm, and she became exposed to a shower of shot and shell; but a light breeze from the north-east soon drove her out of their range. About this time some boats were seen approaching from the direction of Brest; and lieutenant Maxwell, suspecting them to be enemies, was preparing for a new conflict, when the strangers were recognised as the division under lieutenant Losack, to which officer Mr. Maxwell resigned the command.

This gallant and unequalled exploit was performed in the presence of the combined fleet of France and Spain, by an officer on his own judgment and responsibility; and whose intrepidity and presence of mind, seconded by the wonderful exertions of the officers and men under his command, succeeded in effecting an enterprise, which, by those who reflect upon its peculiar circumstances, will ever be regarded with admiration and astonishment. Lieutenant of marines James Sinclair, Mr. Robert Warren, midshipman, 7 seamen, and 2 marines were killed; lieutenants Martin Neville and Walter Burke (the latter mortally), 3 midshipmen, Edward Crofton, Edward Byrn, and Robert Finnis, 42 seamen, and 9 marines wounded; and 1 marine drowned in the Beaulieu's barge, which was sunk by the enemy's shot.

Total, — 1 1 killed, 57 wounded, and 1 drowned.

The Chevrette had her captain, 2 lieutenants, 3 midshipmen, 1 lieutenant of infantry, and 85 men killed; 1 lieutenant, 4 midshipmen, and 57 seamen and soldiers wounded. Total, — 92 killed, and 62 wounded. Lieutenants Rose and Sinclair of the marines were both volunteers in this enterprise, and the latter was killed in the act. of defending Mr. Crofton, midshipman of the Doris, who, in his efforts to get on board the corvette, was wounded in two places. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Monday 3rd August. Pomone captured Carriere.

1801. Monday 10th August. Boats of Atalante captured Eveilie.

1801. Thursday 20th August. During the night the boats of the Fisgard, Diamond, and Boadicea frigates, under the orders of lieutenant Philip Pipon, boarded and carried the Spanish ship Neptune of 20 guns, a gun-boat mounting a long twenty-four pounder, and a merchant ship, all moored within the strong batteries of Corunna, and within pistol-shot of the shore. The three vessels were brought out without sustaining the slightest loss. Lieutenant Mark Anthony Gerrard of the marines was a volunteer in this gallant affair.

Lieutenant Gerrard was so much esteemed by his shipmates in the Fisgard, with whom he had so frequently acquitted himself with valour and honour, that a gratifying testimony was conferred upon him by his gallant companions. It consisted of a handsome sabre and belt, with the following inscription: —

" This sabre and belt are presented to first-lieutenant Gerrard of the marines, by those who served with him on board his Majesty's ship Fisgard, in memory of the action with L'lmmortatite, on the 20th of October 1798; the boarding expeditions at the Saintes, Penmarcks, Quimper, Noirmoutier, St. Matthew, St Andero, and Corunna, in which he served as a volunteer, and bore so distinguished a part."

This gallant officer was rewarded by the adjutancy at the Plymouth division, where he was highly respected and esteemed by his brother-officers. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Friday 21st August. Cutting-out operations at Etaples.

1801. August. Nelson's operations at Boulogne.

1801. Wednesday 2nd September. Alexandria surrendered. (Naval Brigade Ashore).

1801. Wednesday 2nd September. Minerve and Pomone took Success and destroyed Bravoure.

1801. Wednesday 2nd September. The french frigates Bravoure and Succes, which had sailed from Leghorn on the 31st of August, were discovered by the british frigates Minerve, Pomone, and Phoenix, then lying in the Piombino channel. After a pursuit of some hours, the Succes ran aground on the shore of Vada, and was taken possession of by the Pomone; whilst the Bravoure grounded under the battery of Antignano and was totally wrecked.

Shortly after the disposal of these frigates, which had hitherto created great annoyance to the garrison of Porto-Ferrajo, lieutenant-colonel George Airey, commanding the british troops in that fortress, applied to rear-admiral sir J. B. Warren for the assistance of the marines of the squadron under his command to attack some of the french batteries, and those especially which shut up the port. Immediate preparation was made for the active co-operation of the squadron, consisting of the Renown, Gibraltar, Dragon, Alexander, Genereux, and Stately, of the line, with Pomone and Pearl frigates, and Vincejo brig.

On the 13th at day-break the Dragon and Genereux, to create a diversion, opened a fire upon the round tower of Marciana; and on the 14th, a little before daylight, 449 marines, under the following officers, were landed: —

Captains: Robert Johnstone, John Richardson, and Francis Williams. Lieutenants: James Fischatt, Joseph Coombs, John Clarke, Thomas M'Gill, Michael Burton, David Weir, William Ravenscroft, David Holt, W. D. Jervis, Beddingford Pagedon, Frederick William Mann, John Davidson, and George Peebles.

This battalion, in conjunction with 200 seamen and a party of Tuscans, amounting in the whole to about 1000 men, were formed into two divisions, under the direction of captain J. C. White of the Renown. After a successful attack upon the batteries, which were destroyed, and taking 55 prisoners, including three captains and two subalterns, the allied force was opposed to very superior numbers, and compelled to retire with a loss of 32 men killed, 61 wounded, and 105 missing. Lieutenant Clarke of the marines was wounded and made prisoner. Captain James Weir commanded a Maltese corps and distinguished himself on this occasion; and he again signalized himself in a subsequent sortie on the night of the 10th of October. The garrison continued to defend itself until the treaty of Amiens produced a cessation of hostilities. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Wednesday 2nd - 6th September. Victor destroyed a French corvette.

1801. Tuesday 8th September. Sylph engaged Artemise.

1801. Sunday 13th September. Lark captured Esperanta.

1801. Sunday 13th September. Attack on Porto Ferrajo.

1801. Monday 14th September – 25th March 1802. The defence of Porto Ferrajo. Lieutenant Lawrence and the detachment of HMS Pearl served with the garrison. "This little force by its constancy and courage, ever set the best of examples, and its men were always foremost on service, and stood their posts and their guns when the Tuscan and other foreign troops gave away. They were most useful in preparing shells, mounting and transporting cannon and in repairing their carriages, as well as in construction works. Their knowledge of gunnery, and their ambition to gain honour for their Corps and themselves induced them to live in their batteries, and the little sleep they got was alongside their cannon." Colonel Airey who commanded the British garrison having applied to Admiral Sir J. Warren for his co-operation in an attack upon some French batteries which shut up the port, 449 Marines under Captain John Richardson and a division of 240 seamen were landed just after day break on 14th September. They were joined by a detachment of Swiss troops and a party of Tuscans, The Maltese Corps raised, and Commanded by Major Weir of the Marines was also engaged on this occasion. At the beginning of the attack on the batteries on the right of the Bay, Captain Long RN was killed while gallantly leading his men. "A suspension of arms was maintained while his body was borne with full military honours to the grave." After this remarkable pause in hostilities, Lieutenant Campbell of the Marines instantly charged, and drove the French into a narrow pass, where, his further advance was checked by the arrival of French reinforcements, and he had to fall back on the garrison. Meanwhile on the other side of the bay several of the batteries were destroyed by the British together with a large quantity of ammunition, after which the arrival of a very superior force of the enemy compelled a retreat to the boats. (sic)

1801. Thursday 2nd October preliminary articles of peace were signed in London by lord Hawkesbury, the secretary of state For the foreign affairs, on the part of Great Britain, and by citizen Louis Guillaume Otto, commissary for the exchange of prisoners in England, on the part of France. On the 10th the egotiations were duly exchanged, and on the 12th a proclamation was issued by his britannic Majesty, ordering a cessation of arms. According to the preliminary articles, five months from the date of the exchange of ratifications was the longest period that hostilities could legally be continued in the most distant part of the globe. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801. Saturday 10th October. The Peace article was eventually signed at Downing Street on 10th October.

1801. Wednesday 28th October. Pasley captured Rosario.

1801. 1st December. A mutiny broke out on board a squadron in Bantry Bay that continued until the 11th December. The Marines remained firm to their allegiance, and it is probable that their zealous and loyal conduct deterred the seamen from further resistance of the Commands to their officers. Six of the ring leaders were executed on the 5th January 1802, and five on the 19th of the same month.

The following letters are from the marines of two ships of the squadron —

" Princess Royal, Beerhaven, \2th December,1801.

Sir,

We, the non-commissioned officers and privates serving as marines of a detachment under your command on board this ship, have heard with pleasure of the gallant conduct of our brother-soldiers on board his Majesty's ship 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 or day.

(Signed by the whole party).

" To Lieut- Colonel Tench."

"Resolution, Bantry Bay, 15th December 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 superior officers, and knowing as we do the dreadful consequences that formerly at tended same practices, for our parts we abhor the idea ; and we hope you will inform captain Gardner, likewise the admiral, that it is our firm resolution to support and maintain our officers in ever thing which they may think proper, and which is best calculated to promote the interests of our king and country.

I have the honour to subscribe myself, and in behalf of the detachment of marines, your most obedient servant,

" Captain Forshall, WILLIAM HEANS,

" SERJEANT.

Marine forces.

General Orders.

"The lords of the Admiralty having expressed their high satisfaction of the good conduct of the marines of several of the ships under my command, with those at Beerhaven, in declaring their abhorrence of the mutinous proceedings which had lately taken place at that anchorage, and of their having come forward upon that occasion, so much to the honour of their corps and the interest of their country ; I am to desire that you will be pleased to communicate the same to them, and assure them that 1 feel highly gratified on the present occasion.

(Signed) WM. CORNWALLIS."

" To Vice-admiral Sir A. Mitchell,

" Spitkead, 29th December 1801.

" It is my directions to the captains of his Majesty's ships Windsor Castle, Princess Royal, Malta, Glory, Resolution, and Vengeance, 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 that their good conduct has merited such a mark of approbation from him, and the lords commissioners of the Admiralty- A. MITCHELL." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1801 \- 1815. Royal Marines. After the Act of Union was passed in 1801, which incorporated Ireland into the United Kingdom, there was an influx of Irish volunteers. After 1805, nearly ten percent of each company were comprised of foreigners, mainly Maltese, German, Spanish and Portuguese. Each company on paper was to comprise 1 captain, 2 first lieutenants, 2 second lieutenants, 8 sergeants, 8 corporals, 6 drummers and 140 privates. Each Marine Division also had a grenadier and a light company, but they were abolished in 1804. With disease, shortages and battle-caused deaths, it was highly unlikely that the paper figures were ever met. The marine companies were dispersed throughout the fleet and where needed on land. The marines had their uniforms supplied by the Navy Board, but their dress was that of the infantry. They wore the red coat, with white collar and cuffs. Plumes were the standard colours, white-over-red for battalion companies, green for the light and white for the grenadiers. Officers wore scarlet coats, with white lace and white gloves. Gorgets, worn at the throat, were purely decorative horseshoe shaped pieces of metal that harked back to the days when officers had worn armour like medieval knights. Officer's carried straight bladed cutlasses with a thirty-two inch blade, a pistol and most commonly a dirk. The marine privates were armed with the Sea Service Brown Bess muskets and the sergeants carried halberds, and then later spontoons or half-pikes.

The marines were nicknamed by the sailors 'lobsters' because of the red woollen coat, and 'bootnecks', a semi-derogatory term derived from the dark leather 'stock' worn round the neck inside the collar which forced a soldier to keep his head up. "Take my sea boots off your neck", was a saying to imply the marines were wearing a piece of leather cut from the sailor's footwear.

In 1802, largely at the recommendation of Admiral John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent, the marines were re-titled 'Royal Marines' by King George III for services to their country: "In order to mark his approbation of the very meritorious conduct of the Marines during the late war, His Majesty has been graciously pleased to direct that in future the corps shall be called the Royal Marines." The white facings (collars and cuffs) were given a royal makeover, changing to 'Royal Blue'. The bicorn was replaced by the black 'round-hat' made of felt, but the red coat was retained.

1802. Saturday 27th March. The definitive treaty was signed at Amiens, which stipulated the restoration to France of all the colonies taken from her, except Trinidad and Ceylon. Egypt was restored to the Porte he islands of Malta, Goza, and Comino were to be restored to the order of Jerusalem, as before the war; and the british troops were to quit those islands within three months after the exchange of the ratification. The french troops were to evacuate Naples and the roman territory; and the British, in like manner, to quit Ferrajo, as well as all the islands in the Mediterranean and Adriatic. The Cape of Good Hope and various other important colonies were restored to Holland; and Denmark, as well as Sweden, regained their foreign possessions.

The distinguished services of the marines, and their unshaken loyalty, had frequently obtained for them the public expression of their country's gratitude; but no particular mark of the royal favour was extended to the corps, until the 29th of April 1802, when the following gratifying communication was conveyed to their commandant by the earl of St. Vincent: —

"Admiralty Office, 29th April 1802.

Sir,

The earl of 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."

" Lieutenant-general Sonter Johnstone,

Commandant of the Marines."

The unsettled state of affairs in Europe induced the british government to keep up a large peace establishment, and consequently the marines retained 100 companies, making a total force of 12,119 men. Six field-officers, eight captains, one captain-lieutenant, three first-lieutenants, and three second-lieutenants, were allowed to retire; and the retired establishment was made an open list.

The detachment of marines under the command of captain Johnstone, serving on board the 80-gun ship Gibraltar in the Mediterranean, was distinguished for its firmness in suppressing a mutiny. Two of the ringleaders were hung by sentence of a court-martial.

The following order was issued by the commander-in-chief: —

"Kent, Oristagni Bay, 4th November 1802.

" Memorandum. — Whereas, it appears in the minutes of the late court-martial on the mutineers of the Gibraltar, that the detachment of marines serving on board that ship bore no part in the disgraceful proceedings of the 6th of October last ; but, much to the credit of the officers and themselves, maintained the character of the loyal and respectable corps to which they belong, by a steady adherence to their duty ; the rear-admiral takes this public method of expressing his approbation of their good and soldier-like conduct, and requests captain Johnstone to accept his thanks.

(Signed) RICHARD BICKERTON."

" To the respective Captains." A similar instance of insubordination occurred on board the 74-gun ship Excellent, in the West Indies, which was subdued by the firmness and discipline of the marines, whose fidelity obtained the following commendation from commodore Hood "Blenheim, Carlisle Bay, Barbadoes,30th Dec. 1802. " Memorandum. — The commander-in-chief had flattered himself in the hope, that all those ill-disposed acts of mutinous conduct were at an end in the royal navy, and that the seamen would endeavour to heighten their characters in the eyes of the rest of his Majesty's subjects but he trusts the punishment he has been obliged to order to be carried into execution on those unfortunate men, may be sufficient example to deter a few evilminded persons from disturbing the repose and good order amongst the seamen in future.

" The commander-in-chief, (as well as the members of the court-martial), are highly sensible of the active exertions of the officers of his Majesty's ship Excellent in quelling the late mutiny on board her, and also the officers, non-commissioned officers, and private marines belonging to the said ship; who by their firmness in resisting the attempt to seduce them from their duty, and in opposing men in actual mutiny, have increased, if possible, the high character the corps has so justly acquired ; and he begs to assure the whole of them, they have his best thanks, and he will not fail to represent their meritorious conduct to the lords commissioners of the Admiralty.

(Signed) SAMUEL HOOD."

" To Captain Maxwell,

Blenheim." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1802. April. Mutiny of the West India Regiment at Dominica. At which the Marines played a large part in putting it down.

1802. Friday 9th April. The 8th West India Regiment made up of free black and runaway slave members mutinied, killing some officers and non-commissioned officers. The mutiny was suppressed after nearly 100 of the mutineers were killed. In the subsequent investigation, it was discovered that the black soldiers had been severely abused, and Colonel Johnstone their commander was blamed for the mutiny and suspended from duty.

1802. Saturday 10th April. A detachment of 40 men, under lieutenant O'Neal, from the 74-gun ship Magnificent, disembarked on the 10th of April on the island of Dominica, to assist in quelling an insurrection in the 8th West India regiment. This small party took post on a hill, and although opposed by a body of above 400 men, they maintained their position until reinforced by 25 men, under lieutenants Lambert and Hawkins; and then, with the assistance of some colonial militia, they succeeded in rescuing several officers from the hands of the mutineers. On the following day the marines marched to Grand-Ance and uniting with detachments of the Royal Scotch and 68th regiments, they entered the fort of Sirley on the 13th, and forming in front of the black corps, the latter, on being desired, grounded their arms; but when commanded to advance, they resumed their arms, which they instantly discharged. The detachment returned the fire, and then drove the mutineers with the bayonet, who, retreating up the Outer Cabaret, became exposed to a discharge of grape from the Magnificent. On the return of the detachment to Martinique, they received the thanks of general Johnstone, and of the presidency of Dominique. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1802. Thursday 29th April. The Marines were given the title of Royal Marines by King George III on the recommendation of the Admiral of the Fleet John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent Admiralty Office. "His Majesty has been graciously pleased to signify His Commands that, in consideration of the very rigorous 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. The Laurel was also 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.

1802. Monday 28th June. The following flattering communication from lord Hutchinson, was sent to lieutenant-colonel Smith after his return to England: —

" Jermyn-street, 28th June 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 1 am of their meritorious service? 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 honourable to the respectable corps which you had the good fortune to command.

I have the honour to be, &c.

" Lieut.-col. Smith, HUTCHINSON,

Royal Marines." major-general."

The medals conferred by the Grand Signior upon every officer of the army, commemorative of their services during the egyptian campaign, were, from some omission, withheld from the marines ; but in consequence of a representation from lord Keith to the earl of Elgin, at that time the british ambassador at the ottoman Porte, these honourable marks of distinction were conveyed to sir Richard Bickerton, commanding the british naval forces at Malta, who transmitted them with the following letter : —

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

Sir,

I have the honour 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 will explain everything; 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 honour to be, sir,

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

Royal Marines." R. BICKERTON."

On the 13th of June rear-admiral Linois, with the 80-gun ships Formidable and Indomptable, Desaix 74, and Muiion frigate, put to sea from Toulon, intending to proceed to Cadiz; but on learning that a superior force blockaded that port, the rear-admiral, at 5 p. m. on the 4th of July, anchored his squadron in front of the town of Algesiras. On the 5th rear-admiral sir James Saumarez, commanding the british squadron before Cadiz, having been apprised of the appearance of the french ships off the rock of Gibraltar, immediately repaired in quest of them; and at 7 a.m. on the 6th, the Venerable, on opening Cabrita point, discovered the french squadron, then warping further in shore to get under the protection of the batteries that defended the road, and moored in line a-head thus : the Formidable, nearly abreast of the San-Jago battery, mounting 5 long eigh teen-pounders ; the Desaix about 500 yards astern, and to the southward of the flag-ship; and the Indomptable about the same distance astern of the Desaix : the Muiron took her station a little within, and to the northward of the Isla-Verda, whilst fourteen heavy guns were placed in suitable situations to support the ships of the line.

At 8 a. m. the Venerable lay becalmed at a considerable distance on the starboard bow of the Pompee, and shortly afterwards the latter, followed by the Audacious, passed the Venerable to windward. At this time, the Caesar and the two remaining ships were upwards of three miles astern.

The following is a statement of the british squadron, with their loss of killed and wounded, showing the names of the officers of marines serving on board the respective ships.

Caesar, 80 guns, rear-admiral sir James Saumarez, captain Jahleel Brenton, 18 killed, 25 wounded. Captain James Maxwell, first-lieutenant William Dymock, first-lieutenant Philip Pipon, second-lieutenant Henry Grape.

Pompee, 74 guns, captain Charles Stirling, 15 killed, 69 wounded. Captain Samuel Middleton, lieutenant Alexander Anderson, lieutenant George F. Skipp.

Spencer, 74 guns, Henry D'Esterre Darby, 6 killed, 27 wounded. Captain Thomas Abernethie, first-lieutenant Robert Stevens, second-lieutenant Joseph Triscott.

Venerable, 74 guns, captain Samuel Hood, 8 killed, 25 wounded. Captain John Wardlaw, second-lieutenant Walter S. Boyd, second-lieutenant John Cockell, second-lieutenant Alexander Smith.

Superb, 74 guns, captain Richard G. Keats, Captain Benjamin

Dickenson, first-lieutenant Charles Rosville, second-lieutenant Joseph Britton, second-lieutenant W. Dorrington. Hannibal, 74 guns, captain Solomon Ferris, 75 killed, 62 wounded. Captain John Victor, first-lieutenant William Connolly, lieutenant James D. Williams (killed), second lieutenant George Dunford (wounded).

Audacious, 74 guns, captain Shuldham Peard, 8 killed, 32 wounded. Captain Martin Horlock, lieutenant Robert Hart, second-lieutenant Nathaniel Pitts, second-lieutenant Robert J. W. Day.

Total— killed 130, wounded 240.

At 8 h. 30 m. a.m. the Pompee, hauling close up for the tower of Santa Garcia and the island battery, received the fire of the Muiron, and successively of the Indomptable, Desaix, and Formidable; and after firing a broadside at each of the two latter ships, dropped her anchor close to the Formidable's starboard bow, where she continued the action with great spirit. At 8 h. 50 m. the Audacious, and five minutes afterwards the Venerable, baffled by the want of wind, having dropped their anchors, the former abreast of the Indomptable, and the Venerable at a considerable distance from the quarter of the Formidable, a furious cannonade was maintained on both sides. At about 9 h. 1 5 m. the Caesar anchored a-head of the Audacious, and after sending a spring on board the Venerable, she opened her broadside upon the Desaix. A few minutes afterwards, the Hannibal also got into action, anchoring within hail, and on the starboard bow of the Caesar. The Spencer, owing to the light winds, was far to leeward, and could not approach much nearer than was sufficient to expose her to the heavy fire of the Spanish batteries. At 10 a. m. the Hannibal was ordered by the rear-admiral to weigh and take a position to rake the french admiral in order to support the Pompee, who was then in a very critical situation. The Hannibal immediately cut her cable, and casting herself by the spring, stood to the northward with the light air from the west-north-west, and then tacked for the Formidable; but at 11 a.m., just as she had arrived abreast of the tower of Almirante, and was in the act of hauling closer to the shore in order to cross the hawse of the french ship, the Hannibal took the ground. In this situation she opened a fire upon the Formidable with as many of her foremost guns as she could get to bear, and the remainder were directed with evident effect upon the tower of Almirante, the battery of San Jago, and the gunboats. An ineffectual effort was made to get the ship afloat, and a boat from the Venerable and Csesar had been sent to afford assistance; but finding every means unsuccessful, the boats returned to their respective ships, whilst the Hannibal continued to defend herself as she could bring her guns to bear upon the enemy.

Soon after the Hannibal grounded, a light breeze sprang up from the north-east, and rear-admiral Linois, to get further from the reach of his opponents, threw out the signal for his ships to cut, and run themselves on shore. This was immediately complied with; but the wind suddenly failing, the Formidable brought up again with her broadside towards the enemy: in the mean while the Desaix grounded upon a shoal in front of the town, and the Indomptable upon one to the north-east of Isla-Verda, with her larboard towards the sea.

The Csesar now made the signal for the british ships to cut, and then wearing round the Audacious and Venerable, she brought her broadside to bear upon the Indomptable, into whose bows the Caesar poured a destructive fire. At a little before noon the Audacious passed between the Csesar and Indomptable, and shortly afterwards the fore top-mast of the latter was shot away. The Venerable and Spencer, after cutting their cables, were incapable, on account of the calm that immediately ensued, of co-operating in the attack; and the Venerable's mizen top-mast was shot away just as she was in the act of casting. The Pompee, after remaining nearly an hour unable from her position to bring a gun to bear, had also cut, and was now towed out of action. The Audacious and Csesar were also prevented, by its falling calm, from taking their new position; and both these ships, exposed to a heavy fire from the guns of the island battery without the power of returning a shot, were drifting upon the reef that was near it. Thus frustrated by the unfavourable state of the weather, and the serious opposition of the enemy's batteries and shipping, and being prevented, by the destruction of most of the boats and the absence of the remainder, which had gone to assist the Pompee, from an attempt to storm the island with the marines of the squadron, the Caesar and Audacious at 1 h. 30 m. p.m. cut their cables; and profiting by a light breeze from the shore, made sail on the starboard tack in company with the Venerable and Spencer, being reluctantly compelled to leave the dismasted and nobly-defended Hannibal as a trophy in the enemy's hands.

The loss and damage sustained by the british squadron was very considerable: the total killed amounted to 121, 240 wounded, and 14 missing. Lieutenant James D. Williams of the marines was killed on board the Hannibal, and Lieutenant George Dunford wounded.

As soon as rear-admiral Linois got his ships afloat, he sent an express to admirals Massaredo and Dumanoir at Cadiz, requesting them to despatch a squadron to his assistance, before the british ships were sufficiently repaired to renew the attack. In compliance with this solicitation, vice-admiral Moreno with six sail of the line moved into the outer road of Cadiz on the 8th, ready to start with the land-wind on the next morning. This movement was observed by captain Richard G. Keats, who with the Superb 74, Thames frigate, and Pasley brig, were watching the motions of the fleet in Cadiz. On the 9th, the enemy's squadron put to sea, consisting of five ships of the line and three frigates, steering towards the straits, and preceded by the british 74, frigate, and brig.

Early in the afternoon the Pasley came crowding into Gibraltar, with the signal flying for an enemy; and at 3 p.m., while the Spanish squadron was hauling round Cabrita point, the Superb and Thames anchored by signal in the bay of Gibraltar. Shortly afterwards the Spanish squadron cast anchor in the road of Algesiras; and qp the following morning the St. Antoine 74 joined them from Cadiz. As it was now evident that this reinforcement was to conduct the squadron of admiral Linois to Cadiz, the utmost exertion was made by the men and officers of the british squadron to get their ships ready for sea.

The Pompee was in too bad a state to admit of her being refitted in time, her men were therefore turned over to assist in the repairs of the other ships ; and the Caesar was in so shattered a state, that the admiral shifted his flag to the Audacious; but when this circumstance was made known to the crew of the Csesar, and that unless she could be got ready in time they were to be distributed to the effective ships, the gallant fellows answered, with three cheers, " All hands to work, night and day, until she is ready.'' By their extraordinary exertions, working all day, and watch and watch by night, the ship was warped into the mole and her masts shipped on the 8th; a new main-mast got in on the 9th; and on the 11th their energies were, if possible, increased by the enemy showing some symptoms of sailing. On Sunday the 12th, at dawn of day, the enemy loosed sails; whilst the Caesar was still refitting in the mole, receiving stores previous to hauling out. The wind was now fresh from the eastward, but it was not until noon that the combined squadron began to move: at 1 p. m. they were all under weigh, and the two Spanish first-rates off Cabrita point. At thi moment the Caesar was warping out of the mole, and the line wall, mole-head, and batteries were crowded, from the dockyard to the ragged staff, — the Caesar's band playing, " Come cheer up, my lads, 'tis to glory we steer;" the military band of the garrison answering with " Britons, strike home " It is impossible to describe the enthusiasm of this inspiring scene : all were eager to participate in the glorious struggle at hand, and even the wounded were desirous to be taken on board, to share in the honours of the approaching conflict.

The Caesar, as she passed under the stern of the Audacious in her way out of the mole, at 3 p.m. rehoisted the flag of sir James Saumarez, and made ^he signal for the ships to weigh and prepare for battle. The squadron, consisting of the Caesar, Venerable, Superb, Spencer, and Audacious of the line, Thames 32, captain A. P. Hollis, with 14-gun polacre Calpe and Portuguese frigate Carlotta, were soon under sail; and as they got from under the lee of the rock, they formed in line a-head. At 7 h. 45 m. p.m. they wore together and stood on the starboard tack under easy sail. About 7 h. 50 m. the combined squadron cleared Cabrita point, with the exception of the Hannibal, who having top-masts for lower-masts, remained behind in tow of a frigate; and eventually, the two latter returned to Algesiras, leaving the following force SPANISH.

Real Carlos 112, Hermenegildo 112, San Fernando 96, Argonauta 80, San Augustin 74, with the Sabina frigate; and on board of the latter were vice-admiral Moreno, and rear-admiral Linois.

FRENCH.

Formidable 80, Indomptable 80, St. Antoine 74, Desaix 74, Libre and Muiron, frigates.

The british squadron bore away in chase soon after 8 p.m., and at 8 h. 40 m. the Superb, having been directed to go a-head and attack the sternmost ships of the enemy, soon got sight of them; and at 1 1 p. m. she had so much increased her distance, that the Caesar was the only british ship visible from her. At 11 h. 30 m. the Superb shortened sail, and when within 300 yards of the Real Carlos, opened her larboard broadside. In a short time, the Spanish three-decker was observed to be on fire, just as her mizen top-mast had been shot away; soon afterwards she came suddenly to the wind and dropped astern in great confusion. The Superb then made sail, and at 1 1 h. 50 m. p. m. brought to action the St. Antoine. After a close encounter of thirty minutes, the french 74 ceased firing, and hailed that she had surrendered; but from the circumstance of the broad pendant remaining flying on board of her, owing to the halliards having been shot away, she was fired into by Caesar, Venerable, Spencer, and Thames, as they successively arrived up.

At about fifteen minutes past midnight the Real Carlos blew up, but not until she had fallen foul of the San Hermenegildo, who, mistaking the Real Carlos for a british ship, had been engaging her; and in less than a quarter of an hour she also exloded. Only 300 were saved out of 2000 men composing the crews of these Spanish ships, but the Superb had no fmther loss than lieutenant E. Waller and 14 men wounded.

During the latter part of the night it blew very hard, and on the 13th, at 4 a.m., the only ships in company with the Caesar were the Venerable and Thames a-head, in chase of the french 80-gun ship Formidable on their lee bow, standing towards the shoals of Conil, with a light air from off the land; at the same time the Spencer was in sight, far astern of the admiral's ship. As the Formidable had jury top-masts, the Venerable and Thames came up with her fast, and at 5 h. 15 m. the enemy's ship commenced firing; soon afterwards the Thames hauled up and raked her, but the Venerable did not open her fire until the lapse of five or six minutes, when the baffling airs threw the two ships broadside-to, within musket-shot of each other. At 5 h. 30 m. the Venerable lost her mizen top-mast; and at 6 h. 45. m. her main-mast having fallen by the board, she dropped from alongside her opponent, who stood on her course, keeping up a well-directed fire from her stern chasers. At 7 h. 50 m. the Venerable's fore-mast fell over the side, just as the ship, driven by the strength of the current, struck upon the rocky shoals of San Pedro, about twelve miles to the southward of Cadiz; and at 8 a.m. her mizen-mast shared the fate of the other masts. At this time the Caesar, Audacious, and Superb making their appearance, the Spanish admiral was induced to haul up for Cadiz, whence the remaining ships of his squadron arrived in safety. By great exertion trie Venerable was got afloat and towed into Gibraltar; having sustained a loss of her master and 17 killed, lieutenant Thomas Church and 86 wounded.

For the service rendered to the country by the prompt and effective manner in which the combined squadron under viceadmiral Moreno was attacked by the British under rear-admiral sir James Saumarez, the officers, seamen, and marines received the thanks of Parliament; the rear-admiral obtained the distinction of a knight of the bath, and several naval officers were promoted: yet no reward was extended to the marines.

13th of December captain Fanshawe, of the Castor frigate, having discovered some mutinous designs among the seamen, ordered the marines under arms. The command was instantly and cheerfully obeyed by lieutenant J. S. Smith, who heading his party, drove the most determined of the disaffected to the larboard side of the lower deck, and then seized the ringleaders.

At the court-martial on these deluded men, captain Western, the president, thus addressed lieutenant Smith: " 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 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 this token of their approbation of your conduct will be transmitted to the commander-in-chief, and inserted in the minutes of the courtmartial."

This flattering mark of approbation was much enhanced, by the following gratifying commendation of the commander-in chief:" 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 be 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. T. DUCKWORTH."

(Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1802. Friday 2nd July. In the evening, the 38-gun frigate Minerve, captain Jahleel Brenton, being close in with the harbour of Cherbourg in a thick fog, grounded on the western conehead, and became exposed to the fire of two batteries, mounting together 170 guns and 40 mortars. After great exertion, the Minerve was got afloat at 4 a.m. on the 3rd and would soon have been out of gun-shot, when it unfortunately fell calm and the last of the flood carrying the now helpless ship into the harbour, laid her upon a broken cone, where she remained until the top of high water, and then surrendered, having sustained a loss of 11 men killed and 16 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1802. Sunday 4th July. In the evening, lieutenant Robert Irwin of the marines assisted in the boats of the Naiad frigate, under the orders of lieutenant William Dean, in an attack and capture of the french national schooner Providence, mounting 2 guns, with a crew of 22 men, moored among the rocks and shoals of the Saintes.

The 36-gun frigate Blanche, captain Z. Mudge, was lying anchored in Manunille bay, in St. Domingo, on the 3rd of November, when the french cutter Albion, having a crew of 43 men and officers, was discovered close to the battery of Monte Christe, mounting 4 long twenty-four pounders and 3 fieldpieces. During the day three boats, under the orders of lieutenant Braithwaite, proceeded to attempt the capture of this vessel; but owing to the breeze blowing right on shore, the enterprise was abandoned. A night attack was then resolved upon, and lieutenant Edward Nicolls of the marines volunteered to cut her out in a single boat. On the evening of the 4th that officer, accompanied by 12 men in the ship's cutter, pushed off from the frigate; but was shortly followed by the barge with 22 men, commanded by lieutenant the honourable Warwick Lake. Lieutenant Nicolls soon afterwards pointed out the object of their pursuit to lieutenant Lake; but the latter, considering that the french cutter lay on the opposite or north-east side of the bay, proceeded in that direction, leaving the other boat to watch the vessel that had been discovered. At about 2 h. 30 m. a. m. on the 5th, lieutenant Nicolls pulled cautiously towards the cutter, whose crew expecting a second attack, had made preparations to meet it. On arriving within pistol-shot, and being hailed by the cutter, the British gave three hearty cheers and dashed at her, receiving in quick succession two volleys of musketry, — the second discharge wounding the coxswain severely, the man at the bow oar, and a marine; but before the enemy could fire a third time, lieutenant Nicolls, at the head of his little party, sprang on board of her. The ball of the french captain's pistol entered the lieutenant's side, then passing under the skin, lodged in the fleshy part of his opposite arm; and almost at the same moment the captain was killed, either by the pistol of lieutenant Nicolls, or by a marine standing near him. The crew were then driven below, after very little further resistance, with the loss, besides their captain killed, of 5 men wounded.

As yet the battery had not fired a shot, although only 100 yards distant from the cutter; for as the marines continued to fire their muskets while the seamen were getting the vessel under weigh, the enemy believed the Albion was still resisting. But lieutenant Lake arriving at the moment the jib was hauled for casting, he ordered the musketry to be discontinued; whereupon the battery opened a fire of round and grape, which killed 2 of the Blanche's seamen. However, as there was a favourable breeze, the cutter, with the two boats towing her, soon ran out of gun-shot, without incurring any further loss.

It can scarcely be credited that the captain of the Blanche should purposely detract from the merit of lieutenant Nicolls, by not only omitting the name of that officer in the report of wounded, but even the credit of the gallant capture of the cutter is attributed to the joint attack under lieutenant Lake, who certainly did not take part in the fight, nor did he arrive on board the prize until she was under way. Captain Mudge in his official letter, says: " At 2 this morning the enemy's cutter was masterly and gallantly attacked by lieutenant Lake in the cutter, and lieutenant Nicolls of the marines in the barge, who cut her out. She is 92 tons burthen, coppered close up and fastened; having 2 four-pounders, 6 swivels, and 20 muskets. The affair cost me 2 men killed, aud 2 wounded."

From this report it would be impossible to infer that the " two men wounded," included a commissioned officer; but lieutenant Nicolls, although omitted by his captain, was honoured by a sword of the value of £30 from the Patriotic Fund, for having commanded one of the boats; whilst lieutenant Lake, for his gallantry, obtained one of £50! Another quarter, equally de ceived, promoted lieutenant Lake, but paid no attention to the claims of the officer who so nobly executed the service he had gallantly undertaken. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1802. When the Marines were made Royal, Lord Vincent is reported to have said: "In obtaining for them the distinction of 'Royal' I but inefficiently did my duty I never knew an appeal made to them for honour, courage or loyalty that they did not more than realise my biggest expectations. If ever the real danger should come to England they will be found the country's sheet Anchor."

1802. The establishment of the Corps strength was 12,119 men.

1802. Tuesday 16th November. A detachment from the Blenheim 74, consisting of 71 seamen, under lieutenants Thomas Cole and Thomas Furber, with 60 marines under lieutenants George Beatty and Walter S. Boyd, and the whole under the orders of captain Ferris of the Drake sloop, proceeded at 11 p.m. to attempt the capture of the Harmonie, french privateer, mounting 8 carriage guns, with a crew of 66 men, in the harbour of Marin, island of Martinique. It was arranged, that while the seamen attacked the privateer, the marines were to surprise, or at all events to storm Fort Dunkirk, a battery of nine guns, situated on the starboard side of the harbour, and the possession of which was necessary, to prevent the island militia from collecting on Marin point, whence they could have greatly annoyed the boats on their return. By judiciously timing their departure from the ship, both parties arrived at the same instant at their respective destinations. The marines surprised the fort, and took 15 prisoners, and having dismounted and spiked the guns, they destroyed the carriages and blew up the magazine. But lieutenant Beatty humanely spared the barracks; for had they been set on fire a large and ripe field of canes would have been destroyed. The seamen had 1 killed and 5 wounded. On the 26th of November captain Acheson Crozier and lieutenant Walker, with the detachment of marines, were landed from the 74-gun ship Centaur, at the Petite Ance d'Arlette, Martinique, and carried a battery mounting 6 twenty-four pounders, which they destroyed, and threw the guns over the precipice. In exploding the magazine, one man was killed; captain Crozier, lieutenant Walker, and 6 men wounded.

Lieutenant McLauglan, of the marines of the Centaur, assisted at the destruction of a battery of 3 guns on the Pointe d'Arlette, between Grande and Petite Ance. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1802. The Marines became a Royal Corps and tradition has it that this honour was awarded for loyalty during the Nore Mutiny.

1802 \- 1870. The last force of Royal Marines to serve in Australia was stationed at Cape York.

1802. In commemoration of the distinguished services performed by the marines during the war, his Majesty was graciously pleased to honour them with the style of " Royal Marines." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1803 to 1815. The Napoleonic Wars were a series of wars fought between Napoleon's French Empire and a series of opposing coalitions. That composed of the United Kingdom, Prussia, Austria, Sweden, Spain, Portugal and Russia against France. The wars where originally sparked by the French Revolution during 1789. Napoleon went on to fight 60 battles, losing only seven, mostly towards the end of his rein. The great French Dominion collapsed rapidly after the disastrous invasion of Russia during 1812. Eventually Napoleon was defeated by the Russians in 1814. He returned to France and was finally defeated in 1815 at the battle of Waterloo, and all of France's gains were stripped away by the victors. During the Napoleonic Wars the Royal Marines participated in all the naval battles on board Royal Navy's ships and several amphibious landings.

1803. Establishment of the Corps was increased to 22,467. Many officers were allowed the retirement, and through the advocacy of the Earl St Vincent, it was made an open list.

1803. Friday 18th March. Besides the many useful reforms adopted by Earl St. Vincent, for the internal œconomy of the British Navy, his Lordship also turned his attention to the Corps of Royal Marines. Upon the 18th of March, a new code of instructions was published for their regulation when on shore, which vests in the four Senior Captains of each division, the management and superintendance of many concerns that had formerly been placed under separate departments. It would exceed my bounds to attempt the discussion of arrangements which are obviously well designed to promote the interests of the public and the individual, as well as to establish a facility in subordinate transactions. Experience, doubtless, will attest their wisdom, and posterity recognize with gratitude their enlightened author.

1803. Thursday 25th March. The peace of Amiens was so unpopular to both nations, that it was generally expected to be but of short duration: warlike preparations continued to increase with such activity, that it gave to the treaty the character of a truce or suspension of arms, in which both parties were striving to gain an advantageous position on a renewal of hostilities. Squadrons were preparing in the ports of France, Holland, and Spain; and abritish fleet was in readiness to watch and follow their movements. France had long been desirous to gain possession of Malta, or to have that island placed under the protection of a power favourable to her interests but England, in order to counteract that design, stipulated that this important island should be guaranteed by Great Britain, France, Austria, Russia, and Spain, and not under the protection of Russia alone. It was no longer concealed that Buonaparte's intentions were to occupy Egypt and the Ionian islands; and the augmentation of the french military establishments gave a clear indication of these warlike proceedings.
Negotiations were opened with a desire to remove the difficulties in the way of a continuance of peace; but the unfavourable aspect of affairs produced a message from his Majesty to Parliament, stating that the preparations in the ports of France rendered it necessary to increase our armaments by sea and land, although the french government protested that it had no other view in these preparations, beyond subduing their own revolted colony of San Domingo.

In the ultimatum submitted by Great Britain, it was proposed to retain Malta for ten years, but France contended it should be ceded to Russia: lord Whitworth consequently left Paris, and war was declared against France by his britannic Majesty on the 18th of May 1803; On the night of the 27th of June, two boats from the 38-gun frigate Loire, captain F. L. Maitland, under the orders of lieutenant Francis Temple, attacked the french national brig Venteux of 10 guns, anchored close under the batteries of the Isle of Bas. Although fully prepared for the assault, she was gallantly boarded, and after a defence of ten minutes, carried and brought out, with the loss on the part of the British of 5 seamen and 1 marine wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1803. Wednesday 18th May. Doris captured Affronteur.

1803. Saturday 28th May. Minotaur captured Franchise.

1803. Tuesday 14th June. Immortalite and consorts cut out Inabordable and Commode.

1803. Centaur and consorts took Morne Fortunee.

1803. Saturday 25th June. Endymion captured Bacchante.

1803. Monday 27th June. Boats of Loire captured Venteux.

1803. Tuesday 28th June. Goliath captured Mignonne.

1803. Tuesday 28th June. Hereule engaged Poursuivante.

1803. Thursday 30th June. Vanguard and Cumberland captured Creole.

1803. Thursday 30th June. Capture of Tobago.

1803. Saturday 2nd July. Minerve captured off Cherbourg.

1803. Monday 4th July. Boats of Naiad cut out Providence.

1803. Monday 11th July. Racoon captured Lodi.

1803. Monday 25th July. Vanguard and Tartar captured Duquesne.

1803. Monday 1st August. Boats of Hydra captured Favori.

1803. Sunday 14th August. Racoon captured Petite Fille, Amelie, and Jeune Adele.

1803. Wednesday 17th August. Racoon destroyed Mutine.

1803. Thursday 25th August. Seagull and Colossus captured Lord Nelson (late British).

1803. Wednesday 31st August. Boadicca engaged Duguay-Trouin and Guerriere.

1803. Friday 9th September. Boats of Sheerness captured two chasse-marees.

1803. Tuesday 13th - 15th September. Cerberus and consorts at Granville.

1803. Wednesday 14th September. Dieppe bombarded by Immortalite and consorts.

1803. Tuesday 20th September. Princess Augusta repulsed Union and Wraak.

1803. Tuesday 27th September. Calais bombarded by Autumn and consorts.

1803. Thursday 29th September. Boats of Antelope in the Texel.

1803. Thursday 29th September. Leda drove ashore 23 gun-vessels.

1803. September. Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice surrendered.

1803. Monday 9th October. Boats of Atalante cut out two French vessels.

1803. Wednesday 26th October. Boats of Osprey captured Ressource.

1803. Thursday 27th October. Milbrook and boats destroyed Sept Freres.

1803. Monday 31st October. Admiral Mitchell drove ashore a French gun-brig.

1803. Friday 4th November. Launch of Blanche cut out a French schooner.

1803. Friday 4th November. Boats of Blanche cut out Albion.

1803. Saturday 5th November. Lieutenant Edward Nicolls RM led a 12 man cutting-out party in the cutter from HMS Blanche and captured the French cutter Albion from under the battery at Monte Christe in Santo Domingo. The Albion had a crew of 43 men and was armed with two 4-pounder guns and six swivels. In the fighting the French Captain wounded Nicolls with a pistol shot before being himself killed. The British lost two dead and two wounded, including Nicolls. Later he became known as fighting Nicholls. During his remarkable career he saw action 106 times, was wounded six times, court martialled twice, and demoted. However, he was eventually promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.

1803. Sunday 6th November. Cutter of Blanche captured a French trooper.

1803. Monday 14th November. Boats of Blenheim and Drake captured Harmonie and stormed.

1803. Wednesday 16th November. Boats of Blenheim at Martinique. Lieutenant G. Beatty and 60 Marines storm Fort Dunkirk protecting the harbour of Marin, while the seamen cut out L'Harmonie a French privateer.

1803. Saturday 26th November. The storming of a battery at Petite Ance D'Arlette on Martinique. Captain Acheson Crozier. Lieutenant. W. Walker and Marines of HMS Centaur carried a 9 gun battery of 24 pounders. Lieutenant Walker received a sword of honour and £100 from the Patriotic fund.

1803. Wednesday 30th November. Capture of Cape Francois and Surveillante and Clorinde.

1803. Friday 16th December. Merlin destroyed the grounded British frigate Shannon.

1803. Royal Marine George Smith arrived in Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) along with his wife Grace Morrisby onboard the Calcutta, as a guard looking after the convicts.

1803.The very important services of the fleets of Britain, through successive generations, have justly entitled her Seamen to public recompence and protection. Every means, therefore, which good policy or expediency could suggest, have been adopted at different times, for their comforts and welfare.

Whether from an illiberal distinction, or a faulty omission, I know not, still the Marine Soldier, habitually a sharer in the dangers and the glory of our Navy, notwithstanding such natural claims to notice, was, for a long while, excluded from a participation in these humane regulations which afforded independence to the destitute families of our Sailors when afar off in their Country's service. It was reserved for a recent and a more enlightened era to extend also to the Marine, a privilege which must constitute the sweetest joy of every good man that of allotting a part of his pay, when embarked, and distant from his home, for the constant support of a wife and family otherwise doomed to want, an aged parent weighed down by poverty and years, or a dependant friend struggling hard against adversity.

I shall state the nature of those rights which have progressively been granted to the Marine Soldier and point out the mode by which they can be practically adopted. It is a tribute, however, meritedly due to the Right Honorable Mr. Dundas, to remark, that from his intelligent and generous conceptions, first emanated all these estimable privileges to the subordinates in the Royal Corps of Marines, which were eagerly discussed and sanctioned by a grateful Legislature.

Without recurring to the express Acts of Parliament, upon which those indulgencies are founded, I will simply digest their spirit, and detail the necessary steps to be observed, under every possible contingency. It will be proper to mention, in the first place, that every Marine Recruit should intimate to his wife or kindred, immediately after his joining Head Quarters at Chatham, Portsmouth, or Plymouth, the number of the divisional Company to which he has been attached. Young men too frequently name only their parade Companies which is of no use after they are embarked on board, as such often undergo a change while they continue on shore. By particularizing the former, it serves as a certain clue to their friends in every enquiry concerning their destinies, and will correct mistakes when two, or more, of a similar name shall happen to belong to the same ship or division. Taken from the Appendix 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1803 \- 1815. During the Napoleonic Wars the Royal Marines participated in every notable naval battle on board the Royal Navy's ships and also took part in multiple amphibious actions. Marines had a dual function aboard ships of the Royal Navy in this period; routinely, they ensured the security of the ship's officers and supported their maintenance of discipline in the ship's crew, and in battle, they engaged the enemy's crews, whether firing from positions on their own ship, or fighting in boarding actions.

The number of marines on board Royal Naval ships depended on the size of the ship and was generally kept at a ratio of one marine per ship gun, plus officers. For example: a First Rate Ship of the Line contained 104 marines while a 28 gun Frigate had 29. Between 1807 and 1814, the total marine establishment number was 31,400 men. Manpower (recruitment and retention) problems saw regular infantry units from the British Army being used as shipboard replacements on numerous occasions. One result of the Royal Navy's dominance of the seas in Europe, and the blockading of the French Navy's ports, was that manpower constraints became less of an issue at the end of the Napoleonic Wars. From 1812, such maritime supremacy meant the Mediterranean and Channel Fleets were assigned additional marines for use 'in destroying signal communications and other petty harassing modes of warfare'.

In the Caribbean theatre volunteers from freed French slaves on Marie-Galante were used to form the 1st Corps of Colonial Marines. These men bolstered the ranks, helping the British to hold the island until reinforcements arrived. This practice was repeated during the War of 1812, where escaped American slaves were formed into the 2nd Corps of Colonial Marines. These men were commanded by Royal Marines officers and fought alongside their regular Royal Marines counterparts at the Battle of Bladensburg in August 1814. During the battle a detachment of Royal Marine Artillery commanded by Lieutenant John Lawrence deployed Congreve rockets resulting in the rout of the US militiamen. The Royal Marines battalion and the 21st Regiment of Foot also took part in the Burning of Washington later that day.

Also present on shore during the Chesapeake campaign was a composite battalion of Marines, formed from ships' Marine detachments, frequently led by Captain John Robyns. A smaller composite battalion of about 100 men (23 officers, two of whom (John Wilson 1787-1850 and John Alexander Phillips 1790-1865) were Trafalgar veterans, and 80 other ranks) also took part in the Battle of New Orleans, under the command of Brevet Major Thomas Adair, in January 1815. The only British success at New Orleans was an attack on the west bank of the Mississippi River by a 700-man force, consisting of the 100 Royal Marines, 100 sailors under Captain Rowland Money, and 3 companies of the 85th Foot.

Throughout the war Royal Marines units raided up and down the east coast of America including up the Penobscot River and in the Chesapeake Bay. They later helped capture Fort Bowyer in Mobile Bay in what was the last action of the war.

1804. In the early part of the year, a considerable military force assembled on the french coast, and the preparations for invading England were continued with the greatest activity, in the construction of 2000 prames, gun-vessels, and flat-bottomed boats, to convey the army across the Channel. Almost every department of the nation voted a ship of the line, each of the larger villages a frigate, and every commune gave its prame, gun-vessel, peniche, or flat-bottomed boat. Vessels for the flotilla were constructing, not only in all the naval ports and in the small harbours along the coast, but upon the banks of every river. Even Paris became for a time a maritime arsenal: two slips were erected there, and many vessels of the smaller kind were launched on that part of the Seine. At Antwerp, for the first time during a great many years, the keels of ships of the line were laid down; and at Brest, l'Orient, Rochefort, and Toulon, several ships of force and magnitude were ordered to be built. The ports of reunion of the flotilla were seven: Ostend, Dunkerque, Calais, Ambleteuse, Vimereux, Boulogne, and Etaples; and Boulogne, being only twelve leagues from the low land between Dover and Hastings, was made the main depot. This port, until the projected invasion, possessed an insignificant harbour, formed by the estuary of a small river which was nearly dry at low water, having only one quay but in a short time both banks of the river were lined with quays, moles were constructed, a capacious basin formed, and a bridge thrown across the river; and the water being confined by means of a dam, vessels were kept constantly afloat. Immense bat teries were erected on all the commanding points, and a strongline of heavy gun-vessels moored across the road, which from the numerous shoals and sand-banks was difficult of approach: the tides, too, which cross each other in an extraordinary manner, were very serious obstacles in the way of a bombarding force. Corresponding exertions were making on the british coast: a number of small vessels, each armed with one or two heavy long guns, were stationed at the Nore, and at all the most assailable parts of the shore; as were also several large ships, mounted with heavy carronades. Martello towers were erected along the coast, and a large army, composed of regulars, militia, and volunteers, was ready to meet the enemy, should he venture to place foot on english ground. In the Channel, and all along the french coast, our cruisers were constantly on the watch, ready to fall upon the divisions of the flotilla when they showed themselves outside the sands and batteries by which they were protected; and scarcely a day passed without some skirmish, either with the vessels under the protection of their numerous batteries, or by encounters with the flotilla. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1804. Tuesday 3rd January - 25th March. The Attack on Curacao. Lieutenant Nicholls and 199 Marines belonging to HMS Hercule, HMS Blanche, HMS Pique and HMS Gipsy were present, when fort Piscadoro was stormed and French troops driven under the guns of Fort Republique by seamen and Marines of these ships. Lieutenant Nicolls and his Marines withstood 28 consecutive days of continuous enemy assaults on their positions.

1804. Sunday 15th January. Captain John Bligh, of the 74-gun ship Theseus, was ordered by sir John Duckworth to proceed from Port Royal, St. Domingo, and summons the garrison of Curacoa, taking with him the 74 gun-ship Hercule, frigates Blanche and Pique, and Gipsy schooner. Owing to calms and variable winds, this squadron did not reach the island of Curagoa until the 31st, when a summons was sent to the governor, who peremptorily refused the terms. The passage into the harbour is so narrow, that even with a fair wind, a line of battle ship can enter with difficulty and the batteries, mounting nearly 100 pieces of cannon, entirely command the entrance. Under these circumstances, no alternative remained but to try the effect of a landing. Captain Bligh therefore bore up with two seventy-fours for an eligible spot where the disembarkation might be effected, leaving the two frigates to cause a diversion of the enemy's force, and to blockade the harbour. According to a previous arrangement, the boats of the squadron, all the marines of the four ships, amounting to 199, including lieutenants Edward Nicolls (senioiyDfficer), William Henry Craig, Samuel Perrot, Earle Harwood, and Bertrand Cahuac, had assembled on board the Hercule, with a detachment of 406 seamen; numbering together 605 officers and men, under the order of captain Richard D. Dunn.

Fort Amsterdam, situated on the south-east side of the entrance to St. Ann, fired at the ships as they passed, but the shot fell short. At 1 1 h. 30 m. Fort Piscadero, mounting 10 twelve-pounders, and protecting the intended point of disembarkation, opened a fire, which was returned by the Theseus within half musket-shot; who, making short tacks, so effectually silenced the enemy, that at 1 p. m. the first division of seamen and marines landed, stormed the fort without sustaining any loss, and struck the dutch colours. They then by a rapid movement gained the heights, and with the loss of only four or five killed drove the dutch soldiers from the position: by this time, the remainder of the detachment had landed without opposition.

On the morning of the 13th of February 2 eighteen-pounder carronades and a field-piece were landed from the Theseus, and with great difficulty and danger were dragged four miles to the advanced position on the height, situated about 800 yards to the westward of the town of St. Ann, which it in part overlooked; and this post was placed under the command of lieutenant N. J. Willoughby, while the position between it and the place of disembarkation was under the orders of lieutenant J. B. Hills. On the 2nd, 2 long eighteen-pounders and 1 twelve-pounder were placed in " Willoughby's battery;" but in effecting this, some loss was sustained from the heavy fire kept up by Fort Republique. Four eighteen-pounder carronades and another field-piece having been landed and mounted at the outposts, a constant interchange of firing was kept up between the british and dutch batteries.

A smart skirmish took place between our advanced post and the enemy's sharp-shooters on the evening of the 4th, when the latter were repulsed; and on tb* morning of the 5th there was a serious affair between the marines under lieutenant Nicolls, and a force of Dutch and French amounting to 500 men. Notwithstanding the inferiority of the British, lieutenant Nicolls in the most gallant manner engaged the allied forces, and drove them under the guns of Fort Republique, from whose destructive fire, the marines sustained a loss of 20 in killed and wounded. On the 6th the cannonade was resumed on both sides, and the town partially set on fire. Many successive days were passed in this way, the british force decreasing, not only by the encounters with the enemy and the cannon of their heavy batteries, but from fatigue and sickness, 63 men had been embarked on account of dysentery. Thus, circumstanced and learning that the Dutch had already received a reinforcement, Captain Bligh determined on withdrawing the whole of his force; and at 11 p.m. on the 25th the detachment safely arrived on board the vessels appointed to receive them, having previously destroyed Fort Piscadero. The loss of the British, in the different skirmishes with the enemy, amounted to 1 midshipman, 8 seamen, 2 Serjeants, and 7 privates of marines killed; lieutenants Harewood, Cahuac, and Perrot (the latter with the loss of an arm), 16 seamen, 2 Serjeants, and 21 privates of marines, wounded. Total, — 18 killed, and 42 wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1804. January - February. Operations at Curacoa.

1804. Sunday 27th May. The cutting out of La Conception.

1804. Saturday 4th February Boats of Centaur cut out Citrieux.

1804. Sunday 5th February. Eclair engaged Grand Decide.

1804. Sunday 19th February. Boats of Drake cut out a schooner at Martinique.

1804. Monday 20th February. Active engaged 16 gunboats and took a transport.

1804. Friday 24th February. Party from Drake stormed Trinite Fort.

1804. Sunday 4th March. Boats of Blenheim cut out Curieux.

1804. Monday 5th March. Cutter of Eclair cut out Rose.

1804. Wednesday 7th March. Boats of Inconstant cut out a ship at Goree.

1804. Thursday 8th March. Goree taken.

1804. Tuesday 13th March. Emerald and consort's boats cut out Mozambique.

1804. Wednesday 14th March. Drake captured two prizes.

1804. Saturday 17th March. Penguin and boats destroyed Renommee.

1804. Friday 23rd March. Osprey engaged Egyptienne.

1804. Saturday 24th March. Wolverine captured by Blonde.

1804. Sunday 25th March. Hippomenes captured Egyptienne.

1804. Saturday 31st March. Scorpion and Beaver cut out Dutch vessels.

1804. Tuesday 3rd April. Swift captured Esperanee.

1804. Monday 9th April. Amazon captured a brig under fire at Sepet.

1804. Tuesday 10th April. Wilhelmina engaged Psyche.

1804. April - May. Operations and capture of Surinam.

1804. Tuesday 8th May. Vincejo captured by 17 French vessels.

1804. Tuesday 15th May. Cruiser and five consorts engaged 60 vessels off Blankenberg.

1804. Thursday 24th May. Reconnaissance of Toulon.

1804. Thursday 21st June. Unsuccessful engagement with Buonaparte.

1804. Wednesday 11th July. At 10 p.m., three boats of the 32-gun frigate Narcissus, three of the 38-gun frigate Seahorse, and four of the 32-gun frigate Maidstone, under the orders of lieutenant Thompson, assisted by several officers, and among that number lieutenant William Wiltshire of the marines, proceeded to the attack of twelve settees lying at La Vaudour, in the bay of Hyeres, distant between four and five miles from the ships. The enemy's vessels were moored head and stern close to the beach, to which they were also completely secured, and covered by a battery of three guns. About midnight the settees were boarded under a tremendous fire of grape and musketry, as well from the vessels as from the batteries and the houses of the town: most of them were set fire to, and only one was brought off.

This gallant attack was unfortunately attended with severe loss lieutenant William Wiltshire of the marines, 1 midshipman, and 2 seamen, were killed; 1 lieutenant, 1 master's mate, 3 midshipmen, 15 seamen, and 3 marines wounded. We cannot refrain from an expression of astonishment, that in neither the letter of lieutenant Thompson to captain Donnelly, nor in the latter's official report, is there any mention of the officer of marines who gallantly fell in this enterprise; and but for the surgeon's return of the casualties, we should have been denied the opportunity of recording the name of lieutenant Wiltshire.

In the latter part of September, the A casta frigate, captain Atholl Wood, was attached to the Channel fleet, and on regaining her station off the Black Rockp, after a heavy gale from the eastward, reconnoitred the french fleet lying in Brest harbour. Finding that five ships of the line had disappeared since the frigate's last visit, it became a matter of speculation to account for the departure of the french squadron; and as a means of ascertaining the cause of their absence, lieutenant Thomas Peebles of the marines suggested the following scheme, which that officer carried into execution on the same evening. Soon after dark, the Acasta stood pretty close to the shore; and early on the following morning the lieutenant, with six marines in one of the cutters, and accompanied by Mr. Hemet, the master, put off from the frigate, directing their course for the point of Bertheaume, where it will be recollected there is a strong fort situated on a rock, and connected with the main land by a wooden bridge. Under this bridge the fishing-boats from Brest were accustomed to assemble during the night, in readiness to pursue their occupation on the following morning. It was just daylight when the cutter arrived near the rock, and immediately gaining possession of a fishing-boat, and taking a man out of two others, she was brought off, unobserved by the sentries in the fort directly over their heads. On reaching the Acasta, the fishermen were separately examined, and as they concurred in their statement that the missing ships had moved into the inner harbour, the Frenchmen, after being well regaled, were allowed to proceed to Brest in their own boat. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1804. Thursday 12th July. Aigle destroyed Charente and Joie.

1804. Sunday 15th July. Lily captured by Dame Ambert.

1804. Tuesday 31st July. Tartar's boats captured Hirondelle.

1804. July - Aug. Dieppe bombarded.

1804. Sunday 12th August. Galatea's boats failed to cut out General Ernouf (late Lily).

1804. Monday 13th August. The 32-gun frigate Galatea, captain Henry Heathcote, having discovered the late british sloop Lily (now the General Ernouf), refitting as a french privateer near Anse a. Mire in the Saintes' islands, and lying anchored near a french privateer-schooner; four boats, under the orders of lieutenant Hayman, assisted by several officers, including lieutenant Robert Hall of the marines, were sent to attempt her capture. At 10 p.m. the detachment left the Galatea and pulled towards the harbour under cover of the night; but the enemy had placed a guard-boat in advance, which gave an intimation of their approach, and consequently they were fully prepared to receive the attack. About 1 a.m. on the 14th, lieutenant Hayman in the barge, leading the party, was nearly alongside the Lily, when the firing commenced heedless of this reception the boats dashed alongside, and in the dreadful conflict which ensued, lieutenant Hayman fell mortally wounded; and only 3 out of the 26 men and officers in the barge were left free from dangerous wounds. The three other boats tried in vain to overcome the numerous and still increasing force opposed to them; and after sustaining a fire for nearly an hour, they were compelled to abandon the enterprise, leaving the barge to her fate. On their return, they were exposed to a very destructive fire from the batteries, which continued until 3 h. 30 m. a. m.; and just as the day dawned the miserable remnant of the expedition reached the frigate. Out of the 90 officers and men who quitted the Galatea, not more than twenty returned unhurt: besides lieutenant Hayman, Mr. Michael Birbeck, the master, and Mr. Wall, midshipman, were among the killed; and lieutenant Robert Hall of the marines, who lost an arm, was made prisoner.

The total loss on this occasion amounted to 65 in killed and wounded it would be difficult to state the loss of the enemy, but they acknowledge having had four men killed. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1804. Friday 17th August. Loire captured Blonde.

1804. Saturday 18th August. Lord Melville became The First Lord of the Admiralty.

1804. August. The King authorised the formation of the Royal Marine Artillery (RMA) for service on board the Bomb Ketches and other like vessels, and to man ordnance ashore in support of Naval operations. One company was raised for each division.

Although the Ketches had originally manned by the Army's Royal Regiment of Artillery. A lawsuit by a Royal Artillery officer resulted in a court decision that Army officers were not subject to Naval orders.

As their uniforms were the blue of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, this group was sometimes nicknamed the 'Un-boiled Lobsters' or the 'Blue Marines'. While the Infantry element, who wore the scarlet uniforms of the British infantry, became known as the 'Red Marines', often given the derogatory nickname 'Lobsters' by sailors. A fourth division, known as the Woolwich, was formed on Thursday 15th August 1805, which soldiered on until they were abolished in 1870.

While an Artillery company had been added to each division at the time of the fourth division formation, and in 1854 the seperate title of 'Royal Marine Light Artillery' was conferred and the old artillery companies, by that time increased in number, were constituted as a seperate corps under the name of the 'Royal Marine Artillery'. This Corps headquartered in Portsmouth with fourteen companies.

At that time the total force of the Marines was 29,000 men.

1804. With the formation of the Royal Marine Artillery, Gunners from this new unit were used on specialist ships such as Bomb Vessels and Mortar Boats.

They were volunteers and were less likely to 'jump ship' than the pressed seamen. They would be landed with them to deter them from deserting.

During battle they provided extra manpower to operate the guns, small arms and disciplined musketry defence at close quarters. They would also be used as part of prize crews (to man captured ships) and on occasions assist with boarding parties.

They participated in attacks on coastal installations and cutting out (capturing) enemy ships at anchor, as well as protecting watering and foraging parties.

They protected the ship's officers from the crew and were quartered between them.

They were deployed as sentinels guarding the powder rooms, magazines, the spirit room and other storerooms, and the entrances to the officers' quarters and ships' cells.

They assisted in the general sailing and maintenance of the ship when unskilled heavy labour was required, such as hauling ropes when the ship was manoeuvring, turning the capstan to weigh anchor, and embarking heavy stores.

They could not be ordered to go aloft, although if expedient, many did. They could not however, be punished for not showing inclination to do so.

The Marine detachment would form up on deck for all formal occasions and punishments.

In addition to their military duties, Marine officers would undertake watch duty.

As the Royal Navy developed into the steam and iron-clad era Royal Marine detachments focused more on manning the new types of naval guns, and gunnery in general. Training was undertaken at HMS Excellent at Portsmouth, whilst the Royal Marine Artillery eventually built sea service training batteries at their Headquarters at Eastney.

The Royal Marines Light Infantry were also trained in naval gunnery and often manned a ship's secondary armament. (RMHS)

1804. Saturday 25th August. Immortalite and Bruiser engaged off Boulogne.

1804. Sunday 26th August. Immortalite and consorts engaged, and Constitution sunk.

1804. Saturday 15th September. The 50-gun ship Centurion, when lying in Vizagapatam roads, at 10 a.m. was attacked by the french 74-gun ship Marengo and two 40-gun frigates, who, after an action of thirty minutes, hauled off to seaward; but at 11 h. 15 m. the Marengo and her consorts were again seen approaching, and the 74 having anchored about a mile from the Centurion, recommenced the cannonade, supported occasionally by the Atalante, under sail upon the quarter of the british ship. Hi John, hope you and the family are okay.

At 1 h. 15 m. a shot cut the cable of the Centurion, and about the same time the 74 made sail, accompanied by the frigates, and taking with them the Princess Charlotte indiaman. The Centurion also got under way and continued her fire until the enemy was out of gun-shot, having 9 men wounded. Captain Lind, in his official letter, expresses himself much indebted to the zeal and energy of lieutenant Waring of the marines. Intelligence having reached the ministry that an armament was fitting out at Ferrol, and that french troops were on their way thither, the Admiralty despatched a squadron of four frigates, under captain Graham Moore, to intercept four laden frigates, having treasure on board, from Monte Video, bound to Cadiz. On the 5th of October the squadrons met off Cape St. Mary's, and the Spanish rear-admiral refusing to be detained and conducted into an english port, an action ensued; during which one of their frigates exploded, and the other three surrendered, with a loss of 13 killed, and 80 wounded. The english squadron had 2 men killed, and 80 wounded.

That the british government had any right to detain this squadron was more than doubtful, even to those who concurred in the expediency of the measure; but when the alternative was determined upon, it would have been only considerate to have sent a more formidable force to execute the service, in order to have justified the Spanish admiral in surrendering without an appeal to arms. This act of aggression produced an order from the court of Madrid on the 27th of November to make reprisals on english property; but it was not until the 12th of December that the king of Spain issued his formal declaration of war, nor until the 12th of January that Great Britain directed letters of marque to be granted against Spanish vessels and property. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1804. 18th September. Centurion engaged Marengo, Atalante, and Semillante.

1804. Tuesday 18th September. the following letter was sent: "It having been judged expedient to crop the hair of all soldiers liable for foreign-service, The Admiralty order the same to be adopted at the Marine Divisions. This was the end of powdered hair and queues, and no doubt the start of the well-known "short back and sides"!

1804. Wednesday 3rd October. Indefatigable and consorts took or destroyed Fama, Medea, Mercedes, and Clara.

1804. Friday 5th October. The capture of three Spanish Treasure ships of Cadiz. The Captain, officers and crew of the HMS Lively, one of the ships engaged in the capture, gave £50 to Thomas Tough, a Marine who lost his arm in the engagement in testimony of their admiration of his "brave and meritorious conduct in the action".

1804. Friday 5th October. The Battle of Cape Santa Maria, was a naval action that took place off the southern Portuguese coast, in which a British squadron under the command of Commodore Graham Moore attacked a Spanish squadron Commanded by Brigadier Don José de Bustamantey Guerra, in a time of peace, without a declaration of war between Britain and Spain.

1804. Monday 8th October. Albacore engaged off Gros Nez.

1804. Tuesday 23rd October. Cruiser lost in engagement off Ostend.

1804. General Sir Charles Menzies KCB. KH., Colonel of the RM Artillery Division, was previously the first Governor of the Australian Convict Settlement at Newcastle NSW.

1804. Nearly ten percent of each company were comprised of foreigners, mainly Maltese, German, Spanish and Portuguese. Each company on paper was to comprise 1 Captain, 2 first Lieutenants, 2 second Lieutenants, 8 Sergeants, 8 Corporals, 6 Drummers and 140 Privates. Each Marine Division also had a grenadier and a light company, (but they were abolished in 1804). With disease, shortages and battle caused deaths, it was highly unlikely that the paper figures were ever met. The Marine companies were dispersed throughout the fleet and where also needed on land.

1804. Lord Melville became first lord of the Admiralty. An order in Council, dated the 18th of August, authorized the formation of a company of artillery at each of the three divisions. The total force of the Marines at this period was 29,000 men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1804. 'The Royal Marine Artillery in the Crimean War; The Royal Marine Artillery (RMA) was formed as a separate unit in August 1804 to man the artillery in bomb vessels and to man ordnance ashore in support of naval operations. This had been done by the Royal Artillery Regiment, but a lawsuit by a Royal Artillery officer resulted in a court decision that Army officers were not subject to Naval orders. As their uniforms were the blue of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, this group was nicknamed the "Blue Marines" and the Infantry element, who wore the scarlet uniforms of the British infantry, became known as the "Red Marines", often given the derogatory nickname "Lobsters" by sailors. A fourth division, the Woolwich, was formed on August 15th, 1805 which soldiered on until abolished in 1870. An artillery company had been added to each division at the time of the fourth division formation and in 1854 the seperate title of Royal Marine Light Artillery was conferred and the old artillery companies, by that time increased in number, were constituted as a seperate corps under the name of the Royal Marine Artillery. This corps headquartered in Portsmouth with fourteen companies.

The various siege operations during the latter Napoleonic period, Calais in 1810 and other operations along the various coastline points of Europe. Established a tradition within the RMA that kept it a cohesive, functional command while other military organizations across the continent began to lose orientation due to internal hubrus and an aging command hierarchy. The value of the Mortar had made it an integral part of the inventory of the Royal Marine Artillery, bores of 5.5, 8, 10 and 13 inch being the accepted requirers of munitions during the Crimean War period. The 13 inch bore was introduced into RMA service after British forces tasted the receiving end of this large projectile during the Siege of Calais. Engineer James Atkinson Longridge designed the ordnance as used in RMA service during the period in question, one accomplishment among many that spanned the engineering of steam and civil construction works.

Tensions between the governments of Russia and the Ottoman regime of Turkey began to move towards a critical diplomatic mass in 1851, the conflict between the states being conflicts between the Latin and Orthodox factions of Christianity. Precedence in the Holy Lands and the demand that Russia be allowed to protect Orthodox pilgrims in the region with a military force, points unacceptable to the Suleman Turks, led to the breaking off of diplomatic relations on May 18th, 1853. An underlying condition that led to the conflict was the fact that the Concert of Europe, the diplomatic accord passed in 1815 with the ending of the Napoleonic wars, was being undermined by Austrian interests in trying to force European conditions to something of a form prior to the French Revolution. These attempts by Austria increased nationalist sentiments in several European nations. When push came to shove Austria and Prussia declared their neutrality on 20th April 1854. Those powers of Central Europe declaring neutrality is, I believe, the major factor in the conflict developing into a naval war, the usual paths toward the invasion of Russia being closed to the Allies. The Russians had entered the Danubian Principalities at the end of July and the Sultan, Abdul Medjid, had been forced by Turkish public opinion to declare war on October 4th, 1853. This at a time that initial engagements between Russian and Turkish forces were occurring in Bulgaria and Romania. A battle occurred between Russian and Turkish naval forces at Sinop, a seaport of Northern Turkey, the first naval engagement of the conflict. A Russian victory ensued the November 30th, 1853 four hour duration battle; Russia fielded Paixhans shell guns, the use of which destroyed eleven ships of Pasha Osman's navy with no Russian losses. The development of explosive shells for use by artillery firing at low levels of elevation was that of Henri-Joseph Paixhans, a French Artillerist born at Metz in 1783. The use of the shells in this battle spelled the end of the wooden navies of the world and the realization of the need for more robust construction techniques, French usage of exploding shells dating from 1827; British usage from 1829 after initial tests of his development of the explosive shell by Paixhan in 1824. The battle was used as justification for British and French declaration of war against Imperial Russia in support of the Ottoman Empire. France declared war on March 27, 1854, with Great Britian following suite the next day.

The British Mediterranean fleet, then under the command of Vice-Admiral James Whitney Deans Dundas, C.B., was ordered to assemble at Malta; soon afterwards directed to proceed to Besika Bay to join with a French Squadron under Vice-Admiral de Lassusse, who had left Toulon on March 23rd, 1853. Lassusse was replaced by Vice-Admiral Ferdinand Alphonse Hamelin due to slow movement in rendezvous. Hamelin having a British line in his family might have been a consideration of his appointment, also. Upon Turkish invitation the combined fleet began to move through the Dardenelles on October 22nd, 1853. On 16th March 1854 the British fleet, under Vice-Admiral Sir Charles John Napier, cast anchor in the Kiel Bight. After receiving fresh reinforcements, Napier approached Gangut with nineteen ships of the line and 26 steamers. The blockade of Russian ports and coasts began. The Russians chose not to attack the Anglo-French forces poised to strike in the Baltic in May, this decision based on lack of organization, the fact that many of the vessels were still in poor condition from being winter ice-bound and the Russian commander in the Baltic, General-Admiral Grand Duke Konstantin Nikolayevich, had insufficient experience in command to decisively operate the Baltic fleet. Vice-Admiral Napier and French Vice-Admiral Parseval-Deshen rejected the idea of attacking the Russian fortresses in the Baltic, their decision based on a lack of troops available for movement ashore.

Unsatisfactory results during the Crimean War operations of 1854 were mainly due to French and British maritime naval forces being ill-equipped for the job before them, the reduction of Russian strongpoints along the Baltic coast, in order to move towards St. Petersburg. The requisite vessels for effective operations in the shallow waters of the Baltic and the shallow outlying parts of the Black Sea, shallow draught steam-powered gunboats and mortar vessels, did not exist in the numbers needed. After the initial attempt at reducing the fortress at Sweaborg by Admiral Dundas the London Times reported that, "Sweaborg is no more." Two days afterward it was proved that the fortress was untouched. Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier fired up his pen and responded to the Times stating, "We are defeated by our own triumphs, and all for want of mortars." The Royal Navy in the Baltic at that time did not have a single large mortar in the fleet worthy of use, the few available rusted and subject to bursting upon firing. Napier's caustic use of the press caused him to be superseded by the Admiralty under pressure from First Minister of the Crown Lord Palmerston. Mention is made in some detail in another post on this topic of the effort made by British yards to supply the needs required in a timely manner. Russia utilized the time granted them by British inability to mount decisive attacks by building sixteen screw-propelled gunboats. The French constructed five Mortar Vessels for use in Crimean operations using the designs of naval constructor Pastoureau, the Bombe class, and all vessels constructed at Lorient in 1855. Each vessel had armament comprised of two 32 cm mortars. All five of these seventy-nine foot length vessels were stricken from the active list before 1860, four became water barges. The dearth of Allied equipment usable in the required Crimean operations, plainly made evident by the first Baltic operations, put the spur to Allied building effort. The two former adversaries conversed freely regarding operations and requirements. Sir Baldwin Wake-Walker, Chief Surveyor of the Royal Navy upon appointment in 1848, visited France in the spring of 1854 to exchange ideas concerning gunboats and the British Chief Constructor, Isaac Watts, went over in the autumn to inspect construction. French naval constructors Molle, Mangin, Garnier, Guieysse, Sabatier and Pastoureau, as well as the French Captain of Naval Artillery Sapia, made tours of inspection in England in 1854 and 1855. The entire Russian Navy in 1853, divided among five fleets, consisted of ninety-five warships. The number of personnel in service of the Imperial Russian Navy consisted of 91,000.

The concept of the Bomb Vessel, fleet support vessels intended to work against shore installations, had been a part of the Royal Navy since the 1680's. Brigadier General Sir Samuel Bentham is known to have used a 13 inch bore mortar in 1788 as a low-angle fire weapon, "either point blank or with very little elevation, never, I believe, exceeding ten degrees." This acceptance of a French tactical development was reinstated in naval planning for use in the Crimean War, with contracts being let to three yards for construction after vessels for conversion proved unobtainable. Two types were eventually developed, the mortar vessels, divided into 60-, 65-, 70- and 75-foot types, and the mortar floats. The mortar vessels carried a basic rig on a signal mast and were armed with a single 13in mortar. The mortar floats had no sails and had to be towed into position, many of the fifty floats constructed becoming dockyard craft after loss of requirement for their primary mission. The nature of the Mortar ordnance caused them to be placed under Royal Marine Artillery responsibility, though at naval command discretion. Four obsolete Frigates that had been converted to steam propulsion were planned as bomb vessels, only one, the Horatio, being completed in 1855 before the success of the Allied operations negated the completion of the remainder. (Sic) (Courtesy of Tom C./Wikepedia.com)

1805. Friday 4th January. Scarcely had the declaration of war been issued by the court of Madrid, than France began to put in requisition the fleets and armies of her new ally. On the 4th of January, three days actually before the Spanish declaration reached London, a secret treaty between the two courts was signed at Paris, by vice-admiral Decres on behalf of France, and by vice-admiral Gravina on the part of Spain. The first article contains a display of the force at the french emperor's disposal, describing the respective flotillas at Ostend, Dunkerque, Calais, Boulogne, and Havre as collectively capable of embarking 120,000 men, and 25,000 horses; whilst in the united ports of Brest, Rochefort, and Toulon, there were thirty-eight sail of the line affording a grand total of 188,000 men. On the part of Spain, she was to furnish twenty-nine ships of the line, and to have from 4000 to 5000 troops ready to embark at Cadiz, in conjunction with 20,000 french infantry. The british government took immediate measures for the increase of every branch of our force and the number of seamen voted for this year, was 120,000, including 30,000 marines. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1805. Monday 28th January. Gipsy destroyed privateer schooner.

1805. Sunday 3rd February. Arrow and Acheron taken by Hortense and Incorruptible.

1805. Friday 8th February. Curieux captured Dame Ernouf.

1805. Wednesday 13th February the 36-gun frigate San Fiorenzo, captain Henry Lambert, near Vizagapatam fell in with the french 32-gun frigate Psyche, having in the company two captured british vessels. After a long chase, the San Fiorenzo was enabled to bring the french frigate to action at 8 p.m. on the 14th, which continued with great fury on both sides until 9 p.m., when the Psyche fell on board her antagonist; but in about a quarter of an hour the ships got clear, and the cannonade recommenced. The french frigate's main-yard was shot away at 9 h. 40 m., but the firing continued with unabated fury until 11 h. 30 m. p.m., when the San Fiorenzo hauled off to reeve new braces, and repair her rigging. At midnight the latter bore up to renew the conflict, and just as she was about to open her broadside, a boat came on board from the Psyche, announcing her surrender. The San Fiorenzo, out of a crew of 253 men and boys, had 12 killed and 36 wounded; among the latter, lieutenant Samuel Ashmore of the marines. The Psyche had three lieutenants and 54 men killed, and 70 wounded, out of a crew of 240 men. The heroic defence of a ship of such inferior force during a close action of more than three hours, reflected the greatest credit on the gallant captain Bergeret; and every Frenchman who is proud of his country's glory, should hold in honourable recollection the determined resistance of the Psyche. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1805. Thursday 14th February. San. Fiorenzo captured Psyche.

1805. Saturday 16th February. At day-break, the 32-gun frigate Cleopatra, captain sir Robert Laurie, when in latitude 28° north, longitude 27° west, went in chase of the french 40-gun frigate Ville de Milan: both ships were under all sail, and the pursuit continued through the night. At day-break on the 17th they were only four miles apart, the Cleopatra still gaining on the enemy. At 10 h. 30m. the Ville de Milan took in her studdingsails and hauled more up; and after some manoeuvre on the part of the french ship to get the weather-gage, a running fight was maintained until 2h. 30 m. p.m., when just as the Cleopatra had arrived within a hundred yards of her opponent, the latter luffed close to the wind and discharged her broadside, which was repeated before the british frigate returned the fire: a warm action then ensued, which continued with great spirit, both ships steering free. At 5 p.m. the main top-sail yard of the Ville de Milan was shot away, and the Cleopatra, being so much disabled as to be incapable of shortening sail, ranged a-head; captain Laurie therefore prepared to cross the bows of his adversary, but just at that moment a shot struck the wheel of the Cleopatra and rendered the rudder ungovernable. Availing herself of the helpless condition of her opponent, the Ville de Milan bore up and gave her the stem, running her head and bowsprit over the latter's quarter-deck, just abaft the main rigging and covered by a heavy fire of musketry the french crew attempted to board, but were repulsed. The Cleopatra was now incapable of further resistance, and in a second attempt the French boarded and took possession of their gallantly defended antagonist. Almost immediately afterwards, the Cleopatra's fore and main-masts went over the side, and her bowsprit soon followed. Out of a crew of 200 men and boys, she had 22 killed and 36 wounded, including among the latter lieutenant Thomas Appleton of the marines. The Ville de Milan, out of a crew of 350, had 1 men killed and several severely wounded.

After refitting the captured ship, the Ville de Milan with her prize, continued her route towards a french port; and on the 23rd, at noon, they were discovered and chased by the 50-gun ship Leander, captain John Talbot. About 3 p. m. the two frigates closed for mutual support, but on the arrival of the Leander within gun-shot, they separated, — the Cleopatra running before the wind, and the Milan with the wind on the starboard quarter. At 4h. 30 m. the Cleopatra, on receiving a shot from the Leander, hauled down her colours, and was immediately taken possession of by her original crew. Observing this, the Leander made sail after the Ville de Milan, and at 5h. 30 m. having arrived alongside, the french ship surrendered without firing a gun (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1805. Sunday 17th February. Cleopatra captured by Ville de Milan.

1805. Saturday 23rd February. Leander re-captured Cleopatra and took Ville de Milan.

1805. Wednesday 20th March. Renard blew up General Ernouf.

1805. Saturday 23rd March. Boats of Stork captured Antelope and a brig.

1805. Friday 29th of March. A french squadron of eleven sail of the line and six frigates, under vice-admiral Villeneuve, having 3500 troops on board, sailed from Toulon; and on the 8th of April they stood into the bay of Cadiz, driving away vice-admiral sir John Orde, with his five sail of the line.

Receiving a reinforcement of five Spanish and one french ship of the line, vice-admiral Villeneuve quitted Cadiz on the 9th; when this combined fleet, consisting of seventeen sail of the line, six frigates, and three brigs, steered a westerly course; but owing to contrary winds and calms, they did not reach Martinique until the 13th of May, and on the 16th they were joined by the Spanish 80-gun ship San Rafael. On the 3rd of April vice-admiral lord Nelson was apprized by the Phoebe frigate of the french fleet being at sea: not gaining any intimation of their route, and surmising their course would be westward, his lordship made sail in that direction; and on the 17th, information was obtained of the enemy having passed the straits. The prevalence of strong southerly and westerly winds made it the 30th ere lord Nelson got sight of Gibraltar; and it was not until the 7th of May that the squadron passed through the straits. Having anchored in Lagos bay, and obtained a supply of provisions from the british transports, the vice-admiral with the Victory, Canopus, Superb, Spencer, Swiftsure, Belleisle, Conqueror, Tigre, Leviathan, and three frigates, crowded sail to the westward on the 1 1th, in pursuit of the combined fleet. After touching at Madeira on the 15th, the admiral gained intelligence on the 3rd of June, of the enemy being in the West Indies; and on thd 4th, the british fleet anchored in Carlisle bay, where they were joined by the Northumberland and Spartiate. Here the squadron embarked 2000 troops, and then proceeded towards Tobago and Trinidad; but on the 7th the vice-admiral, finding that he had been misled, altered his course, and on the 9th arrived off Grenada, where lord Nelson received accounts that the enemy had passed the island of Dominique on the 6th, steering to the northward, On the 13th the british fleet arrived at Antigua, where the troops were disembarked ; and leaving the Northumberland as the flag-ship of admiral Cochrane, Lord Nelson stood to the northward with his eleven ships of the line, in the hope of reaching the shores of Europe before the enemy could arrive there.

To return to vice-admiral Villeneuve: we find that two french line of battle ships joined his fleet on the 5th of June, when at Martinique, and after embarking a portion of that garrison, he proceeded with an intention of reducing some of the windward islands; but learning that the british squadron was close upon his heels, the french admiral hastily got rid of his military force and bent his course towards Ferrol. After capturing several english merchant-men, and having recaptured the Spanish galleon Matilda, the combined fleet of twenty sail of the line arrived off Cape Finisterre on the 9th of July. Lord Nelson also hastened towards Europe, and on the 18th fell in with three ships of the line under vice-admiral Collingwood. On the 19th the squadron arrived at Gibraltar, and having replenished the water and provisions, repassed the straits on the 28th, and reached England on the 16th of August.

Soon after the arrival of the combined fleet off Cape Finisterre on the 9th of July, a violent gale from the northeast sprang up, which slightly damaged some of the ships: the wind moderated but continued to blow from the same adverse quarter until the 20th. On the 22nd, in the forenoon, the enemy's force of twenty sail of the line, consisting of seven ships of 80 guns, eleven of 74 guns, and two of 64 guns, seven frigates, two brigs, and the galleon, were steering in a thick fog towards Ferrol, in three divisions, with a light breeze from west-north-west; when on a sudden clearing up of the weather, ten sail of the line were signalled by their advanced ship, approaching on the starboard tack, and presently twenty-one were discovered.

The strangers were fifteen british ships of the line, two frigates, a cutter, and a lugger, under vice-admiral sir Robert Calder, who after making the necessary preparatory signals, formed his fleet in line of battle as follows: — Hero 74, Ajax £4, Triumph 74, Barfleur 98, Agamemnon 64, Windsor Castle 98, Defiance 74, Prince of Wales 98 vice-admiral sir Robert Calder, Repulse 74, Raisonable 64, Dragon 74, Glory 98 rear-admiral Stirling, Warrior 74, Thunderer 74, and Malta of 80 guns.

About the same time the combined fleet arranged themselves in line of battle, and under top-sails stood on upon the larboard

tack, rather off the wind, in a close well-formed line; one frigate a-head, another astern with the galleon in tow, and the remaining five frigates to windward of the centre and rear. At this time the British were nearly a-beam, and about seven miles distant; but owing to the fog, neither fleet was more than partially in sight of each other.

At 3 h. 20 m. p. m. the signal was made to engage the enemy, and immediately afterwards for the fleet to tack together; but this was annulled, and the ships, having been ordered to make all possible sail and steer south-south-west, were at 4h. 21m. directed to tack in succession. The signal to this effect was made by each commander-in-chief about the same time, but the weather being so foggy, neither fleet observed the commencement of the other's manoeuvre. The British tacked to prevent their opponents escaping them on the opposite tack and the enemy, who had hauled close to the wind, on approaching within three miles of the british fleet wore round, in consequence of signal-guns in quick succession from the sternmost frigate, signifying that the rear was in danger.

This was occasioned by the bold approach of the Sirius, who had tacked with the intention of attempting to carry, by boarding, the galleon in tow of the frigate. At that moment the Spanish 80-gun ship Argonauta was discerned through the haze, approaching with the wind nearly a-beam this compelled captain Prowse to relinquish his design upon the galleon, and seek his own safety; and in effecting this, the Sirius had to pass to leeward of the enemy's line: fortunately, neither of the three Spanish line-of-battle ships considered her inferiority worthy of their notice. At abo^it 5h. 15 m. the Hero, the british van-ship, hove in stays; and the Spanish ships, all of whom had royals and courses set, instantly hoisted their colours, and commenced the action, the Argonauta firing her larboard guns at the Hero, and the Espana her's at the Sirius, which killed two men, and wounded three on board the frigate.

The Ajax tacked astern of the Hero, but instead of supporting captain Gardner in his bold manoeuvre, captain Brown bore away to acquaint the admiral with the change in the enemy's van, and the Ajax then fell into the line astern of the Glory thus making herself the twelfth, instead of the second, ship from the van. The british ships successively tacked, and by 6 p. m., with the exception of the Dragon, who was still to leeward working up, the whole had got round on the starboard tack, and the greater part found opponents in the opposite line; but what with the fog and the smoke, no ship could see much beyond her own length. Owing to the disorder arising from this circumstance, some ships in both fleets had several opponents at the same time. On the british side the Windsor Castle was the principal sufferer; and the Ajax, Prince of Wales, Thunderer, and Malta, the last especially, took part in this unequal contest. Of the ombined fleet, the San Rafael, Firme, and Espana, having dropped to leeward, became generally exposed to the fire of the British. The Firme's critical situation called the attention of captain Cosmao Kerjulien, of the french-74 Pluton, who gallantly bore up out of the line, and for a while covered the Spanish ship from the destructive fire to which she was exposed; but the Firme was too powerfully opposed to profit by the aid of her ally, and the Pluton herself with difficulty regained her station. Shortly afterwards the french ship bore up a second time to interpose herself between the Espana and the powerful fire of the british line: and with the assistance of the Mont Blanc and Atlas, captain Kerjulien succeeded in rescuing the Espana. The Atlas suffered most severely, and but for the support of the Neptune and some others, would certainly have been captured.

The Firme, having lost her mizen-masts, surrendered about 8 p.m., and shortly afterwards her fore-mast went over the side. The San Rafael, with loss of main top-mast, and subsequently of all her masts, also struck, and both ships were taken possession of. It was about 8 h. 30 m. when sir Robert Calder made the night-signal to discontinue the action, at which time the british ships were much scattered, and the combined fleet barely within gun-shot to windward; and as the signal of the british admiral was observed but by few ships of his fleet, the general firing did not cease until 9 h. 30 m. p.m. Shortly afterwards the fleet brought to on the starboard tack, and lay by repairing damages, in order to renew the contest on the morrow.

The total loss sustained by the british fleet amounted to 39 officers and men killed, and 159 wounded; while the gross amount of killed and wounded in the combined fleet is stated to have been 476.

At day-break on the 23rd the two fleets were about seventeen miles apart; and owing to the hazy state of the morning they were but partially visible to each other: but the advanced squadrons of the respective fleets were within six miles. Far to leeward, and out of sight of the admiral, were the Malta, Thunderer, the two frigates and prizes; whilst between them and the main body lay the crippled Windsor Castle, in tow of the Dragon. Having concentrated his fleet, the british admiral, at 9 h. a.m., hauled up on the larboard tack, steering to the northeast, keeping between the enemy and his three disabled ships the Windsor Castle being in tow of the Dragon, the San Rafael of the Egyptienne, and the Firme of the Sirius. Towards noon the combined fleet, formed in order of battle, bore up towards the British, then about four leagues distant in the east-south-east; but owing to the lightness of the breeze, it was not until 3 h. 10 m. that their advance was noticed bv their opponents, who immediately hoisted their colours, and by hauling closer to the wind, awaited the expected attack. At 4 p.m. the enemy, with colours also hoisted, and then distant about three leagues from the British, hauled to the wind on the same tack, thus declining a renewal of the engagement.

At 8 a.m. on the 24th the wind, having shifted to north-east, brought the combined fleet nearly astern of the British, now to windward, and might in all probability have recommenced the action; but sir Robert continued with his prizes under easy sail, steering about south-east by east, working towards a british port, whilst the enemy edged away south-east by south; and by 6 p.m. the two fleets had wholly disappeared from each other. Admiral Villeneuve, with his eighteen sail of the line, reached the port of Vigo on the 26th, and having refitted his fleet, quitted that anchorage with thirteen french and two Spanish ships of the line on the 30th, and arrived at Corunna on the 1st of August.

On the 11th the combined fleet, reinforced by a squadron from Ferrol, amounting to twenty-nine ships of the line, put to sea; and on the 20th this formidable armament anchored in Cadiz harbour, where they found six Spanish ships, thus forming a total of thirty-five sail of the line and several frigates.

The british squadron cruising off that port consisted of the Dreadnought, bearing the flag of vice-admiral Collingwood, and the two seventy-fours Colossus and Achille, who were reinforced by four sail of the line on the 22nd; and on the 30th sir Robert Calder joined with eighteen line-of-battle ships. Lord Nelson, in the Victory, arrived from Portsmouth on the 28th of September, to take the chief command of the Mediterranean fleet, which now consisted of twenty-seven sail of the line; twenty-two of which cruised about fifteen miles off Cadiz, while the remaining five, under rear-admiral Louis, were stationed close to the harbour, to watch the motions of the enemy. Between the 1st and the 17th of October there had been several interchanges of ships: six were detached to Gibraltar for provisions and water, and sir Robert Calder returned to England in the Prince of Wales; whilst on the other hand the Royal Sovereign, Belleisle, Africa, and Agamemnon had joined, so that the fleet still amounted to twenty-seven ships of the line, four frigates, a schooner, and a cutter.

It has been stated, that on the very day his lordship arrived to take the command of the Mediterranean fleet, vice-admiral Villeneuve received the french emperor's commands to proceed to sea. These orders had been issued in the preceding month, requiring that the fleet should pass the straits; and having landed the troops on the coast of Italy, to sweep the Mediterranean of all british vessels, and then enter the port of Toulon to refit.

The french troops having embarked on the 10th of October, the combined fleet moved to the entrance of the harbour in readiness to start. From the 10th to the 17th it continued to blow hard from the westward, with but little intermission; but at midnight on the 17th the wind shifted to the eastward, and on the 18th vice-admiral Villeneuve determined on putting to sea. At 7 a.m. on the 19th, the combined fleet, by signal, got under way, with a light breeze at north by east; but owing to the lightness of the wind, only twelve ships succeeded in getting out, and these lay becalmed until early in the afternoon, when a breeze springing up from the west-north-west, they stood to the northward, accompanied by the british frigates, Sirius and Euryalus. At daylight on the morning of the 20th, the remainder of the combined fleet quitted the port with a light breeze at south-east, consisting, with the ships already outside, of thirty-three sail of the line, five frigates, and two brigs.

Every movement of the enemy was reported by the british frigates, and the communication conveyed to the commander in-chief by intermediate ships, stationed at convenient distances from each other. It was on the 19th, at 9 h. 30m. a.m., while the british fleet was lying to, about sixteen leagues west-south-west from Cadiz, that the Mars came running down, with the signal flying that the enemy was coming out of port. All sail was immediately made in chase to the south-east, with a light breeze from the south-south-west; and some ships were ordered to lead the fleet, and to carry a light during the night.

Every movement of the enemy was reported by the british frigates, and the communication conveyed to the commander in-chief by intermediate ships, stationed at convenient distances from each other. It was on the 19th, at 9 h. 30m. a.m., while the british fleet was lying to, about sixteen leagues west-south-west from Cadiz, that the Mars came running down, with the signal flying that the enemy was coming out of port. All sail was immediately made in chase to the south-east, with a light breeze from the south-south-west; and some ships were ordered to lead the fleet, and to carry a light during the night.

At daylight on the 20th, the British found themselves at the entrance of the straits, but nothing of the enemy was to be seen the fleet therefore wore, and made sail to the north-west, with a fresh breeze at south- south-west. At 7 the enemy was signalled north; and by noon the british fleet was about nine leagues south-west of Cadiz. At 2 p. m. they were taken a-back by a breeze from west-north-west, and at 4 p.m. stood to the northward. At 8h. 40 m. a.m. the british fleet wore to the south-west; and at 4 a.m. on Monday the 21st they again wore and steered under easy sail to the north by east.

At 6 a. m., Cape Trafalgar bearing east by south, distant about seven leagues, the combined fleet was seen from the Victory, and nearly at the same time by the whole british fleet, bearing about east and by south, and distant about ten miles. At 6h. 40m. a.m. the Victory made the signal to form the order of sailing in two columns, and to prepare for battle, and in another ten minutes to bear up. This prompt mode of attack had been previously directed by lord Nelson, in order to avoid the inconvenience and delay of forming a line of battle in the usual manner.

The french admiral, considering the near approach of the british fleet rendered an action unavoidable, made the signal at 8 h. 30 m. for his ships to wear together, and form line in close order upon the larboard tack, thereby bringing the harbour of Cadiz on his lee-bow. Owing to the lightness of the wind, it was near 10 a.m. before the manoeuvre was completed; and even then, the line was so very irregular, that it was more in the form of a crescent, particularly towards the rear. Some ships were to leeward, others to windward of their proper stations, and they were generally two, and in a few instances three deep thus accidentally presenting a far more formidable opposition, than if each ship had been in the wake of her leader. They were mostly under top-sails and top-gallant sails, with the main-top sail shivering, steering a point or two off the wind.

The british fleet made but slow progress, not going more than a knot and half an hour with all sail set: the Victory leading the weather, and the Royal Sovereign the lee column, in th following order of battle:

Battle of Trafalgar.

Victory, 100 guns, vice-admiral lord Nelson (killed), captain T. M. Hardy, 57 killed, 102 wounded. Captain Charles Wm. Adair (killed), first-lieutenant James G. Peake (wounded), second-lieutenant Lewis Buckle Reeves (wounded), secondlieutenant Lewis Rotely.

Temeraire, 98 guns, captain E. Harvey, 47 killed, and 76 wounded. Captain Simon Busigny (mortally wounded), second-lieutenant William N. Roe, second-lieutenant Samuel J. Payne (wounded), second-lieutenant John Kingston (killed).

Neptune, 98 guns, captain T. F. Freemantle, 10 killed, 34 wounded. First-lieutenant George Kendall, second-lieutenant William Burton, second-lieutenant Lewis Rooke.

Leviathan, 74 guns, captain H. W. Bayntum, 4 killed, 22 wounded. Captain George P. Wingrove, first-lieutenant Nathaniel Cole, first-lieutenant Thomas J. W. Tane.

Britannia, 100 guns, rear-admiral earl of Northesk, captain C. Bullen, 10 killed, 42 wounded. Captain Alexander Watson, first-lieutenant William Jackson, second-lieutenant L. B. J. Halloran, second-lieutenant John Cooke.

Conqueror, 74 guns, captain J. Pellew, 3 killed, 9 wounded. Captain James Atcherly, second-lieutenants Patrick Toole, and Thomas Wearing (wounded).

Africa, 64 guns, captain Henry Digby, 18 killed, 44 wounded. Captain James Fynmore (wounded), first-lieutenant Thomas Brattle.

Agamemnon, 64 guns, captain sir E. Berry, 2 killed, 7 wounded. Captain H. B. Downing, second-lieutenant Herbert Raban, second-lieutenant Donald Campbell.

Ajax, 74 guns, lieutenant J. Pilfold, 2 killed, 9 wounded. Captain David Boyd, second-lieutenant J. Cinnamond, secondlieutenant Samuel B. Ellis.

Orion, 74 guns, captain E. Codrington, 1 killed, 23 wounded. Captain Henry VV. Creswell, second-lieutenant Stephen Bridgman.

Minotaur, 74 guns, captain C. M. Mansfield, 3 killed, 22 wounded. Captain Paul Hunt, second-lieutenant Nathaniel B. Grigg, second-lieutenant Thomas Reeves.

Spartiate, 74 guns, captain sir F. Lafoi'ey, 3 killed, 20 wounded. First-lieutenant Samuel Hawkins, first-lieutenant John R. Coryton, second-lieutenant G. D. Hawkins.

Royal Sovereign, 100 guns, vice-admiral C. Collingwood, captain E. Rotheram, 47 killed, 94 wounded. Captain Joseph Vallack, second-lieutenant Robert Green (killed), secondlieutenant Armiger Wm. Hubbard, second-lieutenant James Le Vescomte (wounded).

Belleisle, 74 guns, captain W. Hargood (wounded), 34 killed, 96 wounded. First-lieutenant John Owen (wounded), second-lieutenant John Weaver, second-lieutenant Paul Harris Nicolas.

Mars, 74 guns, captain G. Duff (killed), 29 killed, 69 wounded. Captain Thos. Norman, second-lieutenant Charles Holmes, second-lieutenant Robert Guthrie.

Tonnant, 80 guns, captain C. Tyler (wounded), 26 killed, 50 wounded. Captain Arthur Ball, second-lieutenant James Cottle, first-lieutenant William Magin.

Bellerophon, 74 guns, captain J. Cooke (killed), 27 killed, 123 wounded. Captain James Wemyss (wounded), second- lieutenants John Wilson (2nd), Peter Connolly, and Luke Higgins.

Colossus, 74 guns, captain J. Morris (wounded), 40 killed, 160 wounded. Captain Elias Lawrence, second-lieutenant William Laurie, second-lieutenant John Benson (wounded).

Achille, 74 guns, captain R. King, 13 killed, 59 wounded. Captain Palms Westropp (wounded), second-lieutenants William Liddon (wounded), and Francis Whalley.

Dreadnought, 98 guns, captain J. Conn, 7 killed, 26 wounded. Captain Thomas Timmins, first-lieutenants John M'Cullum and Thomas Lemon, second-lieutenant David Manley.

Polyphemus, 64 guns, captain Robert Redmill, 2 killed, 4 wounded. Captain Michael Percival, first-lieutenant John Mackintosh, second-lieutenant Charles Stewart.

Revenge, 74 guns, captain R. Moorsom (wounded), 28 killed, 51 wounded. Captain Peter Lely (wounded), secondlieutenant Arthur Copperthwaite, second-lieutenant Henry Blackler Fairtlough.

Swiftsure, 74 guns, captain H. G. Rutherford, 9 killed, 8 wounded. First-lieutenant William Gibbins, first-lieutenant Robert Gordon, second-lieutenant Henry Miller.

Defiance, 74 guns, captain P. C. Durham (wounded), 17 killed, 53 wounded. Captain Basil Alves, second-lieutenant George Bristow.

Thunderer, 74 guns, lieutenant J. Stockham, 4 killed, 12 wounded. Captain Gilbert Elliott, second-lieutenant William Hockley, second-lieutenant John Lister.

Defence, 74 guns, captain G. Hope, 7 killed, 29 wounded. Captain Henry Cox, first-lieutenant John Wilson (1st), second-lieutenant Alfred Burton.

Prince, 98 guns, captain R. Grind all. Captain Francis Williams, second-lieutenant Edward Pengelley, second-lieutenant John Shillibeer.

Total, — 450 killed, 1244 wounded.

Phoebe, first-lieutenant Mortimer Timson; Euryalus, lieutenant John S and ford; Naiad, lieutenants Edward Jones and P. S. Perkins; Sirius, lieutenants Thomas Moore and William Murray. The direction in which the combined fleet now lay, with a home port scarcely seven leagues on their lee-bow, induced lord Nelson to telegraph to his second in command, " I intend to pass through the van of the enemy's line, to prevent him from getting into Cadiz;" and as the shoals of San Pedro and Trafalgar were under the lee of both fleets, his lordship, in order to guard against that danger, made the signal " Prepare to anchor after close of day." Shortly afterwards that emphatic message of " England expects every man to do his duty," was communicated to the fleet by telegraph. The inspiring sentiment excited the most lively enthusiasm and was greeted by hearty cheers on board of every ship.

Having already described the formation of the combined line of battle, it is only necessary to observe, that the commanderin-chief in the Bucentaure, with the Santissima Trinidada, his second, a-head, were directly in front of the Victory; the Santa Ana, bearing the flag of vice-admiral D'Alava, was in the same direction from the Royal Sovereign; whilst the Spanish commander-in-chief, admiral Gravina, in the Principe d'Asturias, was the rearmost ship of the combined fleet, which formed? nearly as follows: —

Neptuno 80, Scipion 74, Intrepide 74, Rayo 100, Formidable 80, Dugnay Trouin 74, Mont Blanc 74, San Francisco d'Asis 74, San Augustin 74, Heros 74, Santissima Trinidada 130, Bucentaure 74, Neptune 80, San Leandro 64, Redoutable 74, San Justo 80, Indomptable 80, Santa Ana 112, Fougueux 74, Monarca 74, Pluton 74, Algesiras 74, Bahama 74, Aigle 74, Swiftsure 74, Argonaute 74, Montanez 74, Argonauta 80, Berwick 74, San Juan Nepornuceno 74, San Ildefonso 74, Achille 74, Principe d'Asturias 112. It was just at noon, the wind very light, the sea smooth, with a heavy ground-swell setting from the westward, and the sun shining beautifully upon the fresh-painted sides of the long line of the french and Spanish ships, when the ship next to the Santa Ana, the Fougueux, opened her fire upon the Royal Sovereign. The british fleet immediately hoisted their colours, and the Victory made the signal for close action: about the same time the enemy also hoisted their ensigns, and the admirals, with the exception of vice-admiral Villeneuve, their flags.

Neptuno 80, Scipion 74, Intrepide 74, Rayo 100, Formidable 80, Dugnay Trouin 74, Mont Blanc 74, San Francisco d'Asis 74, San Augustin 74, Heros 74, Santissima Trinidada 130, Bucentaure 74, Neptune 80, San Leandro 64, Redoutable 74, San Justo 80, Indomptable 80, Santa Ana 112, Fougueux 74, Monarca 74, Pluton 74, Algesiras 74, Bahama 74, Aigle 74, Swiftsure 74, Argonaute 74, Montanez 74, Argonauta 80, Berwick 74, San Juan Nepornuceno 74, San Ildefonso 74, Achille 74, Principe d'Asturias 112.

It was just at noon, the wind very light, the sea smooth, with a heavy ground-swell setting from the westward, and the sun shining beautifully upon the fresh-painted sides of the long line of the french and Spanish ships, when the ship next to the Santa Ana, the Fougueux, opened her fire upon the Royal Sovereign. The british fleet immediately hoisted their colours, and the Victory made the signal for close action: about the same time the enemy also hoisted their ensigns, and the admirals, with the exception of vice-admiral Villeneuve, their flags.

At ten minutes past noon, the Royal Sovereign having reached a position elose astern of the Santa Ana, discharged her guns double shotted into her, and with her starboard broadside distantly raked the Fougueux. It was just at this moment that lord Nelson, observing the enviable position of his friend, exclaimed, " See, how nobly Collingwood carries his ship into action/' The Royal Sovereign then ranged close alongside of the three-decker to leeward, and a tremendous cannonade ensued between these two powerful ships; but besides this equal contest the british ship had other opponents. About 400 yards a-head lay the San Leandro, who bearing away raked the Sovereign, while the Fougueux kept up a galling fire astern: she was also exposed to the occasional fire of the San Justo and Indomptable, within 300 yards, on her bow and quarter; but finding they were sustaining injury from their own cross fire, and the near approach of other british ships, the four two deckers drew off' from the Royal Sovereign, leaving her closely engaged with the Santa Ana.

For upwards of fifteen minutes the Royal Sovereign was the only british ship in close action, and she had taken a position upon the lee-bow of her opponent, when the Belleisle fired her broadside into the stern of the Santa Ana, and then bore away for the Indomptable. Just at this time the mizen topmast of the Spanish three-decker was shot away, and at the end of about an hour and a quarter from the commencement of the battle, her three masts had fallen over the side; and after a severe contest of a little more than two hours, the Santa Ana struck her colours. At this period the mizen-mast of the After sustaining the tremendous fire opened upon her from the centre and rear of the combined line for more than twenty minutes, and having, notwithstanding the precaution of the men lying down a-fore and aft, suffered a loss of above 50 in killed and wounded: her sails and rigging cut to pieces, and her mizen top-mast over the side, the Belleisle, at thirty minutes past noon discharged a treble-shotted broadside into the stern of the Santa Ana, and with her starboard guns exchanged some shot with the Fougueux; then bearing away a little, she passed under the stern of the Indomptable, who quickly wearing, exchanged a few broadsides with her, and bore away to the southeast. At about forty-five minutes past noon the Belleisle's main top-mast was shot away, and as the enemy's rear were now pressing forward to support the centre, the british ship's situation became extremely critical.

At 1 p. m. the Fougueux ranged up in the smoke on the Belleisle's starboard beam and striking her at the gangway with her larboard bow, dropped alongside. After both ships had engaged for about a quarter of an hour, during which the mizen mast of the Belleisle fell over her larboard quarter, the Fougueux dropped astern, and hauling to the northward ran on board the Temeraire. At 1 h. 30 m. p.m. the french Achille, ranging past the stern of the Belleisle, stationed herself on the latter's larboard quarter, and kept up a steady fire with comparative impunity, while the Aigle engaged her, distantly, on the starboard side; and as the Leandro and San Justo passed ahead on their way to join admiral Gravina in the rear, they opened a fire on the british ship.

Thus, in a manner surrounded, the Belleisle, at 2 h. 1.0 m. p.m., had her main-mast shot away about four feet above the deck, which failing aft on the break of the poop, with the wreck already over her larboard side, disabled the guns, and prevented her from returning the Achille's destructive fire. At 2 h. 30 m. the french Neptune, driven from her station upon the bows of the Victory and Temeraire by the approach of the Leviathan, placed herself across the starboard bow of the Belleisle, who was still engaged by two other ships; and at 2 h. 45 m. the fore-mast and bowsprit of this almost helpless ship were shot away by the board.

At 3 h. 15 m. the Polyphemus having interposed herself between the Belleisle and the Neptune, the latter stood on towards the rear; and shortly afterwards the Defiance took off the fire of the Aigle. The british Swiftsure next approached and passing close to the stern of the Belleisle as she lay covered in the wreck of her masts and sails, with the english colours fastened to the stump of her mizen-mast, manned her rigging, cheered the gallantly defended ship, and then opened her fire upon the Achille. Thus, relieved by the timely arrival of her friends, from the overwhelming force around her, the Belleisle ceased firing at about 3 h. 30 m. p.m.: captain Hargood observing that a Spanish two-decker had already surrendered, sent the master and lieutenant John Owen, the senior officer of marines (who volunteered, although wounded) to take possession of the 80gun ship Argonauta. On board the Belleisle eight marines were killed; lieutenant Owen, and 19 wounded.

The Mars following the Belleisle, suffered severely from the heavy raking fire to which she was exposed, particularly from the San Juan, Monarca, Pluton, and Algesiras; and directing her course to pass between the first two of these ships, the Pluton ranged a-head and became engaged with the Mars, who had also found opponents in the Monarca and Algesiras; but the Tonnant coming up, soon gave full employment for both those ships. The Mars then had her attention called to the Fougueux; and after receiving her broadside, as the latter hauled off from the Belleisle, she was severely raked astern by the Pluton, from which ship a cannon-shot killed captain Duff, when standing on the break of the quarter-deck. By this time, on the approach of other british ships, the Pluton stood away to the south-east to join admiral Gravina; whilst the Fougueux made off to the northward in the direction of the Temeraire.

The main top-mast and spanker-boom of the Mars were shot away, and her masts were so much injured that they all fell by the board during the gale on the following day. Eight marines were killed; captain Thomas Norman and 16 wounded, on board the Mars.

The Tonnant, after firing at the ships which pressed upon the Mars, steered for the larboard bow of the Algesiras, then standing slowly onwards in the line, and very near to her leader, the Monarca; but the french ship backing her main and mizen top-sails as the Tonnant advanced, the latter was enabled to pass under the stern of the Monarca, and then range up alongside the Spanish ship, who soon dropped astern and struck her colours, although she afterwards rehoisted them. At this time the Tonnant had her fore top-mast and main-yard shot away, when the Algesiras, making sail, endeavoured to cross her stern; but the latter putting her helm a-port, defeated the manoeuvre, and ran the Algesiras on board. The bowsprit and anchors of the Algesiras getting entangled in her opponent's main rigging, the two ships remained fast together, greatly to the advantage of the Tonnant; who, while engaged with her principal antagonist, had to contend with the San Juan on her larboard bow, and the Monarca, who had rehoisted her colours, on her quarter. At about 1 h. 10 m. captain Tyler received a severe wound, which compelled him to resign the command to lieutenant John Bedford, and an animated fire was maintained by the two ships; during which the Algesiras lost her fore-mast, and the Tonnant her main and mizen top-masts. The french ship now made a serious attempt to board but the marines of the Tonnant under captain Arthur Ball, kept up so steady and well-directed a fire, that the assailants were repulsed. At about 2 h. 15 m. p.m., just as the main and mizen-masts of the Algesiras were about to share the fate of her fore-mast, the gallantlydefended ship struck her colours; and lieutenant Bennett, with captain Ball of the marines and 50 men, stepped on board and took possession of her. In another quarter of an hour the San Juan also surrendered. Nine marines were killed, and 16 wounded on board the Tonnant: the Algesiras had upwards of 200 men killed and wounded, including several officers; and among them, mortally wounded, the brave and respected rearadmiral Magon.

The Bellerophon, from being at some distance astern of the Tonnant, and owing to the lightness of the wind, did not cut through the enemy's line for more than a quarter of an hour after the latter ; and passing under the stern of the Monarca, as the Spanish ship, with colours rehoisted, was dropping away from the Tonnant, the Bellerophon, at about 50 minutes past noon, ran foul of the Aigie, the latter's main-yard locking with her fore-yard ; and whilst thus closely engaged with an opponent of equal force, the Bellerophon sustained the fire of the Monarca and Montanez to windward, and the Bahama and french Swiftsure on either quarter. In this unequal contest the Bellerophon suffered severely; and at 1 p. m. her main and mizen top-masts fell over the starboard side; shortly afterwards captain Cooke was killed, and the command devolved on lieutenant Pryce Camby. The Swiftsure and Montanez then became engaged with the Colossus; and at 1 h. 40 m. p.m. the Aigle, after several ineffectual attempts to board, having dropped astern, was exposed to a raking fire from her opponent, as well as from the Revenge. The Bellerophon, now in an unmanageable state, took possession of the Monarca, and subsequently of the Bahama, who had surrendered to the destructive fire of the Colossus. Four marines were killed, captain Wemyss and 20 wounded, on board the Bellerophon.

At about 1 p.m. the Colossus ran past the starboard side of the french Swiftsure, as she edged away to bring her larboard guns to bear on the quarter of the Bellerophon, and owing to the density of the smoke, nothing was visible to leeward until the Colossus found herself close alongside the Argonaute, whose larboard yard-arms were locked in her starboard ones. After a smart cannonade, which lasted about a quarter of an hour, the Argonaute's fire slackened, and as she paid off, she received a heavy raking broadside from the Colossus. It was just as the french ship had receded, that captain Morris received a severe wound a little above the knee; but the gallant officer, having applied a tourniquet, did not quit the deck. In the mean while the Colossus was warmly engaged with the Swiftsure on the larboard quarter, and with the Bahama, who kept up a galling fire across the Swiftsure's fore-foot; but on the latter dropping astern, the Bahama occupied the entire attention of the Colossus, whose well-directed fire soon brought down the main-mast of the Spanish ship and compelled her to make sisms of having; surrendered. The french Swiftsure now endeavoured to bear up under the stern of the Colossus but the latter wearing more quickly, poured in her starboard broadside, which brought down the Swiftsure's mizen-mast; and the Bellerophon in passing having knocked away her main-mast, the french ship surrendered to the Colossus, who, in hauling up to take possession of the two prizes, lost her wounded mizen-mast over the starboard side. Her other masts were much disabled, and the main- mast went during the ensuing night. Eight marines were killed on board the Colossus, and lieutenant John Benson and 31 wounded.

The Achille, following closely after the Colossus, passed under the stern of the Montanez, and luffed up alongside of her to leeward; but in less than a quarter of an hour, the Spanish ship sheered off, and the Achille bore away to succour the Belleisle, then lying partly dismasted, with three enemy's ships upon her. On her way down, the Achille became engaged with the Argo nauta, until the Spanish colours were hauled down. At that moment two french ships claimed the attention of the Achille, who had to contend with her french namesake to windward; whilst the Berwick, after being distantly engaged with the Defence, ranged up on the british ship's starboard side, between her and the Argonauta. The two ships continued in close action for upwards of an hour, when the Berwick hauled down her colours, and was taken possession of by the Achille. In the meantime, the french Achille had passed on in the direction of the Belleisle, and the Argonauta dropped to leeward. Six marines were among the killed; captain Palms Westropp lost an arm, lieutenant William Liddon and 14 men wounded. The Berwick lost her captain, and above 200 men in killed and wounded.

Continuing the proceedings of the lee division of the british fleet, the Dreadnought next claims our attention. It was about 2 p.m. when that ship got into action with the San Juan, who was then surrounded by the Principe de Asturias, San Justo, and the Indomptable. At about 2 h. 20 m. the Dreadnought ran on board of and captured the San Juan, who, having previously been engaged by the Tonnant, Bellerophon, and some other ships, was nearly in a defenceless state the Dreadnought, therefore, without waiting to take possession of this severely-handled ship, stood on towards the Principe de Asturias; but after two or three broadsides the Spanish three-decker made sail, and with several other ships affected her escape. One marine was killed and 4 wounded on board the Dreadnought.

The Polyphemus, after hauling to starboard to allow the Dreadnought to close with the Spanish three-decker, was obliged to wait until the Swiftsure had passed a-head before she could resume her station. It was at about 3 h. 25 m. when the Swiftsure, after crossing the Belleisle's stern, opened her fire upon the french Achille, as the latter, passing along the larboard beam of the Belleisle, edged away to the south-east, followed and engaged by the Swiftsure, who presently succeeded in crossing her opponent's stern, and getting to leeward of her.

The Polyphemus about this time, after receiving a heavy fire from the french Neptune, in passing between that ship and the Belleisle, had advanced on the Achille's weather-quarter. In about half an hour after the Svviftsure commenced firing on the Achille, the latter had her mizen-mast and fore-yard shot away, and having taken fire in the fore-top, she ceased to engage but the Prince bore down in time to assist in silencing this nobly defended ship. The Polyphemus then stood away towards the Defence, who was engaged with the San Ildefonso; but the Spanish colours were hauled down before the Polyphemus could take part in the action. Two marines were killed on board the Svviftsure, and one marine wounded.

In attempting to pass through the enemy's line, the Revenge stood so close a-head of the Aigle, that the jib-boom of the french ship caught the mizen top-sail of her antagonist and enabled her to pour two deliberate broadsides into her bows before the two ships got clear. The Revenge then stood on, and while hauling up on the larboard tack, received a destructive fire into her lee-quarter from the Principe de Asturias, who, in conjunction with three ships around her, continued to cannonade the Revenge, until the Dreadnought and Thunderer took off the fire of the Spanish three-decker. From the exposed situation of the Revenge, her loss was very severe, and her masts and rigging were much disabled. Eight of her marines were killed; captain Lely and nine marines wounded.

The Defence commenced engaging the Berwick at 2 h. 30 m. p.m., but in less than half an hour the french ship hauled off, and sustained a sharp contest with the Achille, as we have already related. The San Ildefonso was the next opponent of the Defence, and after engaging for upwards of an hour, the Spanish ship struck her colours. Three marines were killed on board the Defence, and six wounded. The San Ildefonso had been engaged by several ships before the Defence came up and consequently her loss was very great, having nearly a third of her crew killed or wounded.

About 3 p. m. the Thunderer stood athwart the hawse of the Principe de Asturias, and having raked her distantly, brought to on the starboard tack. The Dreadnought had also opened her fire on the three-decker, when the french Neptune came to her assistance, and after engaging the Thunderer a short time, the two ships, with others near them, bore away towards Cadiz. Two marines were killed and one wounded on board the Thunderer. The Principe de Asturias having contended with several opponents, her damages and loss were comparatively severe: she had suffered so considerably, that her main and mizen-masts went in the gale that ensued, and she had 40 men killed, and 107 badly wounded.

The Defiance, after engaging the Spanish admiral and the San Juan, stood towards the Aigle, whose crippled state, from her encounter w T ith the Bellerophon, and then with the Revenge and others, had prevented her from making sail; and at 3 h. p. m. she ran alongside, boarded with little resistance, and got possession of the Aigle's poop and quarter-deck. The french colours were hauled down, and when in the act of hoisting the english in their stead, so destructive a fire of musketry was opened upon the boarders from the forecastle, waist, and tops of the Aigle, that the British were glad to escape back to their ship. The Defiance having sheered off to the distance of pistolshot, a sharp action between the two ships continued for about twenty minutes, when the Aigle being very much shattered, and having: sustained a loss of 270 in killed and wounded, called for quarter. On board the Defiance six marines were killed, and nine wounded.

Having detailed the proceedings of the ships composing the larboard division of the fleet, the operations of the column led by the commander-in-chief will commence the next volume.

1805. Friday 5th April. Boats of Bacchante at Mariel, Havana.

1805. Tuesday 9th April. Gracieux destroyed a Spanish armed schooner.

1805. Monday 15th April. Boats of Papillon captured Conception.

1805. Tuesday 23rd April. Gallant and consorts captured eight gun-vessels.

1805. Thursday 25th April. Archer captured two gun-vessels.

1805. Saturday 4th May. Seahorse and boats at San Pedro.

1805. Sunday 6th May. In the morning, the 32-gun frigate Unicorn, when about nine leagues to the northward of Cape Francois, St. Domingo, discovered the french cutter Tape-abord, of 4 long six-pounders, and 46 men. The prevailing calm rendering a chase by the ship impracticable, captain Hardyman despatched four boats under the command of lieutenant Henry Smith Wilson, assisted by several officers, and among that number lieutenant Walter Powell of the marines. After a pull of several hours the boats reached the cutter, and, under a heavy fire of great guns and musketry, boarded and carried her without the slightest casualty. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1805. Monday 27th May. Lieutenant Thomas Bland of the marines, in command of the barge of the 32-gun 'frigate Seine, captain David Atkins, when off Aguadilla, island of Porto Rico, went in pursuit of the Spanish schooner Concepcion, mounting 2 long six-pounders, with a crew of 10 men besides several passengers, and captured her after some resistance. About three weeks afterwards the same enterprising officer, assisted by midshipman Edward Cook, being on a cruise in the barge, destroyed a Spanish sloop; and after an action of three quarters of an hour captured a second Concepcion, a large felucca, bound from Porto Rico to Cadiz, and armed with 2 long four-pounders and 14 men, five of whom were severely wounded; but no loss was sustained by the British. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1805. Friday 31st May - 2nd June. Diamond Rock bombarded and capitulated.

1805. Saturday 1st June. The 38-gun frigate Loire, captain F. L Maitland, being off the coast of Spain, chased a small privateer into the bay of Camarinas, near Cape Finisterre; and when it became dark, the launch and the two cutters, with 35 officers and men under lieutenant James Lucas Yeo, assisted by lieutenant Samuel Mallock of the marines, and three midshipmen, were sent to attempt her capture. Owing to the intricacy of the passage, the boats did not reach the point of attack until break of day on the 2nd, when they found two privateers moored under a battery of 10 guns. Lieutenant Yeo, with the two cutters, gallantly attacked and carried the Spanish felucca Esperanza, armed with long eighteen-pounders, 4 four-pounders, brass swivels, and 50 men; of these 19 were missing, including several that had been killed by the pike and sabre, the only weapon used by the British, to prevent discovery. The launch, commanded by Mr. Charles Clinch, master's-mate, had in the mean-time attacked and captured a lugger of 2 six-pounders, and 32 men. No loss was sustained by the British in this affair.

Captain Maitland having received information that a french privateer of 26 guns was fitting out at Muros, and nearly ready for sea, he resolved to attempt the capture or destruction of that vessel. After arranging the plan of attack, the Loire at 9 a. m. on the 4th stood into the bay, having in tow the boats containing fifty officers and men, commanded by lieutenant Yeo, assisted by lieutenants of marines Samuel Mallock and Joseph Douglas, and master's mate Charles Clinch.

As the Loire hauled round the point, a small battery of 2 long eighteen-pounders opened a fire upon her, and some shots were returned; but finding that the battery, from its commanding situation, would considerably annoy the ship, lieutenant Yeo was directed to push for the shore and spike the guns.

As the Loire opened the bay, a corvette was discovered, pierced with 13 ports of a-side, apparently ready for sea, and a brig with 10, in a state of fitting; but neither had their guns mounted. These vessels were protected by a fort of 12 long eighteen-pounders, which now opened to view within less than a quarter of a mile, and which commenced a well-directed fire on the frigate. The Loire immediately anchored with a spring and opened her broadside upon the fort; but with little effect, owing to its elevated situation, and from being protected by its embrasures. After a few minutes of this unequal warfare, during which the Loire had 9 men wounded, the fort ceased its annoyance and just at that moment the british colours appeared above the walls.

As lieutenant Yeo landed with his party to storm the battery on the point, the Spaniards, amounting to 18 men, abandoned their guns and fled; and scarcely had the seamen time to spike the 2 eighteen-pounders, when at the distance of a quarter of a mile, and close to the town of Muros, the fort, whose destructive fire upon the frigate we have just described, was observed to open upon the Loire. Notwithstanding the formidable appearance of the fort, lieutenant Yeo determined to attempt its immediate reduction, and the detachment readily proceeded to the attack of this important post. Not suspecting an attack by land, and being wholly occupied in firing at the frigate, the garrison had left open the outer gate of the fort: the french sentinel, after discharging his musket, retreated through this gate, and was quickly followed by the advance of the storming party, led by lieutenant Yeo, who attacked and killed the governor. The contest then became severe, but the boldness and vigour of the assault was irresistible, and the remainder of the garrison, composed principally of the crew of the french corvette, and numbering above 90 men, fled to the further end of the fort; from the embrasures of which many of them leaped upon the rocks, a height of 25 feet. Shortly after this, the survivors in the fort having laid down their arms, the british colours were hoisted on the flag-staff, as we have described. Lieutenant Yeo, Mr. Clinch, 3 seamen, and 1 marine wounded, was the extent of the british loss in this daring enterprise. The loss on the part of the garrison was extremely severe: the governor and the second captain of the fort, with 10 others, were killed, and 30 wounded. The 12 eighteen-pounders being spiked and thrown over the parapet, and part of the fort blown up, the British re- embarked without sustaining any further loss; and the two privateers, together with a Spanish merchant brig, were brought away. Lieutenant Yeo was promoted to the rank of commander, and lieutenant Mallock obtained the adjutancy of the Plymouth division.

On the 6th of July lieutenant Pigot, of the Cambrian frigate, having proceeded twelve miles up the river St. Mary's, North America, in a small privateer which had been taken from the enemy, attacked and captured an armed ship and brig, protected by the militia from the shore. The British sustained a loss of 2 men killed, and 13 wounded. Captain Beresford, in reporting this enterprise, observes, " Lieutenant Masterman of the marines, who most ably seconded all Mr. Pigot's views, escaped unhurt, to the wonder of all, for his clothes were shot through and through," (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1805. Sunday 2nd June. Boats of Loire at Camarinas Bay.

1805. Tuesday 4th June. Boats of Loire at Muros Bay.

1805. Monday 10th June. Chiffonne and consorts engaged French gunboats.

1805. Thursday 13th June. Boats of Cambrian captured Maria.

1805. June. Boats of Seine captured Felucca Concepcion.

1805. Wednesday 3rd July. Cambrian captured Matilda.

1805. Sunday 7th - 21st July. Cambian's party in Matilda in St. Mary's River.

1805. Monday 15th July. Plumper and Teazer captured by French gun vessels.

1805. Wednesday 17th - 18th July. Ariadne and consorts engaged off Boulogne.

1805. Friday 19th July. The 36-gun frigate Blanche, captain Z. Mudge, being in latitude 20° 20' north, and longitude 66° 44' west, at 8 a.m. discovered to windward the french 40-gun frigate Topaze, with a corvette of 22 guns, another of 18, and a 16-gun brig, who, under english colours, steered towards the Blanche; but the latter, on finding the private signal not answered, made sail from the strange ships. At 9 a.m. the Topaze had so far gained in the pursuit, as to discharge a broadside into the starboard quarter of the Blanche; who perceiving that she could not escape, shortened sail, and as soon as the Topaze had arrived within pistol-shot, the british frigate returned the fire. The action continued with spirit, all the vessels being under easy sail, and never without hail of each other the large corvette on the starboard-quarter, and two others close astern. At about 10 h. 15 m. a.m. the Blanche attempted to cross the bows of the Topaze; but the latter defeated the manoeuvre by putting her helm hard a-starboard, and passing under the stern of her opponent, raked her with effect. The engagement continued until 11 a.m., when having her sails and rigging cut to pieces, seven of her guns dismounted, and six feet of water in the hold, the Blanche struck her colours. At the commencement of the action she had only 215 men on board: of these 8 were killed; lieutenant Thomas Peebles of the marines (his legs broken by a splinter), and 14 wounded. The captors finding their prize in a sinking state, set her on fire. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1805. Monday 22nd July. Sir Robert Calders action off Finisterre. Known as the Battle of Cape Finisterre off Galicia, Spain, the British fleet under Admiral Robert Calder fought an indecisive naval battle against the combined Franco Spanish fleet which was returning from the West Indies. Failing to prevent the joining of Villeneuve's fleet to the squadron of Ferrol and to strike the shattering blow that would have freed Great Britain from the danger of an invasion. The British received 198 dead or wounded, while the French and Spanish suffered 647 dead and wounded, 1200 were taken prisoners and two Spanish ships were captured. Although it was a strategic victory for the British, Calder was later court martialled and severely reprimanded for his avoiding of the French / Spanish fleet and a further possible engagement on the 23rd and 24th July.

1805. Tuesday 23rd July. Champion and consorts engaged off Fecamp.

1805. Friday 2nd August. Phaeton and Harrier engaged Semillante and consrts.

1805. Tuesday 6th August. Blenheim engaged Marengo and Belie Poule.

1805. Saturday 10th August. The 36-gun frigate Phoenix, captain Thomas Baker, cruising off Cape Ortegal, at 5 a. m. bore up in chase of the french 40-gun frigate Didon, who having shortened sail to await the approach of the Phoenix, at 8 h. 45 m. opened a smart fire, and then wore round and discharged her other broadside into the bows of the british frigate. This manoeuvre was thrice repeated, to the great annoyance of the Phcenix, who failing in her intention of passing astern of her opponent, and engaging her to leeward; and hopeless, from her inferior sailing, of being able to pass a-head of the Didon, ran right at her to windward. At 9 h. 15 m. the action was mutually maintained within pistol-shot but owing to the press of sail under which the Phcenix had approached, she ranged considerably a-head. The Didon filled and stood on, and crossing the stern of the Phoenix, fired some distant shot; then profiting by the damaged state of her opponent's rigging, the french frigate bore up, passed under the stern of the Phcenix, and again raked her. The Didon now hauled up on the larboard tack, intending to discharge her starboard broadside in a similar manner; but the Phcenix throwing all aback, defeated the attempt and brought her starboard quarter against the stern of the Didon, both ships lying nearly in a parallel direction. The instant they came in contact, each prepared to board; but the great superiority of numbers that advanced to the assault on board the Didon, made it necessary for the Phcenix to defend her own decks. Having repulsed the boarders, chiefly by the steady fire of the marines under first-lieutenant Henry Steele, and secondlieutenant John Peter Pleydell, a main-deck gun was brought to bear upon her opponent out of the cabin window of the Phoenix, which at the first discharge swept the Didon' s deck and killed or wounded 24 men. Meanwhile the marines and small-arm men on the quarter-deck were exerting themselves in the most gallant manner; one party directing their attention to the troops on the enemy's gangway, while the other was fully occupied in preventing the men on the Didon's forecastle from discharging their thirty-six pounder carronade.

After the frigates had remained on board of each other for upwards of half an hour, and j ust as the Didon began to forereach, the fire of the second after-most gun of the Phoenix knocked away the french ship's head-rails and cut the gammoning of her bowsprit. As the Didon forged a-head, her guns were successively brought to bear, and a mutual cannonade recommenced, yard-arm and yard-arm, to the evident advantage of the british ship, until her opponent had passed out of range of her guns, with her main top-mast gone, and her fore-mast tottering. The rigging and sails of the Phoenix were so much cut up, as to render her almost unmanageable her main-royal mast, main top-sail yard and gaff, were shot away; but the english colours were still displayed, suspended from either cross jack yard-arm. Both ships were actively employed in repairing their damaged rigging; and about noon the Phcenix, having sufficiently refitted, closed with her opponent. At about 15 minutes past noon, when about to renew the action, the Didon, from the fall of her foremast being incapable of offering further resistance, hauled down the french colours. Out of the 260 men and boys on board the Phoenix, her second-lieutenant, one master's mate, and 10 seamen were killed; lieutenant Henry Steele of the marines (dangerously in the head), two midshipmen, 13 seamen, and 12 marines were wounded: total, 12 killed, and 28 wounded. The Didon, out of a crew of 330, had 27 killed and 44 badly wounded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1805. Tuesday 13th August. Swift and boats at Truxillo.

1805. Thursday 15th August. Lord Barham presided at the Board of Admiralty an order in Council ordered a new division to be established a fourth division RMA company was added when a Woolwich Division was formed. They first saw service with the Boulogne Squadron and then at the second battle of Copenhagen that took place from the Friday 16th August to Saturday 5th September 1807. That saw a British bombardment of Copenhagen in order to seize the Dan-Norwegian fleet. During the same time of the fourth division's formation, an additional Artillery company was also added to each of the divisions. The strength of the Corps was now listed as 30,000 men, including four companies of artillery.

1805. Friday 16th August. Raisonnable engaged Topaze.

1805. Wednesday 21st August. Reconnaissance in Camaret Bay.

1805. Thursday 22nd August. Distant Engagement in Camaret Bay.

1805. Thursday 26th September. The 50-gun ship Calcutta, captain Daniel WoodrifF, having under convoy the Indus indiaman, with six other merchant vessels, when in the Bay of Biscay fell in with a french squadron of five sail of the line and three frigates, under rear-admirai Allemand. At 11 a.m. the Calcutta made the private signal, which not being answered, she directed the Indus to make all possible sail a-head with the convoy, and then stood for the 40-gun frigate Armide. After having been distantly engaged with that ship for more than an hour, the Calcutta at 5 p.m. found a more powerful opponent in the 74 gun ship Magnanime, who began firing her chase guns at the british ship, as the latter was still running under all sail to the southward, with a light northerly breeze. Finding that the Magnanime was far a-head of her consorts, captain Woodriff resolved to attack and endeavour to cripple her; and when within pistol-shot commenced an action, which was maintained for three-quarters of an hour without intermission. By this time being completely unrigged and unmanageable, the Calcutta hauled down her colours, having sustained a loss of 6 men killed and 6 wounded, out of a crew of 343 men and boys. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1805. Wednesday 9th October. Princess Charlotte captured Cyane.

1805. Wednesday 16th October. Jason captured Naiade.

1805. Monday 21st October. The Battle of Trafalgar was a naval engagement fought by the Royal Navy against the combined fleets of the French and Spanish Navys, during the War of the Third Coalition from August to December 1805 as part of the Napoleonic Wars of 1803 to 1805. Sadly, it was the battle that led to the death of Vice Admiral Lord Nelson, one of great Britain's navel and country heroes. As Lord Nelson lay wounded on board his Flag ship HMS Victory, having been shot by a French sniper high in the rigging of the French ship Redoubtable. Thomas Hardy ordered Royal Marine Sergeant Secker and some sailors to carry Nelson gently down to the orlop deck situated below the water line. Midshipman John Pollard age 18 on board HMS Victory is credited with being the man who killed the French sniper. It's estimated that 3,600 Marines took part in the battle (nearly a third of the Corps). Some were involved in Cutting Out Operations during the battle.

1805. Lord Barham presided at the Board of Admiralty; and on the 15th of August an order in Council ordered a new division to be established at Woolwich, with an additional company of artillery. The strength of the corps was now 30,000 men, including four companies of artillery. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1805. October. Major Louis Rotely Recalls Trafalgar. Major Louis Rotley, RM, who made this speech at Swansea was a marine subaltern in the "VICTORY" at Trafalgar. He retired in 1814 and died at Swansea in 1861. He saved four persons from drowning in the course of his life. A scholarship was founded at the Royal Naval School, Eltham, in his memory. Many years after his retirement his fellow citizens of Swansea presented him with a ring on the anniversary of Trafalgar, a gift he acknowledged in the following words.

"Mr Chair and Gentlemen-Friends and fellow townsmen, labouring under extreme illness I rise to return thanks for the honour conferred in drinking my health and for presenting me with this ring. During my career I have received many tokens of regard, among which is a splendid sword with a Damascus blade, a gold snuff-box, several medals, a present from a President of the United States of America, and from several Indian Chiefs, also a valuable consideration from the Patriotic Fund for wounds, etc, but none do I prize more than this elegant ring, which must now become an heirloom.

Having seen but half the world, I have a longing desire to see the other. The first port that will bring me up will be Aboukir Bay at the mouth of the Nile, where the immortal hero whose death this ring is intended to commemorate, as an Admiral gained his first grand victory. At Copenhagen he had to contend against the genius of Napoleon, who had united in one grand league the Fleets of Denmark, Sweden and Russia, with the hope of crushing the naval supremacy of Great Britain. Nelson was sent against them, and the Northern Confederation vanished in smoke.

His last and most decisive victory was at Trafalgar, in which I had the honour to take a part. Trafalgar was my first essay, and never shall I forget my father's advice on my being appointed to the VICTORY; he was an old seaman and had fought against the celebrated Paul Jones in the first American War. "Louis, " said he, "you will soon be in battle-I foresee a tremendous contest, but whatever you do, be sure to keep your head erect in battle, never bow to a French man's shot, it is folly, for when you hear the balls whistle you are safe, the ball has passed harmless before you can hear it," and amid the carnage and the thousands of cannon balls that whistled past my head on that memorable day, well did I recollect my father's advice. I bore a charmed life then, as I have upon many occasions since.

Previous to breaking the enemy's line their fire was terrific. The VICTORY', was steering for the four-decker, when four ships ahead and four astern together with that huge leviathan brought their broadsides to bear upon the bows of the VICTORY. It was like a hailstorm of bullets passing over our heads on the poop, where we had forty Marines stationed with small arms. It has been stated that Lord Nelson ordered them to lie down at their quarters until wanted, but no such order was given, and no man went down until knocked down; had such orders been given many a life would have been saved, as not a man was hit below the waist. Their steadiness indeed was observed by Nelson, whose eye was everywhere, and who declared he had seen nothing which surpassed it in any of his previous battles. He also made this remark during the battle, "The young Marine is doing well." which I have taken for my motto.

This I learnt from Sir Thomas Hardy, when returning me his thanks on the quarterdeck for my conduct in the battle. The poop became a slaughterhouse, and soon after the commencement the two senior Lieutenants of Marines,' and half the original forty, were placed 'hors de combat.' Captain Adair then ordered me to bring him up a reinforcement of Marines from the great guns. I need not inform a seaman the difficulty of separating a man from his gun. In the excitement of action, the Marines had thrown off their red jackets and appeared in their check shirts and blue trousers. There was no distinguishing Marine from seaman-all were working like horses. I was now upon the middle deck; we were engaging on both sides every gun was going off. A man should witness a battle in a three-decker from the middle deck, for it beggars all description. It bewilders the senses of sight and hearing. There was the fire from above, the fire from below, besides the fire from the deck I was upon, the guns recoiling with violence reports louder than thunder, the decks heaving and the sides straining. I fancied myself in the infernal regions, where every man appeared a devil. Lips might move, but orders and hearing were out of the question; everything was done by signs, With the assistance of two Sergeants and two Corporals (and in some cases by main force) I succeeded in separating about 25 men from the great guns and with this force I ascended to a purer air. The battle now raged at its greatest height, the REDOUTABLE had fallen on board us on our starboard side, and the soldiers from their tops were picking off our officers and men with deadly aim. We were also engaged with the SANTISIMA TRINIDAD and the BUCENTAURE (though at a greater distance) on our larboard. The reinforcement arrived at a most critical moment. Captain Adair's party was reduced to less than ten men, himself wounded in the forehead by splinters, yet still using his musket with effect. One of his last orders to me was "Rotely, fire away as fast as you can," when a ball struck him on the back of the neck, and he was a corpse in a moment-and at the same time our revered Chief fell, having received his mortal wound from a soldier in the mizzen top of the REDOUTABLE. The Marines became exasperated. I was now in command, and the first order I gave was to clear the mizzen top, when every musket was levelled at that top, and in five minutes not a man was left alive in it. Some Frenchman has vaunted that he shot Nelson and survived the battle, and I have heard that a book has been published so stating, but it must be a romance, as I know the man was shot in five minutes after Nelson fell. About this time, I observed a British flag on the opposite side of the REDOUTABLE, which proved to belong to the TEMERAIRE, and shortly after another French ship, the FOUGEUX, fell on board the TEMERAIRE on her starboard side, so that four ships of the line were rubbing sides in the heat of the fight, with their heads all lying the same way as if moored in harbour. It consequently became a great nicety in directing the fire of the musketry, lest we should shoot our own men over the decks of the REDOUTABLE. I therefore directed the fire of the Marines to the main and fore tops of that devoted ship, and but few of their men escaped. We gained the battle with Nelson's blood.

Gentlemen, this ring is now rendered sacred by the relic it contains, a part of the hero's hair cut off his head by my own hand. On the morning after his death, I. went below to view the body, and to procure a lock of his hair as a memento, but Captain Hardy had been before me and had cut off the whole with the exception of a small lock at the back of the neck, which I secured. The hair, with tie coat and waistcoat Nelson fell in, was preserved and sent to Lady Hamilton; the breeches and stockings came into my possession and have preserved them as valuable relics for upwards of forty years.

To preserve the body, a large cask was procured and lashed on its end on the middle deck. The body was brought up by two men from the cockpit. I received it and placed head foremost in the cask. The head of the cask was then replaced and filled with brandy, and a Marine sentinel placed over it by night or day, so that it was impossible for anyone to approach it unseen." (Sic) (Reprinted from the October 1944 edition of 'THE NAVY' magazine.)

1805. Monday 21st October. Battle of Trafalgar. The British Fleet details and losses:

HMS Victory 100 guns, Vice Admiral Lord Nelson (killed), Captain T.M. Hardy, 57 killed.

102 wounded. Captain Charles Wm. Adair (killed), First-Lieutenant James G. Peake (wounded), Second Lieutenant Lewis Buckle Reeves (wounded), Second Lieutenant Lewis Rotely.

HMS Temeraire 98 guns, Captain E. Harvey, 47 killed, and 76 wounded. Captain Simon Busigny (mortally wounded), Second Lieutenant William N. Roe, Second Lieutenant Samuel J. Payne (wounded), Second Lieutenant John Kingston (killed).

HMS Neptune 98 guns, Captain T. F. Freemantle, 10 killed, 34 wounded. First Lieutenant George Kendall, Second Lieutenant William Burton, Second-Lieutenant Lewis Rooke.

HMS Leviathan 74 guns, Captain H. W. Bayntum, 4 killed, 22 wounded. Captain George P.

Wingrove, First Lieutenant Nathaniel Cole, First Lieutenant Thomas J. W. Tane.

HMS Britannia 100 guns, Rear Admiral Earl of Northesk, Captain C. Bullen, 10 killed, 42 wounded. Captain Alexander Watson, First Lieutenant William Jackson, Second Lieutenant L.B.J. Halloran, Second Lieutenant John Cooke.

HMS Conqueror 74 guns, Captain J. Pellew, 3 killed, 9 wounded. Captain James Atcherly, Second Lieutenants Patrick Toole, and Thomas Wearing (wounded).

HMS Africa 64 guns, Captain Henry Digby, 18 killed, 44 wounded. Captain James Fynmore (wounded), First Lieutenant Thomas Brattle.

HMS Agamemnon 64 guns, Captain Sir E. Berry, 2 killed, 7 wounded. Captain H. B.

Downing, Second Lieutenant Herbert Raban, Second Lieutenant Donald Campbell.

HMS Ajax 74 guns, Lieutenant J. Pilfold, 2 killed, 9 wounded. Captain David Boyd, Second Lieutenant J. Cinnamond, Second Lieutenant Samuel B. Ellis.

HMS Orion 74 guns, Captain E. Codrington, 1 killed, 23 wounded. Captain Henry VV. Creswell, Second Lieutenant Stephen Bridgman.

HMS Minotaur 74 guns, Captain C.M. Mansfield, 3 killed, 22 wounded. Captain Paul Hunt, Second Lieutenant Nathaniel B. Grigg, Second Lieutenant Thomas Reeves.

HMS Spartiate 74 guns, Captain Sir F. Lafoi'ey, 3 killed, 20 wounded. First Lieutenant Samuel Hawkins, First Lieutenant John R. Coryton, Second Lieutenant G.D. Hawkins.

The Lee Colum:

HMS Royal Sovereign 100 guns, Vice Admiral C. Collingwood, Captain E. Rotheram, 47 killed, 94 wounded. Captain Joseph Vallack, Second-Lieutenant Robert Green (killed).

Second Lieutenant Armiger Wm. Hubbard, Second Lieutenant James Le Vescomte (wounded).

HMS Belleisle 74 guns, Captain W. Hargood (wounded), 34 killed, 96 wounded. First Lieutenant John Owen (wounded), Second Lieutenant John Weaver, Second Lieutenant Paul Harris Nicolas.

HMS Mars 74 guns, Captain G. Duff (killed), 29 killed, 69 wounded. Captain Thos. Norman, Second Lieutenant Charles Holmes, Second Lieutenant Robert Guthrie.

HMS Tonnant 80 guns, Captain C. Tyler (wounded), 26 killed, 50 wounded. Captain Arthur Ball, Second Lieutenant James Cottle, First Lieutenant William Magin.

HMS Bellerophon 74 guns, Captain J. Cooke (killed), 27 killed, 123 wounded. Captain James Wemyss (wounded), Second Lieutenants John Wilson (2nd), Peter Connolly, and Luke Higgins.

HMS Colossus 74 guns, Captain J. Morris (wounded), 40 killed, 160 wounded. Captain Elias Lawrence, Second Lieutenant William Laurie, Second-Lieutenant John Benson (wounded).

HMS Achille 74 guns, Captain R. King, 13 killed, 59 wounded. Captain Palms Westropp (wounded), Second Lieutenants William Liddon (wounded), and Francis Whalley.

HMS Dreadnought 98 guns, Captain J. Conn, 7 killed, 26 wounded. Captain Thomas Timmins, First Lieutenants John M'Cullum and Thomas Lemon, Second Lieutenant David Manley.

HMS Polyphemus 64 guns, Captain Robert Redmill, 2 killed, 4 wounded. Captain Michael Percival, First Lieutenant John Mackintosh, Second Lieutenant Charles Stewart.

HMS Revenge 74 guns, Captain R. Moorsom (wounded), 28 killed, 51 wounded. Captain Peter Lely (wounded), Second Lieutenant Arthur Copperthwaite, Second Lieutenant Henry Blackler Fairtlough.

HMS Swiftsure 74 guns, Captain H.G. Rutherford, 9 killed, 8 wounded. First Lieutenant William Gibbins, First Lieutenant Robert Gordon, Second Lieutenant Henry Miller.

HMS Defiance 74 guns, Captain P.C. Durham (wounded), 17 killed, 53 wounded. Captain Basil Alves, Second Lieutenant George Bristow.

HMS Thunderer 74 guns, Lieutenant J. Stockham, 4 killed, 12 wounded. Captain Gilbert Elliott, Second Lieutenant William Hockley, Second Lieutenant John Lister.

HMS Defence 74 guns, Captain G. Hope, 7 killed, 29 wounded. Captain Henry Cox, First Lieutenant John Wilson (1st), Second Lieutenant Alfred Burton.

HMS Prince 98 guns, Captain R. Grindall. Captain Francis Williams, Second Lieutenant Edward Pengelley, Second Lieutenant John Shillibeer.

Total, 450 killed, 1244 wounded.

Officers of Marines on board the Frigates: HMS Phoebe First Lieutenant Mortimer, HMS Timson?, HMS Euryalus Lieutenant John Sandford, HMS Naiad Lieutenants Edward Jones and P.

The Combined Fleet:

S. Perkins; HMS Sirius, Lieutenants Thomas Moore and William Murray.

The direction in which the combined fleet now lay, with a home port scarcely seven leagues on their lee-bow, induced Lord Nelson to telegraph to his second in command, "I intend to pass through the van of the enemy's line, to prevent him from getting into Cadiz," and as the shoals of San Pedro and Trafalgar were under the lee of both fleets, his Lordship, in order to guard against that danger, made the signal "Prepare to anchor after close of day." Shortly afterwards that emphatic message of "England expects every man to do his duty" was communicated to the fleet by telegraph. The inspiring sentiment excited the most lively enthusiasm and was greeted by hearty cheers on board of every ship.

Having already described the formation of the combined line of battle, it is only necessary to observe, that the Commander-in-Chief in the Bucentaure, with the Santissima Trinidada, his second, ahead, were directly in front of the Victory, the Santa Ana, bearing the flag of Vice-Admiral D'Alava, was in the same direction from the HMS Royal Sovereign whilst the Spanish Commander in Chief, Admiral Gravina, in the Principe d'Asturias, was the rearmost ship of the combined fleet, which formed nearly as follows, Neptuno 80 guns, Scipion 74, Intrepide 74, Rayo 100, Formidable 80, Dugnay Trouin 74, Mont Blanc 74, San Francisco d'Asis 74, San Augustin 74, Heros 74, Santissima Trinidada 130, Bucentaure 74, Neptune 80, San Leandro 64, Redoutable 74, San Justo 80, Indomptable 80, Santa Ana 112, Fougueux 74, Mo-narca 74, Pluton 74, Algesiras 74, Bahama 74, Aigle 74, Swift-sure 74, Argonaute 74, Montanez 74, Argonauta 80, Berwick 74, San Juan Nepornuceno 74, San Ildefonso 74, Achille 74, Principe d'Asturias 112.

1805. Monday 21st October. The Battle of Trafalgar, fact file you might not of heard about:

Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson was not the only Nelson who fought at Trafalgar - there were nine Nelsons at the battle.

One of his namesakes, John Nelson, deserted the Royal Navy in February the following year aged 29 having collected his prize money of £1 17s 8d. He was born in Portsmouth and served on board HMS Tonnant at Trafalgar.

Other facts revealed include:

There were more than 18,000 men who served in the British fleet at Trafalgar including nearly 3,000 marines

Two of the Nelsons that served in the battle were from Denmark.

Only one in six sailors were press-ganged into joining Nelson's navy dispelling the myth that the majority had been forced into service.

The British fleet was a multi-national force with nearly 10 per cent of its fleet, 1,400 men, came from 25 countries outside the British Isles.

A total of 58 Frenchmen were among 750 sailors from across Europe which fought on the British side. Another 430 came from the US and Canada and 156 from the Caribbean Islands.

Of the British contingent, 25 per cent came from Ireland (nearly 4,000), 9 per cent from Scotland (1,300), and 3 per cent from Wales (some 500).

Of the remainder, three-quarters came from the coastal counties, the largest number from Devon, followed by Lancashire, Kent, Hampshire and Cornwall.

The largest single nationality was, of course, the English, with 7,000 men serving and one in 10 of these from London.

For the marines, three quarters were English.

More than half of the sailors were aged in their 20s with 274 boys aged between 10 and 14

Less than one in 10 were over 40. Nelson was 47.

The oldest at Trafalgar was Walter Burke, the purser (supply officer) of Victory who was 69. He survived the battle and lived 10 years more before dying at the aged of 79 in 1815.

The majority of the men involved were between 5ft 2in and 5ft 8in tall with Nelson himself standing 5ft 7in tall.

A total of 624 British sailors and marines were killed at Trafalgar and another 1,402 wounded.

Losses on the French and Spanish side were much greater - estimated to be 7,300. (This information was provided by Pamela and Derek Ayshford who have collected many interesting and unusual facts by trawling through records from the 1805 battle. With this information they have created a CD-Rom called The Ayshford Trafalgar Roll which lists details of all 21,000 men who were at Trafalgar and can be used by people researching their family trees.)

1805. Monday 4th November. Sir Richard John Strachan's (Colonel of Marines) Victory in the Bay of Biscay. Sir Richard was in command of a detached squadron including three ships of the line and four frigates in the Bay of Biscay. Whilst sailing off Cape Finisterreon on the 2nd November the squadron encountered four French ships of the line that had escaped from the Battle of Trafalgar under the command of Rear Admiral Dumanoir le Pelley. Sir Richard pursued them vigorously and forcrd them into battle on 4th November. After a short engagement, known as the Battle of Cape Ortegal in which he defeated and captured all of them, and in doing so completing the destruction of the French fleet.

1805. Friday 29th November. Boats of Serpent captured San Christoval Pano.

1805. Tuesday 24th December. Egyptienne and Loire captured Libre.

1805. By the end of the year the Corps numbered thirty thousand, the largest it ever saw during the Peninsular War.

1805. A fourth division was formed at Woolwich, and the Marine establishment set at 30,000 with four artillery companies.

1805. The daily ration for the Navy and Marines had been reduced to 1 lb. bread: 1 oz. cheese: 2¼ oz. pork: oz. sugar: oz. butter: 4¼ oz. beef: 3 oz. flour: 4 oz. suet and one gallon of beer.

1805. Terms of Service. The recruitment of Marines resembled that of the army, as they were essentially landmen they could not be "impressed" like seamen. Posters were printed and stuck up in market places, and recruiting sergeants roamed the area trying to recruit young men with tales of action and adventure. persuasion was not enough and in wartime a substantial bounty was offered which by 1801 had reached £26 per man. Despite this the rapid expansion of the navy caused a crisis as recruitment of marines did not match impressment of sailors. Some soldiers from the army were consequently used at sea and to overcome line of command problems many were offered bounties to transfer to the marines full time. The marines continued to expand throughout the Napoleonic Wars so that by 1805 some 30,000 marines had been voted by parliament. Marines like soldiers were traditionally recruited for life however during the 1790's there was some attempt made to recruit for the "duration" instead.

Marine shore organisation centered on three divisions, with barracks near the dockyards at Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth. Training on shore was almost entirely in the skills of an infantryman. The first many marines knew of a ship was on their first posting aboard.

The pay of a marine private was £1 8s 0d per month as per the army. However, on board ship this was reduced to 19s 3d per month as victualling and accommodation were provided free.

(Author unknown)

1806. Thursday 2nd January. Wolf and consort captured two privateers.

1806. Sunday 5th - 12th January. Operations and capture of the Cape of Good Hope.

1806. Monday 6th January. Favourite captured by French squadron.

1806. Wednesday 8th January. The Battle of Blaauwberg, and the recapture of Cape Town, was a small but significant military engagement. It established British rule in South Africa, which was to have many ramifications for the region during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Captain McKenzie and 400 Marines played a major role during the battle.

1806. Tuesday 28th January. Growler captured Voltigeur.

1806. Tuesday 28th January. Attack captured Sorcier.

1806. January. Bruizer captured Impromptu.

1806. January. Boats of Franchise cut out Raposa.

1806. Thursday 6th February. Sir Robert Duckworth's action off St. Domingo, against seven ships of the French line. He captured three and burned two, a major part of the French fleet. Only two Frigates, and a Corvet managed to escape.

1806.. Thursday 27th February. Hydra captured Furet.

1806. Saturday 8th March. Boats of Egyptienne cut out Alcide.

1806. Thursday 13th March. London and Amazon captured Marengo and Belle Poule.

1806. Monday 17th March. Boats of Pique captured Santa Clara.

1806. Friday 21st March. Boats of Colpoys at Avillas.

1806.Monday 24th March. Reindeer engaged Voltigeur and Phaeton.

1806. Wednesday 26th March. Pique captured Voltigeur and Phaeton.

1806. Friday 28th March. Niobe captured Nearque.

1806. Friday 4th April. Renommee captured Vigilante and consort.

1806. Saturday 5th April. Pallas drove ashore three French corvettes.

1806. Saturday 5th April. Boats of Pallas captured Tapageuse.

1806. Thursday 17th April. Sirius at Civita Vecchia.

1806. Saturday 19th April. Colpoys and Attack in the Douillan.

1806. Monday 21st April. Tremendous engaged Canonniere.

1806. Friday 25th April. Pallas reconnoitred Isle of Aix.

1806. April. Pallas off La Vendee.

1806. April. Pompee and squadron succoured Gaeta.

1806. April. Frisk, Contest and Pallas at Pointe d'Aiguillon.

1806. Sunday 4th May. Boats of Renommee and Nautilus cut out Giganta.

1806. Sunday 11th May. Capture of Capri.

1806. Monday 12th May. Pallas and consorts off Isle of Aix.

1806. Monday 12th May. Boats of Juno at Gaeta.

1806. Monday 12th May. The Capture of the highly fortified Island of Capri, by Sir Sidney Smith's Marines and bluejackets, who wrestled the Island back from the French, after Bonaparte had taken it earlier in January.

1806. Wednesday 14th May. Pallas engaged Minerve and three brigs.

1806. Thursday 15th May. Juno supported a sortie from Gaeta.

1806. Friday 23rd May. HMS Pompee Captures Convoy at Sealia.

1806. June - October. Sir H. Popham's operations in the River Plate.

1806. Thursday 22nd June. Boats of Minerve in Finistere Bay.

1806. Monday 26th June. Boats of Port Mahon captured San Josef.

1806. Friday 27th June. The taking of Buenos Ayres. Major Alezr. McKenzie and 340 Marines were present.

1806. Friday 4th July. Boats of HMS Melpomone take a French Setee.

1806. Wednesday 9th July. Powerful captured Bellone.

1806. Friday 11th July. Boats of Minerve captured Buena Dicta.

1806. Wednesday 16th July. Boats of squadron cut out Cesar.

1806. Saturday 19th July. Blanche captured Guerriere.

1806. Saturday 26th July. Greyhound and Harrier took Pallas, Vittoria, and Balavia. Loss of the Sidney.

1806. Monday 28th July. Mars captured Rhin.

1806. Wednesday 30th July. Amphion at capture of Cotrone.

1806. July. The British invasions of the Río de la Plata in South America was a series of unsuccessful British attempts to seize control of the Spanish colonies located around the La Plata Basin. The area was vast and included parts of Argentina, Uruguay and especially the town of Buenos Aires. A detachment from the British army occupied Buenos Aires for 46 days during 1806 before being expelled.

1806. Thursday 14th August. Phosphorus beat off a French lugger.

1806. Monday 18th August. Boats of Galatea at Porto Cabello.

1806. Thursday 21st August. Boats of Galatea destroyed a privateer.

1806. Saturday 23rd August. Boats of Alexandria in the Plate.

1806. Saturday 23rd August. Anson and Arethusa captured Pomona and gunboats.

1806. Saturday 30th August. Boats of Bacchante cut out three vessels at Sta-Martha.

1806. Saturday 30th August. Pike captured a guarda-costa.

1806. Wednesday 3rd September. Squadron at Batabano.

1806. Sunday 14th September. Melampus destroyed Impetueux.
1806. Monday 15th September. Anson engaged Foudroyant.

1806. Thursday 25th September. Monarch, Centaur and Mars took four French men of war.

1806. Saturday 27th September. Dispatch captured Presidente.

1806. Tuesday 2nd October. Boats of Minerva at Oro Island.

1806. Thursday 9th October. Boats of Galatea cut out three schooners at Barcelona.

1806. Thursday 12th October. Sheldrake and consorts destroyed Salamandre.

1806. Saturday 18th October. Caroline captured Maria-Riggersbergen and three more.

1806. Tuesday 21st - 22nd October. Boats of Renommee at Colon, Majorca.

1806. Friday October. 24 to 26. Pitt captured Superbe.

1806. Saturday 1st November. Boats of Pique in Carbaret Bay.

1806. Sunday 2nd November. Pique took one privateer and destroyed another.

1806. Tuesday 11th November. Sceptre and Cornwallis engaged Semillante and batteries.

1806. Wednesday 12th November. Boats of Galatea captured Reunion.

1806. Thursday 20th November. Boats of Success captured Vengeur.

1806. Thursday 20th November. Boats of Orpheus captured Dolores.

1806. Friday 21st November. Dedaigneuse engaged Semillante.

1806. Thursday 27th November. Boats of squadron in Batavia Roads.

1806. Saturday 13th December. Halcyon captured Neptune.

1806. Tuesday 16th December. Kingfisher captured Elisabeth.

1806. Saw additional companies raised to accommodate supernumerary Marines.

1806. Lord Howick succeeded Lord Barham as first Lord of the Admiralty. Nothing particular occurred during the short time he was at the Board, but under his successor, the Earl of Mulgrave, the Corps obtained many advantages; for his Lordship being a military man, was better capable of comprehending the real and combined interests of the Corps with that of the public service. He appointed an additional Lieutenant Colonel and a Major to the Woolwich division, placing it on the same footing as the other three, and at the same time ten companies were added to the establishment of the Corps, to appropriate the men already raised, but not attached. Second Captains were appointed to the companies as the Pay Captains, which gave promotion to sixteen First and sixteen Second Lieutenants. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1807. Thursday 1st January. HMS Arethusa land and storm Fort Amsterdam and capture Curacoa. At 1am the Frigates hove to when near the high land of St. Barbery's, on the east end of Curacoa, and having hoisted out the boats, and made the necessary arrangements for an immediate attack by storm, bore away for the mouth of the harbour at 6am, with HMS Arethusa leading, followed in close order by the HMS Latona, HMS Anson, and HMS Fisgard. The entrance is only 60 fathoms wide, and is defended by regular fortifications, the principal of which, Fort Amsterdam, standing on the right-hand side, mounts 60 pieces of cannon in two tiers. Athwart the harbour, (which nowhere exceeds a quarter of a mile in width) were the Dutch 36 gun frigate Halstaa, and 20 gun ship Surinam, besides two large armed schooners. On Middleburg height there was a chain of forts; and Fort Republique, deemed almost impregnable, situated upon a high hill at the bottom of the harbour, within half gunshot distance, enfiladed the whole. At daylight HMS Arethusa, with a flag of truce at the fore, entered the port; but the Dutch forts and shipping, taking no notice of the flag, opened a smart although ineffective fire. The wind suddenly shifting to the north, checked the further progress of HMS Arethusa; but in a few minutes it veered back to northeast, thereby enabling all the frigates, except HMS Fisgard, a ground on the west side, to lay up along the harbour, and the three remaining ships anchored in positions for cannonading the defences of the enemy.

HMS Arethusa was now lying with her jib boom over the wall of the town, when Captain Brisbane sent the following Bummons to the Governor, "The British squadron are here to protect, and not to conquer you, but to preserve to you your lives, liberty, and property. If a shot be fired at any one of my squadron after this summons, I shall immediately storm your batteries, you have five minutes to accede to this determination. "No notice being taken of this summons, the flag of truce was hauled down, and at 6-15am the British squadron commenced the action. After the discharge of the third broadside, Captain Brisbane, at the head of the boarders, carried the Dutch Frigate, and HMS Latona immediately warped alongside and took possession. In the meantime, Captain Lydiard, with a division of men from the HMS Anson, had boarded and secured the Corvette.

Captains Brisbane and Lydiard then pulled straight for the shore, and landing together, proceeded at 7-30am. too storm Fort Amsterdam. The vigour of the assault was irresistible, whilst some were employed in forcing open the sea-gate, others escaladed the walls, and although the fort was garrisoned by 276 regular troops, it was carried in about ten minutes, and shortly afterwards the citadel and some minor forts, as well as the town, were in the possession of the British. On the return of Captains Brisbane and Lydiard to their respective ships, a fire was opened upon Fort Republique, and 300 seamen and Marines were landed to attack it in the rear, but without waiting for such encounter the fort surrendered, and by noon the whole island of Curacoa had capitulated to the British arms.

This unparalleled achievement was accomplished with no greater loss to the British than 3 seamen killed, and 14 wounded. The loss on the part of the Dutch was much more severe, the Halstaar had her Captain and 2 men killed, and 3 wounded, the Surinam 1 killed, her Commander (dangerously) and 3 wounded, and the schooner Flying Fish, one killed and one wounded. Total, 6 killed, and 8 wounded, whilst the killed and wounded on shore amounted to about 200 men.

Captain Brisbane, the planner and leader of this gallant enterprise, received the honour of Knighthood, medals were conferred on the four Captains, the Senior Lieutenants of the HMS Arethusa and HMS Anson were made Commanders, and Lieutenant George Peebles was promoted to the Brevet rank of Captain.

The officers of Marines serving on board the squadron were as follows:

HMS Arethusa, First Lieutenant Octavius Scott, Second Lieutenant John Fennell.

HMS Latona, First Lieutenant John Hay, Second Lieutenant?? Henderson.

HMS Anson First Lieutenant George Peebles.

HMS Fisgard First Lieutenant A. Watts, Second Lieutenant Hugh Peregrine.

On the Wednesday 21st January, at day break, the 32-gun frigate HMS Galatea, Captain George Sayer, when cruising off the Caraccas, on the Spanish main, discovered and chased the French I6 gun brig Lynx but it falling calm, the boats of the Frigate under Lieutenant William Coombe, containing 6 Officers, 50 Seamen, and 20 Marines, were sent to attack her. It was not until 8-30pm. that the boats, formed in two lines, arrived within hail of the brig; instantly cheering they dashed alongside, but met with such determined opposition, that they were compelled to sheer off. A second attempt was equally unsuccessful, but the third attack enabled the gallant assailants, after a severe struggle, to obtain possession of their hard earned prize. Lieutenant Henry Walker, 5 Seamen, and 3 Marines were killed, Lieutenant Coombe, 2 Midshipmen, 15 Seamen, and 4 Marines wounded. Total of 9 killed and 22 wounded.

1807. Sunday 3rd February. The battle of Montevideo, between the British and Spanish Empires during the Napoleonic Wars, in which the British forces captured the city. It also formed part of the British invasions of the River Plate.

1807. Tuesday 6th January. Boats of Imperieuse at Arcasson.

1807. Thursday 8th January. Pickle captured Favorite.

1807. January - July. Squadron at Buenos Ayres and Montevideo.

1807. Wednesday 21st January. Boats of Galatea captured Lynx.

1807. Tuesday 27th January. Lark captured Postilion and Carmen.

1807. Tuesday 27th January. Jason re-took Favourite (late British).

1807. January. Boats of Cerberus captured a privateer.

1807. January. Jackdaw taken by a Spanish rowboat.

1807. Sunday 1st February. Lark and boats at Zispata Bay.

1807. Saturday 14th February. Bacchante and Mediator at Samana, St Domingo.

1807. February - March. Duckworth in the Dardanelles.

1807. February. The Dardanelles Operation was the Royal Navy's unsuccessful attempt to impose British demands on the Ottoman Empire as part of the Anglo Turkish War (1807-1809). During 1806 the French had tried to bring about Turkey's re-entry into the war.

During the fighting with the Turkish fleet at Fort Pesquies, that mounted 31 guns, and fired heavily on the British squadron, and continued its fire well after the Turkish ships had been run ashore or captured. The beach too, was crowded with armed men, and the Pompee having fired a few shells to disperse them, her Marines loaded and brought off a Green Standard. Lieutenant Nichols of the Marines brought off the flag of the Captain Pasha from the 40 gun frigate on which it flew and which he set on fire in accordance with his orders. He then entered Fort Pesquies, spiked the guns and set the garrison a blaze.

1807. February. The Bombardment of Constantinople.

1807. February While in the Dardanelles, Fighting Nicolls (Lietenant Edward Nicolls) Commanding a contingent of Marines landed at Fort Pesquies. It was during this period, too, that he was honourably mentioned in dispatches for his part in the Dardanelles Operation.

1807. Sunday 1st March. Hirondelle and boats of Glatton cut out a Turkish corvette.

1807. Sunday 15th March. Boats of Camus cut out six merchantmen.

1807. Tuesday 17th March. Disembarkation at Alexandria.

1807. Wednesday 18th March. Storming of enemy's works near Alexandria.

1807. Saturday 21st March. Alexandria capitulated.

1807. Saturday 21st March. Leopard attacked Chesapeake and made her strike.

1807. Wednesday 25th March. The Slave Trade Act or the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed with the title of 'An Act for the Abolition of the Slave Trade', that received the Royal Assent. The original act is kept in the Parliamentary Archives.

The act abolished the slave trade in the British Empire, in particular the Atlantic slave trade, and also encouraged British action to press other European states to abolish their slave trades, but it did not abolish slavery itself. Many of the Bill's supporters thought the Act would lead to the death of slavery, but it was not until 26 years later that slavery itself was actually abolished. Slavery on English soil was unsupported in English law and that position was confirmed in Somersett's Case in 1772, but it remained legal in most of the British Empire until the Slavery Abolition Act 1833.

1807. Friday 17th April. Sally engaged off Danzig.

1807. Wednesday 29th April. Boats of Richmond captured Gaillard.

1807. April. Pike captured by Marat.

1807. Friday 8th May. Boats of Comus cut out a felucca.

1807. Thursday 14th May. Boats of Spartan repulsed by a polacca off Nice.

1807. Saturday 16th May. Dauntless surrendered to the French at Danzig.

1807. May Spartan engaged Annibal, two frigates, and a corvette.

1807. Friday 5th June. Boats of Pomone captured gun-brig and 14 sail.

1807. Saturday 6th June. A prize schooner captured Mercedes.

1807. Saturday 25th July. Fleet assembled at Yarmouth.

1807. Saturday 6th August. Hydra at Begur.

1807. Friday 7th August. HMS Hydra attacks Begur, Catalonia.

1807. August - September. The second Battle Copenhagen. After a heavy bombardment of the city a large contingent of Marines were landed on the 5th September.

1807. Saturday 15th August. Comus captured Fredrickscoarn.

1807. August - September. Gambier at Copenhagen.

1807. Tuesday 18th - 21st August. Light squadron engaged in Copenhagen Roads.

1807. Tuesday 18th August. Boats of Confiance cut out Reitrada.

1807. Monday 24th August. Weazel captured four vessels and destroyed three.

1807. Tuesday 25th August. Boats of Clyde cut out a sloop at Ypont.

1807. Monday 31st August. Psyche and boats at Samarang.

1807. Wednesday 2nd September. RM Corporals were awarded and allowed to wear chevrons in lieu of the 'Knots' worn on their shoulders.

1807. Saturday 5th September. Majestic and Quebec took Heligoland.

1807. Thursday 17th September. Barbara captured by General Ernouf.

1807. Wednesday 7th October. Boats of Porcupine captured Safo.

1807. Sunday 25th October. Boats of Herald cut out Cesar.

1807. Wednesday 28th October. Louisa defeated a privateer.

1807. Wednesday 4th November. Carrier captured Aclif.

1807. Friday 6th November. Renommee and Grasshopper off Cartagena.

1807. Tuesday 24th November. Ann captured a privateer and two gunboats.

1807. Friday 27th - 29th November. Boats of Porcupine at Ragusa.

1807. Thursday 3rd December. Curieux engaged Revanche.

1807. Sunday 6th December. Squadron captured Dutch vessels at Java.

1807. Friday 11th December. Grasshopper captured San Josef.

1807. Monday 21st December. St. Thomas taken from the Danes.

1807. Friday 25th December. St. Croix taken from the Danes.

1807. Saturday 26th December. Madeira capitulated.

1807. A second British invasion force stormed and occupied Montevideo, remaining there for several months, and a third force made a second attempt to take Buenos Aires. After several days of street-fighting against the local militia and the Spanish colonial army. The British suffered heavy losses amounting to half its force being killed or wounded, and they were eventually forced to withdraw.

1807 \- 1815. The establishment remained at 31,400; but there were frequently more than 3000 supernumeraries. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1808. The Royal Navy which at that time controlled the world's seas, established the West Africa Squadron to patrol the coast of West Africa, and between 1808 and 1860 they seized approximately 1,600 slave ships and freed 150,000 Africans who were aboard. The Royal Navy declared that ships transporting slaves were the same as pirates. Action was also taken against African leaders who refused to agree to British treaties to outlaw the trade, for example against 'the usurping King of Lagos', who was deposed in 1851. Anti-slavery treaties were signed with over 50 African rulers.

1808. The Corps of Colonial Marines were two units made up of former American slaves for British service. They were created at different times and both disbanded after the wars. They were recruited to address the shortage of military manpower in the Caribbean. The locally recruited men were less susceptible to tropical illnesses than were troops sent from Britain and knew the terrain. The Corps followed the practice of the British Army's West India Regiments in recruiting escaped slaves as soldiers but were loathed to view themselves as mere slave soldiers. They were free men and they represented a psychological threat to the slave owning American society by being armed. They were highly thought of and as competent as their European comrades. They also received free land grants in Canada in return for their commendable service, achieving freedom in which the Land of Liberty had denied them.

1808. Some of the black soldiers of the 2nd West India Regiment mutinied and killed two officers. They were subsequently overcome by loyal soldiers of the Regiment, and seven leaders were executed. The principle justification for using slaves and free blacks for the proposed Regiments was the extremely high mortality rate of European soldiers in the West Indies. A concomitant problem was that assignment to the West Indies was extremely unpopular with the British Army, leading many to a refusals to serve in that area.

1808. Saturday 30th January. Delight captured by the French at Reggio.

1808. Sunday 7th February. Decouverte drove ashore a privateer.

1808. Monday 8th February. Boats of Meleager captured Renard.

1808. Tuesday 9th February. Decouverte captured Dorade.

1808. Saturday 13th February. Boats of Confiance cut out a French gunboat.

1808. Wednesday 2nd March. Sappho captured Admiral Yawl.

1808. Wednesday 2nd March. Cerberus and consorts capture Marie Galante.

1808. Thursday 3rd March. The occupation of Marie Galante. 400 Royal Marines left a garrison under Captain Chass. Tyldesley. One report read that they suffered heavily morality from disease. The barracks being built in a swamp.

1808. Tuesday 8th March. San Fiorenzo captured Piemontaise.

1808. Sunday 13th March. The destruction of Batteries and small craft at Vivero. A detachment of Royal Marines of HMS Emerald, under Lieutenant G. Meech and J. Husband. The latter receiving a Sword of Honour from the Patriotic Fund.

1808. Monday 14th March. Childers engaged Lougon.

1808. Tuesday 15th - 20th March. Terpsichore engaged Semillante.

1808. Tuesday 22nd March. Aigle engaged off Groix.

1808. Tuesday 22nd March. Stately and Nassau destroyed Prince Christian Frederick.

1808. Wednesday 30th March. Cerberus and consorts at Desirade.

1808. Monday 4th April. Alceste and consorts at Rota.

1808. Friday 22nd April. Goree and Superieure in action off the Saintes.

1808. Saturday 23rd April. Unsuccessful attempt to cut out Garota.

1808. Sunday 24th April. Grasshopper and Rapid at Faro.

1808. Monday 25th April. Forward and consorts captured ten sail at Flodstrand.

1808. Friday 29th April. Boats of Falcon destroyed eight sail at Endelan.

1808. Monday 2nd May. Unite captured Ronco in the Gulf of Venice.

1808. Saturday 7th May. Boats of Falcon captured two sail at Lundholm.

1808. Saturday 7th May. Redwing destroyed seven Spanish vessels.

1808. Tuesday 10th - 14th May. Wizard engaged Requin.

1808. Wednesday 11th May. Bacchante captured Griffon.

1808. Thursday 12th May. Amphion and boats engaged Baleine at Rosas.

1808. Thursday 12th May. Tartar and boats at Bergen.

1808. Thursday 19th May. Virginie captured Guelderland.

1808. Friday 20th May. Boats of Fawn cut out vessels at Porto Rico.

1808. Monday 23rd May. HMS Melpomone and Danish Gunboats.

1808. Sunday 24th July and later dates. Raids on the French and Spanish coast. Lieutenant J. Ryves Hore performed an extraordinary series of raids on the French and Spanish coasts during the summer. Landing from HMS Imperieuse a 38 gun frigate commanded by Lord Cochrane, he took part in the destruction of many coastal batteries and roads near Barcelona in order to hamper the movements of the French Army in Catalonia. On the 31st July he and his detachment seized and occupied the castle of Mongal which completely commandeered a pass on the road from Barcelona to Gerona, then besieged by the French. To preserve the Frenchmen, he found in the castle from the fury of the Spaniards, Hore had to escort his prisoners to the point of embarkation, after having blown up the castle in such a way as to completely block the road. During the latter part of August he was constantly engaged in raiding the enemy's posts with varying opposition, but with unvaried success, says an official letter dated the Wednesday 28th September, "The newly constructed semaphoric telegraphs which are of the utmost consequence to the safety of the numerous convoys that pass along the coast of France at Bourdique, La Pinede, St. Frontignan, Canet, and Fray have been blown up and completely demolished, together with their telegraph houses, fourteen barracks of gene-d'armes, one battery and the strong tower on the lake of Frontignan. These operations had the effect of drawing off about 2,000 French troops from the important fortress of Figueras to defend their coastal communications.

1808. Tuesday 24th May. Swan at Bornhohn.

1808. Tuesday 31st May. Redwing took two sail at Tarifa.

1808. Wednesday 1st June. Unite captured Nettuno and Teulie.

1808. Saturday 4th June. Tickler captured by Danish gunboats.

1808. Thursday 9th June. Turbulent captured by Danish gun-vessels.

1808. Saturday 11th June. Boats of Euryalus and Cruiser off the Naskon.

1808. Sunday 19th June. Seagull captured by Danish gunboats.

1808. Thursday 23rd June. Boats of Porcupine at Civita Vecchia.

1808. Sunday 26th June. Captain Edward Nicolls RM on board the Standard, led the boat attack which captured the Italian gunboats Volpe and Leger off Corfu.

1808. Sunday 3rd July. British repulsed at St. Martin and survivors captured.

1808. Wednesday 6th July. Seahorse captured Badere Zaffer.

1808. Sunday 10th July. Boats of Porcupine at Port d'Anzo.

1808. Thursday 21st July. Boats of Porcupine at Monte Circello.

1808. Thursday 28th July. Volage captured Requin.

1808. Sunday 31st July. Imperieuse at Mongal.

1808. July. A strong detachment of Royal Marines under Captain G. Lewis was landed at Figueras to secure the landing area for the British Army under Sir Arthur G. Lewis. The Portuguese flag was hoisted which hundreds flocked to enrol beneath, and the post was held till the arrival of General Anstruther's Brigade on the 19th August.

1808. Monday 1st August. The Attack on a convoy at Noli.

1808. Monday 1st August. Wizard and boats captured guns and Vigilant at Noli.

1808. Tuesday 2nd August. Tigress captured by Danish gunboats.

1808. Monday 8th August. Boats of Porcupine cut out Conception.

1808. Thursday 11th August. Comet captured Sylphe.

1808. Thursday 11th August. Boats of squadron captured Fama and Salorman.

1808. Tuesday 16th August. Sybille captured Espiegle.

1808. Thursday 18th August. Rook captured by two French privateers.

1808. Friday 26th August. Implacable and Centaur captured Sevolod.

1808. August. Keats relieved garrisons in the Baltic.

1808. Tuesday 6th September. Recruit engaged Diligente.

1808. Monday 12th September. Laurel captured by Canonniere.

1808. Thursday 29th September. Maria captured by Departement des Landes.

1808. September. Imperieuse off Languedoc.

1808. Monday 3rd October. Carnation captured by Palinure.

1808. Monday 3rd October. Modeste captured Jena.

1808. Thursday 20th October. Africa repulsed 25 Danish gunboats.

1808. Monday 31st October. Circe captured Palinure.

1808. Tuesday 1st November. Cruiser captured a Danish brig.

1808. Monday 7th - 8th November. Excellent and Meteor at Rosas.

1808. Thursday 10th November. HMS Amethyst captures Thetis

1808. Monday 14th November. Boats of Polyphemus captured Colibri.

1808. Tuesday 15th November – 5th December. The defence of Fort Trinidad-Rosa.

1808. Tuesday 15th - 5th December. Excellent and consorts at Rosas.

1808. Monday 28th November. Boats of Heureux at Mabaut.

1808. Monday 12th - 13th December. Circe and consorts captured Cygne and a schooner.

1809. Sunday 1st January. Onyx captured Dutch corvette Manly.

1809. Monday 2nd January. Amiable captured Iris.

1809. Thursday 5th January. Loire captured Hebe.

1809. Saturday 7th January – 14th January. The taking of Cayenne. Lieutenant J. Read was mortally wounded in leading the assault on Port Dimant.

1809. Tuesday 17th January – 18th January. Corunna. A detachment of Royal Marines of HMS Resolution landed to destroy the batteries commanding the harbour. Officers and men received the thanks of both houses of Parliament for their service but did not get the Army Medal and Clasp.

1809. Sunday 22nd January. Cleopatra, Jason, and Hazard captured Topaze.

1809. Monday 30th January - 24th February. Sir A. Cochrane captured Martinique.

1809. Wednesday 8th February. Horatio and consorts captured Junon.

1809. Wednesday 8th February. Amphion and Redwing dispersed French ships off Melida.

1809. Wednesday 15th February. Belle Poule captured Var.

1809. Friday 24th February. Ceasar and consorts destroyed Italienne, Calypso and Cybe.

1809. Tuesday 28th February. Fight between HMS Proserpine and two French Frigates off Toulon. (Heroism of a private of Marines).

1809. February. In February 1809, a second-commandant was added to each division, and the pay of the commandant in London increased to £3 per diem, colonels in command of divisions, £2. 10s second-commandants, £1. 10s., and the same emolument was extended to those on the retired list; whilst the brevet officers on that establishment obtained 2s. per diem. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1809. Sunday 12th March. Topaze engaged Danae and Flora.

1809. Sunday 12th March. Batteries carried, and guns destroyed at Lequito.

1809. Monday 20tgh March. Batteries destroyed at Baigno and Paissance.

1809. Saturday 1st April. Boats of Mercury boarded Leda at Rovigno.

1809. Saturday 1st April. Amelia destroyed batteries in Aix Roads.

1809. Wednesday 5th April. Amethyst captured Niemen.

1809. Wednesday 12th April. Lord Cochrane destroyed French ship at Basque Roads.

1809. Thursday 13th April. The attack on the French Flotilla in the Basque Roads.

1809. Friday 14th - 17th April. Pompee and consorts took Hautpoult.

1809. Saturday 15th April. Intrepid engaged Furieuse and Felicite.

1809. Sunday 23rd April. Spartan and consorts bombarded Pesaro.

1809. Wednesday 26th April. Thrasher engaged Flotilla near Boulogne.

1809. Tuesday 2nd May. Spartan and Mercury at Cesenatico.

1809. Thursday 4th May. Parthian captured Nouvelle Gironde.

1809. Thursday 11th May. Melpomene destroyed a Danish cutter.

1809. Monday 15th May. Boats of Tartar captured a Danish privateer.

1809. Monday 15th May. Mercury bombarded Rotti.

1809. Wednesday 17th May. Goldfinch engaged Mouche.

1809. Thursday 18th May. The Capture of the Island of Anholt. Captain Edward Nicolls RM assisted Marines and seamen under the command of Captain William Selby of Owen Glendower in the capture of the island of Anholt. In the skirmish, a Danish garrison of 170 men put up a sharp but ineffectual resistance that killed one British Marine and wounded two before surrendering. Following the capture of Anholt, Captain Edward Nicolls was briefly assigned to duty as the British military governor of the island.

1809. Sunday 21st May. Black Joke engaged Mouche.

1809. Tuesday 23rd - 30th May. Melpomene engaged a Danish flotilla.

1809. Wednesday 31st May. Topaze brought out nine vessels from St. Maura.

1809. Wednesday 7th June. The forts at Vigo were occupied by 60 stragglers from Sir John Moores Army, aided by some seamen and Royal Marines. (Napier) The Marines of HMS Lively garrisoned the castle of Vigo.

1809. Saturday 10th June. Amelia and Statira captured Mouche.

1809. Wednesday 14th June. Boats of Scout at Cape Croisette.

1809. Wednesday 14th - 18th June. Latona took Felicite.

1809. Monday 19th June. Bellerophon's boats carried Russian batteries at Hango.

1809. Sunday 25th June. Islands of Procida and Ischia surrendered to the British.

1809. Monday 25th - 26th June. Cyane and Espoir engaged with Ceres.

1809. Thursday 6th July. St. Domingo surrendered to the British.

1809. Thursday 6th July. Bonne Citoyenne captured Furicuse.

1809. Friday 7th July. Capture of seven Russian gunboats off Hango Head.

1809. Saturday 8th July - 13th July. The Capture of Fort Louis in Senegal. Lieutenant Lewis B. Reeves, Royal Marines, and 50 Privates took part in a small expedition despatched from the garrison of Goree under Major Maxwell. The little force only 210 strong was badly pressed after landing, when the enemy's attack was broken by a bayonet charge delivered by the Marines, and on the 31st Fort Louis capitulated with its garrison of 400 men. The Marines were left to occupy the fort for a further 7 months, during which time nearly half of them succumbed to the climate.

1809. Thursday 27th July. The capture of a Fort at Bremerle, Cuxhaven. A detachment of Royal Marines under Lieutenant John Benson was landed at Ritzbuttle to cover the destruction of the fort and its guns, and to intercept the advances of any French troops. The Marines advanced as far as Bremerdike and Gerendoz, a distance of 28 miles.

1809. Sunday 13th August. The Bombardment of Flushing.

1809. Friday 14th July. Fort of Carri stormed and carried by boats of Scout.

1809. Tuesday 25th July. Princess Caroline and consorts captured four Russian vessels.

1809. Tuesday 25th July. Boats of Fawn captured Guadaloupe.

1809. Thursday 27th July. Forts at Cuxhaven destroyed.

1809. Friday 28th July - 4th September. Expedition to the Scheldt.

1809. Saturday 29th July. Acorn and consorts engaged off Duin.

1809. Saturday 12th August. Monkey and Lynx captured three Danish luggers.

1809. Monday 14th August. Boats of Otter captured two vessels.

1809. Monday 28th August. Battery at Cortelazzo carried by boats of Amphion.

1809. Wednesday 30th August. The occupation of Fort Walcheren. Captain F. Liardet and 700 Marines.

1809. Thursday 7th September. Boats of Mercury captured Pugliese.

1809. Monday 11th September. Diana captured Zephyr.

1809. Thursday 21st September. The reduction of the Isle of Boubon. Lieutenant Cottal. 6 Officers and 130 Royal Marines landed near Pointdu Galet, together with 100 seamen, 200 of the 56th Regiment and 108 Bombay sappers. The object of this force was to destroy the batteries protecting the harbour of St. Paul and to take out the shipping. Five batteries were surprised and destroyed and a quantity of shipping, including two men of war captured or destroyed.

1809. Tuesday 17th October. Capture of French privateer at Sainte Marie.

1809. October. Zante, Cephalonia, Cerigo, and Ithaca surrendered.

1809. Wednesday 1st November. Cumberland and consorts captured 11 armed vessels.

1809. Thursday 2nd November. Victor captured by French frigate Bellone.

1809. Monday 13th November. The storming of Ras-El-Khyma. The detachments of Marines of HMS La Chiffone and HMS Caroline were landed under Colonel Smith in command of troops to attack the pirate strong hold of Ras-El-Khyma in the Persian Gulf. After a short bombardment a landing was effected on the south side of the town which was burnt, and the enemy driven out. Lieutenant T. Drury Commanded the Marines. Three Marines obtained booty amounting to 4,500 gold Mohurs (£7,650).

1809. Monday 13th November. Chiffonne and Caroline destroyed Ras al Khyma.

1809. Friday 17th November. Linga destroyed by Chiffonne and Caroline.

1809. Sunday 27th November. Luft destroyed by Chiffonne and Caroline.

1809. Saturday 9th December. Redpole captured Grand Rodeur.

1809. Wednesday 13th December. Boats of Thetis and consorts took Nisus at Guadaloupe.

1809. Wednesday 13th December. Junon captured and destroyed by the French.

1809. Thursday 14th December. Melampus captured Bearnaise.

1809. Sunday 17th - 18th December. Sceptre and consorts took Anse la Barque, Guadaloupe.

1809. Sunday 17th December. Rosamond captured Papillon.

1809. December - 3rd January. 1810. Chiffonne and Caroline carried Shenaz by storm.

1809. To the peace in 1814, no general promotion took place in the Marines, nor at the latter period were all the vacancies of officers killed in action filled, and although there were 5000 supernumeraries actually serving afloat without officers attached to them, the senior Captains had been from thirty five to thirty two years in the service. Notwithstanding the many advances that had been conferred on the various ranks in the navy. This circumstance is more fully noticed in our extracts from the Naval and Military Commission; and two memorials on the subject will be found in Appendix, Nos. 11, 12. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1809. In the General Orders issued by Lieutenant General Sir John Hope, congratulating the army upon the successful result of the Battle of Corunna on Monday16th of January.

1809. It is stated, "On no occasion has the undaunted valour of British troops ever been more manifest. At the termination of a severe and harassing march, rendered necessary by the superiority which the enemy had acquired, and which had materially impaired the efficiency of the troops, many disadvantages were to be encountered. These have all been surmounted by the conduct of the troops themselves, and the enemy has been taught, that, whatever advantages of position or of numbers he may possess, there is inherent in the British Officers and soldiers a bravery that knows not how to yield, that no circumstances can appal, and that will ensure victory, when it is to be obtained by the exertion of any human means. Active continental operations, or in maintaining colonial territories in distant and unfavourable climes."

1809. Up to the peace in 1814, no general promotion took place in the Marines, nor at the latter period were all the vacancies of officers killed in action filled up, and although there were 5000 supernumeraries actually serving afloat without officers attached to them, the senior Captains had been from thirty-five to thirty-two years in the service, notwithstanding the many advances that had been conferred on the various ranks in the navy.

1809. while still a young Captain of Marines, Edward Nicolls married Miss Eleanor Bristow (1792–1880) who was also from Northern Ireland. Sir Edward and Lady Eleanor Nicolls appear on the United Kingdom Census 1861 in Greenwich, where Nicolls is listed as KCB and a retired General of Marines.

1810. Wednesday 10th January. Cherokee boarded and carried Aimable Nelly.

1810. Wednesday 10th January. Plover took Saratin in the Channel.

1810. Wednesday 10th January. Boats of Christian VII. and Armide in Basque Road.

1810. Friday 12th January. Scorpion captured Oreste.

1810. Friday 12th January. Booloe Comba captured from the Dutch.

1810. Thursday 18th January. Besiglio. Castle stormed and held. An official report: "The Royal Marines were led on with their usual gallantry by Lieutenat Moore whom I have had frequent occasion to mention for his bravery and conduct."

1810. Saturday 20th January. French convoy driven on shore near La Rochelle.

1810. Sunday 21st January. The Storming of the batteries at Baie Mahut, Guadeloupe. Lieutenant Shillibeer and 30 Royal Marines served in a boat expedition which was sent in at dusk to cut out a brig protected by two batteries. She was boarded and taken under heavy fire. The Marines and seamen then waded ashore, the water reaching to their waists. On landing they at once dashed forward and drove the enemy from the nearest battery and closing with their bayonets the Marines compelled them to abandon a position they had taken up in rear of a brick breastwork. Having thrown a 24 pounder over the cliff and buried 6 howitzers in the sand, the party renewed their advance and stormed the second battery of three24 pounders protected by a ditch around them. After destroying the guard house and spiking the guns, two vessels were burnt, and the brig brought out "The gallant manner in which Lieutenant Shillibeer led the Royal Marines to the charge, as well as their steady discipline in keeping possession of the heights while the seamen were destroying the batteries", were specially mentioned in the official report. On 6th February, Vieux Fort, Guadeloupe was stormed by Royal Marines under Captain C. Abbott.

1810. Saturday 27th January - 22nd March. The defence of the fort of Matagorda, near Cadiz. This small fort, not more than a hundred yards square, with no ditch and no bomb proofs, was held for nearly two months by a little garrison of 25 Royal Marines, 25 seamen from HMS Invincible, 25 Royal Artillerymen and 67 N.C.O.'s and Privates of the 94th Regiment under Captain MacLean. The fort was close to the French lines at the Trocadero. "A Spanish 74 gunner and a Flotilla had co-operated in the resistance till day break on the 21st March, but then a hissing shower of heated shot made them cut their cables and run under the walls of Cadiz, while the fire of 48 guns and mortars of the largest size was turned on the fort, whose feeble parapet vanished before that crashing flight of metal, leaving only the naked rampart and undaunted hearts of the garrison for defence. The men fell fast, and the enemy shot so quick and close, that a staff bearing the Spanish flag was broken six times in an hour, the colours were then fastened to the angle of the work itself, but unwillingly by the men, especially the sailors, all calling out to hoist the British ensign and attributing the slaughter to their fighting under a foreign flag. Thirty hours this tempest lasted, and 64 men out of 140 had fallen, when Graham (the General commanding Cadiz) finding a diversion he had projected impracticable, sent boats to carry off the survivors." Napier's Peninsular War.

1810. Sunday 28th January - 6th February. Capture of Guadaloupe by Pompee and fleet.

1810. Monday 29th January. Boats of Phoenix and Jalouse captured Charles.

1810. Saturday 3rd February. Valiant captured Confiance.

1810. Saturday 10th February. Thistle captured Dutch corvette Havik.

1810. Tuesday 13th February. Attack on French gunboats in Basque Road.

1810. Wednesday 14th February. Rainbow and Avon engaged Nereide.

1810. Saturday 17th February. The capture of the 'Amboyna'. Royal Marines of HMS Cornwallis, HMS Dover and HMS Samatang formed part of a small force of 401 seamen, Royal Marines, Artillery and detachment of the Madras European Regiment which effected this capture against formidable fortifications manned by very superior numbers.

1810. Wednesday 21st February. Horatio captured Necessite.

1810. February. Capture of Amboyna from the Dutch.

1810. February. Surrender of the Islands of St. Martin, St. Eustatius, Saba, Saparoua, Harouka, Nasso Lant, Bouro, Manippa.

1810. Thursday 1st March. Boats of Cornwallis carried Margaretta.

1810. Thursday 22nd March. The attack on Santa Maura. The troops landed for the attack and had to advance over a narrow isthmus defended by two redoubts behind which was an entrenchment, mounting 4 guns, and having a wet ditch and an abbatis in front which extended to the sea on either side. It was manned by 500 troops. The British force consisted of 240 Royal Marines from HMS Monificent and HMS Belle Poule under the command Captain Snowe who formed the centre of the attacking line, 160 men of De Rolls' Regiment placed on the right, 216 men of the Calabrian Free Corps on the left, with 100 men of the same Corps in reserve in the rear of each flank. Brigadier general Oswald of the Calabrian Corps was the senior officer present. The line advanced on the redoubts covered by the fire of the Leonidas frigate, and carried them at the point of the bayonet, after which it advanced, left and front on the entrenchment. At the first discharge from these the Calabrians threw themselves down and could not be got to advance in spite of every effort to rally them, and "the indignant treatment they received from the Marines", remarked Nicholas. The latter, cheering, marched over their bodies, scrambled through the abbatis and drove the enemy out of their entrenchments at the bayonet's point, pursuing them until recalled to garrison the redoubts previously captured. Brigadier General Oswald the next day issued and order in which he referred to the 'Great Gallantry Displayed' by the stormers and stated that "the intrepid manner in which the Royal Marines performed that service claims the highest admiration." Siege was then laid to the citadel which, after an outwork had been taken, capitulated. The Marines lost 6 men killed, Captain Snowe and 16 men severely and Lieutenant Morrison and 5 men slightly wounded.

1810. Wednesday 4th April. Success and Espoir at Castiglione.

1810. Friday 6thv April. Sylvia destroyed armed piratical prow in Straits of Sunda.

1810. Saturday 7th April. Sylvia captured piratical prow.

1810. Wednesday 11th April. Sylvia and boats engaged and sank piratical lugger.

1810. Thursday 12th April. Unicorn captured Esperance (late British Laurel).

1810. Tuesday 24th April. Surly and Firm captured Alcide.

1810. Wednesday 25th April. Spartan and consorts engaged at Monte Circello.

1810. Thursday 26th April. Sylvia took Echo and two transports.

1810. Tuesday 1st May. French troops defeated at Jacolet, Isle of France.

1810. Thursday 3rd May. Spartan captured Sparviere in Bay of Naples.

1810. Saturday 12th May. Tribune engaged four Danish brigs.

1810. Tuesday 22nd May. Boats of Alceste at Agaye.

1810. Saturday 26th May. Boats of Alceste captured four feluccas.

1810. May and June. Royalist engaged and captured six armed vessels.

1810. May. According to a return of the 73rd Regiment there were also some Marines left at Hobart Australia numbering 50 of all ranks plus nine wives of Marine privates and 19 children.

1810. Thursday 21st June. Manado surrendered to Dover.

1810. Thursday 28th June. Boats of Amphion and consorts at Groa.

1810. Friday 29th June. A convoy cut out at Groa.

1810. June. Elaborate preparations were made for the capture of Reunion, or, as it was then called, Bourbon. Large numbers of British and Indian troops, together with transports, were assembled at Rodriguez, and on Sunday 24th June HMS Boadicea of 38 guns and Captain Josias Rowley. HMS Nereide of 36 guns. Captain Nisbet and Josiah Willoughby from off Mauritius, arrived to escort the expedition.

1810. Friday 6th July. They sailed and made a rendezvous, about 50 miles from Reunion, with a small squadron which, under Captain Samuel Pym of HMS Sirius with 36 guns had previously been cruising off Mauritius. This squadron consisted of the HMS Iphigenia with 36 guns, Captain Henry Lambert, and HMS Magicienne of 36 guns. At the rendezvous 3650 troops were divided, and arrangements were perfected, and on the 7th, the ships bore away for the different points of disembarkation. The first brigade, under Lieutenant Colonel Frazier, was to land at Grande Chaloupe, about six miles west of St. Denis, the capital, and the remaining three brigades, under Lieutenant Colonels Henry S. Keating (senior officer), Campbell, and Drummond, were to be thrown ashore at Riviere des Pluies, about three miles to the eastward. In the afternoon, while the enemy, who had about 600 regulars and 2700 militia men on the island, was distracted by a demonstration off St. Marie, Frazier, with 950 men and some howitzers, was landed at Grande Chaloupe without opposition, and Lieutenant John Wyatt Watling of HMS Sirius occupied a height which protected the force from molestation during the following night. At Riviere des Pluies, on the weather side of the island, conditions were less favourable, although Willoughby, still suffering from his musket accident, effected a landing with a few seamen and about 150 troops, the operation was not carried out without the drowning of four people in the surf, and the loss of several boats.

1810. Saturday 7th - 8th July. Boadicea and consorts took Isle of Bourbon.

1810. Monday 9th July. Boats of Sirius captured Edward.

1810. Tuesday 17th July. Euryalus engaged a French 74 off Toulon.

1810. Friday 20th July. Warspite and consorts off Toulon.

1810. Tuesday 23th July. Boats of Belvidera and Nemesis on the coast of Norway.

1810. Thursday 25th July. Thames and consorts at Amanthe.

1810. Monday 30th July 30. Boats of Procris took six gunboats.

1810. July Boats of Sirius destroyed a French stores ship.

1810. July. The capture of Reunion.

1810. Thursday 9th August. Caroline, Piedmontaise, and Barracouta took Banda Neira.

1810. Monday 13th August. The capture of Isle De La Passe, involving Marines on board HMS Nereide, HMS Sirius and HMS Staunch.

1810. Friday 17th August. Porte du Diable stormed and carried.

1810. Monday 20th August. Nereide engaged French frigates off Isle de la Passe.

1810. Tuesady 21st August. Boats of Sirius cut out a French prize.

1810. Thursday 23rd - 28th August. Nereide and consorts taken at Grand Port.

1810. Wednesday 29th August. Queen Charlotte repulsed a French cutter off Alderney.

1810. Thursday 30th August. Repulse and Philomel repulsed frigates off Toulon.

1810. Wednesday 5th September. Boats of Surveillante captured a French brig.

1810. Thursday 6th September. Battery captured and destroyed in the River Crache.

1810. Friday 7th September. Boats of Dreadnought carried a French vessel.

1810. Tuesday 11th September. Boats of Africaine engaged a French schooner.

1810. Tuesday 13th September. Africaine taken by Astree aud Iphigenie, but re-taken.

1810. Monday 17th September. Ceylon taken by Venus and Victor.

1810. Tuesday 18th September. Boadicea, Otter, and Staunch took Venus.

1810. Thursday 27th September. Three brigs cut out at Point Du Che. HMS Caledia and HMS Valliant were sent to destroy three French brigs lying under the protection of a battery at Point du Che near La Rochelle. Five officers and 130 men of the Royal Marines were landed at half past two in the morning in order to capture the battery. As the boats pulled in to attack the brigs they were discovered and fired upon. Lieutenant Little of the Royal Marine Artillery mentions in an official despatch that immediately upon landing pushed forward with the bayonet to assault. Supported by Captain McLachlan's division, with Lieutenant Coulter, both of the Royal Marines, and Lieutenant Couche with a separate detachment, and succeeded in carrying the battery and spiking all the guns. Lieutenant little in a personal encounter with one of the enemy, when in the act of wrestling his musket from him, deceived the contents in his hand, which was so much shattered in consequence as to render amputation necessary. After the capture of the redoubt a French force advanced from the village but was checked by the fire of the Marines and one of the boats. They then brought up two field pieces to take the Marines in flank, but they instantly charged them with the bayonet, and captured the guns. Meanwhile the boats carried out the destruction of the brigs, and the detachment of Marines was re-embarked in perfect order. Lieutenant Little received a reward from the Patriotic Fund, a pension for wounds of £70 a year and an appointment at the Woolwich Division.

1810. Friday 28th September. Boats of Rambler defeated French Dragoons.

1810. Sunday 14th October. Briseis captured Sans Souci in North Sea.

1810. Friday 19th October - 19th December. Capture of Isle of France by Illustrious and consorts.

1810. Thursday 25th October. Calliope captured Comtesse d'Hambourg.

1810. Saturday 27th October. Orestes took Loup Garou.

1810. Sunday 4th November. Boats of Blossom captured Cesar.

1810. Thursday 8th November. Boats of Quebec captured Jeune Louise.

1810. Monday 12th - 23rd November. Diana and consorts engaged at Lahougue and Tatillon

1810. Thursday 15th - 16th November. Phipps captured Barbier de Seville.

1810. Friday 23rd November. Attack Port St. Mary by boats of the Cadiz fleet.

1810. Thursday 29th November. Three battalions were raised from among the Royal Marines during the Napoleonic Wars, seeing combat in Portugal, Northern Spain, the Netherlands and North America.

The First Battalion

The 1st battalion formed at Plymouth on Thursday 29th November 1810 under the command of Major Richard Williams. It consisted of six companies, plus an attached company of Royal Marine Artillery. It embarked, arriving in Lisbon on 8 December 1810.

The battalion grew to eight companies, plus the attached artillery company. It left Portugal in February 1812 and disembarked at Portsmouth. There it remained until 6th June 1812, when it embarked aboard HMS Diadem. The battalion arrived off the coast near Santoña on 15 June and was involved in the attack on the fort at Castro Urdiales. The fort's garrison of two companies of infantry capitulated on 8th July, the French having evacuated the town the day before. On 10th July, the battalion re-embarked, intending to go to Portugalete, but returned to Castro shortly afterwards. The French, unawares that the marines had returned, launched an unsuccessful counter-attack against the fort's Bilbao gate. Major Williams was appointed commander of the fort on 30th July.

The Royal Navy attacked Santander from 30th July onwards, with the French evacuating the town on 3th August. The first six companies of the 1st battalion embarked for Santander to support the attack and arrived on 4th August. This force re-embarked on 10 August for an intended attack on Gitaya, its destination changing to Portugalete, where it arrived on 12 August. After the marines had destroyed a fort that the French had abandoned, the marines re-embarked and returned to Santander.

The force disembarked at Zumaia on 18th August, along with the 2nd battalion. The artillery companies of both battalions deployed opposite the rock of Gitaya. Both battalions held the area until ordered to re-embark on 20th September.

During October, the 1st battalion was deployed before Santoña, at Castello. [disambiguation needed] The news that a French division was approaching to reinforce the 1,500 men garrison at Santoña led to the recall of the battalion on 1st November. However, the recall was countermanded, and the battalion resumed its positions; it returned to Santander on 14th December.

On 21st December the 1st battalion, which numbered 536 rank and file, and its artillery company sailed from Santander in HMS Fox, HMS Latona, and HMS Venerable, arriving at St Helens, Isle of Wight on 31st December. The right wing (aboard Fox and Venerable) received orders to proceed to Plymouth on 6th January 1813, where the battalion was to perform garrison duty at Plymouth and to prepare for imminent deployment to North America.

The 1st Battalion embarked (on the ships Diadem (1st to 5th companies) and Diomede (6th to 8th companies and artillery) on 30th March, set sail on 7th April, and arrived in Bermuda on 29th May 1813. There it and the infantry already present were formed into two brigades. The embarked artillery brigade, supporting both battalions, comprised 131 officers and men, four 6-pounder guns, two 8" howitzers, two 5.5" howitzers, two 10" mortars, and a quantity of Congreve rocket launching frames, with associated munitions, all under the command of Captain Thomas Parke.

On 25 June, the 1st Battalion participated in the attack on Hampton, Virginia. On 13 July, the Marine Battalions were involved in the occupation of Ocracoake and Portsmouth and engaged in the occupation of Kent Island on 7th August. Later in the year, the 1st Battalion went to Ile aux Noix, south of Montreal in Canada, while the 2nd Battalion went to Prescott, on the Saint Lawrence River.

A detachment of the 1st Battalion, under Lieutenants Caldwell and Barton, was present at the Battle of Lacolle Mills (1814). On 16th August 1814, the battalion received orders to be "disposed for Naval service", with the greater part of the battalion to go to Lake Ontario and the remainder to go to Lake Champlain. In November 1814 the First Battalion was reconstituted in Quebec and shipped south in support of operations off the coast of Georgia.

The Second Battalion, July 1812 to May 1814:

The Second Battalion was formed at Chatham and deployed to Portsmouth in July 1812. It consisted of six companies under the command of Major James Malcolm. On 15th August, the battalion embarked aboard HMS Latona (1st and 2nd companies) and HMS Fox (3rd to 6th companies), to deploy in Northern Spain under the command of the squadron of Home Riggs Popham. The battalion disembarked at Zumaia on 18th August and joined up with Spanish forces under the command of Francisco de Longa. The battalion re-embarked on 20th September and were landed at Santander on 28th September.

Further reinforcements for the battalion disembarked soon after Diadem arrived on 29th November at Santander, resulting in two companies being added and another company of artillery countermanded. Some of the reinforcements had returned from garrison duty on the island of Anholt, Denmark.

On 21st December the 2nd battalion sailed from Santander, along with the left wing of the 1st battalion, aboard Latona, arriving on 4th January. Diadem carried the 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th & 10th companies, HMS Iriscarried the 2nd Battalion's artillery company (Captain Parke) and supplemental company (Captain Wilkinson), with the remainder of the battalion (5 companies) embarked upon the transports Whitton and Mariner, leaving the town to Spanish forces commanded by General Mendizabal. The surviving muster lists show the Marines disembarked at Plymouth on 7th January 1813.

The deployment of both battalions in Northern Spain forced the French to redeploy 30,000 men, away from the Salamanca campaign. The Duke of Wellington was so impressed that he requested they would be placed under his command but was rebuffed by the Admiralty.

Given the heterogeneous nature of the battalion, and its deployment in Spain immediately after inception, Major Malcolm felt that the 2nd Battalion was lacking in discipline. He requested that the 2nd Battalion be deployed to the barracks at Berry Head Fort in Torbay, so that drilling of the unit would result in better discipline and cohesion. The 2nd Battalion was dispatched to Berry Head on 14 January aboard HMS Diadem and HMS Latona, having boarded on 12th January. Within a month of the battalion's arrival in Berry Head Fort, the intensive drill bore fruit.

The 2nd Battalion embarked on the ships HMS Romulus, HMS Diomede, HMS Nemesis, and HMS Fox on 30th March, set sail on 7th April with the ships carrying the 1st Battalion, the transport vessel Mariner (containing two rocket detachments with an establishment of 25 men, each commanded by a Lieutenant) and HMS Superb (which was carrying troops of the 8th Royal Veteran Battalion) and arrived in Bermuda on 29th May, where the Marines and the Royal Veterans, with the two Independent Companies of Foreigners already present upon the island, were formed into two brigades.

The 2nd Battalion was employed alongside the 1st Battalion until late in 1813, when the 2nd Battalion was deployed to Prescott, on the Saint Lawrence River. On 6th May 1814, it participated in the Battle of Fort Oswego (1814), suffering fatalities of one Captain, two Sergeants and four Other Ranks. Its final engagement was the Battle of Big Sandy Creek, where an element of the battalion made up part of the 180-man force. Thereafter, the battalion's companies were broken up and its men were dispersed among the squadron and flotilla on Lake Ontario, as per orders from Commodore James Lucas Yeo.

From May 1814: Following the order, the 2nd Battalion ceased to exist as a fighting force. All that remained were the staff elements. When the 3rd Battalion arrived in Chesapeake, they were renumbered as the 2nd Battalion and came under the command of Lieutenant Colonel James Malcolm (Royal Marines officer). Upon the orders of Vice Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane, three of the ten companies were detached from this unit, to become the regenerated 3rd Battalion, under the command of Major Lewis. (These three companies were commanded by Captain Clements, Lt Connolly and Lt Stevens.

The recreated 2nd Battalion was present in the Chesapeake campaign, participating in the Battle of Bladensburg, the attack on Washington, and the Battle of Baltimore. Also present during the campaign were the three companies of the Corps of Colonial Marines under the command of an army officer, Captain Reed (of the 6th West India Regiment), and a composite battalion of Marines, formed from ships' Marine detachments, frequently led by Captain John Robyns. A composite "battalion" of 100 men also took part in the Battle of New Orleans, under the command of Brevet Major Thomas Adair.

Following the failure of the British attack against Fort McHenry on 13 September, the 2nd and 3rd Marine battalions proceeded to Tangier Island, where a barracks for 600 men was created on the understanding they would be spending the winter on the island.

Orders were received on 11th December to embark, the Marines later disembarking on Cumberland Island on 10th January 1815, along with the 1st Battalion and two companies of the 2nd West India Regiment. Thereafter, this force attacked Fort Peter on 13th January, subsequently marching on the town of St. Marys, and occupying it for about a week, before retiring to Cumberland Island.

It is understood that an element of the 2nd Battalion could have participated in the Battle of New Orleans. The musters show three dead men (from the First and Third companies commanded by Captain Coles & Lieutenant Fynmore respectively) and several men wounded.

Ironically, the battalion's final action was a purely artillery engagement. The battalion's rocket detachment, commanded by Lieutenant John Lawrence, were on HMS Tonnant, and were put ashore on 7th February 1815, to participate in the attack on Fort Bowyer. (Their penultimate engagement was the Battle of New Orleans.) Thereafter they returned to Portsmouth and were disembarked on 11 May 1815. The infantry companies were embarked aboard HMS Albion for the return to England in 1815. The artillery company was disembarked at Chatham on 20 May 1815.

The Third Battalion December 1813 to August 1814

After Napoleon's defeat at Leipzig in October 1813, the French troops retreated to France. A provisional government was formed, the Driemanschap, which invited the exiled Prince William VI of Orange to The Hague.

A token British force accompanied the Prince of Orange to the Netherlands in November 1813. Most of the British army was fighting the Peninsular War, so the 2nd Battalion 2nd Foot Guards and several companies of Marines were hastily embarked at Deal. These companies were to form the nucleus of the 3rd Battalion. A further two companies of Marines arrived on 19th December, accompanied by Major George Lewis, who assumed command of the Marines.

This force was involved in fighting around Krabbendijke, until Russian troops relieved them on 18th January. When the marines arrived in Portsmouth on 21st January, they were formed into the Third Battalion. The battalion had an establishment of ten companies of 100 men, and one company of Royal Marine Artillery. The battalion was commanded by Major George Lewis, who since 19th December 1813 had been the officer commanding the Marine companies deployed in the Netherlands.

The Artillery company were issued with knapsacks just prior to their departure. The battalion embarked on 29th March, set sail on 7th April, and disembarked at Bermuda. The infantry companies were aboard HMS Regulus, HMS Melpomene and HMS Brune, with the artillery aboard HMS Tonnant. After a sojourn, the battalion sailed for the Chesapeake on 30th June, and joined Admiral Cockburn's squadron on 16th July. Just prior to the liaison, a detachment of 12 Royal Marine gunners (with two howitzers and a field piece) and 100 Royal Marine infantry were transferred to HMS Hermes and HMS Carron, to accompany Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Edward Nicolls to Florida, where they would remain for the duration of the war.

On the morning of 19th July, the battalion landed near Leonardtown and advanced in concert with ships of the squadron, causing the US forces to withdraw. The battalion was deployed to the south of the Potomac, moving down to Nomini. The battalion was subsequently landed at St Clements Bay on 23rd July, Machodoc creek on 26th July, and Chaptico, Maryland on 30th July.

The first week of August was spent raiding the entrance to the Yeocomico River, which concluded with the capture of four schooners at the town of Kinsale, Virginia. On 7th August, the battalion stormed a gun battery of three artillery pieces, situated on the Coan River (a few miles below the Yaocomico river).

During the Chesapeake campaign the 3rd Battalion participated in the Battle of Bladensburg, the attack on Washington, and the Battle of Baltimore. The attack on Washington cost the Navy one man killed and six wounded.

After Lieutenant Colonel James Malcolm arrived, the battalion was split into the reconstituted second battalion, and the third battalion (composed of Royal and Colonial Marines), as outlined below.

From September 1814 to 1815:

Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane ordered that three of the 10 companies from this unit become the nucleus of a regenerated 3rd Battalion, under the command of Major Lewis. These three companies joined the three companies of the Corps of Colonial Marines, formed in May of that year, to make a new 3rd Battalion Royal and Colonial Marines. The Colonial Marines had made their combat debut on the raid on Pungoteague Creek (30th May 1814), with one fatal casualty, and had then carried out incursions at Chesconessex Creek in June and Onancock in August and were involved in the Washington campaign with one man killed and three wounded. Prior to the establishment of the Corps, some of its men had been employed to good effect as scouts and guides with raiding parties.

The 3rd Battalion subsequently deployed to Cumberland Island along with the 1st and 2nd Battalions. When news reached the troops that peace had been made, the 3rd Battalion embarked on 10th March, disembarking on Ireland Island, Bermuda, on 21st March. The battalion's several Colonial companies were renamed the 3rd Battalion Colonial Marines and, after 16 months of garrison duty in the new Royal Naval Dockyard, were settled on new lands in Trinidad on 20th August 1816, forming the community of "the Merikens" in the areas known since then as the "Company Villages". The three remaining Royal Marine companies of the original 3rd Battalion departed Bermuda in May 1815 to return to England.

(by Tom C/Wikepedia/Editor)

1810. Monday 3rd December. The capture of Mauritius. A battalion of Royal Marines from the men of war present served with the Army under Major General Hon. John Abercromby, who reported that "The battalion of the Royal Marines, under the command of Captain Liardet, supported the reputation of his distinguished Corps."

1810. Friday 7th December. Rinaldo captured Marandeur off Dover.

1810. Monday 10th December. Rosario captured Mameloucke off Dungeness.

1810. Wednesday 12th December. Entreprenante repulsed four French privateers.

1810. Thursday 13th December. The destruction of armed and other vessels at Palamos. The Royal Marines from the HMS Kent, HMS Ajax and HMS Cambrian, 250 in number, and having occupied the enemy's batteries without much resistance, the seamen brought out most of the shipping. But in retiring through the town to re-embark they were attacked and lost 12 killed, 22 wounded, and 43 missing.

1810. Monday 17th December. Rinaldo sank a French lugger off the Owers.

1810. Monday 24th December. Boats of Diana destroyed Elise.

1810 \- 1850. The Marines uniform of the day. (taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI).

1810. Spain and Portugal. In addition to the services of the Royal Marine Battalions already mentioned, it should be said that the 3rd or innermost line of the series of defences famous as the Lines of Torres Vedras was occupied by the Royal Marines. This interior line extended from Passo d'Arcos, on the Tagus, to the Tower of Junquerra on the coast, near Fort St. Julian, was an entrenched camp occupied by the Royal Marines. In Autumn of this year, at the suggestion of the Duke of Wellington, Admiral Berkeley in command of the British squadron in the Tagus, formed a Naval Brigade of 500 Royal Marines, and the same number of seamen. Captain Lawford RN of HMS Impetueux was in command. There were nine Captains of Marines in the Brigade and as many subalterns as could be spared. "Leaving only one to each ship of the line." There was also a proportion of Naval Officers. The Brigade seems to have marched up the left bank of the Tagus, on which there was an armed British flotilla, to Almeirim, a place nearly opposite to Sanarem where Marshal Massena was building and assembling boats with which to cross the river, probably with a view of out flanking the lines of Torres Vedras. The right of the first line rested on the Tagus at Alhandra, some miles further down. Attempts were made to destroy some of Massena's boats which were drawn up on the beach by gun fire, but with little result. Captain Ross RN seems to have been the senior officer of Marines in the brigade. Meanwhile, a Battalion of Marines referred to by Napier "As a superb body of Marines" had been despatched from England, and upon its arrival the seamen were recalled to their ships as "Their Lordships cannot approve of the landing of seamen of the fleet." It was this Battalion that held the third of the Torres Vedras Lines, as mentioned above. Lieutenant Ashmore, Royal Marines, who was on HMS Picquet near Santarem, on the night of Massena's retreat from the Torres Vedras, was the first to report the enemy's movement.

1811. Thursday 10th January. Tamatave bombarded.

1811. Monday 4th February. Boats of Cerberus and Aciiz'c at Pescaro.

1811. Tuesday 12th February. The cutting out of vessels at Ortona.

1811. Tuesday 5th March – 6th March. The Battle of Barossa. The Royal Marines co-operated in the battle of Barossa by storming the enemy's batteries at the mouth of the Guadelete, they were brigaded with two Spanish Regiments and ordered to destroy the batteries, which they did, but with the French coming down in force they were obliged to re-embark under heavy fire. A detachment under Captain G. Nicholson 300 strong was sent to destroy a battery at Tota. Which they blew up after spiking the guns. On the 6th March parties of Royal Marines and Seamen were landed between Rota and Catalina. A 4 gun redoubt near Santa Maria was stormed by a detachment under Captain P. Fottrell Royal Marines, and with the exception of the Fort at Catalina which was too strong to be attempted by coup-fe-main, all the coast defences between Santa Maria and Rota were dismantled and their guns spiked.

1811. Monday 8th March. Two Marines were executed on board the Zealous, at Lisbon, for the murder of a Sergeant of Marines. Their trial disclosed the following wicked, and in other respects, singular circumstances: the deceased Sergeant had been sent with the two prisoners to do duty on board one of the prison ships in the Tagus. In the course of the night they planned to call the Sergeant from his cot, under pretense of his being wanted. On his proceeding to the part of the ship requested, the way-laid him and pushed him overboard. It may be supposed that he had made himself obnoxious to them; but this did not appear. On the deceased's being missed, it obtained general belief on board the prison ship that he had jumped overboard; but it was not warranted by the man's general character, for he was a sober discreet man, and a good soldier. The first intimation of his death to his shipmates on board the Zealous, was by the sentinel upon deck seeing his hat pass by the ship in the Tagus. The sentinel instantly knew it belonged to him, and inquiry ensued; no suspicion, however, fell upon the prisoners, nor was it necessary for the ends of justice, for their consciences so lacerated them after the first hour they had committed the crime, that, as they confessed to their comrades, they had no rest day or night. Their voluntary confession led to their trial, and they told the court they had not slept since, but were constantly visited by a distempered imagination, of being in the presence of the deceased ghost. Both of them it afterwards appeared were notorious characters. The name of one of them was Brown. They died very penitent. (sic)

1811. Saturday 11th March. We must now particularly direct the attention of our readers to the manly and energetic letter addressed to the right hon. Charles Yorke, then first lord of the Admiralty, by colonels Desborough and Tench, in March 1811, calling his attention to the neglected position of the corps, (Appendix 16). Mr. Yorke, in acknowledging the receipt of this letter, informed colonel Desborough "that the subject was still under the consideration of the Board;" but no further satisfaction was given to this firm, yet respectful remonstrance. Confining our remarks to a mere outline of the progress of the corps, we have placed in the Appendix some of the numerous memorials that were from time to time presented to the Board of Admiralty. These documents will be found deserving of an attentive perusal ; for while they exhibit a painful contrast to the advantages enjoyed by other branches of his Majesty's service, they evince that respectful submission and forbearance which has ever characterized the corps of Marines; and they at the same time afford indisputable evidence, that with the exception of being styled " Royal," the corps has never been honoured by any spontaneous act of favour ; and that every amelioration has been obtained either by respectful remonstrance, or by ear- nest supplication. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1811. Wednesday 13th March. Hoste's victory off Lissa.

1811. Sunday 24th - 25th March. Berwick and consorts destroyed Amazone.

1811. Monday 25th - 27th March. The defence of Anholt. It maybe remarked that in the account of Captain J. W. Maurice RN who commanded at Anholt, in O'Byrne's Naval Biography, the Royal Marines are not even mentioned as forming the garrison, while it says that "he rendered his name for ever famous by the brilliant manner in which he defeated an attempt made to reduce it (Anholt) by a Danish flotilla and Army.

1811. Wednesday 27th March. Sheldrake and Tartar captured five Danish gun-brigs.

1811. Saturday 6th April. Arrow in action with Chasse Marées.

1811. Wednesday 1st May. Pomone and consorts destroyed Giraffe and Nourrice.

1811. Saturday 4th - 5th May. Belle Poule and Alceste at Parenza.

1811. Wednesday 8th May. Scylla boarded and carried Canonniere.

1811. Thursday 16th May. Little Belt engaged U.S. frigate President.

1811. Monday 20th May. Schomberg captured Renommee and Nereide off Madagascar.

1811. Wednesday 23rd May. Capture of 14 Dutch gun-vesseis off Java.

1811. Saturday 26th May. Boats of Sanine engaged at Sabiona.

1811. Saturday 26th May. Party from Pilot took positions at Strongooli.

1811. Saturday 26th May. Alacrity captured by Abeille.

1811. Sunday 27th June. Guadaloupe engaged Tactique and Guepe.

1811. Thursday 4th Ju1y. Boats of Unite captured St. François de Poale.

1811. Thursday 4th July. Unite and Cephalus captured three merchant vessels.

1811. Friday 19th July. Conqueror and Sultan engaged French squadron off Toulon.

1811. Sunday 21st July. The cutting out of 26 vessels at Porto Del Infreschi.

1811. Sunday 21st July. Cephalus and Thames captured 11 French gunboats and consorts.

1811. Saturday 27th July. The cutting out of 28 vessels at Ragosniza, Dalmatia.

1811. Tuesday 30th July. Boats of Minden took Fort Marrack.

1811. Wednesday 31st July. Boats of Procris destroyed six Dutch gunboats off Java.

1811. Wednesday 31st July. Brevdrageren and Algerine engaged three Danish brigs.

1811. July. The Second Battalion was formed at Chatham and deployed to Portsmouth. It consisted of six companies under the command of Major James Malcolm. On Saturday 15th August, the battalion embarked aboard HMS Fox (3rd to 6th companies) and HMS Latona (1st and 2nd companies), to deploy in Northern Spain under the command of the squadron of Home Riggs Popham. The battalion disembarked at Zumaia on Tuesday 18th August and joined up with Spanish forces under the command of Francisco de Longa. The battalion re-embarked on Sunday 20th September and were landed at Santander on Monday 28th September. Further reinforcements for the battalion disembarked soon after Diadem arrived on Tuesday 29th November at Santander, resulting in two companies being added and another company of artillery being formed. Some of the reinforcements had returned from garrison duty on the island of Anholt, Denmark. The deployment of both battalions in Northern Spain forced the French to redeploy 30,000 men, away from the Salamanca campaign. The Duke of Wellington was so impressed that he requested they would be placed under his command but was rebuffed by the Admiralty.

1811. Friday 2nd August. Boats of Quebec and consorts took three gun-brigs.

1811. Sunday 4th - 7th August. Capture of Java by the British.

1811. Tuesday 13th August. Temerairc and Caledonia engaged a battery near Toulon.

1811. Sunday 18th August. Hawke and boats took Heron and convoy.

1811. Saturday 24th August. Diana and Semiramis cut out Teazer and Pluvier.

1811. Thursday 29th - 31st August. Capture of Madura by Sir Francis Drake and consorts.

1811. August – September. The Conquest of Java. A Battalion of Royal Marines under the command of Brevet Major F. Liardet was landed to reinforce the Army under Sir Samuel Achmuty. Batavia having been occupied without resistance, the British advanced against the Dutch Army which was entrenched at Meester Cornelis, about 9 miles from the city. After some days fighting an assault was ordered under the command of General Gillespie. The men detailed for this were 250 of the Royal Marines Battalion, the Grenadiers of the 78th and two companies of the 89th Regiment. The troops moved forward at midnight on the 25th August, and after a desperate struggle, in which the Royal Marines bore a most distinguished part, carried all before them. 257 officers including 3 Generals and 5,000 men were made prisoners and more than 1,000 were found dead in the works. After the battle Sir Samuel Achmuty thus addressed the battalion, "I have halted you to express my high opinion of the zeal and gallantry displayed by the Royal Marines, who were attached to the advance under general Gillespie in the action of the 25th. I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude for their exemplary good conduct, I beg you therefore to accept my warmest thanks, and to communicate the same to the officers and men under your command.

On the 31st August an expedition was sent to Cheribon to intercept the retreat of the Dutch General Jansens from Meester Cornelis. As it would have taken too long to embark troops for the purpose, HMS Nisus, HMS President, HMS Phoebe and HMS Hesper were sent round and landed their Royal Marines together with the detachment belonging to HMS Lion, amounting to 180 men in all, who were under the command of Captain Welchman of the Royal Marines. The fort of Cheribon surrendered and was occupied by Captain Welchman and his Marines, but on the news arriving of the approach of 250 men of the enemy's Infantry and of the same number of Cavalry from Buitzenburg, the Marine Garrison was relieved by a detachment of seamen in order that it might be free to assume the offensive.

The Marines and fifty seamen were therefore mounted on horseback, and under the command of Captain Welchman Royal Marines, were pushed forward by forced march's to attack a fort at Carang Sambang about 35 miles off in the interior of the island. This small advanced force was supported by a body of troops under the command of Colonel Wood. Captain Welchman captured 22 chests of money at Bongas, about half way to Catang Sambang, which were sent back by Colonel Wood, and pushing on met a Dutch officer with a flag of truce proposing the surrender of Carang Sambang. A great quantity of stores was taken at this place including coffee to the value of 250,000 Spanish dollars, as well as a large number of prisoners. The Marines were now re-embarked as HMS Nisus and HMS Phoebe were moving along the coast, landed them successively at Panca and Taggal, both of which places were taken. Samarang, Gressie, and Sourabaya were occupied shortly afterwards, the main body of the Marines being under the command of Captain Bunce who had become senior officer present by the death of Major Liardet from dysentery. Lieutenant White Royal Marines, of HMS Minden who, with his detachment and a party of the 14th Regiment had been landed to keep open communications with Pangorah and to procure supplies for the squadron, was sharply attacked by considerable body of the enemy with two guns, After 12 minutes fighting they were driven off, but just as reinforcements were arriving from the 14th and 89th Regiments they renewed the attack in great force. They were again defeated with some loss. Captain E.W. Hoare. R.N. from HMS Minden, in making his official report of this affair wrote: "I feel it my duty to report the conduct of Captain Robert White of the Royal Marines, who commanded at the first attack, assisted by two officers of the 14th Regiment. I was astonished at the bravery and coolness displayed by those officer and their men." The reduction of the neighbouring Island of Madura was effected by the seamen and Marines of HMS Drake and HMS Phaeton, although the native troops had been strengthened by the landing of a French force. Effecting a landing under cover of the darkness, the small British force advanced on the Fort of Samanap, the capital of the Island, in two columns, each consisting of 60 bayonets (presumably Marines) and 20 pike men. The Marine detachment of the 'Hussar' acted as a reserve. The fort was taken by a sudden rush just before daybreak. A spirited battle with a very superior force followed as soon as it was light in which the resolution and superior tactics of the British secured them the victory. Lieutenant Roch, Royal Marines, was twice speared by the native pike men while wresting the colours from a French officer, whom he slew in the contest. The Conquest of Java was now complete, and the captors were rewarded by distribution of prize money to the value of the property taken which amounted to no less than a million sterling. (sic)

1811. Monday 2nd September. Manly taken by Danish brigs off the coast of Norway.

1811. Tuesday 3rd September. Rinaldo and Redpole engaged a flotilla off Boulogne.

1811. Friday 6th September. Pilot dispersed troops at Castellan.

1811. Saturday 7th September. Barbadoes and Goshawk engaged at Calvados.

1811. Sunday 8th September. Hotspur destroyed three gun brigs oI Calvados.

1811. Monday 9th - 13th September. Bucephalus engaged Nymphe and Meduse off Java.

1811. Tuesday 10th September. Boats of Victory captured Danish gunboats.

1811. Thursday 20th - 21st September. Naiad and consorts engaged a flotilla off Boulogne.

1811. Friday 11th October. Imperieuse silenced forts at Possitano.

1811. Saturday 19th October. Imperieuse and Thames took 10 polacres at Palinuro.

1811. Friday 1st - 3th November. Palinuro Heights carried by party from Imperieuse and consort.

1811. Monday 11th November. Skylark and Locust engaged the Boulogne flotilla.

1811. Friday 22nd November. Volontaire and Perlen engaged Trident and two frigates.

1811. Wednesday 27th November. Eagle captured Cereyre.

1811. Friday 29th November. Alceste, Active, and Unite took Pomone and Porsanne.

1811. Wednesday 4th December. Boats of Sultan took Langitedocienne.

1811. Royal Navy and Royal Marines tensions over status and power came to a head during a disagreement about battle rewards after the 'Defence of Anholt'. Governor of the Anholt Garrison Captain Maurice RN wrote up the actions of the Defence of Anholt, downplaying the efforts of the Royal Marines officers and garrison, and instead focussed on the achievements of the Royal Navy frigates, petitioning for their officers' promotion.

In retaliation, the garrison, made up almost exclusively of Royal Marines, presented Captain Torrens with a sword. Torrens, realising it would not help the relations with the admiralty, refused to accept it until Maurice had received one. The officers of the garrison then presented Torrens with another sword, and relations between Maurice and Torrens broke down. Court martial and counter court martial followed, and eventually both Maurice and Torrens were removed from their commands. The Royal Marines museum has all three of these presentation swords in their collection.

1812. A recruiting poster of the day. (taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI).

1812. The field-officers below the rank of commandant-ensecond, who had attained the rank of major-general, became supernumeraries, and were excused from active duty; such duty being performed by field-officers promoted in consequence of these vacancies. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1812. Saturday 18th January. The Leicester Chronicle. (Admiralty Office Saturday 11th January.)

From Sir. Edward Pellew of His Majesty's ship IMPERIEUSE in the Gulph.)

Sir: - I have the honour to inform you that his Majesty's Ship under, my command attacked three of the enemy's gun vessels, carrying each an eighteen pounder and thirty men, moored under the walls of a strong Fort, near the town of Passitana in the Gulph of Salernoes the Imperieuse was anchored about eleven o'clock within the range of grope, and in a few minutes the enemy were driven from their guns and one of the gunboats was sunk.

It however became absolutely necessary to get possession of the fort, the fire of which, thought silenced, yet (form its being regularly walled round on all sides), the ship could not dislodge the soldiers -and those of the vessels' crews, who had made their escape on shore and taken shelter in it.

The Marines and a party of seamen were therefore landed and led on by the first Lieutenant EATON TRAVERS, and Lieutenant PIPON of the Royal Marines forced their way into the battery in the most gallant style, -under a heavy fire of Musketry, obliging more than treble their numbers to fly in all directions, leaving behind, about thirty men and fifty stand of Arms.

The guns which were twenty four pounders, were then thrown over the cliff, the Magazines etc, destroyed, and the two remaining gun vessels brought off.

The zeal and gallantry of all the officers and crew in this effort could not have been exceeded, but I cannot find words to express my admiration of the manner in which Lieutenant Travers commanded and headed the boats crews and landing party setting 'a most noble example of intrepidity to the officers and men under him.

Swing to buffling winds the ship was unavoidably exposed to raking fire going in, but the foxlapsull yard shot away, is the only damage of any consequence. I have to regret the loss of 1 Marine killed, and two are wounded.

I have the honour to be etc from Henry Duncan Captain. (Sic)

Return of men belonging to HMS IMPERIEUSE, killed and wounded in an attack upon the enemy's fort and gunboats at Possitana on Friday 11th October 1811.

THOMAS NORMAN. Private Marine killed.

OWEN JONES slightly wounded.

DAVID JONES slightly wounded.

Also, from Henry Duncan Captain.

1812. The beginning of the three year war in America.

1812. Sunday 2nd February. Southampton captured Haytian privateer Amethyste.

1812. Thursday 13th February. Apollo took French frigate Merinos.

1812. Saturday 22nd February. Victorious and Weasel captured Rivoli and Mercure.

1812. Friday 27th March. Rosario and Griffon destroyed 5 French brigs off Dieppe.

1812. Saturday 4th April. Capture of a French xebec by the Maidstone's boats.

1812. Thursday 16th April. Capture of 9 coasting vessels by the Pilot and boats.

1812. Wednesday 29th April. Boats of Leviathan and Undaunted captured 5 vessels.

1812. Wednesday 29th April. Destruction of 21 of a French convoy off the Rhone.

1812. Monday 4th May. Re-capture of Apelles, British Brig-sloop, near Etaples.

1812. Saturday 9th May. Batteries at Languelia carried, and 18 vessels destroyed.

1812. Thursday 14th May. Thames and Pilot at Port Sapri.

1812. Friday 22nd May. Northumberland and Growler destroyed 2 French frigates.

1812. Monday 25th - 26th May. Hyacinth, Termagant, and Basilisk at Almunecar.

1812. Thursday 28th May. Menelaus engaged Pauline and Ecureuil.

1812. Friday 29th May. Hyacinth and consorts captured Brave and Napoleon.

1812. May. Leviathan and consorts at Languelia and Alassio.

1812. Thursday 4th June. Boats of Medusa cut out and destroyed Dorade.

1812. Thursday 11th June. Swallow engaged Renard and Gotland.

1812. Friday 19th June. Boats of Briscis captured Urania.

1812. Saturday 20th June - 8th July. Capture of Fort Leguertis and destruction of batteries.

1812. Monday 1st June. The storming of a battery at Isle Verte, near Ciotat. The Royal Marines were on board HMS Furieuse and HMS Menelaus.

1812. Saturday 27th June. The action at Lunguillia and Allassio.

1812. June to February 1814. Royal Marines serving in the 1812 War.

With a need to free troops for service in the Peninsula, the Admiralty in 1810 created a battalion of marines and sent them to be a part of the garrison in Lisbon. This was done by combining men from each of the four marine divisions. In 1812, this unit served aboard Admiral Popham's fleet off the North Coast of Spain where they were joined by a second battalion. Together, by being landed here and there, they managed to disrupt coastal traffic and supplies, capture several towns and ports and pin down the northern division of the French Army.

Wishing to pursue the war with America, the two battalions were recalled to England, re-equipped and then sent to the Chesapeake Bay. They arrived in June 1813. With the Navy and several other units, they proceeded to roam at will up and down the bay creating chaos wherever they landed. Both battalions were withdrawn in September and sent to aid in the defense of Canada. By May of 1814, the 2nd was used to augment Commodore Yeo's ships on Lake Ontario and the remainder were merged with the 1st. In July, the 1st was also "disposed for Naval Service".

In 1814, with the demise of Napoleon, Britain decided to send a larger force to America and the Chesapeake. Along with regiments from the Peninsular army, a third battalion of Royal Marines was organized from detachments in Holland and again from the divisions in England and added to the force. Upon reaching the region, this battalion was renumbered the 2nd and was combined with the 21st Foot to create General Ross' 3rd Brigade and served as such at Bladensburg and North Point. A new 3rd battalion was created by Admiral Cockburn by joining three companies of Royal Marines and three companies of Colonial Marines.

In addition to the above battalions, Marines from the ships in the Chesapeake were used as landing forces and raiding parties throughout the campaign. Frequently, provisional battalions were formed from these Marines, and sometimes with sailors, and were used to reinforce the regular units. This occurred at North Point. Another provisional battalion was thrown together for the assault on New Orleans and along with the 85th, managed to breach the American line on the south side of the Mississippi. A company sized detachment operated independently out of Pensacola among the Creek Indians in the southeast.

As can be seen, the Royal Marines served throughout the War of 1812 (and the Napoleonic Wars) in every capacity and every theater of operations. By 1814, there were approximately 30,000 Marines in service throughout the world. (Author Unknown)

1812. June - October. The capture of fort Lequertio and destruction of batteries on the north coast of Spain.

1812. Thursday 2nd July. Boats of Horatio captured a Danish cutter and schooner.

1812. Friday 3rd July. Raven drove 3 French brigs on shore near Flushing.

1812. Saturday 4th July. Boats of Attack captured a French transport galliot.

1812. Monday 6th July. Dictator and consorts destroyed Nayaden, Laaland, and Kiel.

1812. Thursday 16th July. Boats of Osprey and consorts captured Eole.

1812. Tuesday 21st July. Sealark captured Ville de Caen.

1812. Sunday 23rd July. Belvidera engaged President and Congress.

1812. Thursday 30th July. Santander and Castle of Ano taken by Venerable and consorts.

1812. Monday 10th August. Battery carried at Biendom by party from Minstrel.

1812. Tuesday 11th August. Boats of Menelaus at S. Stefano.

1812. Thursday 13th August. Alert captured by U. S. Frigate Essex.

1812. Saturday 15th August. The Leicester Chronical. A young man who had been enticed into the Marines at Oxford, was sworn in on Wednesday night, deserted the following day, and was apprehended a few hours after at Witney, previous to being handcuffed, he asked for some beer, and after drinking it, he cut his throat with a razor he had concealed in his hand, so dreadfully, that he is not expected to live. (Sic)

1812. Sunday 16th August. Attack sunk by Danish vessels off Foreness.

1812. Wednesday 19th August. Guerriere captured by Constitution.

1812. Monday 24th August. The Battle of Bladensburg, saw the use of Congreve rockets by the detachment of Royal Marine Artillery (RMA) that resulted in the rout of the US militiamen.

1812. Friday 28th August. Operations at Cadiz and the heroism of gunner John Collard.

1812. Tuesday 1st September. Capture of Tisiphone at Port Lemo by Bacchante.

1812. Wednesday 3rd September. Boats of Menelaus took St. Juan.

1812. Friday 5th September. Alcnclatts cut out a French ship at Lake Orbitello.

1812. Monday 8th September. Laura captured by Diligent.

1812. Saturday 12th September. By order of the Lords of the Admiralty, a distribution of the Scriptures is immediately to take place in the Royal Navy, as follows: one copy of the New Testament, two Common Prayers, with two Psalters, for every eight men, and one Bible to every two Messes.

1812. Thursday 17th September. Capture of 17 and destruction of 6 gunboats by Eagle.

1812. Friday 18th September. Capture of 8 armed and 18 merchant vessels by Bacchante.

1812. Saturday 26th September. The Leicester Chronical. On the 13th, a shocking occurrence took place at Radstock. Corporal Green, who has been for some time at Bath, with a recruiting party of Marines, went over to the above place, with the avowed purpose of apprehending a deserter, but called on a respectable young woman, of the name of Smith, to renew his addresses, which had formerly been rejected by her parents.

They walked out together in the neighbouring lane when the villain, in a fit of desperation, took out a double-barrelled pistol, the contents of which he discharged at the unfortunate young woman, and with the other shot himself through the head. He died on the spot, but his intended victim survives, and hopes are entertained of her ultimate recovery. A woman, in passing through the lane, heard the man exclaim, "in that case we will both die together".

She had not proceeded above a hundred yards when the reports of a pistol induced her to return and was the first witness at this dreadful scene. (Sic)

1812. Tuesday 29th September. Capture of 4 French vessels at Valencia by Minstrel.

1812. Tuesday 29th September. Attack on Mittau, Riga.

1812. Tuesday 29th September. The attack on Mittau, Riga. Royal Marines of HMS Aboukir and HMS Ranger.

1812. Sunday 18th October. Frolic captured by U.S. sloop Wasp.

1812. Sunday 18th October. Poictiers captured Wasp and re-captured Frolic.

1812. Friday 23rd October. The Naval Chronicle. A Court Martial took place on board the Salvador del Mundo, Hamoaze, for the trial of Lieut. William Gibbons, commanding His Majesty's schooner Alphea, on account of the treatment experienced by one Mrs. Bentley, the wife of a Corporal of Marines, who was, In August last, by Lieut. Gibbons's order, put, and left, on the warping buoy, between the island and the main; and for a breach of the 33d article of war. It appeared that on the 14th of August, Lieut. G. went on board the Alphea, to proceed to sea, and enquired what women were on board. He was told Corporal Bentley's wife; whom he had given positive orders should not come into the ship. Lieut. G. desired a boat to be manned to take her on shore; upon which the woman commenced the most violent abuse of Lieut. G. which induced him to say to the men, " put her no farther than the buoy; put her on the buoy." She was there a quarter of an hour; when a boat from the shore took her off. Lieut. G. on his defence, admitted the fact; he thought no injury could arise to her from it; did not know she was pregnant; the buoy was so large that he and 16 others had stood on it. The Court thought that the treatment experienced by Grace Bentley, pursuant to Lieutenant Gibbons's orders, was highly improper and reprehensible, but that the said Lieut. Gibbons has not been guilty of a breach of the 33d article of war, The Court did, in consequence, adjudge him to be dismissed the command of His Majesty's schooner Alphea. (Sic)

1812. Sunday 25th October. Macedonian captured by U.S. frigate United States.

1812. Wednesday 16th December. Albacore and consorts engaged Gloire.

1812. Monday 21st December. Destruction of tower of St. Cataldo by Apollo and Weasel.

1812. Sunday 28th December. Java captured by U.S. frigate Constitution.

1812. Monday 29th December. Royalist captured Ruse.

1812. During the War of 1812, Edward Nicolls RM was posted to Spanish Florida as part of an attempt to recruit the local Indians as allies against the United States. General Sir Edward Nicolls, KCB (Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath). (1779 – 5th February 1865). He was of Anglo-Irish officer serving in the Royal Marines. Often referred to as 'Fighting Nicolls', he had a distinguished career, was involved in numerous actions, and often received serious wounds. According to his obituary in the (London) Times, "He was involved in no fewer than 107 actions, in various parts of the world. He had his left leg broken and his right leg severely injured, was shot through the body and right arm, had received a severe sabre cut in the head, was bayoneted in the chest, and had lost the sight of an eye."

For his service, he received medals and honours, and reached the rank of General. Described as an 'impatient and blustering Irishman' by an anonymous detractor, Nicolls was greatly admired for his courage. A similar assessment was made by Lord Bathurst.

Nicolls was born in Coleraine, Ireland, in to a family with a military tradition; his father was surveyor of excise in Coleraine, and his maternal grandfather was a rector. Nicolls spent his life as an intensely devout Ulster Protestant. He had two years of school in Greenwich but enlisted in the Royal Navy at the age of 11. In 1795, at the age of 16, he received his first commission in the Royal Marines. At 20 he began service with shipborne detachments of Marines. During the Napoleonic Wars and associated conflicts in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and North Sea, he served as a commander of ships' detachments, and gained his reputation for ferocity and courage.

Upon being posted to Spanish Florida as part of the British attempt to recruit local allies in the fight against the United States. He set up a base at what became known as Negro Fort and recruited Creeks, escaped slaves, and other local residents. As the war ended and after he returned to England in 1815, he attracted controversy by advocating for the Creeks and others who allied themselves with the British. From 1823 to 1828, he was the commandant of Ascension Island in the South Atlantic, which was followed by a posting from 1829 to 1835, as Superintendent of Fernando Po off the coast of Africa. In 1835, Nicolls retired from the Royal Marines with the rank of a Lieutenant Colonel. For his service, Nicolls was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) among other honours and was promoted to the rank of full General in his retirement.

1813. Wednesday 6th January. Boats of Bacchante took 5 French gun-brigs.

1813. Wednesday 6th January. Boats of Havannah captured 3 vessels and a gunboat.

1813. Monday 18th January - 3rd February. Augusta and Carzola Islands captured by Apollo and troops.

1813. Saturday 30th January. The Sydney Gazette. The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty in ordering Home the Detachment of Royal Marines doing Duty at the Derwent for some Years Past, having granted permission for such of them as were inclined to remain in the country and become settlers, 28 of them having availed themselves of this option. His Excellency the Governor and Commander in Chief directs that they shall be disbanded at Hobart Town on 6 March and struck off all military duties from that date, receiving I months' pay in advance from 6 March in consideration of their long and faithful Services and highly meritorious Conduct for 9 years past in this Country.

1813. Tuesday 2nd February. Boats of Kingfisher took 6 vessels at Corfu.

1813. Wednesday 3rd February. The capture of the Island of Agusta. Royal Marines and Seamen from the HMS Apollo, the 35th Regiment and Artillery.

1813. Sunday 7th February. Amelia engaged Arethuse.

1813. Monday 8th February. Boats of Belvidera and consorts took Lottery.

1813. Sunday 14th February. Boats of Bacchante captured Alcinous.

1813. Monday 15th February. Batteries at Pietra-Nera stormed and carried.

1813. Wednesday 24th February. Peacock sunk by U.S. sloop Hornet.

1813. Thursday 25th February. Linnet taken by French frigate Gloire.

1813. Friday 26th February. Island of Ponza taken by Thames and consorts.

1813. Thursday 4th of March. On the 4th of March 1813, an order in Council established the rates of officers' pensions on the same footing with the army. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1813. Thursday 18th March. Battery at Carri destroyed by boats of Undaunted.

1813. Sunday 21st March. Capture of 2 Danish gunboats by Brevdrageren and Blazer.

1813. Monday 22nd March. Two French vessels taken at Vasto by boats of Havannah.

1813. Friday 26th March. Boats of Havannah captured 10 vessels at Fortore.

1813. Wednesday 31st March. Batteries at Morgion destroyed and 11 vessels captured.

1813. Friday 2nd April. Boats of San Domingo and consorts captured 4 schooners.

1813. Sunday 11th April. Devil's Island taken by Apollo and Cerberus.

1813. Wednesday 14th April. Malero Island captured by Apollo and Cerberus.

1813. Saturday 17th April. Alutine captured Invincible.

1813. Thursday 22nd April. Weasel destroyed 14 French vessels off Boscalina.

1813. Saturday 24th April. Boats of Apollo captured a felucca.

1813. Monday 26th April. Six vessels captured at Goro by Elizabeth and Eagle.

1813. Wednesday 28th April. French Town in Chesapeake taken. Captains Wyburn and Carter with 150 Royal Marines.

1813. Thursday 29th April - 5th May. Boats of Marlborough and consorts in Chesapeake Bay.

1813. April. Boats of Orpheus captured a Danish letter-of-marque.

1813. Sunday 2nd May. Batteries destroyed at Morgion by boats of Repulse and consort.

1813. Tuesday 11th May. Bacchante at Karlebago.

1813. Sunday 16th May. Boats of Berwick and Euryalus at Cavalarie.

1813. Monday 17th May. Boats of Apollo and Cerberus took a vessel near Brindisi.

1813. Thursday 27th May. Boats of Apollo and Cerberus took 3 gunboats at Faro.

1813. May - June. Lyra, Royalist and Sparrow at Castro de Urdeales.

1813. Tuesday 1st June. Shannon captured U.S. frigate Chesapeake.

1813. Sunday 2nd May. Morgion. Captain Ennis and a party of Royal Marines from HMS Undaunted and HMS Volontaire blow up battery and capture six laden vessels.

1813. Tuesday 1st June. HMS Shannon captured U.S. frigiue Chesapeake.

1813. Thursday 3rd June – 8th June. Fort San Felippe De Balaguer. A small but important fort garrisoned by 100 men situated upon an isolated rock in the very gorge of a pass and blocking the only carriage way between Tortoza and Tarragona. Five men of war and two battalions were detailed for the attack. Guns and Mortars were landed from the ships and great difficulty placed in position on the mountain side. Earth for the batteries had to be brought up from below and water was only obtainable from the ships, the landing place being a mile and a half away from the scene of the operation. The surrender of the fortress was due to the fire of a couple of 8 inch mortars worked by Lieutenant H. James RMA. which exploded a magazine. He and his party belonged to the Stromboli bomb vessel. After capture a garrison of Royal Marines under Captain E. Baillie was placed in San Felippe.

1813. Thursday 3rd - 19th June to 28th September. Operations on Lake Ontario.

1813. Tuesday 8th June. Boats of Elizabeth and Eagle defeated troops at Omago.

1813. Saturday 12th June. Boats of Bacchante captured 24 vessels at Abruzza.

1813. Saturday 12th June. Boats of Narcissus took the American schooner Surveyor.

1813. Thursday 17th June. Garrison defeated at Zapano by party from Saracen.

1813. Sunday 20th June. Capture of Dignano by boats of Elizabeth.

1813. Sunday 20th June. Junon engaged 15 gunboats in Hampton Roads.

1813. Tuesday 22nd June. Unsuccessful attack by boats of squadron on Craney Isla.

1813. Wednesday 23rd June. Boats of Castor cut out Fortune off Catalonia.

1813. Friday 25th June. Capture of Hampton by boats of Marlborough and squadron.

1813. Friday 25th June. The battle of Hampton.

1813. Saturday 3rd July. Fiume. The detachment of Royal Marines of HMS Milford took and spiked the guns of a battery, took possession of a fort and hoisted the British colours. On advancing through the town they were much annoyed by the fire of a field piece and by musketry from the windows but headed by 2nd Lieutenants S. Lloyd and E. Nepean they pushed the French troops, almost 300 strong before them till they came to the square. Here the enemy made a stand but were dispersed by the fire of the cannonades in the ships boats. Nine guns were captured, 90 vessels taken or destroyed, 50 guns disabled, and two magazines burnt.

1813. Saturday 3rd July. The Leicester Chronical. The Court Martial held last week at Portsmouth on Lieut DELAP of the Marines, one late of the Java, on charges of having refused to account for a sum of money due to a widow of one of the officers of the Java, who was killed in action, which he had received and was entrusted with, and for the most insolent conduct to General Elliot, of the Marines, commanding at Portsmouth, etc, finished their proceedings on Saturday, and passed the following sentence on him on the parade in the barrack-yard, viz - That he be cashiered, and rendered incapable of ever serving his Majesty in any military or civil capacity whatever, and his heirs for ever, and that his epaulette and sash should be torn from him by the Drum Major and the breaking of his sword over his head was dispensed with in consequence only of his late good conduct when in action on board the Java.

At 10 o'clock on Saturday morning, sentence was carried into execution. All the officers and men at quarters having been ordered under arms, Lieut Delap was brought from his room, in-custody of the officer on guard, and placed in the centre of a hollow square, which the troops had formed. The sentence was then read by the Judge Advocate (Lieut and Adjutant PATTEN) and the Drum Major cut the epaulette from off his shoulder, and his sash from off his body, General WINTER (the President) then addressed the Corps in an impressive manner, and with the feelings worthy of the British Soldier pointed out the evils of insubordination, and adverted to the case they had just witnessed, as a proof that no rank was above the reach of the law. He informed Mr Delap that it was his good conduct in the action between the Java and Constitution that alone averted an additionally disgraceful circumstance that would have been included in the sentence, that of having his sword broke over his head.

Mr Delap was then led out of the Barracks by a guard.

1813. Wednesday 7th July. Destruction of Farasina by Eagle and landing party.

1813. Saturday 10th July - 8th Sept. Reduction of St. Sebastian by Graham.

1813. Sunday 11th July. Conflict and consorts took Ocracoke and Portsmouth.

1813. Sunday 11th July. Contest and Mohawk captured U.S. schooner Asp.

1813. Monday 19th July. Bordighero.

1813. July 29. Martin aground, attacked by American gunboats.

1813. Monday 2nd August. The Royal Marines from HMS Eagle and HMS Bacchante under Lieutenants C. Holmes, W. Haig and S. Lloyd took part in the capture of 14 merchantmen and 10 gunboats lying in the Rovigno harbour, protected by 100 troops and 2 field guns. The Royal Marines charged the guns with the bayonet and captured and destroyed them.

1813. Wednesday 4th August. Battery at Ragosniza destroyed by Milford and Weasel.

1813. Thursday 5th August. Dominica taken by the privateer Decalur.

1813. Friday 13th August. Pelican captured U.S. brig Argus.

1813. Wednesday 18th August. Capture of Cassis by Undaunted, squadron, and boats.

1813. Sunday 5th September. Boxer captured by U.S. brig Enterprise.

1813. Sunday 5th September. Destruction of batteries and capture of ships at d'Anzo.

1813. Thursday 9th September. Alphea engaged Renard but blew up with all hands.

1813. Friday 10th September. Detroit and 5 consorts captured by Perry on Lake Erie.

1813. Thursday 16th September. Boats of Swallow took Guerriere.

1813. Tuesday 5th October. A convoy was destroyed, and Royal Marines stormed the battery at Port D'ango.

1813. Tuesday 5th – 29th October. A detachment of Royal Marines along with 2 guns blockaded and capture of Trieste.

1813. Saturday 9th October. Thunder captured the French lugger Neptune.

1813. Tuesday 12th October. St. George and Cattard taken by Bacchante and Saracen.

1813. Wednesday 13th October. Telegraph destroyed Flibustier.

1813. Thursday 14th October. Boats from HMS Furieuse cut out a convoy while the Royal Marines stormed the battery at Marinello (near Citcita Veechia). Capturing the battery and 16 vessels.

1813. Saturday 16th, 17th and 18th October. A detachment of the Royal Marine Artillery was involved in the battle of Leipzig.

1813. Wednesday 20th October. Achates engaged Trave.

1813. Saturday 23rd October. Andromache captured Trave.

1813. Monday 1st November. Snap captured the French lugger Lion.

1813. Friday 5th November. Scipion and consorts engaged the French off Cape Sepet.

1813. Monday 8th November. Boats of Revenge took a French privateer at Palamos.

1813. Tuesday 9th November. The storming of the batteries at Port Nouvelle by Undaunted and Guadeloupe.

1813. Friday 26th November. Boats of Swiftsure took Charlemagne.

1813. Monday 29th November. The Hague.

1813. Tuesday 30th November. Desiree and gun-vessels attacked batteries at Cuxhaven.

1813. Saturday 11th – 15th December. Leghorn.

1813. December. Enryalus took a French 22-gun store ship.

1813. December. Alemene captured a French schooner laden with troops.

1814. Tuesday 4th January. Operations in South Beveland.

1814. Wednesday 5th January. Fortress of Gluckstadt captured by a British squadron.

1814. Wednesday 5th January. Fortress of Cattaro taken by Bacchante and Saracen.

1814. Thursday 6th January. Tagus and Niger took the French frigate Ceres.

1814. Saturday 15th January. Boat of Castor took Heureux.

1814. Sunday 16th - 20th January. Venerable and Cyane took Iphigenie and Alemene.

1814. Tuesday 18th January. Severn engaged Etoile and Sultane.

1814. Sunday 23rd January. Astrea and Creole engaged Etoile and Sultane.

1814. Friday 28th January. Surrender of Ragusa to Bacchante, Saracen and troops.

1814. January. The 3rd Royal Marine Battalion was formed at Portsmouth from detachments based in portsmouth, and by Marines detachments withdrawn from serving in the Netherlands. It consisted of 1 Major, 4 Captains, 21 Lieutenants, 1 Adjutant, 1 Quartermaster, and 10 Companies of 100 men each. Also attached was one company of Royal Marine Artillery.

1814. Wednesday 2nd February. Majestic took Terpsichore.

1814. Sunday 13th February. Boyne and Caledonia engaged Romulus and Adrienne.

1814. Sunday 13th February. Island of Paxo surrendered to Apollo and troops.

1814. Monday 14th February. Picton captured by U.S. frigate Constitution.

1814. Wednesday 23rd February. Epervier took U.S. privateer brig Alfred.

1814. Friday 25th February. Eurotas captured Clorinde.

1814. Monday 7th March. U.S. privateer Mars destroyed at Sandy Hook.

1814. Friday 12th March. Primrose engaged by mistake a British brig Packet.

1814. Sunday 13th March. Cole Mill in Canada.

1814. Friday 25th March. Royal Marines of HMS Edinburgh and HMS Swallow land and capture the castle of Lerici (near Spain).

1814. Saturday 26th March. Hebrus and Sparrow engaged Etoile and Sultane.

1814. Saturday 26th March. Hannibal captured Sultane.

1814. Sunday 27th March. Hebrus captured Etoile.

1814. Monday 28th March. Phoebe and Cherub took Essex and Essex Junior.

1814. Saturday 2nd April. Boats of Porcupine captured 12 and destroyed 4 vessels.

1814. Thursday 7th April. Raid on the Connecticut River at the Town of Essex. A British raiding force of 136 Marines and sailors rowed six heavily armed boats from four British warships anchored in Long Island Sound (HMS Hogue, HMS Endymion, HMS Maidstone and HMS Borer), six miles up the Connecticut River. They had come under the command of Captain Richard Coote (Coot) to burn the privateers anchored in port towns along the river. On the way up the river, the Marines landed to secure the old fort at Saybrook to prevent being trapped on their return trip, they found it to be unmanned. The boats were armed with swivel guns loaded with grapeshot, the officers armed with swords and pistols, the Marines with Brown Bess muskets, and the sailors with torches and axes.

1814. Friday 8th April. The British raiding force arrived in Essex then known as Pettipaug at 3:30am. At the landing site a handful of local militia fired out into the darkness with muskets and one four pound cannon. The British replied with a massive volley from the Marine's muskets and the guns mounted in the ship's boats. Realising further resistance was futile, the small, disorganised militia fell back into the darkness. The Marines secured the village while the seamen set about burning all of the ships at the wharves and on the stocks being built, as well as those moored the harbour.

The British informed the villagers that they had come to destroy shipping, not their homes. Reportedly the civilians were told that as long as they did not molest the British, the town would not be put to the torch. There was no formal capitulation, but it was the best deal that the people of Pettipaug were going to get that night.

However, there was resistance and riders were sent to New London to seek assistance from the troops at Fort Trumbull as well Commodore Stephan Decatur whose squadron was blockaded in the Thames River. Meanwhile several men and boys attempted to extinguish burning ships and even hide some of them up the coves, although their attempts were unsuccessful.

The British searched houses for arms and destroyed or commandeered ship rigging materials from waterfront warehouses and destroyed a large quantity of West Indies Rum.

By 10am the British force had torched 27 vessels. They began an orderly departure with their ship's boats and two large American privateers, the brig Anaconda and the schooner Eagle. About a mile south of the village the brig went aground in the river where the British were subject to sporadic gunfire from shore.

They transferred everything from the grounded vessel and burned it. Coote decided to anchor the schooner and wait until nightfall to head further down the river where militia from Killingworth and Lyme were gathering at the narrows in the river.

At this point the Americans sent a boat out under a white flag to serve the British with a surrender ultimatum. Captain Coote dismissed it stating, "We hold your power to detain us at defiance."

By late afternoon soldiers, sailors, Marines and additional militia and volunteers were arriving from New London. There were now several hundred armed Americans and a number of artillery pieces on each side of the river. These forces included two American Generals and two US Navy Captains.

The trap was set, but when the Americans realised the British were not going to come down the river until it was dark, they understood there was a real chance of missing them in the blackness of the overcast night. They raced to get at cannon into position on Ayres Point to hit them where they were anchored in the river.

At dusk, as the British set fire to the remaining privateer and were transferring their men back into the boats, they were hit by an American six pound cannon under command of Lieutenant Bull, which had arrived just as the sun began to set. The American crew fired off six rounds as fast they could reload. Two Royal Marines were killed, and a sailor was wounded, but the cloak of darkness now masked their movements.

Aided by the strong flow of the river they headed down river in their boats, running a gauntlet of small arms and cannon fire from both banks. Despite the effort of upwards of 600 Americans to stop them, the British reached their ships at 10pm reportedly letting out three cheers after they passed the fort in Saybrook from which ineffectual parting shots were fired.

Compounding the loss of the 27 ships and the failure to capture the British on the way out was the fact that an American had helped guide the British during the raid. The traitor, nicknamed Torpedo Jack by the British, was paid $2,000 for his efforts, a staggering sum at that time.

By the time the raid was over they had burned 27 ships, including six newly built privateers. It was the largest single maritime loss of the war.

1814. Wednesday 20th Apil. Orpheus and Shelburne captured U.S. sloop Frolic.

1814. Friday 29th April. Epervier taken by U.S. sloop Peacock.

1814. April. Batteries destroyed on the Gironde by Belle Poule.

1814. Wednesday 13th – 17th April. Co-operating with the Anglo Italian Army in its attack on Genoa. The Royal Marines of the British squadron were embarked in to boats and ready to land when and if required. Later while the troops were engaged with the enemy, and the guns in the shore batteries. This enabled the Royal Marines and seamen to storm them with little loss, and to turn their guns against the town.

1814. April. Lord Melville presided at the Board of Admiralty, when general Barclay, lieutenant-generals Elliott and Bright, with major-general Burn, were allowed to retire; majorgenerals Strickland, Winter, Lewis, and Williams succeedingto the command of the four divisions, while major-general Bell was appointed commandant in London. In September 5 lieutenant-colonels, 6 majors, with some captains and subalterns, were also allowed to retire, but none of the vacancies caused by these retirements were filled up; and although every other branch of his Majesty's service obtained considerable promotion, there was a total cessation of such reward extended to the marines for a period of six years. The consequences of this injustice has been most detrimental to the establishment, excluding many officers from the benefits of succeeding brevets, who now remain to be provided for. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1814. Tuesday 3rd May. Oswego.

1814. Friday 6th May. Capture of batteries and consorts at Oswego by the British squadron.

1814. Wednesday 25th May. Boats of Elizabeth took Aigle off Corfu.

1814. Monday 30th May. Party from Montreal and Niagara defeated at Sandy Creek.

1814. Wednesday 1st June - 4th July. Operations in the River Patuxent.

1814. Tuesday 14th June. Superb and Nimrod destroyed American vessels at Wareham.

1814. Tuesday 28th June. Reindeer taken by U.S. sloop Wasp.

1814. Tuesday 12th July. Landrail taken by U.S. privateer Syren.

1814. July. Ballahou taken by U. S. privateer Perry.

1814. Saturday 16th July. The British fleet arrived in Chesapeake Bay.

1814. Tuesday 19th July. The British occupied Leonardtown.

1814. Tuesday 19th July - 25th August. Operations in the Potomac River and capture of Washington.

1814. Wednesday 20th July. The British fought on the Nominy River.

1814. Saturday 23rd July. The British fought on the St Clements River.

1814. Tuesday 26th July. The British fought at Machodic Creek.

1814. Saturday 30th July. The British fought at Chaptico.

1814. Wednesday 3rd August. The British fought on the Yocomico River at Kinsale.

1814. Sunday 7th August. The British fought on the Cann River.

1814. Friday 12th August. Boats of Cherwell and Netley took Somers and Ohio.

1814. Monday 15th August. On the 15th of August the half-pay was increased, which equalized it with officers of the same rank in the line. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1814. Wednesday 17th August - 9th September. Capture of Fort Washington and Alexandria.

1814. Wednesday 24th August. The battle of Bladensburg.

1814. Wednesday 24th August. The sacking and burning of Washington.

1814. At Pensacola Captain Edward Nicolls RM issued an order of the day for the 'First Colonial Battalion of the Royal Corps of Marines'. At the same time, Nicolls issued a widely disseminated proclamation to the people of Louisiana, urging them to join forces with British and Indian Allies against the American government. Both proclamations were reproduced in Niles Register. These were a ruse as to the real strength of the British. The 'numerous British and Spanish squadron of ships and vessels of war' comprising of 3 cannons and 12 Royal Marine gunners, whilst the 'Battalion' was a company strength group of 100 Royal Marines infantry, all of whom were detached from major George Lewis's battalion. The numbers of Corps of Colonial Marines and Redstick Creeks are difficult to ascertain, although Nicolls did arrive in Florida with 300 British uniforms and 1000 muskets. Manrique cooperated with Nickolls, allowing him to train and drill Creek refugees.

Nicolls is also mentioned in attempts to recruit Jean Lafitte to the British cause. Nicolls participated in an unsuccessful land and naval attack on Fort Bowyer on 15th September. The taking of Pensacola in November by an American force under Andrew Jackson forced Nicolls to retreat to the Apalachicola River with freed slaves from Pensacola. There, Nicolls regrouped at Prospect Bluff, and rallied Indians and refugee ex-slaves living free in Florida, recruiting the latter into his detached unit of the Corps of Colonial Marines.

Later Captain Nicolls joined General Pakenham's force, accompanied by less than 100 Seminole, Creek & Choctaw warriors. At the Battle of New Orleans on 8 January 1815, Nicolls was attached with some of his men to the brigade commanded by Colonel William Thornton of the 85th Regiment of Foot (Bucks Volunteers). Nicolls was the senior-ranking officer of the Royal Marines present at the battle. Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane forbade Nicolls to personally take part in the fighting, fearing that mishap to Nicolls might deprive the British of their most competent officer serving with the Redstick Creeks and Seminoles. The actual battlefield command of the 100 Royal Marines brigaded with Thornton's 85th Foot went to a less senior officer, Major Thomas Benjamin Adair, commanding officer of the Marine detachment on HMS Vengeur. Nicolls embarked HMS Erebus on 12 January at Cat Island Roads, and disembarked at Appalachicola on Tuseday 25th January, accompanied by several Creek warriors and a number of Royal Marine reinforcements.

The start of 1815 was to see an offensive in the south, with Royal Marine battalions to advance westward into Georgia, and to be joined by Nicolls and his forces from the Gulf Coast. These plans were overtaken by events, as peace was declared. Consequentially, with the offensive cancelled, Nicolls and his men returned to Prospect Bluff.

1814. Tuesday 30th August. Party from Menelaus engaged ashore in Chesapeake Bay.

1814. August. Nancy destroyed by Tigress and Scorpion on Lake Huron.

1814. Thursday 1st September. Castine captured by a British squadron.

1814. Thursday 1st September. Avon sunk by U.S. sloop Wasp.

1814. Saturday 3rd September. American frigate Adams and 10 vessels destroyed.

1814. Sunday 3rd September. The Royal Marines stormed Hampten, USS Adams burnt, and vessels destroyed at Bangor.

1814. Sunday 3rd September. Boats of Nancy captured U.S. schooner Tigress.

1814. Wednesday 6th September. Party from Nancy captured Scorpion.

1814. Sunday 10th - 14th Sept. Attack on Baltimore by a British squadron.

1814. Monday 11th September. Confiance and 3 consorts taken by Macdonough.

1814. Monday 12th September. The fight before Baltimore.

1814. Monday 12th-15th September. The Battle of Baltimore. The Royal Marine Artillerymen served aboard HMS Erebus.

1814. Thursday 15th September. Hermes lost at unsuccessful attack on Fort Bowyer.

1814. Monday 26th September. Boats of Plantagenet and Rota repulsed by General Armstrong.

1814. Monday 3rd - 4th October. Boats and landing parties in the Coan River.

1814. Sunday 9th October. Boats of Endymion unsuccessfully attacked Neufchatel.

1814. October. Henry Noble Shipton (27th June 1797 – 5th December 1821) was a British junior officer who served in the Royal Marines and the Army. He is notable as being the sole Royal Marine to have fought at the Battle of Waterloo.

In October 1814, he was sent with sixteen other officers as a draft of reinforcements to North America. He embarked Statira with 10 other officers and 38 other ranks and was disembarked in Louisiana on 29th December. It was atypical for Royal Marines to serve on land as infantry; most Royal Marines were ship-borne. He, however, was present with the 4th Foot at the Battle of New Orleans, and at the Second Battle of Fort Bowyer in February 1815.

He embarked Tonnant, and returned to Europe in May 1815, as did the 1st battalion of the 4th Foot.

He had a recommendation of commission into the army by General John Lambert, and therefore he tendered his resignation to the Royal Marines. The path of advancement in the Royal Navy was to have high-ranking sponsors. As well as striking up a good rapport with the officers of the 4th, he also gained General Lambert as a sponsor. Given that a lengthy land war seemed imminent (rather than a 100-day campaign), it made perfect sense from a career point of view to resign his commission as a Second Lieutenant, and to become an Ensign in the army.

Immediately upon Shipton's return to the UK from the United States in 1815 he had submitted a letter resigning his commission in the Royal Marines. He was anticipating being commissioned in the Army having obtained "a strong endorsement" from Major-General Lambert. When the 4th Foot embarked for the Netherlands in early June 1815 Shipton accompanied that regiment as a gentleman Volunteer. He fought at Waterloo as a Volunteer; he was neither a Royal Marine or an Ensign. Shipton's commission as an Ensign in the 4th Foot is dated 3 August 1815. He was appointed in place of Ensign Blagrave who had been promoted to Lieutenant on the same day. Despite Shipton's medal being issued to him with the rank of Ensign on the rim he was still only a Volunteer on 18 June 1815. In the National Archives in London there is correspondence dated 27th June 1815 from Shipton's father to the Military Secretary pleading for his son to be granted a commission in the Army. Shipton's father was fearful that in any "speedy peace" his son "would be thrown upon the world without half-pay either from the Army or Marines...". Included in this correspondence is a letter from the Admiralty Office dated 31st May 1815 to the Military Secretary which states "that no objection exists in this Department to the appointment of 2nd Lieut Henry Noble Shipton to a Regiment of the Line, their Lordships being pleased to accept his resignation of his Commission in the Royal Marine Corps". This correspondence is held in WO 31/425 (Commander in Chief's Memoranda).

1814. Tuesday 13th - 14th December. The capture of an American flotilla on Lake Borgne, five U.S. gun-boats and a sloop.

1814. Raids on the American Coast.

1814. At the reduction of the corps in 1814, the non-commissioned officers and privates loudly expressed their disappointment in not being allowed a pension for length of service, on the same footing with their brother-soldiers in the line, and in compliance with the Admiralty-order of 5th of July, 1814, (Appendix 13,) the men were desired by their commanding-officer "on no consideration to trouble the lords of the Admiralty respecting pensions, unless absolutely worn out in the service, so as to be rendered incapable of labour." This unjust determination of the Board gave rise to a letter entitled, The Royal Marine to the Friends of his Country and its brave Defenders, which, on being circulated in the barracks at Chatham, tended to increase the discontent that prevailed; but shortly afterwards the claims of those gallant and loyal veterans obtained due consideration, and pensions were awarded them. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1814. Three additional Marine Battalions (numbered 1-3) were raised from among the Royal Marines specifically for action in Portugal, Northern Spain, the Invasion of France, the Netherlands, North America and the Caribbean. However, they were later disbanded in 1815.

1814 \- 1816. The Royal Marines were reduced to a peacetime establishment set at eighty companies (four of artillery) of 6,222 men. This reduction, of course, did not last and its numbers again increased, and you see the Royal Marines once again called upon to serve around the globe both at sea and on land.

1815. Thursday 2th January. The capture of Point a Pitre.

1815. Sunday 8th January. The British attacked New Orleans.

1815. Friday 13th - 14th January. Capture of St. Mary's, Georgia, by the British.

1815. Sunday 15th January. Endymion captured U.S. frigate President.

1815. January - March. The British mount many raids on Florida Coast.

1815. Friday 20th February. Cyane and Levant captured by U.S. frigate Constitution.

1815. Sunday 22nd February. Engagement between British boats and U.S. troops in St. Mary's River.

1815. Thursday 26th February. St. Lawrence taken by U.S. privateer Chasseur.

1815. Wednesday 15th March. A U.S. Army aide-de-camp named Walter Bourke communicated to Major General Thomas Pinckney that conditions were difficult on the Georgia frontier despite efforts of Brigadier General John Floyd of the Georgia militia to reinforce American defences, and the efforts of U.S. Truce Commissioners T. M. Newell and Thomas Spalding on the Georgia coast to negotiate the return of slaves who had enlisted in, or sought asylum with, the Corps of Colonial Marines still at Cumberland Island under the command of Rear Admiral George Cockburn. Cockburn was not inclined to voluntarily hand over British military personnel who risked being returned to slavery by the Americans. Cockburn also professed difficulty in communicating news of the Treaty of Ghent to Nicolls and his forces. There was a whiff of panic in St. Marys and Savannah at this time.

Edward Nicolls RM contributed to diplomatic tensions between the United Kingdom and the United States over slavery-related issues arising from Jackson's Treaty with the Creeks, the Treaty of Ghent, and Nicolls's attempts to represent the interests of the Native Americans and blacks who had taken up arms on the British side. Writing from HMS Royal Oak, off Mobile Bay, on Wednesday 15th March 1815, Rear Admiral Pulteney Malcolm, Cochrane's subordinate commander of the Mobile Squadron, assured Don Mateo Gonzalez Manrique, the Governor at Pensacola, that Post-Captain Robert Cavendish Spencer of HMS Carron, (a son of George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer), had been detailed to conduct a strict enquiry into the conduct of Nicolls and Captain Woodbine, respecting the losses in property to Spanish inhabitants of Florida. Malcolm believed that in cases where former slaves could not be persuaded to return to their owners, the British government would undertake to remunerate the owners.

Prior to leaving British Post for Great Britain, Nicolls engaged in a heated exchange of letters with U.S. Indian Agent Benjamin Hawkins. Hawkins accused Nicolls of being overzealous and of overstepping his authority in his personal defence of Redstick Creeks, Seminoles, and their Marron Creole or Black Allies, who some Americans in authority viewed as nothing more than runaway slaves and lost or unclaimed property.

1815. Saturday 22nd April. Nicolls received orders to withdraw his troops from the fort. The Royal Marine detachment embarked HMS Cydnus on, and were duly returned to Ireland Island in Bermuda, arriving on Tuesday 13th June 1815, to re-join the 3rd Battalion as a supernumerary company. Nicolls left in the summer of 1815 with the Redstick Creek Prophet, Josiah Francis (or Hillis Hadjo, the Native American Indian spiritual and political leader known for his role in the Battle of Holy Ground), and an Anglo-Creek-Seminole treaty of Nicolls' own initiative. Nicolls, Woodbine, and a Redstick Creek leader, probably Francis, arrived at Amelia Island, in East Florida on Wednesday 7th June 1815, where rumours circulated that the officers were seeking to either obtain British possession of Florida from Spain, or at least to arm and supply the Florida factions resisting American territorial expansion. In leaving West Florida, according to the U. S. Indian Agent Hawkins, Nicolls had left local forces with the arms and means to resist advancing American encroachments which were leading up to Andrew Jackson's First Seminole War. Nicolls embarked the brig HMS Forward at Amelia Island on Thursday 29th June 'for passage to England', and disembarked at Portsmouth on Wednesday 13th September. In England, Nicolls failed to obtain official support for the Creeks, and Josiah Francis failed to receive official recognition for his credentials as the Redstick Creek emissary from the Foreign Office, although he did receive honorary recognition as a former Colonel of the British Army in Florida as well as publicized encounters with British notables, before returning to West Florida in 1816. Nicolls himself, however, was retained on full pay status in the duties of a Captain of Royal Marines with the brevet rank of Major.

1815. Thursday 23rd March. Penguin taken by U.S. ship Hornet.

1815. Sunday 30th April. Rivoli captured Melpomene off Ischia.

1815. Sunday 21st May. Naples. The Royal Marines landed 500 strong to occupy Forts St. Elmo and D'Uovo upon its surrender by the French.

1815. Saturday 17th June. Pilot engaged Legere off Cape Corse.

1815. Sunday 18th July. French convoy captured by Ferret, Fly and consort.

1815. Wednesday 5th July. The pay of Adjutants was increased. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1815. Friday 14th July. 500 Marines landed under Brevet Major H. Cox, co-operated with the Army under Sir Hudson Lowe in the occupation of Marseilles.

1815. Saturday 15th July. Marine Private John Sudbury record Napoleon's boarding of HMS Bellaraphon, and a claim that a young Napoleon applied for a commission in the British Marines.

1815. Sunday 18th July. French convoy captured by Ferret, Fly and consorts.

1815. Tuesday 18th – 19th July. The French convoy cut out at Corigeou. On the 5th July the frigates HMS Rhin, HMS Menelaus and HMS Havannah, with the Fly and Ferret brigs, and the schooner Sealark chased a French convoy into the Bay of Corigeou, about eighteen miles from Brest. The boats left the squadron at 10pm on the 18th and came to a grapnel under a range of rocks about a quarter of a mile from shore. Here they lay till the moon went down, finally effecting a landing, undiscovered, at 2-45am on the 19th. The Marines of HMS Menelaus, 45 rank and file, formed the advance guard under Lieutenant A, Burton RH, the main body consisting of 120 Marines under Lieutenants Bunce and Hurdle, and 80 seamen, was commanded by Captain Malcolm RN of HMS Rhin. Having stormed the two batteries which protected the anchorage, the brigs were able to enter and bring out the convoy. This little affair is of some interest as being the last of the numerous cutting out expeditions in which the Marines played such an important part during the long war with France.

1815. Saturday 24th July. Reduction of Gaeta by Malta and Berwick.

1815. Napoleon was exiled to St Helena Island of Ascension.

When St. Helena became the prison of Napoleon, the occupation of Ascension necessarily followed; and Sir George Cockburn, the commander-in-chief on the station, immediately sent an officer with a number of men under his command to hold the island. But the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty were not long in forwarding a different establishment, and a detachment of Marines was sent from England, under Major Campbell, to form the garrison. It was in October 1823 that Major Nicolls succeeded to the command of the Island of Ascension, which was then a mere rock overrun by immense rats, and incapable of producing any vegetation; having scarcely sufficient water for its small garrison, and the road from the barracks to the spring which furnished the supply almost impassable for their water cart. But by the unremitted exertions of the Marines on the island, convenient roads were made, and water-tanks built, affording not only an ample supply for the garrison, but for the ships of the African squadron, and numerous merchant vessels that came to the island in distress. Vegetables were cultivated with so much success, that a plentiful supply was obtained by our cruisers, and previous to the recall of Major Nicolls from his command in 1828, (on his promotion to the rank of Major in the Corps,) he had so improved the cultivation of the island, that there were 800 head of cattle of his own rearing, consisting of cows, oxen, sheep, goats, and swine, besides about 500 that had been slaughtered.

The ingenuity and perseverance of the Marines who served on the Island of Ascension, and particularly those who were its earliest inhabitants, convey to the admiring and astonished visitor of the colony a flattering impression of the discipline and internal economy of the Corps.

Captain William Bate succeeded Major Nicolls, and this officer, after years of exertion, vexation, and difficulty, died on the island. Captain Tinklar was the next commandant, and this zealous officer soon became a victim to his anxious desire to promote the welfare of the service. Captain Bennett was the next appointed, but the period of that officer's command was even briefer than his predecessor, and he died in a still more sudden manner.

The death of three commandants within so short a period leads us to infer, that their removal was not entirely attributable to the malignity of the climate, for we do not find its fatal influence extending to the subordinate ranks, but we believe that the duties of the commanding officers were of a most tantalising character, involving contradictions, vexations, and anomalies that but few constitutions could long resist in such a climate as that of Ascension. The last officer of Marines in command at this seemingly fatal colony was Captain R. P. Dwyer, and he all but shared the fate of his predecessors, for in little more than two years from his appointment, he was, through the excitement and vexations inseparable from his duties, seized with such severe illness, that, as the only chance of saving his life, he was sent to England by the first ship that touched at the island. But some time previous to his illness Captain Dwyer had solicited permission to resign his command, under the persuasion that no exertions, no line of conduct however upright and honourable, could guarantee him from annoyances which could not be overcome.

Thus, ended the command which had been so long held by officers of the Royal Marines on the Island of Ascension. That gloomy cinder in the distant ocean, which has been forced into its actual state of usefulness and importance by the perseverance, the skill, and the zeal of the Marines. This fact so forcibly struck the Prince de Joinville when he visited the island in the early part of 1843, that his Royal Highness observed to Captain Dwyer, "The Marines deserve great credit. They have performed wonders here, for out of nothing, less than nothing, you have created a great deal, a very useful little colony."

1815. The Royal Marines once more went on a war footing. Officers just recently placed upon half-pay were brought back on full pay. The establishment was to be raised to two-thirds of its former war strength. The naval squadrons were reinforced by marine forces including detachments of the Royal Marine Artillery. One RMA company served in Wellington's army where it was stationed at Ostend. Commanded by Captain Charles Burton, it consisted of 124 officers and men. Its original armament was to be of four 6 pounders and two 5½ inch howitzers. These guns were left behind when the company sailed for Ostend in the first week of June. It remained in garrison at Ostend and the company was recalled home at the end of September.

For their services the Royal Marines received medal awards as diverse as the Portuguese Cayenne Medal 1809 awarded to the Marines of HMS Confiance and the Spanish Medals for Bagur and Palamos 1810. They were also eligible for the Naval General Service Medal (awarded in 1849) with clasps for specific fleet and ship-to-ship actions and as well as for boat service (e. g. cutting out excursions by using a ship's boats). Royal Marines were also eligible for the Army General Service Medal (awarded 1848) with clasps for Martinique 1809, Guadeloupe 1810 and Java 1811.

1816. Saturday 6th July. The pay of Adjutants was increased.

1816. Sunday 27th August The bombardment of Algiersby Lord Exmouth. The following is taken from the MS. Journal of General F.W. Whinyates R.E. published in the R.E. Journal of 1th February 1881" On the 9th August, arrived at Gibraltar after 13 days passage. Whilst at Gibraltar the Marines of the fleet, about 100, were formed into two Battalion, to be commanded by Majors Vallack and Collins of the Royal Marines. It was intended that the company of Royal Sappers and Marines should land with them at Algiers, and each Sapper and Miner was to carry two hand Grenades and a piece of slow match in his haver sack, besides his musket and ammunition.

1816. August. Due to the large number of RGA siege batteries being formed for service in France there was a shortage of qualified officers to command these siege batteries, therefore the War Office requested that Royal Marine Artillery officers be transferred to the Royal Garrison Artillery for service as officers commanding siege batteries. One of these was Captain Hubert Richard, RMA who after almost 18 years of service as an officer was demobilised by the RMA on 21st August 1916 and accepted a commission as Temporary Captain in the Royal Garrison Artillery on the same day. Two months later he went to France in command of 199th Siege Battery, RGA. He was later promoted Major, RGA and mentioned in despatches. Major Hubert Richard Twiss, Royal Marine Artillery/Royal Garrison Artillery.

1914 - 1915 Star (Captain, R.M.A.)

British War Medal (Major)

WW1 Victory Medal with M. I. D. Emblem (Major)

Twiss was born at Long Ditton, Surrey on 21st December 1880, the son of Arthur Edward Twiss, a clerk in the Secretary's Office, General Post Office, London and Agnes Forbes Twiss (née Willis). He was educated at Felsted School from September 1895 to July 1898 where he was a Prefect and played on the Football XI in 1897. On 1st September 1898 he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Marine Artillery. He was on leave from 1st September 1898 to 29th September 1898 and then was a student at the Royal Naval College from 30th September 1898 until 15th August 1900, being promoted to Lieutenant on 1st July 1899. From 16th August 1900 to 20th January1902 he served at the Headquarters, Royal Marine Artillery.

He served in the Channel on H. M. S. "Magnificent" from 21st January 1902 until 21st January 1903 and then returned to service with the Royal Marine Artillery Division until 10th April 1903. From 11th April 1903 to 12th February 1904 he served on H. M. S. "Repulse" and then with the Royal Marine Artillery Division until being posted to H. M. S. "Revenge" in home waters from 18th May 1904 to 31st August 1905. Up until this point Twiss had received very good reports that stated: "a promising young officer of good physique"; "Very good tact with men. Recommended for advancement;" and "able and zealous, good tempered and tactful."

Twiss served with the Royal Marine Artillery Division from 1st September 1905 to 18th April 1906 and then served on H. M. S. "Caesar" from 19th May 1906 until 25th May 1907. From 26th May 1907 to 15th July 1907 he was posted to the Royal Marine Artillery Division and then served on H. M. S. "Good Hope" from 16th July 1907 to 17th August 1909. He was promoted to Captain, Royal Marine Artillery on 10th December 1909 and served with the Royal Marine Artillery Division from 18th August 1909 to 26th September 1910. During this period his reports began to hint at some problems with his financial obligations: "capable and has good judgment but is not entirely reliable for the command of a detachment afloat owing to his lack of self-control and of his sense of pecuniary obligations;" "good ability and judgment but lacks zeal and is careless with his pecuniary obligations;" "capable officer but careless in money matters." These financial problems eventually caught up with him and he was tried by General Court Martial in the Officers' Library at Eastney Barracks, Portsmouth on 18th July 1910 on two charges of "acting to the prejudice of good order and military discipline". He was found guilty of the second charge and sentenced to be severely reprimanded. On 27th September 1910 he was posted to H. M. S. "Agamemnon" where he served until retiring at his own request with a gratuity of £1200 on 1st April 1911 and being appointed to the Reserve of Officers, Royal Marines on the same day. From 1911 to 1914 he was a planter in Ceylon.

He was recalled to active service on 10th August 1914 and served in the Orkneys commanding the batteries at Hoxa and Stanger at Scapa Flow. Through his efforts "the batteries were brought to a state of efficiency, whilst they kept their personnel, consisting of mostly old men in a fit and efficient condition throughout the trying winter of 1914-1915. The men were for a long time in tents. On boggy ground without even bottom boards, for the winter was well advanced before the huts were built; this was a high test of the stamina, discipline and courage of the Royal Marine Reservist, which triumphed over all difficulties and even over his rheumatism."

From 23ed December 1914 until 7th June 1915 he served on H. M. S. "Cyclops" at Scapa Flow. He was tried by naval court martial on board H.M.S. "Royal Arthur" on 7th June 1915, charged with being drunk on board "Royal Arthur." He was found guilty and sentenced to be dismissed from "Royal Arthur" and to be severely reprimanded. From 8th June 1915 to 16th October 1915 he was posted to a 4-inch Royal Marine Artillery Battery in France. In late October 1915 a battery of 4-inch guns on field carriages was formed at Eastney, with Major Harding in command and with Captain Twiss as Battery Captain. They left headquarters for Plymouth on 15th October 1915 and embarked from there for Salonika. On arrival at Malta the battery was diverted with its guns to Alexandria, which was being used as a base for the forthcoming Salonika expedition. They arrived in Alexandria on 30th October 1915 and were added to the coastal defences there. Battery headquarters and two of the guns were established at Sil Silleh and the other two guns were sent to Mustapha under Captain Twiss.

Meanwhile the Senassi were causing trouble on the northwest frontier of Egypt, supported by Turkish submarines. When they captured Sollun in November 1915, Captain Twiss with 20 N.C.O.s and men and the two 4-inch guns from Mustapha were landed at Mersa Matruk on 26th December 1915. The sand proved so soft that the guns sank in it up to their axles and so for the time being there was nothing that could be done until a general advance was possible. On 29th November 1915 he was admitted to the 15th General Hospital at Alexandria with fever but re-joined his unit on 13th December 1915.

In January and February 1916 there were various small engagements, and at the end of February a general advance was possible, but due to the ground conditions the guns remained in position. In the early part of March Sollum was recaptured and Twiss was transferred to the Coast Defence, Sollum on 18th March 1916. He embarked at Alexandria on 8th May 1916 and returned to England via Marseilles on 20th May 1916. He served with the Royal Marine Artillery Division from 21st May 1916 to 21st August 1916. On 24th May 1916 he was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital at Haslar with an oriental sore on the calf of his left leg. He was re-surveyed on 11th August 1916 and found fit for active service.

In consequence of a request from the War Office to the Royal Marine Office for officers for Siege Artillery he was demobilized from the Royal Marine Artillery on 20th August 1916 and appointed as a Temporary Captain in the Royal Garrison Artillery on the same day. He went to France on 15th November 1916 and was appointed as an Acting Major while commanding 199th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery from 21st November 1916 to 15th July 1917. At Achiecourt, near Arras, on 8th April 1917 he was "struck on the back by falling debris and while resting, was later in the same day, thrown over by another shell striking the room he was in." In his own words: "as however, I was only badly shaken and bruised and at that time not sufficiently bad in my opinion to leave the line, I carried on." In July 1917 near Boesinghe "he was blown up by a shell" and spent a fortnight in the hospital, re-joining his battery at Passchendaele. On 15th August 1917 he was appointed an Acting Major while commanding a Siege Battery.

"Subsequently he complained of lumbar pain and sciatica on the right side which rendered him incapable of performing his duties and he was admitted to hospital on 30th March 1918." On 27th April 1918 he was evacuated from Boulogne to Dover on a Hospital Ship and admitted to a hospital in London where he remained for seven months. He was mentioned in the 15th September 1917 despatches of Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, Commanding-in-Chief, the British Armies in France "for gallant service and devotion to duty" (in the London Gazette of 11th December 1917) and was appointed as a Temporary Major, Royal Garrison Artillery on 15th September 1918.

In November 1918 he was posted to the 4th Siege Artillery Reserve Brigade at Ramillies Barracks, Aldershot, but in in December 1918 he was sent back to the hospital. He left the hospital on 6th March 1919 and returned to the 4th Siege Artillery Reserve Brigade on 30th April 1919. On 20th July 1919 he was "informed that his services were of no further use and ordered to report back to the Admiralty. He relinquished his temporary commission in the Royal Garrison Artillery on 22nd July 1919 and retained the rank of Major in the army. The Admiralty denied responsibility for him, because they had demobilized him in 1916. Their Lordships in 1920 approved Twiss being allowed to volunteer for the Royal Irish Constabulary. In 1921 he engaged in a tour through Scotland delivering lectures "illustrated by a unique and beautiful series of colour and motion pictures, on the campaigns in Arabia and Palestine." On 17th April 1924 Twiss left Southampton, England on the SS Minnesota bound for Quebec, Canada to take up farming. He died at The Vicarage, Bicester, Oxfordshire on 9th June 1945, leaving £49 5s 11d to his sister, Adelaide Ouchterlony Cowland-Cooper, wife of Charles Paul Cowland-Cooper. At the time of his death he lived at 1 Windsor Drive, Audenshaw, near Manchester.

Sources:

Army Lists

London Gazette

Medal Index Card

Royal Marine Papers (ADM196/63

RGA Officer's Papers (WO339/68833)

Globe and Laurel, September 1916

Globe and Laurel, June 1921

Globe and Laurel, November 1945

Britain's Sea Soldiers: History of Royal Marine Artillery, 1930

Royal Marines in the War of 1914-1919

Alumni Felstediensis 1852-1921.

Alumni Felstediensis 1890-1950

1816. In consequence of the peace, the establishment was reduced to eighty companies, consisting of battalion companies, 6,760, four artillery companies 368, staff 94, making a total of 6,222 men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1817. Tuesday 25th November. By order in Council of the 25th November, the corps was fixed at 6,235 men, in eighty companies, of which eight were artillery: and in 1818 and 1819 at 6,000 men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1817. Captain Edward Nicholls, later known as 'fighting Nicholls' and to become a General of Royal Marines, raised a Regiment of North American Indians to fight in the War of Independence. These Indians comprised mainly of Seminoles, Redstick Creeks and Choctaw warriors.

1817. Bombardment of Mocha by Eden.

1817. During the summer Captain George Woodbine, one of Edward Nicoll's former subordinate officers, was present in Spanish East Florida together with the former British soldier and Scottish mercenary lieutenant of Simon Bolivar, Gregor MacGregor. Woodbine and Macgregor both left Spanish East Florida to re-join the Latin American revolutionary movement prior to U.S. military intervention in East Florida. The names of Nicolls, Woodbine, and Macgregor, had become associated with the arming of blacks as soldiers, militiamen, and even as mercenaries. The threat, real or imaginary, was an anathema to North American popular conceptions of the time.

The Niles' Weekly Register of Baltimore also published, between July and October 1818, portions of correspondence between Nicolls and the former auxiliary 2nd Lt Robert Chrystie Armbrister (1797–1818) of the first "battalion" of the Corps of Colonial Marines. Armbrister was one of two British subjects executed in the Arbuthnot and Ambrister incident by order of Major General Andrew Jackson following a drumhead trial at Saint Marks in West Florida in April 1818. Josiah Francis and another Seminole leader, Nehemathla Micco, were also summarily executed by the Americans in Spanish territorial waters in April 1818. In the correspondence of Armbrister, assistance is asked of Nicolls to intervene with the British government on behalf of former allies seeking asylum in Spanish West Florida from perceived American wrongdoing and injustice.

1818. The Marines were landed without any encumbrances, with 60 rounds of ammunition, and proportion of small rockets was to be distributed among them for throwing into casemates, and four steady men from each Division were to be selected to carry rockets and storming poles. It was intended to have stormed the Mole opposite HMS Queen Charlotte, but it was the difficulty of communicating with her and getting the Sappers and Marines off again, that prevented Lord Exmouth's ordering it.

1818. By order in Council of the Corps was fixed at 6000 men.

1819. By order in Council of the Corps was fixed at 6000 men.

1820. Saturday 6th May. An order in Council regulated the pay of Quarter-masters. . By order in Council of the 25th November, the corps was fixed at 6,235 men, in eighty companies, of which eight were artillery: and in 1818 and 1819 at 6,000 men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1820. July. The first reference to a Band at Woolwich Barracks.

1820. Monday 6th - 12th July. The British were involved in a Battle at Algeciras with French / Spanish vessels.

1820. Wednesday 23rd July. The first band of the Royal Marine Artillery was formed. During this time the Artillery Company's were based at Chatham.

1820. Friday 4th - 30th December. Royal Marines and Seamen from HMS Topaze storm Mocha.

1820 \- 1822.The Corps was increased to 8,000 men. By order in Council of the 25th November, the corps was fixed at 6,235 men, in eighty companies, of which eight were artillery: and in 1818 and 1819 at 6,000 men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1822. Monday 30th December. Eliza engaged two pirates off Guajaba and took one.

1823. Friday 31st January. Cameleon and Naiad captured Algerine corsair Tripoli.

1823. Friday 28th March. Boats of Naiad distroyed a pirate brig at Bona.

1823. Friday 28th March. Boats of Tyne and Thracian captured Zarajonaza.

1823. The Corps strength was 8,700 men, distributed in eighty five divisional and eight artillery companies.

1823. Edward Nicolls became the first Royal Marines commandant of Ascension Island. Ascension is a small volcanic island in the South Atlantic, halfway between South America and Africa. In 1815, HMS Zenobia and HMS Peruvian took the island to prevent it from being used as a staging post from which to rescue Napoleon Bonaparte from Saint Helena. From 1815 until Nicolls took over, the Royal Navy registered the island as a "small Sloop of 50 or 60 Men", HMS Ascension, since the Navy was forbidden to govern colonies. The island had a garrison of about thirty, with a few families, servants, and liberated Africans. The Royal Navy came to use the island as a victualling station for ships, particularly those of the West Africa Squadron (or Preventative Squadron), which were working to suppress the slave trade.

Water was scarce, and an important task for Nicolls was to ensure that the island had a stable source of water. He achieved this by installing systems of pipes and carts to bring water to the settlement from the few springs in the mountains. Food was mostly shipped from England, but some could be procured locally: fish, a few vegetables grown on the island, feral goats and sheep, fishy-tasting eggs from a tern colony on the island, and turtle meat obtained during the laying season from December to May. Due to Nicolls's efforts in directing the harvest of turtles, turtle meat, an expensive delicacy in England, became so common it was fed to prisoners and pigs, and Marines complained of it. This surfeit of turtle irritated Nicolls's superiors and the Lords of the Admiralty, and when an Admiral ordered Nicolls to stop feeding turtle to prisoners, he started selling or bartering it to visiting ships. With this monotonous diet, men on the island relied on rum for spice. Nicolls understood this and gave large rations of grog when his men showed "spirited and Soldier like feelings".

On the confines of the island feuds were vicious, and one surgeon went insane. Pirates were frequently seen off Ascension, keeping the garrison on edge. Nicolls was also busied by many infrastructure projects on the island, building roads, water tanks, a storehouse, and developing the gardens on Green Mountain. For these efforts, Nicolls had about sixty freed Africans sent to Ascension, and additionally asked for convicts.

Nicolls had many such grand schemes for trade between Britain and its colonies, but these all failed to materialise. These schemes included a plan to grow oaks in Sierra Leone for Royal Navy ships, a plan to ship Ascension rocks to England, and a plan to ship New Zealand flax to England which he discussed in a letter to Henry Bathurst, 3rd Earl Bathurst. On Monday 3rd November 1828 Captain William Bate replaced Nicolls as commandant on Ascension.

During his time in control of Fernando Po, Edward Nicolls clashed with the Portuguese authorities on the neighbouring islands of São Tomé and Príncipe regarding his refusal to return slaves escaping from there. In an 1842 letter to The Times he says he was accused by the Portuguese governor, Senhor Ferreira, of deliberately enticing slaves to run away and of encouraging 'thieves' and 'murderers'. This charge he denied, asserting that he had never actively encouraged slaves from nearby islands to make the dangerous crossing to Fernando Po: but that if they chose to do so, it was his duty under British law not to return them to slavery. He considered those slaves who killed in the course of their escapes as legally and morally justified in their action; nor did he regard them as thieves for having seized canoes to escape in. He offered to return the canoes however, and informed Ferreira that if the latter could persuade any of the escapees to return voluntarily to a state of slavery, Nicolls would not impede them. He wrote to The Times on the subject because of the debate which followed the Creole case in which slaves transported aboard an American vessel had taken control of her and forced the crew to take them to a British-run port.

1823. The two departments of Royal Marine Artillery and the Royal Marine Light Infantry, merged to become the Royal Marines once again.
Chapter 8

1825 - 1849

1825. Saturday 5th February. Than-ta-Bain captured.

1825. Saturday 19th February. Paulang captured.

1825. Wednesday 23rd March. George IV passes an act for the regulating of His Majestry's Royal Marine Forces on shore.

1825. Wednesday 31st March. An Act for the regulating of His Majesty's Royal Marine Forces while on Shore. The Safety of the United 61 Kingdom, and the Defence of the Possessions of the Crown of Great Britain and Ireland, that a Body of Royal Marine Forces should be employed in His Majesty's Fleet and Naval Service under the Direction of the Lord High Admiral or Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: And whereas the said Royal Marine Forces may frequency be quartered or be on Shore, or sent to do Duty on board Transport Ships or merchant Ships or Vessels, or Ships or Vessels of His Majesty, not being in Commission, or any Convict Hulk or Ship, where they will not be subject to the Laws relating to the Government of His Majesty's Forces by Sea; yet nevertheless it being requisite for the retaining of such Forces in their Duty, that an exact Discipline be observed ; and that Marines who shall mutiny or stir tip Sedition, or shall desert His Majesty's Service, be brought to a more exemplary and speedy Punishment than the Law will allow; be it enacted by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the Authority of the same, That from and after the Twenty-fourth Day of March One thousand eight hundred and twenty-five. (Sic)

1825. March and April. Donoobew captured.

1825. Monday 25th April. Prome occupied.

1825. Sunday 25th December. Burmese defeated at Prome.

1825. Appointment of a Colonel Commandant and deputy Adjutant General of Marines, resident in London.

1825 \- 1854. The Marines Band uniforms of the day. (taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI).

1825. The Marines Drummer uniforms of the day. (taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI).

1826. Thursday 19th January. Melloone captured.

1826. Thursday 9th February. Pagahm-mew captured. In these operations Alligator, Arachne, Boadicea, Champion, Larne, Liffey, Sophie, Slaney, Tamar, and Tees, or parties from them, were engaged.

1826. Thursday 6th - 7th April. Boats of Alacrity took four Greek pirate vessels.

1826. Saturday 17th June. In search of Pirate ships off the Island of Candia in the Bay of Porta Bono. Captain G.R. Pechell of the 36 gun Frigate HMS Sybille, arrived off the island of Candia in search of some piratical vessels that had plundered a Sardinian merchant-ship, and ill-treated the crew. Being close in with HMS Gozo, on the morning of the 18th four large Misticos were discovered and chased under a small island, forming the bay or harbour of Porto Bono, or Calos-limuonop. The frigate anchored at about half past noon with a spring on the cable and opened her broadside on the Misticos lying moored to the rocks, whilst the five boats under the orders of Lieutenant Gordon, assisted among other officers by Lieutenant of Marines J.T. Brown, pulled in to the attack. They were instantly assailed by a destructive fire of musketry from above 200 men, protected by a stone breast work or concealed behind the rocks. Their pieces, loaded with three balls each, connected by a piece of wire, were so well directed, that although Lieutenant Gordon succeeded in boarding one of the vessels, the crew of the barge suffered so severely that he was compelled to abandon her, having 7 seamen and 1 Marine killed, himself, Mr. Edmonsons, Midshipman, and every other seaman and Marine wounded. Lieutenant E. Tupper, Commanding the launch, was mortally wounded. In the first cutter, Commanded by Lieutenant P.T. Brown of the Marines, Mr. Lees, Midshipman, was severely wounded, 2 Seamen killed and 2 wounded, the other boats suffered proportionally, and the total loss amounted to Mr. Knox, Midshipman, 10 Seamen, and 3 Marines killed, 2 Lieutenants, 2 Midshipmen, 20 Seamen, and 6 Marines wounded.

1826. Tuesday 12th September. An increase of the pay of Adjutants was ordered. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1826. The Appointment of a Colonel Commandant and deputy Adjutant General of Marines was resident in London.

1826. Chatham Division band accompanied the british Ambassador to Russia for the Coronation of Tsar Nicholas 1st, the first time that a British Band left Britain to attend a foreign ceremony. An Imperial Russian sword, suitably engraved, was presented to the Bandmaster. This sword is now in the Royal Marines Museum collection.

1827. Tuesday 3rd July. Why The great Globe? It is a well-known fact of` Corps history, that when in 1827. Kind. George IV was to present new colours to the Corps. it was only after a long and tedious consideration that a de cc was deemed appropriate to submit to for the King's approval

Accompanying this was a list of action's in which the Corps had distinguished it sell. for the King to select those actions which would be emblazoned on the new colours. So great was this list that he could not choose and after more deliberation it was decide to retain the distinctive device of the `Fouled Anchor but to be surmounted with a crown and the word "Gibraltar" and in addition to this. a great globe surrounded by laurel was adopted to recognise the many actions in which the Corps had distinguished itself around the world.

The history records that the number of actions submitted to the King to choose from was 106. but did you ever wonder what were the actions named on this list?

Well, here they are, as recorded in the Globe & Laurel at the time that new colours were presented to the Plymouth Division on the 3rd July 1896, by R.H. the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha KG. KT.

1704 Gibraltar, 1704 Toulon.

1706 Ostend, 1706 Barcelona.

1708 Spanish Plate Fleet, 1708 Minorca.

1718 Messina.

1719 Vigo, 1719 Port Antonio.

1740 Porto Bello, 1740 Paita.

1745 Cape Breton, 1745 Louisburgh.

1748 Port Louis, 1748 Hispaniola.

1758 Pondicherry, 1758 Chandernaorc.

1758 Goree, 1758 Guadaloupe.

1759 Defeat of French Fleet. Lagos, 1759 Defeat of French Fleet, Quiberon.

1761 Belle Isle, 1761 Dominique, 1761 Martinico.

1762 Manilla.

1775 Bunkers Hill.

1776 Charlestown.

1778 St Louis, 1778 Tiberoon, 1778 Jshant, 1778 St Vincent.

1781 I)oggerbank.

1782 Dominique, 1782 Porto Rico, 1782 TritRcomdtee.

1793 Defence of Toulon, 1793 Tobago.

1794 Martinique, 1794 Cape Tiberoon, 1794 Guadaloupe, 1794: Martinique. 1794St Lucia,1794 Glorious 1st June.

1795. L'Orient, 1795 St Fiorenzo, 1795 St Fiorenzo, 1795 Corsica, 1795 Trincomalee, 1795 Columba (Ceylon), 1795 Malacca, 1795 Chinsura Cochin, 1795 Demerara, 1795 Essequibo, 1795 Berbice.

1796 Saintes Loana.

1797 Cape St Vincent, 1797 Camperdown, 1797 Teneriffe.

1798 Nile.

1799 St Jean D'arc, 1799 I-Holland.

1800 Malta, I800 Genoa. 1800 Quiberon,

1801. Cabarita Point. 1801 Copenhagen, 1801 Aboukir, 1801 St Bartholomew, 1801 St Thomas, 1801 Santa Cruz.

1804 Diamond hook.

1805. Cape Finistcrre, 1805 Trafalgar. 1805 Bay of Biscay.

1806. Ocoa Bay. 1806 St Domingo. 1806 Cape of Good Hope.

1807 Montevideo, 1807 Capture of Copenhagen, 1807 Charente, 1807 Lord Cachran's action,

1809 Walcheren.

1810 use de Bourbon, 1810 Mauritius.

18l1 Java. 1811 Rarossa.

1812. Anhalt.

1813 Castro St Andro, 1813 Bilhoa, 1813 St Sebastian, 1813 Queenstown.

1814 Oswego, 1814 Blandishurgh, 1814 Washington.

1815 St Mary's, 1815 New Orleans.

1816 Algiers.

1827. Wednesday 26th of September. 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, this day present to you, a Badge which you have so hardly and honourably 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 honourable 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, you're Sovereign, and your Country will have equal reason to be satisfied." (sic)

Throughout the 18th and 19th century the Corps played a major role in fighting to win Britain the largest empire ever created. The Marines had a dual function, they ensured the security of the ship's officers and supported their maintenance of discipline in the ship's crew. During battles they engaged the enemy's crews, firing from positions on their own ship, or fighting during boarding's. The Corps strength at that time was 9,000.

1827. Saturday 20th October. The Battle of Navarino was fought in the bay of Navarino (on the south-western shore of the Peloponnesus) between Turkish Egyptian naval forces and the joint Russian, British, and French navies during the Greek National Liberation Revolution (Greek War of Independence) of 1821 - 1829. The allied squadrons were sent to exert pressure on Turkey, which had refused to carry out the demands of the London Convention of 1827 on granting autonomy to Greece. The three squadron commanders, the British Vice Admiral E. Codrington, the Russian Rear Admiral L.M. Geiden, and the French Rear Admiral H. G. de Rigny, decided to enter the bay of Navarino, where the Turkish Egyptian fleet under the command of Ibrahim Pasha was located. (Ibrahim Pasha's fleet consisted of three ships of the line, 23 frigates, and about 40 corvettes and brigs, with almost 2,220 artillery guns.) The entrance to the bay was defended by coast batteries (165 guns and six fire ships).

A British squadron (three ships of the line, four frigates, one corvette, and three brigs), a French squadron (three ships of the line, two frigates, and two corvettes), and a Russian squadron (four ships of the line and four frigates), totalling 1,676 artillery guns and under the overall command of Codrington, who was senior in rank, entered the bay. After a British truce envoy was killed by the Turks and the ships were fired on by coast batteries, the allies opened fire. In four hours, the Turkish Egyptian fleet was completely destroyed and almost 7,000 Turks died. The Russian flagship Azov, under the command of Captain First Class M.P. Lazarev, especially distinguished itself in the battle. The allies lost more than 800 men in dead and wounded. The defeat of the Turkish fleet aided in Greece's national liberation struggle and contributed to Russia's victory in the Russo Turkish War of 1828 - 1829.

1827 \- 1854. A small detachment of Royal Marines were stationed at Port Essington Australia.

1828 \- 1829. The Taking of the Castle of Morea (or Rhion) and the Siege of Patras. A few Royal Marines, Artillery and Infantry, and some bomb vessels co-operated with the French Army in these operations. Lieutenant Logan RMA mainly caused the surrender of the Castle by blowing up the principal magazine for which he received the Legion of Honour.

1829. Edward Nicolls RM was appointed Superintendent of Fernando Po (now Bioko), a tropical island immediately off the coast of Africa, which the Navy used as a base for operations against the slave trade. Nicolls received the appointment after colonial administrator William Fitzwilliam Owen had refused the post, and after merchant John Beecroft was deemed unfit for the post. Owen, however, voiced his dissatisfaction with what he viewed as Nicolls's harsh rule on the island, and Beecroft increased his influence in the area. Nicolls, in turn, attacked Beecroft for his dealings with former slavers. Nicolls's health suffered in Fernando Po and by April 1830 he had left for Ascension. When Nicolls returned to England ill, Beecroft was placed in charge of the island. Tropical illness took a toll on the Europeans at Fernando Po, where hundreds died during the period. Nineteen of the 34 men in Nicoll's first contingent died soon after their arrival, and only five of the original 47 Royal Marines who accompanied him to Fernando Po in 1829 survived two years duty on the station. Lieutenant Colonel Edward Nicolls, somewhat restored to health, served a second term as Superintendent of Fernando Po during 1832–1833. Despite his differences with Owen, Nicolls was just as determined to disrupt the slave trade, and equally energetic in his attempts to convince the British government to adopt a more aggressive stance. Frustrated in territorial annexation schemes, he invited the West African rulers of Bimbia, Old Calabar, Camaroon, Malimba, and the Bonny to Fernando Po to form an anti-slavery alliance. To Nicolls' great disappointment, the British government ordered him to evacuate Fernando Po on Wednesday 29th August 1832 and put an end to operations there. Unfinished work and efforts to provide for the welfare of liberated and displaced slave populations delayed the end of Nicoll's mandate for several months, and the Colonel did not return to England until April 1835.

1830. Monday 26th April. Black Joke took the Spanish slaver Marimerito.

1830. Primrose captured the Spanish slaver Veloz Passagera.

1830s \- 1840s. The introduction of steam has so materially changed the system of warfare, that it is now imperative on the british government to adopt the best method for the improvement of our naval gunnery; and as that never can be effectually maintained when the men are discharged after so limited a period of service as three years, it behoves the executive to consider the advantage that is likely to arise from an increase of the corps of Marines of sufficient extent to make an addition to the detachments on board her Majesty's ships, and discontinue that class which is now termed " Landsmen." This measure would not only provide an improving body of artillery-men, but at the same time every squadron would convey battalions of effective soldiers, ready to take the field on any emergency. In offering these remarks, we are supported by the opinions of many of our most distinguished naval officers. The immortal Nelson has been frequently heard to say, " When I become first lord of the Admiralty, every fleet shall have perfect battalions of Marines, with their artillery; and commanded by experienced field officers, they will be prepared to make a serious impression on the enemy's coast." And we find it stated by Mr. Tucker, that lord St. Vincent was so persuaded of the importance of keeping up an extensive establishment of Marines, that his lordship remarked, "The French from the era of Louis XIV. have always equipped their fleet sooner than we have, and their 1 bureau de classe' continues in full vigour. Without a large body of Marines, we shall be long, very long, before an efficient fleet can be sent to sea." This system is persevered in; and it will be observed that, in the last vote of the French Chambers, where the number of seamen amounted to 26,000 men, the marine artillery numbered 19,000.

We are fully aware that this apparent disproportion arises from the circumstance that their naval ports, and likewise the colonies, are garrisoned by marines; and we conceive that great benefit would arise to the public service of this country, if our colonial possessions were supplied by the same description of military force. An extension of the establishment of the Marines would also enable the Admiralty to equip a squadron in half the time, and with more efficiency, than under the existing regulation; and we have recently witnessed the great national advantage of embarking an additional quota when seamen could not be procured, for at this moment there are no less than 2,300 Marines distributed on board eight sail of the line ; but with such an extent of military force, there is not even one field officer in the squadron.

We cannot conclude this brief sketch of the progress of the corps of Royal Marines, without adverting to the unequal distribution of those honours and distinctions which emanate from the throne. Although the Marines have taken a prominent part in the glorious contests with the enemy, never, in any instance, tarnishing their well-merited reputation; and although the highest commendation has been conferred upon them by their Sovereign, yet those proud rewards which have been so profusely bestowed upon every other branch of the service, are withheld from the Marines; and it will scarcely be credited, that in the present corps, amounting to 10,500 men, not one officer has been honoured with the decoration of a Knight Commander of the Bath, and only four are Companions of the order.

This order of merit being restricted to the rank of field officer, is a check upon the zeal and emulative spirit in that class of officers where an impulse is most required; and it has been well observed, that " no maxim in politics is more indisputable, than that a nation should have many honours in reserve for those who do national services. This rouses emulation cherishes public merit, and inspires everyone with ambition, which promotes the good of his country. The less expensive those honours are to the public, the more still do they turn to its advantage." Casting a retrospective glance at the remarks we have adduced, combined with those impressive testimonies afforded in the memorials to the Board of Admiralty at various periods, and considering that even the last respectful remonstrance of the corps was alike disregarded, until echoed in the walls of Parliament, it must be evident that there has been great misrule in the administration of this branch of the service.

With this conviction we may venture to express an opinion, that those depressing measures have arisen from the absence of a responsible chief; who feeling himself identified with the honour and welfare of the corps, would watch over its interests with jealous attention to its claims.

As the constitution of the regiments of Royal Artillery is analogous to that of the Marines, the one governed by the Board of Ordnance, the other by the Board of Admiralty, it may be reasonable to infer, in contrasting the position of the two services, that the system of having a "Master-general" independent, and unfettered by a conjunctive administration, is productive of the best results ; and as there does not appear to be any impediment to an assimilation of the governing principle in the two services, we feel assured, that if the first lord of the Admiralty was also " Captain-general of Marines," the appointment would not only prove of the greatest advantage to the public service, but it would restore confidence to the corps, and revive that emulative spirit which has so eminently conduced to its distinguished reputation. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1931. March. The creation of this office, in March 1831, produced a feeling of dissatisfaction in the corps, that called for loud and general remonstrance; for it will scarcely be credited that the appointment was conferred upon a civilian (he having sold out of the service many years previously) totally unconnected with the Marines, and who, to have authority and control over the colonels of divisions, was created a major-general. This act of injustice produced a feeling of respectful remonstrance, until the discontent became too apparent to be disregarded; and another Board of Admiralty, with a due consideration for the welfare of the corps, removed the "Inspector-general," and restored the command of the Marines to the hands of one of its distinguished veterans. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1831. April. The Maintenance of Order in Newcastle. "On Wednesday week a detachment of 80 Marines and 6 Subalterns under the command of Major Mitchell, sailed from Portsmouth for this (Newcastle), on account of disturbances among the colliers. The vessel, towed by a steamer, sailed in less than an hour after the orders were received." (Contemporary Newspapers of 28th April 1831). (Sic)

1831. Wednesday 24th August. By Order-in-Council 1831 gratuities for Good Conduct were granted after certain periods of service to wear "a silver medal, the size of half-a-crown, at the third Button of their jackets; having on one side 'For Long Service and Good Conduct" and on the other an 'Anchor and Crown'." The forerunner of the "Blue Peter".

1831. Saturday 10th December. Extract from a Journal dated 10th December 1831. "A Corporal and a Drummer of the Royal Marines, on the recruiting service at Henley, applied to the Magistrates to punish a man they had the day before enlisted, but, upon inspection, turned out to have a wooden leg. It appeared the Corporal slipped the enlisting shilling into his hand upon the usual expression of "free, able and willing", and which was soon converted into three pots of fourpenny, and as soon consumed by the recruit and his officers, and upon the word of command to march, the want of a limb so necessary to perform this part of the duty became obvious. The Magistrates recommended thee in future to drill the recruits before parting with His Majesty's money. But • the Drummer insisted that this man ought to be punished to deter others, and to prevent not only His Majesty's officers, but His Majesty himself, as represented by them, from being laughed at. The Magistrates, not apprehending the latter, dismissed the case.'

1831. Loyalty and Determination of Private George Higham. "Whilst the Medina steam vessel was stationed on the coast of Africa in the year 1831 a boat containing a midshipman, 9 seamen and a Marine was dispatched on service, and on ascending a river, the crew became mutinous, that the officer was under the necessity of using violent measures and ran one off them through the body. This so exasperated the others, that they determined the throw the midshipman overboard, and were attempting to put their threat into execution when the Marine, named George Hyam or Higham, with great firmness stood between them, and declared he would shoot the first man who dared to lay his hand upon an officer, and bayonet the next who might venture to approach him. This determined act of courage so overawed the sailors that they desisted in their murderous intention, and the midshipman, thus nobly supported, was enabled to maintain his authority and re-join his ship in safety." (Nicholas History. Record R.M. Force).

1831. First cholera outbreak in England that affected all the British military forces.

1832. The establishment of the Marines increased to 10,000 men; and on the 6th of February an order in Council abolished the corps of Royal Marine Artillery.

This battalion, originally selected from a corps of 30,000 men, and which had progressively risen to eminence and distinction, was immediately broken up, " retaining two companies as a nucleus to form a greater body, which might hereafter be deemed advisable."

The impolicy of this measure soon became apparent, and the companies of marine artillery have been gradually increased until they have reached to about the same numerical strength as their establishment in 1823, (but still shorn of its field-officers,) when they were formed into eight companies, as we shall presently show.

By referring to the minutes of the Board of Admiralty in the Appendix, relative to the marine artillery, it will be observed that they were intended for the training of the other marines, so as to embark efficient artillery-men in others of his Majesty's ships as well as in bombs, " experience having "proved the great advantage to the derived to the service from this practice." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1832. The companies of Marine Artillery have been gradually increased until they have reached to about the same numerical strength as their establishment during1823, (but still short of field officers,) when they were formed into eight companies. The minutes of the Board of Admiralty show that relative to the Marine Artillery, they were intended for the training of the other Marines, so as to embark efficient artillery-men in others of his Majesty's ships as well as in Bombs Ketches.

1832. Monday 6th of February. The Band of the Royal Marines Artillery, was disbanded as part of the 1832 reductions.

1832. Monday 6th of February. An order in Council abolished the Corps of Royal Marine Artillery. This battalion, originally selected from a Corps of 30,000 men, and which had progressively risen to eminence and distinction, was immediately broken up, retaining two companies as a nucleus to form a greater body, which might hereafter be deemed advisable. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1832. Thursday 12th April. An order in Council ordered the promotion of four Lieutenant Colonels to be second Commandants, thus creating vacancies in the subordinate ranks. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1832. \- 1834. A Battalion of Marines were keeping the peace in Ireland.

1833. A report of the Committee of the House of Commons on Army and Navy appointments, recommended the abolition of the sinecures of Generals and Colonels of Marines, enjoyed by Naval officers. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1833. The Marines uniforms of the day. (taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI).

1833. Finally an Act for the Abolition of Slavery throughout the British Colonies is passed by British Parliament and Policed by

1833. When the Committee of the House of Commons in 1833, upon the navy and army estimates, recommended the abolition of the sinecures, held by naval officers, of generals and colonels of marines, they proposed that the amount thus saved should be distributed as rewards and pensions to officers of the Royal Navy and Marines, for good and faithful services. This has been carried into effect in a manner very unsatisfactory to the Marines; for notwithstanding that the major-generals of Marines are upon an equality of rank with rear-admirals, two major-generals upon the list of pensioners receive the pension of captains in the Royal Navy, and not those of rear-admirals. The difference is considerable, one being £300 per annum, and the other only half that sum; and these officers were consequently placed a step lower in rank than their commissions would warrant.

" Again, as field-officers of the army rank with captains of the navy in sharing prize-money when upon a conjunct expedition, so field-officers of Marines, until lately, have shared prize-money, by royal proclamation, with that class of officers. But, by a recent order, field-officers of Marines when embarked, are made to share with the first-lieutenants of ships of war and captains of their own corps, which may be considered as a degradation of their rank.

" Another cause of discontent is, that the pay of captains of Marines is less by one shilling per diem than the pay of captains of the Line; for by an order of the War-office, the noneffective allowance to captains of companies was abolished, and became personal pay. It is admitted that this allowance was not generally given to captains of Marines; but as it is changed into personal pay, and as the officers of that rank are everywhere doing the same duties with those of the Line, upon less pay, it is justly felt as a hardship, more especially as they are unfortunately so long kept in the rank of captain."

Colonels Treraenheere and Owen, lieutenant-colonels Wright and sir Francis Lee, captains Alfred Burton and J. J. Willes, and lieutenant J. Buchanan, were then severally examined. Upon the evidence adduced by these officers, the Commission came to the following conclusions, which they submitted to the consideration of her Majesty: —

" 1. That it is expedient that officers shall not be continued in command of divisions, when no longer equal to the active duties of the service.

" 2. That every officer of Marines removed from the corps on becoming a general officer, should receive the full pay of his last regimental commission, or £400 a-year when the pay of his last regimental commission is not of that amount.

" 3. That upon full consideration whether, in consequence of the proposed alteration with respect to the pay of officers of Marines removed from the corps as major-generals, it would be proper to diminish the number of colonels-commandant allowed to retire upon full pay, — it has appeared to your Majesty's Commissioners that it would be inexpedient to offer any such recommendation, because the number of retirements allowed to colonels- commandant, need not be filled up by the Board of Admiralty, unless it should be thought necessary ; while it might be inconvenient to diminish the means now afforded, by the retirement on full pay of colonels-commandant, of removing from the corps officers who, from ill health or from other causes, have become inefficient.

" 4. The Commission deem it right to recommend to your Majesty, that the present number of lieutenant-colonels of Royal Marines allowed to retire on full-pay should be increased from four to six, on the same ground and in the same manner as has been recommended for the retirement of the colonels commandant.

" 5. That the regimental field-officers so retiring, and all those who may have heretofore retired upon full-pay as such, should be promoted in succession, by brevet, to the rank of general officer; and that the retired full-pay of such of the field-officers as may attain the rank of general-officer should be made up to £400 a-year, if the retired pay they received should be below that amount.

" 6. That the Board of Admiralty should be authorized to admit of the permanent retirement annually of two lieutenant colonels of the Royal Marines to half-pay, at their own request; but these officers should not be eligible for any further promotion, by brevet or otherwise.

" 7. That it is expedient, that so much of the royal proclamation of the 3rd of February 1836, as relates to the allowance of prize-money to the field-officers of Marines, under which they are classed with sea lieutenants and captains of their own corps, should be rescinded; and they should, in respect to prize-money, be placed on a footing with field-officers of corresponding rank in the Line.

" 8. That it would be expedient, in regulating such grants of pensions for good services as may be made to general officers of Marines, to adhere to the principle of the order in Council of the 3rd of July 1837, under which general officers of Marines were classed with flag-officers of the fleet, with whom they rank.

" 9. That it is expedient, that the pay of captains of Marines, when serving a shore, should be fixed at the same rates as that of captains of infantry of the line." Before the Commission terminated its labours, the Royal Marines had to deplore the loss of their best advocate, sir Richard Williams, (the only officer of that corps who was a member of this board of inquiry), whose energies and zeal, in preferring their claims, cannot be too highly appreciated ; and as the last days of that gallant officer were devoted to the interests of the profession, of which he was so bright an ornament, we feel that the highest tribute we can offer to his respected memory is to record the statement he gave in evidence ; which is not only a testimony of the strenuous endeavours of that up right man to promote the welfare of the corps in which he had served with so much distinction and so much honour; but it affords a faithful and unprejudiced description of the neglect that had been long exercised towards this branch of the service. In urging the claims of the captains of Marines, sir Richard observes : — " For more than half a century they have served with the troops of the line very frequently, and usually upon expeditions of importance, with inferior advantages, but with the like expenses ; that their loyalty and fidelity have been acknowledged by the Sovereign, and by the votes of their countrymen in Parliament assembled ; that as a seniority corps, promotion from the very nature of such an establishment has been unavoidably slow: that officers have been known to remain on the list of second-lieutenants nineteen years in continuous service, and that numbers of them have remained twenty-eight years as subalterns.

"It can be proved, too, that they have not had the same advantages as have been enjoyed by the general service; that at the peace in 1814, when a large reduction took place, the existing vacancies, more than twenty in number — some of which were from deaths in action in America, were not filled up, with the exception of six. So that the subalterns at the head of the list, to that amount in number, had the rank of captain withheld from them for six years; not a single move having been made for that space of time from the 27th of July 1814. This was a grievance of so serious a nature, that the senior subalterns sent a memorial to the Board of Admiralty, praying that the vacancies might be filled up; but this application was not attended to. They then requested to be put upon the same footing as the Royal Artillery; that is to say, when a captain was brought in from half-pay, the senior first-lieutenant might be promoted and placed upon half-pay; but this request was also denied, although the final reduction to a peace establishment did not take place until 1816, owing probably to the return of Buonaparte from Elba, and the continuance of the war with America until 1815. " Now as regards the navy, mingled with whom they have always been proud to fight, and taken as a corps a fourth of its component part, all vacancies, as far as my information goes, were scrupulously filled up. There appears to have been 140 commanders made post-captains in 1814 and 1815; 360 lieutenants made commanders, and 1000 midshipmen were promoted in 1815.

" When I make these remarks, they will not be deemed invidious, I am quite sure: the glorious struggle which had been maintained, and in which the navy so largely participated, gave just claim at the termination to a liberal reward; and the country, at that time grateful to its defenders, gave universal consent. When I ask for an increase of pay for the captain of Marines, it may be said, and very correctly too, that his pay is already superior to that of a lieutenant of the navy, with whom he ranks. This is not a fair mode of reasoning; because the pay of the navy and of the army was never made to assimilate to any two corresponding ranks: if the captain of Marines has more pay, the sea lieutenant has more authority. In the event of an action, the latter was morally certain of promotion upon the death of his captain, while the former could gain nothing but the honour and gratification of having done his duty. The expenses incurred by outfit, and the losses sustained by disasters, were common to all the officers in the ward-room, even to the second-lieutenant of marines upon 5s. Sd, per diem. It appeared to me, therefore, that the claims of the lieutenants of the navy should stand upon their own merits, a foundation upon which a superstructure might be raised with every possible chance of success, and to which my feeble efforts should not be wanting.

" The rank of captain was also much retarded by the order of His Royal Highness the Lord High Admiral, dated 17th of August 1827, when the indulgence granted to lieutenants in the line, of retiring upon half-pay with the rank of captain, was restricted to such a number in the marines, as there might be first-lieutenants upon the half-pay of the corps. There were at that time more than sixty first-lieutenants of a rank prior to 1812: many of them applied for this indulgence, but it was refused to all but fifteen, the number of the first-lieutenants actually upon half-pay. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

"We must all have heard with peculiar satisfaction, upon various occasions, of the estimation in which brevet rank was held when bestowed for services in the field; and I will venture to say, that no men value more highly the distinction of rank for services performed, than the officers of Marines. It is their peculiar lot to serve in detachments, and seldom or never do they serve from under the control of a superior officer; so that few opportunities occur for distinction. Under these circumstances it will not be deemed presumptuous in me, I hope, to suggest that in those general actions, which upon some future day may be fought, permission may be given to the commander-in-chief of the fleet to recommend three or four of the senior officers of marines for brevet rank, according to the strength of the fleet or squadron. It has hitherto been the custom to recommend the senior officer only, and this pretension to reward will scarcely put them on a footing (which is all they ask) with officers of their own rank in the same fleet; for the first-lieutenant of every line-of-battle ship was promoted after all the general victories during the war.

" With the exception of the attack upon Algiers, when three officers of Marines obtained brevet rank, but one only had that distinction in the other naval actions; and several were fought without any honour being conferred upon the senior officer of marines. Not more than ten officers appear to have had brevet rank given them during the late war.

" Rank by brevet is the only distinction, according to existing regulations, which can be given with justice to the junior ranks m a seniority corps; and below the rank of captain, merit, however distinguished, must go unrewarded. It has been deemed injurious to the service generally (although well-deserved by the individual) to bestow the brevet rank of captain upon a lieutenant; but in several instances in the Royal Artillery, as I have been credibly informed, the subaltern officers so distinguished had the brevet rank of major given to them three years after they had arrived at the rank of captain in the regiment. There have been four instances, I have been told, of this nature: their services having been noted, they ultimately obtained a recompense. The same measure of justice has not prevailed in the Marines; for in 1814 there was an instance of a subaltern officer having been nominated to the brevet rank of captain, by the recommendation of the Board of Admiralty, for distinguished conduct in the field, and who was forced to relinquish that rank; but he did not get the brevet rank of major, after having served three years as a captain in the corps.

" Such has been the slowness of promotion in the marines, that those officers who came into the service as second-lieutenants in 180fi, are not only still captains without brevet rank, but they are at least sixty from the head of the list; whereas all the subalterns, or nearly so, of that date in the Royal Artillery, are brevet majors. This is a striking instance of the advantage of second-captains in a seniority corps, and of the benefits derived from a brevet rank for distinguished services; and strange as it may appear, there are twenty-seven subalterns of marines upon the list of first-lieutenants, whose first commissions were dated before the conclusion of the war. It may probably be thought worthy of consideration, whether length of actual service, reckoning from the date of the first commission, may not have a claim to brevet rank in a general promotion, in preference to the length of service in the rank of captain. I fear it may be thought that I have been prolix in my statement with regard to officers of the rank of captain, but the subject was of so much importance, that I thought it incumbent upon me to dwell upon the hardships of the junior ranks of the service ; and I wished to impress upon the members of this Commission that the officers of marines in command of companies, although they have served with less pecuniary advantages than those of the same rank in the army, yet from length of service, and other circumstances which have been detailed, have some claim to the increase of Is. \d. per diem to the present day.

" In conclusion, I am decidedly of opinion that the advantages which flow from a permanent establishment of officers of the higher grades, are those which will most essentially benefit any military establishment, however it may be constituted."

Sir Richard, in support of this last observation, submitted a proposal to form the ninety companies of Marines into nine battalions, making each battalion to consist of 1000 men, including officers. The senior officer of the corps should not only reside in London but sit at the Board of Admiralty whenever discussions arose respecting the Marines, or when details were to be made out for the performance of the duties which might be required of them. Two battalions to be stationed at each of the four divisions, and one battalion at Pembroke. They were to be denominated first and second battalions, giving to the commandants of the first battalions not less than £2. 5s. per diem, and to those of the second battalions £1. 10.? per diem.

If each battalion had a colonel-commandant and three field officers, there would be twenty-seven field-officers, besides commandants; nor can this arrangement be deemed an unreasonable number for 9,000 men, when the Royal Artillery have forty-two field-officers and thirty colonels to 7,000 men.

The permanent retired establishment of the corps should remain as it is, with the exception of the colonels second-commandant, which rank should be abolished; viz. 8 colonels commandant, 4 lieutenant-colonels, 25 captains, and 10 first-lieutenants; and that each officer should retire upon the full-pay of the rank he then held in the corps, although he should have arrived at the rank of major-general. That no vacancy should remain open upon that list, and to this end, the senior officer of the rank below should be promoted and placed pro tempore in the vacancy; and whenever an officer of that rank in the serving corps should retire, the unattached officer should immediately take his place for duty. In case of the removal of the senior colonel of a second battalion to the retired list of colonels-commandant unattached, he would become entitled, of course, to the increase of pay from £1. 10s. to £2. 5s. per diem; for although he does not gain a step in rank, being already a colonel, yet he is duly entitled to the increase of pay, otherwise his removal would be a pecuniary injury. By these means, whenever officers are tardy in retiring, they will not on that account impede the promotion of those below them. Although it is stated in the report of the Commission, in reference to sir Richard Williams, " We have had the satisfaction of placing his suggestions upon the records of our proceedings and have given full consideration to them in the conclusions at which we have arrived," it would be difficult to trace the adoption of that officer's disinterested proposals. There was an almost unanimous evidence of the benefit that would arise to the corps from an increase of field-officers, (and subsequent events have proved the inconvenience and injury to the public service from the inattention to these recommendations,) but the Commission, " although prepared to admit the force of colonel Owen's argument, that the Marines had a title to an additional number of officers of the higher ranks, to give them a fair proportion of promotion with the other branches of the service, and as it was shown to us that this additional number was not needed on the effective list, we are disposed to recommend to your Majesty an addition of two lieutenant-colonels to the retired full-pay establishment, making the numbers of that rank to whom full-pay may be granted six instead of four ;" and " in furtherance of the object we have in view, of increasing the number of promotions to the rank of field-officers, we would suggest that two lieutenant-colonels of Marines should be allowed annually to retire upon half ! ! pay, as a permanent provision."

Now it must be obvious to ever one, on a moment's reflection, that the extent of the boon recommended by the Commission to compensate the claim which is admitted in their report, is limited to the retirement of two lieutenant-colonels on full-pay, for it would be absurd to suppose that an officer of that standing would ask for half-pay ; and as a reference to the retired list will prove that this compensation for long services has never been sought after, it is evident that this proposed arrangement has been a dead letter. It will be observed, that for the same object in the regiment of Royal Artillery, there is a recommendation of the Commission for the retirement of four lieutenant-colonels annually on FULL-pay.

This recommendation has been faithfully carried out in the Royal Artillery ever since the Commission made its report; and it will be seen, that at the rate of four lieutenant-colonels annually, it has produced a promotion in that corps of at least thirty captains to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. A corresponding liberal arrangement conferred upon the Marines, during the same period, would have remedied the grievances so justly complained of; and while it removed all cause of complaint, the corps would have been efficient in its upper ranks, and with the advantage arising from casualties, promotion would have taken care of itself.

The Commission acknowledged the claim of the captains of marines to the same personal pay as captains of infantry of the line: but in recommending its adoption, the advantage is restricted to those serving ashore ; so that when a captain of Marines is employed on foreign service, which ought to entitle him to higher reward, he actually loses thirteen pence per diem, while those of every other rank have the same pay wherever serving ; and by this unjust restriction the captain of Marines is the only officer serving in the fleet subject to this deduction of pay for his provisions. There is another grievance that bears hard upon the captains of Marines, with reference to the unjust stipulation for the distribution of prize-money to field-officers, which we have already noticed. Sir Richard Williams remarked, " When I turn to the Gazettes, and read the testimonies that have been given of the uniform good conduct and exemplary services of the Marines, ' per mare, per terram,' and when I read the letter of the gallant admiral who communicated to the corps in 1802 the pleasure of his Majesty, that for its distinguished services the corps should be made ' Royal,' I feel quite convinced that the Board of Admiralty will have great satisfaction in reconsidering the subject of the distribution of prize-money." But notwithstanding the recommendation of the Commission, we have yet to learn that the proclamation of 1836 has been rescinded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1834. Wednesday 30th April. Additional retirements on full and half-pay. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1834. Friday. 15th August. Private Charles Welch R.M. Naval General Service Medal 1793 to 1840 bar "SYRIA" (HMS Stromboli).

Born Britford, Salisbury, Wiltshire Approx. 1814, Trade, Labourer Enlisted by Serjt. A. W. Simpson 15th August 1834 on a bounty of 3 pounds Attestation papers to serve in the Royal Marines at Portsmouth on 16th August 1834 and was read the Articles of War regarding Mutiny and Desertion he then took the Oath of Allegiance and Fidelity and received the sum of Ten shillings and Sixpence. The Surgeon then declared him as fit for His Majesty's service. The commanding officer certified that he was satisfied with the correctness of the Attestation and he was entered in the Regimental Register with the number of 1157. He had joined the 85 Company of the Portsmouth Division of Royal Marines.

On the 21st March 1836 he joined HMS Vanguard (to 2nd April 1840) a 78-gun (or 80-gun) second-rate ship of the line, launched on 25 August 1835 at Pembroke Yard and commanded by Captain Thomas Fellowes (from January 1837 and April 1840) in the Mediterranean.

Vanguard had been commissioned at Portsmouth on 19 Mar 1836 and began her sea trials in July calling at Plymouth and then sailing to Cork. They returned to Plymouth to continue her trials and then on the 20th October they for Lisbon, Cadiz and then Malta. This means he would have been on board when on the morning of June 8th, all crews were mustered on decks to witness the execution of Private Thomas McSweeney, Royal Marines HMS Rodney who was hanged from Rodney's yard-arm for an assault on Lance Sergeant James T. Allen also of Rodney which resulted in Allen's demise soon afterwards. They remained in the Mediterranean with the British and French Fleets until ordered home in January 1840, in February they left Malta for Portsmouth arriving 17th March and Welch left Vanguard on 2nd April.

4th September 1840 joined HMS Stromboli a 1st class Paddle sloop of 1839 Commanded by Commander Woodford John Williams. Sailed for Malta on the 6th September and arrived in Gibraltar on 12th. On the 13th they sailed to join Vice Admiral Sir Robert Stopford fleet in the Levant. On 25 Sep 1840 Stromboli was part of Napiers force detailed to take possession of Sidon.

Sidon the main Depot for the Egyptian army was held by about 2700 men, it was quite well protected by a fort and other various defences. A mixed party including 750 marines landed and attacked on 26th, the fighting while fierce did not result in many casualties on either side, the British loss being 11 killed and 39 wounded. This included Stromboli's casualties of 1 marine (Leiut C.T. Hockin) killed with 3 marines severely wounded and 1 marine slightly wounded. These appear to have been caused while storming the fortress which commanded the town. Of the three severely wounded was Charles Welch who lost three fingers from one hand. (Napier in his dispatch of September 29th says one marine officer and three seamen killed and two mates one boatswain and thirty seamen wounded. While a more detailed list is included in the London Gazette giving ship by ship)

See www.gazettes-online.co.uk of 17 Nov 1840.HMS Stromboli continued with the fleet off Syria including the bombardment and capture of Acre on the 3rd/4th November (if Welch was still on board is not recorded but he would have qualified for the Turkish Medal even if he had not been).Welch's papers state that he left Stromboli on the 3rd December 1840.24th December 1840, A divisional board (Col. Parks C.B., Captain Mercer and Captain Evans) looking at the discharge of 1157 Charles Welch of the 85 Company Plymouth Royal Marine Division remarked that "Wounded at the storming of Sidon" for which he has received a Smart Ticket.

He has served afloat and on Foreign Stations for 4 years 3 months 13 days and with a total service on shore in the United Kingdom 2 years and 28 days (total 6 years, 4 months 11 days). The Cause of his discharge is in consequence of having lost three fingers (Wounded in Action) contracted in the service and per Admiralty order dated 22nd December 1840.The Defaulters book was examined and parole testimony from other sources heard. His conduct was found to be Very Good and he received from his senior officer Capitan Mercer a high testimony of his good conduct during the four years that he served under Capitan Mercers immediate command. Being asked if he had any claims against the service he stated none other than 13 days conduct money. The board verified that his ledger account was balanced and signed by the pay Capitan of his division then approved his discharge which was signed and dated 26th December 1840 (the report No.3437) Discharged in 1840 as an invalid.

Note, Smart Money – Money paid to a sailor who has a Smart Ticket (Smart Certificate), which was issued to a man who had been injured or wounded in the performance of his duty. The smart ticket was the formal certificate signed by the ship's standing officers and the captain, 1st lieutenant, master and surgeon which attested to the wound described. (www.britainssmallwars.co.uk)

1834. Sunday 7th - 9th September. Imogene and Andromache engaged in the Canton River.

1834. Royal Marines supported the Queen of Spain's forces during the First Carlist War.

1834 \- 1839. The First Carlist War with Spain. Lieutenant Charles Hockin, Royal Marines St. Felicitas, Phillack, Cornwall The Man Phillack is on the north coast of Cornwall, across a canal from Hayle, and separated from St. Ives Bay by a stretch of sand dunes. It is an area which in the early 19th century was a centre of copper mining and smelting, and in the early 19th century the rector there was a native of that place, William Hockin. Hockins had been rectors there since 1754, when one of the family purchased from Baron Arundell of Wardour "the lease for three lives of presentation to the rectory of Phillack, with the chapelry of Gwithian", and Hockins then remained as rectors of Phillack until 1922. It strikes me that if you wanted to indicate how the way we think now differs profoundly from the way our ancestors thought that tale stands as an exemplar. How on Earth can someone buy the right to appoint a vicar? For three generations? The church was rebuilt, apart from the tower, in 1856, but the Hockins carried on. Ironic that William's fifth son, Charles Francis, born in 1813, was to feature in two of the more obscure campaigns of the century that, unlike most of the others mentioned here, were not empire-building, and did not really involve Britain, although British troops were involved. The scion of a line of Church of England vicars was to be decorated by a Catholic monarch and die fighting to support a Muslim one. The Background Hockin's active military life appears to have been dedicated to obscure conflicts, as four years in Northern Spain were as part of a Royal Marine force in a struggle that was a Spanish civil war, in essence nothing to do with Britain – but we do like to interfere. This war is known as the First Carlist War, so called because it was about the putative claim to the throne of Carlos, younger brother of Ferdinand VII. In four marriages Ferdinand had only daughters, so in 1830 he introduced the Pragmatic Sanction, removing the existing Salic law (only introduced the previous century) which prohibited women from succeeding to the throne. The corollary of this was that Carlos was no longer the heir to the throne, which was presumably fairly galling for an ambitious man in his early forties, and for his supporters. When Ferdinand died in 1833 he was succeeded by his infant daughter, Isabella, with his wife Maria Christina being appointed regent. The stage was set for the conflict, with the opposing sides named after their chief protagonists: the Carlists were in favour of absolute monarchy and, in a rather contradictory fashion, regional autonomy (hence support from the Basques), were conservative and traditional in terms of religion, and had support from the Austrians, Prussians and Russians; the Christinos were more liberal and progressive in political and religious terms, were more popular in the cities, and had support from Britain, France and Portugal. In essence, it was yet another conflict between liberals and conservatives, with corruption and venality thrown in. The Campaign The fighting began in 1834, and from the outset appears to have been conducted with savagery; prisoners were not taken, with all that that implies. Although both sides won battles the Carlists on the whole had the better of the exchanges, so in 1835 the Christinos asked their allies for help. Neither Britain nor France really wanted to get too involved, so the French sent their Foreign Legion, which was causing disruption in France anyway, and the British sanctioned the creation of what was essentially a mercenary force called the Westminster Legion, a volunteer force under one Sir George de Lacy Evans. By October 1835 the French had landed four thousand men, and the British seven thousand, eight hundred. So, was our brave Lieutenant Hockin a mercenary? The answer is no, for in April 1836 a force of British marines garrisoned the Basque port of Portugalete, to the west of Bilbao, and British ships lay off the coast. The intention seems to have been precautionary, or to act in some form of support capacity, but not to get too involved, as indicated by an incident in March 1837, when the marines were drawn into the capture of the fortress of Oriamendi near San Sebastian, but were then ordered back, allowing the Carlists to retake it. This seems to have been the pattern throughout the marines' tenure. Although Charles was decorated for his services by Maria Christina, a contemporary source, Alexander Somerville, who fought in the war as part of the British Legion, makes it clear in his memoirs that the marines rarely saw major action. Charles Hockin, as a marine, had to be a hero, for political expediency, to justify his presence, but it was a symbolic as much as a practical role. A temporary peace came to Spain in August 1839, when the defeated Carlist forces agreed terms. It would not last, but by then Hockin and the Marines had moved on. (www.britainssmallwars.co.uk)

1835. A Royal Marine Battalion and Royal Marine Axillary Battery were in Spain during the Carlist War that came to a close in1840. EA19

1835. A Battalion of Royal Marines were in Portugal. "On Thursday morning at 6 o'clock, 2 officers and 200 Rank and File of the Royal Marines and 5 officers and 90 Gunners RMA embarked on board HMS Talavera and HMS Britannia, left Portsmouth for Plymouth where they were Joined by 7 officers and 200 Rank and File from that division and HMS Romney troop ship. They took with them 4 guns and a Brigade of Rockets. Never did a finer body of men quit the shores of England. They have orders to join Admiral Parker, and it said Don Miguel will very soon be made acquainted with the object of their mission. The Portsmouth contingent was to be transferred to HMS Romney at Plymouth and the Plymouth one to embark for passage in HMS Caledonia (Contemporary new paper 30th May).

1836. Wednesday 11th May. An order in Council abolished the office of Inspector General of Marines. The creation of this office, in March 1831, produced a feeling of dissatisfaction in the Corps, that called for loud and general remonstrance, for it will scarcely be credited that the appointment was conferred upon a civilian (he having sold out of the service many years previously) totally unconnected with the Marines, and who, to have authority and control over the Colonels of Divisions, was created a Major General. This act of injustice produced a feeling of respectful remonstrance, until the discontent became too apparent to be disregarded; and another Board of Admiralty, with a due consideration for the welfare of the Corps, removed the Inspector General, and restored the Command of the Marines to the hands of one of its distinguished veterans. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1836. May to October. Operations against pirates in Straits of Malacca.

1836. Monday 6th June. The Battle of Ametza.

1836. The Brunswick rifle, a muzzle-loading weapon, is introduced to replace the Baker and remains in production until 1885.

1836-7 Carlist War. Pique, Castor and Salamander concerned.

1837. Thursday 16th March. The Battle of Hernani.

1837. Friday 28th April. John Gowen RM died aged 74 years at Kiama, Illawarra NSW. Having arrived in the Colony as a member of the First Fleet and filled the situation of Government Store Keeper for the long period of 22 years. When he retired on a pension for his honest and upright services; he is deeply regretted by his relations, and all that knew him.

Taken from the Sydney Monitor (NSW: 1828-1838), Wednesday 10th May 1837 on page 3). (Sic)

1837. Monday 12th June. The lords commissioners of the Admiralty, taking into consideration the recommendation of the House of Commons of 1833, to appropriate the sinecures of general, lieutenant-general, major-general, and colonel of marines for the creation of pensions to be given as rewards for distinguished and good services to officers of the navy and marines, determined that the amount of £1728. 15s. per annum to the general of marines, which became available on the death of lord de Saumarez; and the four colonelcies, on the death of sir C. Cole and the promotion of captains Skipsey, Irby, and Bouverie, amounting to £2,761. 16s. 8c? should be appropriated to create six pensions of £300 for flag-officers, and eighteen pensions of £150 per annum for officers of the rank of captain of the navy, and general officers and colonels of marines, but to cease on their promotion or appointment to service.

Thus, terminated an iniquitous system which, in spite of earnest and respectful remonstrance, had continued in force seventy-four years; for however deserving the gallant officers of the navy undoubtedly were to rewards from the nation, it was unjustifiable to take this emolument from a corps that was so eminently entitled to consideration and recompense for its important services. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1837. Tuesday 20th June. Her Majesty Queen Victoria ascended the Throne and commenced the long reign which was to bring such glory and honour to England, but the year found the fortunes of the Corps at a very low ebb.

The numbers voted were 9007, but the RM Artillery had officially ceased to exist - a School of Laboratory and nominally two companies quartered at Fort Cumberland as part of the Portsmouth Division only being maintained. The Portsmouth Division were still in the old inadequate Clarence Barracks in the High Street; Plymouth and Chatham were in their present barracks, which had not then been enlarged to their present size, and Woolwich were in the western part of the Royal Artillery Barracks.

Owing to the long peace and the neglect of the Services, promotion was stagnant and a Commission was held this year which makes very sad reading: as a result an Order in Council was published on 21st June 1837 increasing the Establishment of Retired Officers, which afforded some relief, but gives a sorry picture of the position of affairs: "The Inefficiency of the Officers holding the rank of Colonel Commandant in the Royal Marines who, from slowness of promotion in the Corps, must almost necessarily have reached an age incapacitating them from active exertion before they attain command of a Division, has occupied the serious attention of successive Boards of Admiralty. Further steps are necessary. At a survey held by our orders by a member of the Board, the Physician General of the Navy, and the DAG Royal Marines, three out of the four Commandants were found unfit to discharge their duties. The Board therefore propose to create six additional retirements on Full Pay for Colonels Commandant, the full and retired pay to be £1.18.6 per diem. Also three retirements on full pay for Colonels 2nd Commandant, one additional full pay retirement for Lieutenant Colonels and five for Captains This made the full pay retired establishment up to 8 Colonels Commandant, 3 for Colonels 2nd Commandant, 4 for Lieutenant Colonels (there was an increase to 6 on 10 August 1840), 25 for Captains and 10 for First Lieutenants The Order went on to say that experience of late years had shown that owing to the number of men embarked in small ships without officers etc, the number of officers on shore, in proportion to men, was larger than required; the number of companies was therefore reduced to 90 with 2 Artillery Companies, allowing one Captain and two Subalterns to each, thereby reducing 12 Captains and 4 Subalterns, also abolishing the supernumerary Artillery Captain, though he was restored on 15 May, 1838. Further, to place the Marine Corps on the same footing as the Artillery and Engineers, and to accelerate promotion the 2nd Commandants were granted the rank of Colonel, and the rank of Major was abolished. Of the Subalterns, two-thirds were to be First-Lieutenants and the remainder Second-Lieutenants On 1st January 1838, Lieutenant Colonel Sir John Owen (afterwards KCB KH) became DAG, an appointment that he held until 12 December 1854; under his fostering care conditions in the Corps much improved. Sidearms - On 5 November 1837 an order was issued that Army and Marines were to discontinue wearing of sidearms except on duty. This of course did not affect the Sergeants' swords and at the same time the exception must have been made which allowed Corporals of the Portsmouth Division to wear them when walking out. Prior to this they must have been generally worn, because an order of 30 January 1830 (Plymouth) shows that a punishment for misconduct was deprivation of wearing sidearms in streets or at Church Parade except on duty. In 1838 the numbers voted were 9,000. In 1839 the numbers voted were 9000. Officers - On 19th December it was laid down that in future all candidates for Commissions would be required to possess competent knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, euclid and trigonometry, and be able to write English from dictation: the examinations were held at the RN College, Greenwich.

1837. Wednesday 21st June. An order in Council gave six additional retirements of full-pay for Colonels Commandant, which placed the establishment as follows, Eight for Colonels Commandant, two for Colonels, Second Commandant, four for Lieutenant Colonels, twenty five for Captains, ten for First Lieutenants.

It must be a very rare and extraordinary circumstance that would induce a Second Commandant to take the retirement, for being so near a preferment of much greater consideration, it is not to be expected that a man would forego the advantage almost within his reach. By adding those two offices, (which are never filled), to those of Colonels Commandant, a boon would be conferred on the Corps, but to accelerate promotion and improve the health and vigour of the service, the Commandants of Divisions ought to be placed on the same footing as the appointments in the Royal Navy, in which service they are limited to a certain period, and when vacancies occurred on the retired list, and a Commandant of division had held that office four years, he should be compelled to withdraw from active service on the honourable and liberal retirement afforded him.

Another order in Council of the same date abolished the rank of major, making the establishment— four colonels, four colonels-en-second, twelve lieutenant-colonels, four divisional pay-masters, four barrack-masters, four surgeons, four assistant surgeons. Another lieutenant-colonel was subsequently added, exclusive of the officers of artillery. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1837. Wednesday 21st June. An order in Council abolished the rank of Major, making the establishment, four Colonels, four Colonels-en-second, twelve Lieutenant Colonels, four divisional pay masters, four barrack masters, four surgeons, four assistant surgeons. Another Lieutenant Colonel was subsequently added, exclusive of the officers of artillery. It can be seen, by the following statement, that in abolishing the rank of Major, the Corps was deprived of four field officers.

1837. Friday 14th July. The Admiralty ordered a regulation be introduced for pensions to the non-commissioned officers and privates.

It will be seen, by the following statement, that in abolishing the rank of major, the corps was deprived of four field officers:

Establishment of the Corps, in Colonels Commandant in London.

By an Admiralty order of the 14th of July, a regulation was introduced for the pensions to the non-commissioned officers and privates to this effect. "Twenty-one years' service at sea or on foreign service, shall entitle him to his discharge and pension; two years' service on shore in England shall be allowed to reckon as one year served afloat for this purpose but no marine shall be entitled to such pension, who shall not have served ten years actually at sea or on foreign service."

It would be difficult to comprehend the object intended by this unjust, degrading, and injurious restriction. We can understand that the disinclination of a soldier to embark when required should be punished, but because a Marine obediently and loyally does his duty in the various garrisons, in conjunction with the troops of the line, that he shall be deprived of the reward held out to those of every other Corps in her Majesty's service, is a stipulation as inequitable as it is destructive of the best interests of the service. Its effect has long been felt in procuring recruits for the Marines, and as the pernicious system has been deprecated by those, who with the desire to promote the welfare of the Corps are now in a position to support the claims of those enduring servants of the crown, we have reason to expect that the order of 1837 will be rescinded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1837. Wednesday 27th October. Captain John McArthur with a subaltern and forty men of the Royal Marines was placed in charge of a settlement of Port Essington in the Northern Territories of Australia. (1854). This settlement lasted longer than the one at Melville Island.

1837. Sunday 5th November. An order was issued that Army and Marines were to discontinue wearing of sidearms except on duty. This of course did not affect the Sergeants' swords and at the same time the exception must have been made which allowed Corporals of the Portsmouth Division to wear them when walking out. Prior to this they must have been generally worn, because an order of 30 January 1830 (Plymouth) shows that a punishment for misconduct was deprivation of wearing sidearms in streets or at Church Parade except on duty.

1838. Monday 12th - 13th March. Prescot in Canada. Lieutenant C.A. Parker, Royal Marines, and 30 Privates formed part of the force of 300 Infantry and 40 Militia Cavalry which, under the command of Colonel Young K.H. engaged and defeated a body of 800 Americans and Canadian insurgents, who with 2 guns had entrenched themselves near the village of Prescot on Lake Ontario. The village was defended by a few men of the 83rd Regiment, 30 of the Royal Marines, and such of the Glengarry Militia as had had time to collect. The American force after landing had taken up a position in which they were protected by the walls of an orchard, from behind which they kept up a galling fire upon the advancing Marines, while later pushed on, firing as objects offered. In this position of affairs, Lance Corporal James Hunn, Royal Marines, who was on the right of the British line, ran forward and jumped over the wall which covered the American sharpshooters, and found himself on the extreme left, and almost in contact with six or seven of them, who were separated from their main body by another wall running perpendicular to that which covered their front. These men were either loading or in the act of firing at the advancing Marines when Hunn leaped the wall and were so intent on their occupation that they did not notice Hunn until he was on them, so that he was able to close with them, and was seen by his commanding officers to bayonet three one after the other before they had time to load their pieces and fire. A fourth man, whose piece was loaded, turned and fired, and his ball struck the swell of Hunn's Musket, where it was grasped by the left hand, which it passed through. Destroying the second finger, while at the same time the Musket was driven violently against his stomach as for a moment to suspend his breath. Recovering himself, however, he fired effectively at the enemy, now in full retreat, but his disabled hand prevented his again loading, and he was most unwilling oblige to give up any further shares in the glory of the day, after having thus accounted for four of the enemy.

Captain Sandon, in his official despatch says "It may appear invidious to particularise any one man of a small band of Marines engaged, where all have shone so conspicuous, but I trust I may stand excused for naming James Hunn, acting Corporal, a young man twenty years of age, who, in the melee with the rebels, was seen by his officers and companions of beat back seven of the pirates, three of whom fell dead before him, and although at this time having his left hand shattered by a rifle ball, he still continued the unequal contest. I feelingly hope such a noble example of bravery and devotion will plead my excuse for urging you to move the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to bestow promotion and a medal upon this valiant young soldier. He is in every way fit to become an Officer.

Hunn was in consequence prompted to the Rank of Sergeant without passing through the intermediate grade of Corporal. The poor fellow died a year or two after, a victim to yellow fever, while serving aboard HMS Arab on the coast of Africa." (Deeds of Naval Daring, Giffard 1852).

1838. Saturday 5th May. A Legion at San Sebastian, aided by the fire of HMS Phoenix and other ships, drove off the Carlists and captured some guns, but had later to fall back to San Sebastian. The Royal Marine Battalion was brought round to Portugalette and proceeded to Bilbao, but after a week was withdrawn and returned to San Sebastian.

1838. Tuesday 15th May. A supernumerary Captain of Artillery appointed. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1838. Sunday 27th May. The Third Brigade of the Legion, supported by the Royal Marines, advanced across the river Urimea to the east of San Sebastian, covered by the fire of the steamers and gunboats, and the guns on the Fortifications together with the RMA Field Battery. They forded the river in three places and bivouacked on a hill near Ametza, whilst a feint was made to the westward by a detachment of Royal Marines in the Salamander and Reyna to draw off the Carlists.

1838. Monday 28th May, 70 men of the Castor under Lieutenants Halliday and Langley were taken to the eastward and landed at Passages, where they marched to the top of the hill, which commanded the harbour and the hills round. On the next day they were reinforced by Lieutenant Clapperton and 12 RMA; here they built a redoubt, under the direction of Lord John Hay, which was shaped like a ship and was given the name of the 'Ship'. It was armed with two 6 prs and two 3prs, also a 4 pr and 20 pr Rocket Tube. Seamen from the Fleet came up to help make and can the redoubt; also, a company under a Captain from the Battalion. It was only about six miles across country to San Sebastian, so they could watch the fighting going on there. About 2 am on the 9th June the little garrison of 300 was attacked by 400 Carlists. At daylight, when visibility was better, the Carlists were driven off: Lieutenant Langley was wounded in the leg and gained the Order of San Fernando. The garrison of the 'Ship' was than augmented by two companies from the Marine Battalion, also the Marines of the HMS Pearl, HMS Tweed, and HMS Royalist, besides 300 Spaniards and 4 Companies from the Legion.

1838. Tuesday 26th June. A commission of inquiry into the system of naval and military promotion and retirement, had its first sitting. This proceeding originated in the spontaneous efforts of a certain Member of Parliament, who, seeing how much the officers of Marines were aggrieved, independently espoused their cause, and brought the matter before the House of Commons.

Colonel Sir Richard Williams of the Marines, and a member of the Commission, explained to the Board the object of this inquiry: "In January 1837, there were upon the list of officers actually serving, one Colonel Commandant resident in London, and four Colonels, each in the command of a division, who had not been less than fifty-eight years in the service; 21 field-officers forty-five years; the senior Captains more than thirty-five years, and more than 50 Subalterns who had been upwards of twenty-five years in that rank. The retired list at that time was limited to two Colonels Commandant, three Lieutenant Colonels, three Majors, twenty Captains, twelve first and ten Second Lieutenants; and although two of the Colonels in command of divisions had applied for permission to retire, they could not obtain it. Under these circumstances there was much discontent, and the subject was at length brought forward in the House of Commons by Lord George Lennox, who advocated the pretensions of the officers to promotion; and his lordship was only induced to withdraw his motion, upon assurance on the part of the secretary of the Admiralty that the Board had it in contemplation to do what he thought would be beneficial to the service, and acceptable to the Royal Marines, whose merits had been acknowledged. The dissolution of Parliament stopped all further proceedings for the moment; but before a new Parliament had assembled, a measure was carried into effect which was satisfactory to the Corps, but injurious to the service, and tending to cripple it in one material branch; and although the House of Commons, with great liberality, agreed to afford relief by a vote for any reasonable sum of money for that purpose, it was a manifest disappointment to the officers to know, that in the navy estimates for 1838 the sum voted was less by £1,500 for the Marines, than in the preceding estimate for 1837.

"This measure, as has been before observed, being carried into effect, gave an important benefit to the corps, by an extension of retirement. Four colonels in addition were placed upon it, and permission for two more if required; three lieutenant-colonels, one major, and twenty-seven captains also obtained retirement on a separate list and allowed to die off; and there was likewise an opening made for two colonels second-commandant. The rank of major was abolished a system which had been carried into effect in the Royal Artillery, at least ten years before.

" Although this benefit was considerable, the boon held out to the officers, by the retirement of many and the promotion of others, was rendered less valuable by the avowed intention of the Board to cover the expense incurred by lessening the pay of the colonels commanding divisions, and by the reduction of four field-officers, twelve captains, sixty Serjeants, sixty corporals, and thirty-six drummers: this measure therefore tended to cripple the establishment.

" The pay and emoluments of a colonel of an infantry regiment, known to be from £1000 to £1200 per annum, and conferred as a reward for good services; are nevertheless a perfect sinecure; while the pay of a colonel-commandant of marines, who had most important duties to perform, does not exceed £700 per annum, after a service probably of fifty or sixty years.

"The officers of marines are naturally led to look at the superior advancement of other corps in her Majesty's service, but more especially to the regiment of Royal Artillery, the constitution of which is similar to their own. But there is one peculiar difference : the colonels of Marines arriving at the rank of major-general, have been compelled to retire upon the unattached pay of that rank, or about £400 per annum, and not to return to the corps ; but as the colonels of artillery, although unattached major-generals, succeed to the command of battalions, with an increase of pay and emoluments, it is a hardship upon the colonels of Marines to be compelled to retire, unless upon the pay of the rank they then hold, as colonels-commandant. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1838. The numbers voted were 9,000.

1838. Saturday 27th October. The Chatham Riot. There occurred a remarkable incident in Chatham, which left two Marines dead, and several others seriously injured. Even after the conviction of a number of those involved, their motives remained a mystery.

The incident took place on the evening of the 27th of October 1838, when a group of about twenty Irish soldiers of the 67th and 74th Regiments of the Chatham garrison marched, armed with sticks and bludgeons, into Chatham High Street. The object soon became apparent. They were looking for Marines and sailors to attack. Why they should want to do this is not known, but they soon discovered a small party of marines. The Marines, not expecting trouble were unarmed, taken by surprise, they were all soon badly beaten, some being very seriously injured.

Eventually, the soldiers reached the 'Navy Arms' public house, where a group of marines including a Cpl King and Privates Robert Ross and James Barrett were having a quiet drink of porter and a smoke of their pipes. The time was a little after 8 o'clock and they had been there for about three hours, all being regulars of the pub. Suddenly four members of the 67th and ten or eleven members of the 74th, armed with sticks burst in. With them came Sergeant of Marines, William Ross, whom onlookers assumed was part of their party since he was laughing and joking with them. In fact, news had reached him that a group of soldiers were out looking for trouble and he joined them in an attempt to defuse the situation.

The soldiers ordered drinks, which they downed rapidly, and then they began to get rowdy, banging their sticks on the floor. The landlady, Johanna Huddington, anticipating trouble, asked James Chidley, the pubs resident fiddler, to quietly ask the marines to go into the back room, They, not realising the danger they were in refused, saying 'they won't hurt us', so she then told Chidley to play his fiddle in an attempt to calm things down, which appeared to work, several of the soldiers starting to dance and one even getting Sergeant Ross to his feet and started to dance with him. So, relaxed did the situation appear to get, that one of the soldiers even pretended to give Sergeant Ross a kiss.

Then suddenly, without provocation, one of them struck Private Robert Ross, who was sat by the door, across the head with a huge club. A blow for which he was completely unprepared. Immediately as if it was signal, all the other marines were attacked, and within minutes they were badly beaten and bleeding. The soldiers then moved on, but an urgent message sent to the Garrison Headquarters had caused the guard to be turned out and it was on its way. Things then calmed down very quickly especially when a group of soldiers suspected of being the ringleaders were arrested. Meanwhile the injured marines had been taken to the Melville Hospital, where three of the most seriously injured Ross, Sholdrake and Jeffcott, gave grave cause for concern. Late, the following Sunday, Private Ross died.

On Monday following his death, the two Regiments were paraded in the barracks, for witnesses to pick any they believe involved in the incident, as a result of which parade, several other men were detained. An inquest on Ross was held at the 'King's Arms" on Wednesday to decide the cause of his death and as was the custom at that time; his body was displayed at the pub for the jury to view. By then it was not a pretty sight. Although the body bore an awful head wound, which exposed part of his skull, the cause of death was not as straightforward as might be expected.

Early Victorian hospitals were not the place in which to spend much time, if one valued one's health, and Melville Hospital was no exception. During his brief period of life in the hospital he contracted Erysipelas, a disease that was prevalent there at the time. There was therefore some dispute as to what actually killed him. Was it the blow to head? Or the disease he had contracted in the hospital after he arrived there? After a day of deliberation, the inquest had to be adjourned.

When the inquest was reconvened, the Coroner laid great stress, particularly in his summing up, on whether it was a straightforward case of murder or was it manslaughter. In other words, would Ross have died from the blow to his head alone or was the wound aggravated by the Erysipelas, the cause of death. After hearing all the evidence, the Coroner then asked the jury for their verdict. Normally, this would have been instantly forthcoming, but not this time. The jury requested further time to deliberate, and then requested a quiet room be provided for them. After an hour and thirty-seven minutes, they returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" and cited three men, Callaghan, Lyons and Connell, all of the 67th Regiment, as the principals and another three men of the 67th and three of the 74th Regiment as 'Aids and Abettors'.

All were then bound over and committed to the Maidstone Goal, to appear at the Spring Assizes of 1839. While the body of Robert Ross was taken that same day for burial in the New Burial grounds, Chatham.

In the mean while another of the Marines had died in the hospital; this was Charles Jeffcott, one of the first group that had been attacked in the street, he too suffering serious head wounds. He like Ross, had, in his final hours in hospital, contracted Erysipelas, which eventually covered the whole of his body. At his inquest, the arguments, as at the inquest on Ross, were put forward and questions as to the precise cause of death, asked. Eventually a similar conclusion was reached; the jury deciding that it was again a case of 'Wilful Murder', but this time 'by persons unknown' but that a soldier, Private Joshua Sykes, of the 74th Regiment, had 'Aided and Abetted' them. He too was bound over, as had been the others.

In the town, the situation was tense. The Chatham area had a large concentration of soldiers, sailors and marines and conflict between them could have very serious consequences for the town. The civilian population was aghast, the attacks had been entirety unexpected and apparently unprovoked and retaliation by the Marines was anticipated at any time. The military authorities also expected that the violence would continue with the marines seeking to avenge their comrades, in consequence of which, they acted quickly.

As soon as the inquests were over, the Chatham Division of Marines was formed into a square in the open space of the Royal Marines Barracks. Every man, Officer, NCO and Private being present to hear Colonel Murton, the Commanding officer, read out letters he had received. The first, from the Adjutant-General praising the Marines and regretting the unfortunate incident, attached to which was another from Colonel Whare, commandant of the Chatham Garrison, who praised the self- restraint of the marines and for their "unwillingness to bring disgrace upon their brother soldiers of the line, even after the most cruel and wanton attack which had been made upon them"; he went on to add that 'no exertion (on his part) shall ever be wanting to maintain those feelings of cordiality and good will which he is happy to say has long existed between the Royal Marines and the troops of the Chatham Garrison'.

The soldiers came to trial on Friday 15th March 1839; the first case to be tried was that of the wilful murder of Robert Ross. No legal-council was employed on either side and several of the soldiers on trial used the opportunity to cross-examine each of the witnesses. One of these was a Mr. Ray, a surgeon at the Melville Hospital, who in his evidence stated he was not prepared to say categorically that Ross had died simply of his wounds. He added that a post mortem had shown that although the wound was life threatening, the Erysipelas was the immediate cause of death. He further stated that the disease was prevalent in the hospital at the time but added that Ross did not appear to have contracted it prior to his injuries, he concluded by saying, that in his opinion, Ross, would in all probability have recovered from the wound, had he not contracted the Erysipelas.

When the jury retired, it was absent for only 10 minutes, and on return announced that they had found Connell, Lyons and Callaghan not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter and those charged with Aiding and Abetting "Not Guilty" on all charges. Connell was sentenced to be transported for life, while Lyons and Callaghan were to be transported for seven years.

Next to be tried was Joshua Sykes for 'Aiding and Abetting a Person or Persons Unknown in the wilful murder of Charles Jeffcott'. Sykes must have been optimistic, for he had just been acquitted of a similar charge in the Ross trial. As with the previous trial, no council was used by either side. The chief witness for the prosecution was Corporal Joseph Allen of the 6th Regiment, who had been standing outside the 'Black Boy' public house when the first attack involving Jeffcott, took place. Although Allen swore he had seen Sykes brandishing a stick over Jeffcott head, he could not say for sure who had struck the fatal blow.

The surgeon, Mr. Ray, was again called as a witness and this time stated that the blow to Jeffcott's head had severely damaged his brain, and that the cause of death was concussion of the brain and Erysipelas. Sykes was not so lucky this time and he was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to be transported for seven years.

This incident was extraordinary for a number of reasons. No motive was ever discovered, nor was it the result of a drinking spree which got out of hand. Similarly, although the principal assailants were stated to be Irish, that also appears to be irrelevant as to motivation. Equally there was no evidence of any of the soldiers wanting to settle an old score, either personal or of a Regimental nature. Indeed, the very suddenness and totally unprovoked nature of the attacks is well attested too.

For example, the marines outside the 'Black Boy' or in the 'Navy Arms' did not even realise they were in any danger until it was too late. It was also extraordinary for the fact that all those found guilty, only narrowly escaped being found guilty of murder, because the doctor concerned could not be certain whether the victims had actually died of their wounds or as a result of the infection contracted in the hospital. Had both men been treated elsewhere, they may well have survived. What is certain is that although bleeding profusely, Ross was able to walk after the attack and was clearly coherent.

It is a sobering thought that in the nineteenth century, patients could frequently be at a greater risk in a hospital, than out of it.

Sources: The Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser. The Maidstone Gazette and the Kentish Courier.

Extract from a Medical Journal:

Erysipelas: Is an infection, usually of the face, caused by streptococcal bacteria, which are thought to enter the skin through a wound or sore. Young children and the elderly are often the most affected. The disorder starts abruptly with malaise, fever, headaches and vomiting. Itchy, red patches appear on the face and spread across the cheeks and bridge of the nose to form an inflamed area with raised edges. Within this area, pimples develop, that first blister, then burst, and then crust over. Modern treatment is with Penicillin, which usually clears the condition within seven days.

1838. Wednesday 19th December. It was laid down that in future all Officer candidates for Commissions would be required to possess competent knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, euclid and trigonometry, and be able to write English from dictation: the examinations were held at the RN College, Greenwich. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1839. The numbers voted were 9000.

1839. The first China War, also known as the First Opium War and also the Anglo-Chinese War. It was fought between Britain and China over their conflicting viewpoints on diplomatic relations, trade, and the administration of justice for foreign nationals. The Royal Marines served in many landings against the Chinese. The troubles went on to finally come to an end in 1842.

1839. Thursday 17th January. HMS Wellesley, flagship of the East Indian Squadron, embarked the 40th Regiment and sailed for Karachi. On Saturday 2nd February under cover of the guns of Algerine and Constance the boats landed the regiment on the beach to west-ward of the batteries, which however only fired one shot. As so many seamen were away in the boats, the Marines under Captain E B Ellis, were manning the ships' guns and opened fire until the fort was occupied. On the 4th the boats crews went to the encampment of the regiment on Marharo Hill and the regiment occupied the town. So, it fell into British hands one of the most important harbours in India.

The Wellesley then went up the Persian Gulf to Bushire, where the Persians were holding up the Residency. Captain Ellis and 50 Marines were sent in the boats on 25th March to a landing place 8 miles from the Wellesley, where the boats opened fire which was not returned, and the detachment landing quickly the Persians fled; 1 Sergeant and 2 Privates were wounded. They then occupied the Residency and brought off the Admiral and Residency staff. Captain Ellis and 30 Royal Marines were left there until 30th March, when they brought off the Resident. Another small party of the Corps from HMS Volage and Cruiser were present with the force that captured Aden on Saturday19th January 1839. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1839. Saturday 19th January. Lieutenant Ayles and Royal Marines of HMS Volage and HMS Cruiser served with combined force that effected capture of Aden.

1839. Saturday 2nd - 3rd February. Capture of Kurrachee by Wellesley, Algerine and troops.

1839. Friday 23rd August. Capture of Hong-Kong.

1839. Wednesday 4th September. Action with junks at Kowlung.

1839. Tuesday 1st October. Blockade of Canton.

1839. Sunday 3rd November. Volage and Hyacinth engaged war junks in Canton River.

1839. Thursday 19th December. It was laid down that in future all candidates for Commissions would be required to possess competent knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, euclid and trigonometry, and be able to write English from dictation: the examinations were held at the RN College, Greenwich.

1839 \- 1860. Royal Marines in China. British merchants first obtained a foothold in the China trade, through the East India Company. After the Indian Mutiny, the East India Company ceased to exist and the anger which the Chinese had always felt against the intrusion of the "foreign devils" spilled over into hostility towards British traders generally, and particularly, towards the traders in opium. In 1839, British Traders were driven out of Canton and merchant shipping was attacked by a fleet of Chinese War Junks and the first of the China Wars, also called the 'Opium Wars', broke out in 1840. The years that followed were also colloquially known as the era of 'Gunboat Diplomacy'.

The Royal Marines played a prominent part in the war. It was a type of warfare ideally fitted to the capabilities of an amphibious regiment. The engagements consisted for the most part, of landing parties of Marines and Bluejackets, attacking Chinese Forts, towns and strongholds in the Pearl River estuary. In this war, it was discovered that the Chinese did not protect their forts from the rear. Marines therefore, landed some distance from them and had little or no difficulty, in capturing the positions from behind; a manoeuvre which the Chinese declared to be Globe & Laurel. It was a Marine who bayoneted the Chinese Admiral Kwan, the Commander of the Chinese junks, which had first attacked the British in 1839.

The first of the China wars, 1839-42, where the Marines, during the rest of the century, saw a great deal of service. Three years earlier, the Imperial government at Peking had banned the East India Company's opium trade. Smuggling, connived by both sides, was followed by expulsions, seizures and attacks on shipping in the Pearl River. In 1840 a British squadron arrived with troops from Singapore, bombarded and took Chusan and seized Chinese batteries threatening the European settlement at Macao. Early in 1841, the British took the Bogue Forts, guarding the river approach to Canton and occupied Hong Kong, at the time almost uninhabited. After a truce in which the forts were handed back, the British returned to force the approaches to Canton and seize the city forts and gates, then retook Chusan and, moving north, took Amoy and Ningpo.

The British, although they could defeat large numbers of Chinese ashore or afloat, were too few to hold Canton. The Cantonese, for their part, dared only to report victories to Peking, but, although they fought hard, found they could not get the British to go away except by paying indemnities. Only the Imperial court could make peace, and to bring pressure on it, the British had to go north. This they did in 1842, taking Woo-sung and Shanghai, and then advancing 150 miles up the Yangtse to take Chinkiang and threaten Nanking. After that peace was concluded. The pattern would be repeated.

From the first actions in the Pearl River onwards, Marines from ships were constantly engaged in bombardments, boat actions and landings. A battalion nearly 500 strong was formed from them in January 1841 and fought at the Bogue Forts and at Canton. Detachments formed smaller units to fight at Chusan, Amoy, and Ningpo and, as part of a naval brigade, at Woosung, Shanghai and Chinkiang. In all about 700 Marines fought in the first war.

The first China War, had not taught the lessons which it was designed to teach; and within a few years of its conclusion new difficulties began to arise between the British and the local authorities in various parts of the huge invertebrate empire. For a time, these were arranged as they arose, without resort to war; but they were arranged, unfortunately, in a manner which too often allowed the Chinese to remain in the belief that they had won diplomatic triumphs. The result was that both locally and at the capitals, the governing classes became steadily more and more inattentive to British remonstrance's concerning acts of aggression, until, in 1856, the affair of the Arrow, and the vigorous action of Rear-Admiral Sir Michael Seymour, Commander-in-Chief in the East Indies, brought about the second China War, which lasted, with intermissions, for nearly four years.

To digress, in 1855 an Order in Council designated the Royal Marine infantry a Light Corps, 'their training being considered the best adapted to the nature of the service which the Corps is generally required to perform when employed ashore', so that the two corps became the Royal Marine Artillery, the 'Blue Marines' and the Royal Marines Light Infantry, the 'Red Marines.

In 1856, the Second China War broke out. This, with the Third, which closely followed it, took a similar course to the First, an escalating series of incidents and reprisals in the Pearl River area, culminating in a British occupation of Canton and then a move north, this time to Peking itself.

The causes of the fresh outbreak of hostilities are set forth in a dispatch which was sent by Seymour to the Admiralty on November 14th, 1856; and they may be thus summarised (Perhaps the best account of the origin and early part of the Second Chinese War is in G. C. Cooke's 'China', which has been freely made use of).

On October 8th, 1856, the lorcha Arrow, with a colonial register from the governor of Hong Kong, was boarded, while at anchor at Canton, by a Chinese officer and a party of soldiers, who, notwithstanding the protest of the English master, seized twelve of the crew, bound them, carried them off, and hauled down the British flag. Mr. Parkes, her Majesty's consul, brought the matter before the Imperial High Commissioner, Yeh, and demanded the return of the twelve men by the officer who had abducted them, together with an apology, and an assurance that the flag should be respected in the future. Ultimately the men were sent back, but not in the public manner required; nor was any apology or assurance offered. On October 11th, the matter was reported to Seymour by Sir John Bowring, British Plenipotentiary in China, who suggested that an Imperial junk should be seized by way of reprisals. The making of the seizure was entrusted to Commodore the Hon. Charles Gilbert John Brydone Elliot, C.B., of the Sibylle, 40 guns, senior officer in the Canton river, who was reinforced for the purpose with the Barracouta, 6 guns, paddle, Commander Thomas Dyke Acland Fortescue (Posted, Sept. 7th, 1857.), and the Coromandel, steam tender. A junk was duly captured, but, as it proved to be private property, it had to be presently released. Seymour then (Oct. 18th) sent the Encounter, 14 guns, screw, Captain George William Douglas O'Callaghan, and Samson, 6 guns, paddle, Captain George Sumner Hand, to join the Commodore, hoping that the display of force in the river would bring the High Commissioner to reason. It soon, however, became clear that that official was bent upon resistance.

In the meantime, Mr. Parkes proceeded to consult with Seymour and Bowring at Hong Kong, where it was decided to seize the defences of Canton, it being evident that any more moderate measures would, as usual, be interpreted by the Chinese as symptoms of weakness.

Seymour accordingly moved his flagship, the Calcutta, 84 guns, Captain William King Hall, C.B., as high above the Bogue Forts as her draft would permit; and, on the morning of October 23rd, proceeded towards Canton in the Coromandel, accompanied by the Samson and Barracouta, with detachments of Royal Marines, and boats' crews, from the Calcutta, Winchester, 50 guns, Captain Thomas Wilson, and Bittern (she had been condemned, and had been for some time awaiting sale), 12 guns, and with the Commodore and the boats of the Sibylle. On approaching Blenheim reach, the Samson and part of the force diverged up the Macao passage to keep that channel open, and to capture Blenheim fort, while the Rear-Admiral, with the Coromandel and Barracouta, went on, and anchored above the four Barrier Forts, about five miles below the city. The boats, being sent in, took possession of the works, two of which fired ere they were taken, and consequently suffered a slight loss. In the forts "were about 150 guns, from one foot bore (this was a brass gun) to four pounders."

The Barracouta was ordered to follow the Samson; and the Commander-in-Chief, having dismantled and burnt the forts, continued his route to Canton, off which he arrived at 2 P.M., and where he learnt that boats from the Samson and Barracouta had quietly occupied the Blenheim Fort, and also the Macao Fort, a strong island position mounting 86 guns.

Mr. Parkes formally announced Seymour's arrival to the High Commissioner, and explained not only what had been done, but also that further measures of like nature would be adopted unless reparation should be forthcoming. The High Commissioner chose to remain obdurate.

On the morning of October 24th, Sir Michael landed additional Marines to aid detachments which were already ashore in Canton from the Sibylle and Encounter for the protection of the factory and he himself went in the Coromandel to join the Barracouta off Macao Fort. Upon a preconcerted signal, the Bird's Nest Fort mounting 35 guns, and a small fort, which being opposite the city, might have annoyed the factory, were seized without resistance. The Shameen Forts, at the head of the Macao passage were subsequently treated in the same way; and all the guns and ammunition in them were rendered unserviceable or were destroyed.

Detecting no signs whatsoever of submission on the part of the Chinese, but rather a more intractable disposition than ever Seymour landed the rest of his Marines and a body of small-arm men to secure the factory, and stationed boats to guard against the approach of fire rafts, and attacks by water. This necessary work was superintended by Captain William King Hall, and the Marines on shore were placed under Captain Penrose Charles Penrose, R.M., of the Winchester, while Captain Cowper, R.E., who had been sent for the purpose from Hong Kong, advised as to the strengthening of the weak points of the position. For the protection of American interests, officers, seamen, and marines were landed at the same time from the U.S. corvette Portsmouth, Commander Andrew H. Foote, U.S.N.

On October 25th possession was taken of Dutch Folly, a 50-gun fort on a small island opposite Canton; and it was garrisoned by 140 officers and men under Commander William Rue Rolland, of the Calcutta. All the defences of the city were then in British hands; and the Commander-in-Chief desired Mr. Parkes to write to the High Commissioner that operations would cease when his Excellency should be prepared satisfactorily to settle the points in dispute.

His Excellency did not reply as Seymour had anticipated. At 12.30 P.M., a body of Chinese troops, part of a much larger force in its rear, attacked the position at the factory, in spite of Mr. Parkes's warning; but Penrose, with his Marines, drove back the enemy, killing and wounding about 14 of them. On the 26th, it being Sunday, the men were allowed to rest.

Early on the morning of the 27th, Seymour caused a new letter to be written to the High Commissioner, informing him that, since satisfaction had not been offered for the Arrow outrage, operations would be continued. At Bowring's suggestion an additional demand was made to the effect that all foreign representatives should be allowed the same free access to the city, and to the authorities at Canton, as was enjoyed under treaty at the other four ports and denied at Canton only.

No reply being vouchsafed, fire was opened at 1 P.M. on the High Commissioner's compound from the 10-in. pivot gun of the Encounter and kept up at intervals of from five to ten minutes until sunset. At the same time, the Barracouta, from a position which she had taken up at the head of Sulphur Creek, shelled some troops who were on the hills behind Gough's Fort. The High Commissioner retaliated by publicly offering a reward of 30 dollars for the head of every Englishman. A few gunners of the Royal Artillery, who had joined under Captain Guy Rotton, R.A., were that day stationed in the Dutch Folly, where two 32-prs from the Encounter had been mounted.

On the 28th, these guns opened with the object of clearing a passage to the city wall. In the course of the day, Captain the Hon. Keith Stewart, of the Nankin, 50, joined the Rear-Admiral, with 140 of his men, and a couple of field-pieces; and 65 officers and men from the U.S. corvette Levant reinforced the American guard ashore. During the following night, the enemy apparently mounted guns on the city wall; and, anxious to give them no further opportunity for improving their defences, Seymour reopened fire early on the 29th. In the course of the morning, Commander William Thornton Bate, late of the Bittern, and acting Master Charles George Johnston, at some personal risk, ascertained that the breach was practicable; and a body of Marines and small-arm men, about 300 in number, was told off for the assault, under the command of Commodore Elliot. The Rear-Admiral accompanied the advance from the boats which landed the force, and two field-pieces at 2 P.M. The seamen were led by the Commodore, Captain the Hon. Keith Stewart, and Commanders Bate and Rolland (Posted, Aug. 10th, 1857.); the Marines by Captains Penrose and Robert Boyle, R.M.; and the gun-detachment by Lieutenant James Henry Bushnell and James Stevenson Twysden; Bate gallantly showing the way and carrying an ensign to the summit of the breach, the wall on each side of which was quickly occupied. Penrose moved to the gate next on the right, and, having signalled his presence there, opened it to a further detachment which was instantly landed under Captain William King Hall, Commander Fortescue, and Flag-Lieutenant George Campbell Fowler (Com., Aug. 10th, 1857.). The gate was then blown to pieces (By Capt. Rotton, R.A), and the archway above it partially destroyed. In the mean-time the guns had been placed in the breach and had opened on some Chinese who began a desultory fire from their gingals, by which three people were killed, and eleven (two mortally) wounded. The latter were sent to Dutch Folly where they were attended to by Surgeon Charles Abercromby Anderson, M.D., and Assistant-Surgeon George Bruce Newton. The Rear-Admiral, with the Commodore and Mr. Parkes, visited the house of the High Commissioner, and, at sunset, re-embarked with all his force, his object being, as he said in his dispatch, to demonstrate his power to enter the city. It is right, however, to add, that in the squadron the retirement was attributed to the impossibility of making a lodgement. At all events, its morale effect was bad; and it is scarcely astonishing that, in the night, the enemy filled up the breach with sandbags and timber. On the 30th and two following mornings it was cleared again by fire from the ships.

Seymour once more wrote to the High Commissioner, sending him indeed two letters, neither of which produced a satisfactory reply. In the interval, in order to protect the factory from the dangers of incendiary fires, the houses between it and the city were pulled down; and copies of the Rear-Admiral's letters, with a précis of the whole affair by Mr. Parkes, were distributed among the people through the medium of the native boatmen, who, in spite of what was going on, continued to furnish supplies to the ships. On the 31st, Captain Thomas Wilson joined, with 90 officers and men from his ship, the Winchester.

On November 3rd, the Encounter, Samson, and Dutch Folly began a slow fire on the government buildings in the Tartar city, and on Gough's Fort, and continued it till 5 P.M. Seymour also addressed yet another letter to the High Commissioner. At night an attempt was made to blow up the English clubhouse, in which were some seamen and Marines; and, in consequence, no native boats were thereafter allowed to approach the sea-wall of the factory.

On the 4th, fire was resumed for four hours, and on the 5th, one of the Samson's 68-prs in Dutch Folly threw shells into a distant fort on a hill behind the city. That day information was received to the effect that an attack was intended upon the ships and the factory, and that twenty-three war junks were at anchor below Dutch Folly, protected by French Folly Fort, which mounted 26 guns.

Commodore Elliot was ordered to take the Barracouta, Coromandel, and ships' boats, and disperse or capture the junks; and, Commander Bate having buoyed the narrow channel, the force proceeded at daylight on the 6th, and Fortescue presently anchored the Barracouta 800 yards above French Folly, and within 200 yards of the nearest of the hostile vessels, which were all ready for action. The Barracouta, in order to prevent the Chinese from training their guns on her, fired her bow pivot gun as she approached, and so provoked the enemy, who, from more than 150 pieces, retaliated ere she could bring her broadside to bear. In about five-and-thirty minutes, however, her grape and canister, and the approaching boats, under Captain Thomas Wilson, drove the people from their vessels; and the sloop was then able to give her undivided attention to French Folly, which, being soon silenced, was taken possession of by a landing-party under Captain King Hall. Its guns and ammunition were destroyed. Two 32-prs in Dutch Folly rendered material help during the engagement. The junks, being aground, or sunk, were burnt, with the exception of the admiral's ship, which was brought off, and two more, which escaped for the time, though one of them was afterwards burnt by Captain King Hall. Seymour mentions with praise the conduct of Commander Fortescue, of his senior Lieutenant, William Kemptown Bush, and of Lieutenant Henry Hamilton Beamish, of the Calcutta, who, under a very heavy fire, carried out the anchor by means of which the Barracouta (her hull was pierced by 28 large shot, besides smaller ones) was enabled to spring her broadside. The affair, very bloody to the enemy, cost the British a loss of but 1 killed and 4 wounded."

The Marines had again played their accustomed part in the Pearl River operations, seizing forts, garrisoning the British residential area outside Canton, and beating off attacks on it. Early in 1857, the Provisional Battalion RMLI sailed from England for China, apparently to form a nucleus of a Brigade to be formed from the Marines on detachment with the ships of the China Squadron. The Provisional Battalion was 300 strong and under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Lemon, with Prettyjohns, (the Corps' first VC, which he won at the Battle of Inkerman in the Crimean War), as Sergeant Major. En route to China, the Provisional Battalion was diverted to Calcutta and played a notable part in the relief of Lucknow, during the Indian Mutiny. A Brigade of Royal Marines was thereupon dispatched to China under the command of Col. Holloway R.M.A. The Brigade consisted of the 1st Battalion from Woolwich and Chatham, and the 2nd Battalion from Portsmouth and Plymouth, with 100 all ranks of the RMA.

As soon as the situation in India allowed, the Provisional Battalion proceeded to Hong Kong and the three battalions of the R.M.L.1. arrived there almost simultaneously. The Royal Marine Brigade was a major element in the force of 14,000 British and 7,000 French troops, which concentrated at Hong Kong and proceeded to campaign northwards in 1860.

Canton was stormed and captured. The Brigade provided a garrison in Canton between 27th April 1858 and the original "First Brigade Order Book" for this period is held in the Royal Marines Corps Archives. The Orders reveal the considerable extent to which the Marines in Canton were dependent upon Hong Kong. The Flagship of the Commander in Chief of the China Fleet, Admiral Sir M. Seymour, was in Hong Kong and the Brigade Order Book indicates that some senior officers in the Brigade, were at various times, serving as staff officers on the C-in-C's staff in the Colony.

The Brigade was supplied by a military train, which operated between the landing stages in the two cities. The sick and wounded of the Brigade were sent by the Units' Surgeons to Hong Kong for hospital treatment and recuperation. There were Military Provost Cells in Hong Kong, in which offenders were held for periods before being passed over to the Civil Authorities, to serve their sentences in Civil Prisons. All ranks spent recreation leave in Hong Kong. Coolies were continually being furnished to the Brigade from the "Military Train" in Hong Kong. The Train was commanded in 1859 by Capt. Temple. General Orders were issued by the C-in-C and his staff in Hong Kong, and Brigade Orders by Colonel Thomas Holloway ADC "Commanding Brigade of RM on special service in China, Canton".

The Brigade Order Book provides details of the attachments to the Provisional Battalion, of detachments of Royal Marines drawn from HM ships in Hong Kong. At least six ships - Inflexible, Princess Charlotte, Nankin, Esk, Sans Pareil and Bittern, supplied Marines to the Brigade in 1858.

In May, after bombardment by a flotilla of gunboats, the Taku Forts guarding the mouth of the Peiho River, and the direct route to Peking, were taken by a force of 1,200 Marines, after which a Marine Guard was posted to protect the Allied Admirals at Tientsin, where a Peace Treaty was signed. The Provisional Battalion was thereupon broken up, the ship Marines were re-embarked, and the rest of the unit was distributed between the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the R.M.L.I.

The terms of the Treaty of Tientsin were, in the event, not observed by the Chinese. In June 1859, a new British Admiral arrived off Taku, intent upon asserting the right of passage. Colonel Lemon, "a most excellent officer, strict but justice itself", had taken over the command of the 1st R.M.L.I., 400 strong and of the 2nd Battalion, almost as strong, formed from the Marines of the Fleet. The Taku defences had been rebuilt and greatly strengthened. The Admiral was determined to take the forts on the South Bank, a long line of earthworks mounting 58 guns, and, against the strong representations of Lemon, he decided to attack. The operation that followed on 25th June was a failure which came close to disaster.

The gunboats suffered heavily under the fire of the forts. The assault in the evening, struggling knee deep in mud with stakes and ditches, met heavy fire. Lemon was wounded. A hundred or so reached the line of earthworks, but the Chinese were massing, and a withdrawal was ordered. In good order, bringing off the wounded, the assaulting troops re-embarked during the night. This orderly withdrawal must have demanded great coolness and courage, but, because it was a defeat, no decorations were awarded.

In August 1859, a British army of 12,000, under Sir Hope Grant and a French one of 8,000, landed north of the Peiho, took the Taku Forts in the rear, routed a Chinese army and, on 13th October, entered Peking. Reaching this force in time for one wing to take part in the attack on the forts, the R.M.L.I. thereafter fought and entered Peking with the 1st Division and an RMA detachment, earning Sir Hope's praise for its work in bringing up siege guns to Peking.

In November, after the Imperial Government had ratified the Treaty of Tientsin, the British and French withdrew. The Marine battalion left two companies at Shanghai, which was now threatened by the Taiping rebellion. But that is another story.

In December, the RM Brigade was formed into a single battalion. Early in 1860, this went north to Chusan and Shanghai.

At Hong Kong, on its way back to England, the R.M.L.I. Brigade and R.M.A. Battery erected a memorial to the 232 all ranks who had lost their lives, and the 222 wounded in China in 1857-60.

The handsome monument is still standing in Victoria. The memorial records the services of the Brigade between the capture and occupation of Canton in 1857, and the march on Peking in 1860. It also records the loss of 3 officers, 2 staff sergeants, 13 corporals and 214 gunners and privates. The wounded are also recorded as 27 officers, 16 sergeants, 20 corporals, 4 buglers and 155 gunners and privates.

(BB - Source Acknowledgements: Maj. Gen J.L. Moulton CB DSO OBE RM; Dr. S.S. Richardson AO CBE MA LLD RMHS; W. L. Clowes & Wikipedia.com)

1840. The Marine numbers were 9000.

1840. Sunday 12th January. The franking of letters was abolished, and in future all letters were to be prepaid, and accounts to be kept by the Office Adjutant: this coincided with the introduction of the Penny Post. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1840. Saturday28th March. Agnes Weston was born the daughter of a Barrister. In 1845, her father retired, and the family moved to Bath. She was educated at private schools, including preparation for confirmation from a priest whose leaning was towards Christian evangelism and whose teaching left a strong influence on the young Agnes.

After leaving school, she began philanthropic work that suited a young lady of her station and also began to speak at temperance meetings. She also learnt to write tracts for the promotion of the temperance movement. She opened a coffee bar for the soldiers of the 2nd Somerset Militia brigade. When they were posted away, she kept in touch with some of the soldiers by writing to them. In 1868, one of her letters was shown to a troopship steward who remarked that it would be nice to receive such a letter. Agnes was told about the steward and she also began writing to him and others. This started off her career in sailor welfare.

In 1873, sailors who corresponded with Agnes were paid off and she went to visit them at Devonport, Plymouth. She met Sophia Wintz and they became good friends and later fundraising partners. Agnes joined the Royal Naval Temperance Society and was allowed to visit sailors on warships and talk to the crew to promote temperance. Later it was suggested that she open a temperance house near to the dockyard gates. After discussing it with Sophia, they decided to undertake the project. Through meetings all-round the country, they were able to raise enough funds to buy a house outside the dockyard at Devonport and open it up as a hostel for sailors. It was opened in May 1876 as the first 'Sailor's Rest'. It was immediately successful since it offered place to eat and drink as well as beds for the night if required. Although intended as a temperance house for the promotion of the movement, it was not confined to those of similar views and all sailors were welcome to make use of the facilities. Lectures were arranged as well as religious services and there was the chance to sign the 'pledge' to refrain from drinking alcohol.

The success of the Devonport Sailor's Rest led to a similar project being opened in Portsmouth in 1881, to provide baths, lodgings and recreational activities and facilities. Agnes and Sophia felt that these facilities would help to combat alcoholism in the sailors and keep them from causing mischief on the streets. They also opened Rests at Portland and Sheerness but found the prospect of organising four establishments too much. The Rests were intended to be self-funding once they had been set up through public subscription. Soon they were able to house 900 men at Devonport and 700 at Portsmouth. To add to the satisfaction gained from the success of the Rests, several pubs had been closed and demolished due to lack of custom.

Agnes became known as 'Mother' Weston as she was constantly concerned and interested in her sailor's welfare, while being forthright on her views on their drinking habits. She was also known by the name 'Aggie'. The work of Agnes and Sophia was becoming more publicly known and in 1895, Queen Victoria endowed a cabin to be used as a Sailor's Rest in Devonport and allowed the use of Royal Sailor's Rest to be given to the whole institution.

Agnes did not neglect the sailor's at sea. Where she had previously written letters to individual sailors away from home, she now printed a monthly letter to sailors for distribution among the ship. This rose to a circulation of 60,000 by 1918. She also published a journal Ashore and Afloat to encourage Christian beliefs, behaviour and temperance amongst sailors.

Agnes was created a Dame of the British Empire in 1918. However, she died shortly after receiving this award on Wednesday 23th October 1918 at Devonport. She was buried with full naval honours. In 1940, a frigate was named after Weston-Super-Mare and this became known in the fleet as 'Aggie-on-Horseback'. Her Sailor's Rests continued to operate up until the turn of the twenty-first century, when a fall in custom led them to be closed.

Royal Naval Museum Library.

1840. Friday 5th July. The capture of Chusan.

1840. Sunday 28th June. Blockade of Canton.

1840. Wednesday 1st July. Batteries at Amoy silenced by Blonde.

1840. Saturday 4th - 5th July. Bombardment of Tinghai and surrender of Chusan.

1840. Monday 10th August. By Order in Council all Marine Cadets were admitted to the Royal Naval College at Portsmouth to train for Commissions. It was laid down that after a short course on board one of HM ships and at the RN College they were to receive Commissions as 2nd Lieutenants It was estimated that 12 cadets would be sufficient to fill vacancies. Their pay was to be the same as Mates RN, £65 per annum, and they messed with the Mates and Midshipmen.

The Royal Naval College had been established on Tuesday 30th January 1816 and the staff allowed is interesting as showing subjects taught: Governor, 1st Lord of Admiralty; a Post-Captain and 2 Lieutenants; a Professor - Master of Classical History and Geography, with 3 Assistant Masters; a French master, a Fencing and Dancing master (abolished in 1827), Drawing master; 2 Sergeants Marine Artillery (with £30 extra pay); Matron and Housekeeper. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1840. Wednesday 19th August. Macao. The British residents at Macao, near Canton, having appealed to the British Admiral for assistance, the Royal Marines of HMS Druid, Larne, and Hyacinth (about 100, under Lieutenants Maxwell and Pickard) landed on Wednesday 19th August 1840, with some seamen manning a field piece, covered by the Larne and Hyacinth. The ships opened fire on one of the principal batteries and Chinese encampment with 10 guns, and silenced them in twenty minutes; the Royal Marines advanced to the top of the hill where they came under heavy fire and were counterattacked by a strong body of infantry, who were checked by a volley and retreated leaving a number of killed and wounded; Lieutenant Maxwell then ordered the RM to return to the beach to await the arrival of Captain Mee and the Bengal Native Volunteers, who landed about an hour later. This officer, with the Royal Marines in the centre, the Bengalis on the right, and seamen on either flank, advanced on the fort which was entered without opposition, the Chinese retiring to the war junks and to the old Portuguese battery. After a short 2 Authorities: Log of HMS Nemesis; Life of Sir Hugh Gough; Life of Sir S. B. Ellis, RM; original letters, Reports, etc. 10 bombardment the Chinese abandoned their guns and fled; the guns were spiked, and the magazines destroyed. The Chinese now took refuge in negotiations. The sickness was very great in Chusan in October 1840, so that no troops were available for any serious attempt to be made on the Canton Forts. An old Return of the number of sick at Chusan has a note against the regiment with the largest number of sick, "a temperance regiment". On Monday 30th November the Government, realising that they were committed to a serious campaign, offered the command of the troops to General Sir Hugh Gough in India, but he did not arrive on the scene until Tuesday 2nd March 1841. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1840. Friday 10th - 16th September. Bombardment of Beyrout by a British squadron.

1840. Saturday 11th September. Attack on castle of Gebail by Carysfort and consorts.

1840. Saturday 12th September. The attack on the Castle of Gebail Syria,

1840. Tuesday 15th September. Batroun captured by Hastings and consorts.

1840. Thursday 17th September. The capture of Caiffaby by Castor and Pique.

1840. Sunday 20th September. The attack on Torosa.

1840. Thursday 24th September. Tyre captured by Castor and Pique.

1840. Saturday 26th September. The Storming of Sidon: The Oriental Crisis, Egyptian-Ottoman War. Lieutenant Charles Hockin, Royal Marines St. Felicitas', Phillack, Cornwall.

Then, as now, the western powers preferred stability in the Middle East, but in the first half of the 19th century that stability was lacking. The Ottoman Empire, which was in nominal control, was enfeebled. Memhet Ali, the Pasha of Egypt, decided the time was right to seize independence for that country, and presumably power for himself. In 1839 his force of however many thousand men, commanded by his son Ibrahim, was in what was then Syria, now Lebanon, having defeated an Ottoman army at the battle of Nezib. This victory placed Constantinople (now Istanbul) and the Eastern Mediterranean under threat, and so the British, supported by the Russians and the Austrians, moved to forestall Mehmet's further advances, and push him back to Egypt, as they wished to preserve the integrity of the Ottoman Empire, presumably on the principle of better the devil you know, particularly a weakened one.

Hockin's force of marines was attached to HMS Stromboli, a steam-powered paddle sloop launched in 1839. In September 1840 the ship was one of those ordered to Sidon, 40 km south of Beirut, the main supply base for the Egyptian army, to storm the fort there. From an account pertaining to Marine Private Charles Welch it appears to have been a minor engagement, with few casualties on either side, and only one on the British – unfortunately for Charles Hockin, he was that one.

British victory cut the Egypt army's access to the coast, and without access to the coast for its supply chain it was forced to withdraw, and a peace settlement was reached which assured the continuation of the Ottomans for a few more years. Ironically, this British desire to see the perpetuation of the Ottoman stability would, just over a decade later, see it engaged in a serious war against its erstwhile ally, Russia.

Strange that Hockin fought and died in two such obscure campaigns, as otherwise his family seem to have epitomised the 19th Century middle-class. He was the younger son who went off to join the army. His father, a graduate of Jesus College, Cambridge, was the vicar of Phillack, beneficiary of that arrangement set up by his grandfather in the 1750, and Charles' brother, Frederick, succeeded as vicar having previously been an attorney. Another son, William, also became a solicitor's clerk in 1827, and in 1871 was in Truro as a solicitor. The Church, the Law, and the Army; Charles got the bad roll of the dice.

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF LIEUTENANT CHARLES FRANCIS HOCKIN OF H. M. ROYAL MARINES CORPS WHO FELL WHILE GALLANTLY LEADING HIS MEN IN THE STORMING OF SIDON, IN SYRIA, ON THE 20TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1840. HIS REMAINS WERE INTERRED WITH MILITARY HONORS, IN THE BRITISH CAMP, AT D'JOUNI, NEAR BEIROUT. HE HAD SERVED FOUR YEARS IN THE NORTH OF SPAIN AND HAD RECEIVED FROM THE QUEEN REGENT THE CROSS OF THE ORDER OF ST FERDINAND, FOR THE PART HE BORE IN THE ACTIONS OF ANDOUIN AND HERNANI. HIS CONDUCT AS AN OFFICER OBTAINED HIM THE HIGH ESTEEM AND REGARD OF THOSE WHOM HE SERVED, AND HIS AMIABLE DISPOSITION ENDEARED HIM TO ALL WHO KNEW HIM. HE WAS THE FIFTH SON OF THE REVD WM HOCKIN, RECTOR OF THIS PARISH, BY PEGGY, HIS WIFE, DAUGHTER OF THE REVD A WILLIAMS, OF TRENEERE, WHO HAVE ERECTED THIS TABLET TO THE MEMORY OF AN EXCELLENT SON, THUS FALLING IN THE 27TH YEAR OF HIS AGE. (www.britainssmallwars.co.uk)

Privat Charles Welch R.M. Naval General Service Medal 1793 to 1840 bar "SYRIA" (HMS Stromboli.

Born Britford, Salisbury, Wiltshire Approx. 1814, Trade, Labourer Enlisted by Serjt. A.W. Simpson 15th August 1834 on a bounty of 3 pounds Attestation papers to serve in the Royal Marines at Portsmouth on 16th August 1834 and was read the Articles of War regarding Mutiny and Desertion he then took the Oath of Allegiance and Fidelity and received the sum of Ten shillings and Sixpence. The Surgeon then declared him as fit for His Majesty's service. The commanding officer certified that he was satisfied with the correctness of the Attestation and he was entered in the Regimental Register with the number of 1157. He had joined the 85 Company of the Portsmouth Division of Royal Marines.

On the 21st March 1836 he joined HMS Vanguard (to 2nd April 1840) a 78-gun (or 80-gun) second-rate ship of the line, launched on 25 August 1835 at Pembroke Yard and commanded by Captain Thomas Fellowes (from January 1837 and April 1840) in the Mediterranean.

Vanguard had been commissioned at Portsmouth on 19 Mar 1836 and began her sea trials in July calling at Plymouth and then sailing to Cork. They returned to Plymouth to continue her trials and then on the 20th October they for Lisbon, Cadiz and then Malta. This means he would have been on board when on the morning of June 8th, all crews were mustered on decks to witness the execution of Private Thomas McSweeney, Royal Marines HMS Rodney who was hanged from Rodney's yard-arm for an assault on Lance Sergeant James T. Allen also of Rodney which resulted in Allen's demise soon afterwards. They remained in the Mediterranean with the British and French Fleets until ordered home in January 1840, in February they left Malta for Portsmouth arriving 17th March and Welch left Vanguard on 2nd April.

4th September 1840 joined HMS Stromboli a 1st class Paddle sloop of 1839 Commanded by Commander Woodford John Williams. Sailed for Malta on the 6th September and arrived in Gibraltar on 12th. On the 13th they sailed to join Vice Admiral Sir Robert Stopford fleet in the Levant. On 25 Sep 1840 Stromboli was part of Napiers force detailed to take possession of Sidon.

Sidon the main Depot for the Egyptian army was held by about 2700 men, it was quite well protected by a fort and other various defences. A mixed party including 750 marines landed and attacked on 26th, the fighting while fierce did not result in many casualties on either side, the British loss being 11 killed and 39 wounded. This included Stromboli's casualties of 1 marine (Leiut C.T. Hockin) killed with 3 marines severely wounded and 1 marine slightly wounded. These appear to have been caused while storming the fortress which commanded the town. Of the three severely wounded was Charles Welch who lost three fingers from one hand. (Napier in his dispatch of September 29th says one marine officer and three seamen killed and two mates one boatswain and thirty seamen wounded. While a more detailed list is included in the London Gazette giving ship by ship)

(See www.gazettes-online.co.uk) of 17th Nov 1840. HMS Stromboli continued with the fleet off Syria including the bombardment and capture of Acre on the 3rd/4th November (if Welch was still on board is not recorded but he would have qualified for the Turkish Medal even if he had not been).Welch's papers state that he left Stromboli on the 3rd December 1840.24th December 1840, A divisional board (Col. Parks C.B., Captain Mercer and Captain Evans) looking at the discharge of 1157 Charles Welch of the 85 Company Plymouth Royal Marine Division remarked that "Wounded at the storming of Sidon" for which he has received a Smart Ticket.

He has served afloat and on Foreign Stations for 4 years 3 months 13 days and with a total service on shore in the United Kingdom 2 years and 28 days (total 6 years, 4 months 11 days). The cause of his discharge is in consequence of having lost three fingers (Wounded in Action) contracted in the service and per Admiralty order dated 22nd December 1840.The Defaulters book was examined and parole testimony from other sources heard. His conduct was found to be Very Good and he received from his senior officer Capitan Mercer a high testimony of his good conduct during the four years that he served under Capitan Mercers immediate command. Being asked if he had any claims against the service he stated none other than 13 days conduct money. The board verified that his ledger account was balanced and signed by the pay Capitan of his division then approved his discharge which was signed and dated 26th December 1840 (the report No.3437) Discharged in 1840 as an invalid.

Note- Smart Money – Money paid to a sailor who has a Smart Ticket (Smart Certificate), which was issued to a man who had been injured or wounded in the performance of his duty. The smart ticket was the formal certificate signed by the ship's standing officers and the captain, 1st lieutenant, master and surgeon which attested to the wound described. (Author Unknown) (www.britainssmallwars.co.uk)

1840. Saturday 26th September. Attack on Tortosa by Benbow and consorts.

1840. Sunday 27th September. Sidon captured by Thunderer and squadron.

1840. Friday 2nd - 5th October. Removal of gunpowder from Beyrout by parties from Hastings and Edinburgh.

1840. Saturday 10th October. Fall of Beyrout.

1840. Tuesday 3rd November. The bombardment of St, Jean D'Arce.

1841. Thursday 7th January. The taking of Chuenpee.

1841. Tuesday 26th January. The occupation of Honk Kong.

1841. Monday 8th February. The Corps was rearmed with the new Percussion Muskets, an advance that was to prove its worth in China the following year.

1841. Monday 8th February. Presumably in consequence of the War in China, one Lieutenant Colonel RM and a Lieutenant Colonel for the Artillery Companies were added to the Establishment also one Company to each Division besides an additional Company to the Artillery of the Marines. The number of Privates in each Company was raised to 107 from 97, and the three Artillery Companies had an addition of 1 Sergeant, 1 Corporal and 15 Gunners each, making the total Staff 41, Royal Marines 10,058, Artillery 405. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1841. Friday 26th February. The storming of the batteries at Anunhoy.

1841. Saturday 13th March. The storming of Macao Passage Fort.

1841. Thursday 18th March. Forts carried, and junks destroyed in Canton River.

1841. March. A return in the Records, dated 'Marmarice Bay, shows the effectives of the Royal Marines who were lately on the Coast of Syria, but were now supernumeraries in the Fleet (i.e. in garrison at Acre) as 1 Lieutenant Colonel, 6 Captains, 3 Subalterns, 1 Acting-Adjutant, 2 Staff Sergeants, 14 Sergeants, 11 Corporals, 4 Drummers, 160 Privates, Royal Marines. 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant, 3 Sergeants, 3 Corporals, 2 Drummers and 47 Gunners, RMA. The officers were: RMA. - Captain Shute, Lieutenant Parke. Royal Marines – Lieutenant Colonel McCallum, Captains Baker, Brown, Edwards, Brevet Major Whylock, Leonard, Childs. Lieutenants Travers, Suther, Rich, Anderson, and the following were in hospital \- Captains Cater and Downman, Lieutenants Land, Miller and Aslett.

1841. Saturday 8th May. An order in Council fixed the establishment of Marines at ninety divisional companies, consisting of 107 men each, including officers, and four companies of artillery of 135 men each, making a total of 10,500 men. . (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1841. Friday 21st - 25th May. Operations at Canton by landing parties supported by the squadron.

1841. Monday 24th May. The action near Canton.

1841. Thursday 27th May. The GOC published the following General Order. Fort Yang-gang-Tai. Major General Sir H. Gough, from his heart, congratulates the troops of every arm upon their steadiness under fire and their brilliant conduct in the attack of the heights and the capture of the several forts above Canton and of the entrenched camp under cover of the City Wall on 25th instant.

The expression of the General's best thanks was as fully merited and as sincerely accorded to the Naval Battalions and the Royal Marines who have nobly upheld the high character of their profession." On the 1st June the heights above Canton were evacuated and the troops re-embarked.

The following extract from Orders refers to the Royal Marines. "No. 2. The Royal Marines and. Brigade of Seamen will not move until a preooneerted signal be given, when the whole of the remaining force will evacuate the forts at the same moment and move down into the plain and form in rear of the Artillery in the following order: Royal Marines Brigade of Seamen, 49th Regiment 18th Royal Irish." The detachments returned to their shapos. The RM casualties had been two severely wounded and four slightly wounded. 16 On Sunday 6th June the General expressed his thanks again to the 18th Royal Irish and to Captain Ellis RM.

1841. Sunday 6th June. HMS Wellesley at Anunghoy. A letter from S.B. Ellis Captain, Royal Marines. Commanding Officer.

Sir, I have the honour to report to you that the Battalion of Royal Marines under my command amounting to 370 men, and formed from part of the Squadron under your Command employed in China, viz; Wellesley's detachment, Blenheim's, part of Blonde's, Modeste's, Pylades', Hyacinth's, Nimrod's, Cruiser's and Columbine's landed in cooperation with other Forces of Her Majesty and HEICs Service in the successful and gallant advance, and the capture of the Heights and Forts in front of Canton on the 25th ultimo, and that although' under the very great disadvantage of having to be formed as they landed into eight companies of 22 files each, and to be proved and officered, many of the men meeting for the first time, unaccustomed to act together, the zeal of all got everything into fair order, and they advanced with steadiness and regularity to the attack.

First-Lieutenant Maxwell of the Druid commanded the first company, and cooperated with HM 18th Regiment Royal Irish, in storming the enemy's entrenched camp the evening after the attack: Lieutenant White the 2nd, Lieutenant Polkinghorne the 3rd, Lieutenant Ussher the 4th (for one day only, as he fell sick and returned the next), Colour Sergeant Nicholls commanded the 5th, Colour Sergeant F Fairweather the 6th, Lieutenant Farmer the 7th, Lieutenant Whiting the 8th. Captain Whitcomb assisted as Field Officer and from whom, throughout the whole of the arduous duties the Battalion had to perform, I received at all times and occasions the most cheerful, able, and ready aid; Lieutenant Stransham of the Calliope executed the laborious duties of Adjutant with alacrity, zeal, and ability, and to this officers in command of companies generally I was much indebted for the prompt execution of, and attention to, the orders they from time to time received; to Lieutenant Whiting of the Blenheim, an active and vigilant young officer, my thanks are especially due, in an affair of the 30th ultimo between a large body of armed peasantry, and HM 26th Regiment and the 37th NI, a company of the latter, on the return to quarters was missing, and in consequence, at about sunset, I was directed by the Major General to detach a Company in search of it - the 49th had two out for the same object. I selected the 8th (Blenheim's) - being armed with percussion muskets - for this important duty, and Lieutenant Whiting to command them. He was accompanied by Captain Duff of the 37th NI. After a long and tedious march of 8 miles through paddy fields filled with water, they succeeded in reaching this company drawn up in square on a rising ground, surrounded by the enemy, then actively engaged in getting up a field gun for their destruction. Lieutenant Whiting announced his proximity to the 37th NI by firing a musket and directing his company to cheer loudly; the effect was instantaneous and beneficial; the Chinese, from the darkness, not knowing the amount of force, so unexpectedly near, separated a little and the 37th retreated; and Lieutenant Whitting, watching his opportunity, judiciously fired a volley amongst them, whereby the two companies were enabled to return to their respective Corps unmolested: the previous very heavy rain to which the 37th Company was exposed had wetted their firelocks and rendered them useless for the time. The following morning in a letter I had the honour to receive from Sir Hugh Gough on the subject he thus expressed himself: "Many thanks to the officer and party who were out last night. I shall give out an order on the subject." I am most happy to add that every praise is due to the Non-Commissioned Officers, Drummers, Rank and File of the Royal Marine Battalion engaged in this short and brilliant campaign for the steadiness, zeal, order, and sobriety invariably displayed by them through all the operations, which it is most gratifying to me, their Commanding Officer, to have the honour to make known to you. The casualties are happily but few: one corporal and one private dangerously wounded, four privates slightly. The lst and 2nd Instant all the men composing the Battalion had returned to their respective ships. I have the honour to remain.

Sir, Your obedient servant, (Signed) S. B. Ellis Captain, Royal Marines. Commanding Officer. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.) (sic)

1841. Thursday 26th August, Amoy and Kalongsew bombarded and captured.

1841. August - October. Niger Expedition (Albert, Wilberforce and Soudan).

1841. Friday.1st October. The assault and capture of Ting-Hai.

1841. Sunday 10th October. The assault and capture of Ching-Hae.

1841. Wednesday 13th October. The occupation of Ning-Po.

1841. Tuesday 28th December. Destruction of works at Tzekee Tuyao by Nemesis and consort.

1842. Thursday 10th March. Destruction of fire-rafts at Chin-hae.

1842. Thursday 10th March. Destruction of burning fire-rafts at Ning-Po.

1842. Tuesday 15th March. The taking of Tse-Kee.

1842. Thursday 14th April. Destruction of burning fire-rafts at Chusan.

1842. Wednesday 18th May. The taking of Cha-Poo.

1842. Monday 13th June. British fleet entered the Yang-tse-Kiang.

1842. Thursday 16th June. The capture of Woo-Sung.

1842. Saturday 18th June. Shanghai surrendered.

1842. Thursday 21st July. The capture of Chin-Keang-Foo.

1842. Thursday 21st July. Assault on and capture of Ching-Kiang.

1842. Tuesday 9th - 17th August. Nankin blockaded by the British fleet.

1843. Thursday 8th June. Keppel at Paddi, Sarawak.

1843. June 8. Pakoo and Rembas destroyed by boats of Dido.

1844. Wednesday 7th August. Boats of Dido destroyed Patusen and Karangan.

1844. The Marine Artillery was increased to six companies, and the corps distributed as follows:

1844. Ninety- four divisional companies, each consisting of one Captain, two Subalterns, five Sergeants, five Corporals, three Drummers, and eighty seven Privates. A total of 103. With five Artillery companies, each consisting of one Captain, four Subalterns, seven Sergeants, seven Corporals, three Bombardiers, three Drummers, and one hundred and twenty Privates. A total of 145.

Making the whole establishment of Marines, both officers and men, —

Divisional companies .... 9682

Artillery companies .... 725

Staff 62

Total 10469. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1844. The Heroism of Private Drake RM, during a Mutiny. The Brazilian slave ship Romeo Primero was captured off Cape Lopez by HMS Waterwitch and HMS Racer somewhere about the middle of 1844. Commander Mansfield R.N. 3 seamen, a Private Marine named Drake, and 1 Krooman were put on board her as a prize crew in order to navigate her to St. Helena. On the night of the second or third day after parting company with the men of war, the Brazilian crew, four of whom were left on board, attempted to retake the vessel. Some accident having happened to the top gallant halliards, the only two seamen who were on deck were ordered by Commander Mansfield to go aloft and repair the damage, he himself taking the wheel. Drake, the remaining seaman, and the Krooman had the watch below, and were fast asleep in their hammocks. The four Brazilians, on the alert to seize the first favourable opportunity, took instant advantage of the temporary isolation of Commander Mansfield, and opened the attack by possessing themselves of Drakes musket, which one of them fired at the British officer, who fell, stunned by a severe wound in the head., which tore off a piece of his skull. In the mean-time another on them stole below and having mortally wounded a seaman who lay asleep in his hammock, was proceeding to despatch Drake. But the Marine, feeling a peculiar sensation about his throat, awoke and raising his arm, diverted the murderer's knife, but not without receiving a deep and server would above the collar bone. Without for a moment losing his presents of mind, he flung himself out of his hammock, and wrenching the knife from murders hands, plunged it into the ruffian's stomach with such furious energy and hearty good will that he felt the point of it grate against the spine. He then seized the man's cutlass and seeing that his officer was down, gallantly rushed to his rescue, regardless of the blood that poured profusely from the wound in his neck. Standing over the Commander's body he fought so well in resisting the attack of the three remaining Brazilians, that by the time the two seamen had got down from aloft to his assistance he had killed one and wounded the two others who fled precipitately below, fairly terrified at the indomitable valour and the fierce over powering energy of their gallant opponent. Drake fainted from loss of blood as soon as they disappeared and did not recover consciousness for a whole week. After several months in hospital Drake made a good recovery from his wounds, went afloat again and three years later was back in England and laid up with sickness in Haslar Hospital. Then, at length his heroism was recognised and the Admiralty on Wednesday 7th June 1848, directed that he should be, "Immediately and specially promoted to the rank of Corporal, and that this order be read at the head of each Division of Royal Marines." Moreover, on the Friday 14th of the following month, he was ordered to be further promoted to Sergeant, and to Colour Sergeant nine months later. In1850 he was appointed to HMS Birkenhead and was one of the survivors when she was wrecked on Monday 26th January 1852. Drake saw service in the Baltic, Crimea, and China, leaving the service in 1864. He died in 1905 after 28 years' service as an attendant at Westminster Abbey. An excellent account of this gallant Marine illustrated by two portraits is to be found in "A Deathless Story, or the 'Birkenhead' and its heroes." Published by Messrs. Hutchinson and co in 1906.

1844. December. The detachment of Royal Marines at Port Essington in the Northern Territory of Australia. Consisted of Lieutenants George Lambrick, William Garner Wright and Timpson, with one Assistant Surgeon, three Sergeants, three Corporals, one drummer and forty five Privates.

The introduction of steam has so materially changed the system of warfare, that it is now imperative on the British government to adopt the best method for the improvement of our naval gunnery, and as that never can be effectually maintained when the men are discharged after so limited a period of service as three years, it behoves the executive to consider the advantage that is likely to arise from an increase of the Corps of Marines of sufficient extent to make an addition to the detachments on board Her Majesty's ships, and discontinue that class which is now termed "Landsmen." This measure would not only provide an improving body of artillery men, but at the same time every squadron would convey battalions of effective soldiers, ready to take the field on any emergency. In offering these remarks, we are supported by the opinions of many of our most distinguished naval officers. The immortal Nelson has been frequently heard to say, "When I become first lord of the Admiralty, every fleet shall have perfect battalions of Marines, with their artillery, and commanded by experienced field officers, they will be prepared to make a serious impression on the enemy's coast." And we find it stated by Mr. Tucker, that lord St. Vincent was so persuaded of the importance of keeping up an extensive establishment of Marines, that his lordship remarked, "The French from the era of Louis XIV. have always equipped their fleet sooner than we have, and their 1 bureau de classe' continues in full vigour. Without a large body of Marines, we shall be long, very long, before an efficient fleet can be sent to sea." This system is persevered in, and it will be observed that, in the last vote of the French Chambers, where the number of seamen amounted to 26,000 men, the Marine Artillery numbered 19,000. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1845. Monday 13th January. The numbers seem to have remained unaltered until 1845, when there is a very interesting Order-in-Council dated Monday 13th January 1845, which, whilst giving the numbers for that year, affords information as to the employment of the RM Artillery: "Consideration of the steam vessels and weight of armaments and consequent insufficiency of present numbers of the Companies of Marine Artillery, a portion of whom are embarked in each vessel.

Previous to 1831 the Marine Artillery consisted of eight companies; in that year four companies were reduced and in 1832 two more; at which period the horse-power of the Navy amounted to 2660 horses; in 1841 one company was added, making the strength 405.

The Steam Navy now amounts to upwards of 26,000 H.P., and this amount will be doubled in a few years; the Board therefore propose to establish two companies of RMA without adding to the total foree of RM, viz 10,500" The total strength was divided into Staff 62, RM 9,682, Artillery Companies 725. The cost of the change was estimated to be £2741." On Wednesday 18th March 1846, two more Artillery Companies were added, making 7 all told; the numbers were taken from the Divisional Companies without altering the total.

The RMA Headquarters about this time were moved back to the Gunwharf Barracks, still forming part of the Portsmouth Division; and when there were too many men for these and Fort Cumberland, men were sent to the other Divisions. Bands - A subscription of one day's pay from all officers was ordered for the support of the bands from Saturday 19th March 1842 and has continued ever since.

Quartermasters - On Tuesday 19th May 1846 a big departure was made. For the first time a second Quartermaster was added to each Division and instead of a combatant officer being appointed for a term of years, they were selected from the Staff Sergeants of the Corps; but it was not until Order-in-Council Friday 18th January 1850 that any scales of pay were laid down for them and not until Order-in-Council Friday 26th June 1857 that there was any scheme of Retired or Half Pay. It would seem that this addition must have been due to the increased duties in connection with rations and quartering, for we learn13 that it was not till then that the GOC Western District ordered that an evening meal of tea or coffee and a proportion of bread should be provided in addition to breakfast and dinner; and the hour of pm after evening roll-call is suggested.

Duelling - A very important change in the social customs was made by the Army Order forbidding Duelling, on Friday 15th March 1844; as we have seen it was more or less officially recognised, though when the Commandant at Portsmouth reported in 1812 that an officer had died of his wounds, the other officers concerned absconded and the Commandant was ordered to 'respite' their pay.

The year 1847 was noteworthy for legislation affecting service which still governs the Corps. On Saturday 24th April 1647 the strength was raised from 10,500 to 12,000, which included three more companies at a strength of 145 each added to the RMA14 making 10. The Acting Adjutant RMA was put on the same footing as the other Adjutants of the Corps.

The Divisional Companies were 100 with a strength of 104 each, and on 22nd July another Lieutenant Colonel was added. Medals - On Tuesday 1st June 1847 the issue of the Naval War Service Medal for the Great War 1793-1815 was authorised with clasps for the numerous and various actions. The same medal was also issued for the Syrian Campaign of 1840 and for Navarino, 1827. There were 230 different bars issued. The distribution took place on Monday lst January 1849, when naturally there was not a very large number of recipients surviving. An Army Medal was also issued with clasp for their battles, and a certain number of these were issued to the Royal Marines.

Marine Mutiny Act - Since the Great War the problem of the age of officers had been very pressing, but it would now seem as if some difficulty was arising as regards the men. As we have seen, except for certain exceptions during the war periods when men were enlisted for 3 years or the duration of the war, or from the militia for 'Limited Service', enlistment had always been for life, and no doubt the peace period was producing men too old for the duties required.

Doubtless also the influence of the Army Service Act 1847 was felt and at all events the Mutiny Act of this year 13 Plymouth Orders, Friday 8th August 1845. 23 passed on Sunday 1st August 1847 contained the first provision for limiting service in the Marines and was known as the Marine Mutiny Act 1847 (d 12 Victoria c 53), the provisions of which are still in force, by which it was ordered that men were to be discharged after 12 years' service and allowed to re-engage for another 12 years (afterwards modified to 9, in 1853).

This was a revolutionary step and had a great effect on the Corps. The Pension Regulations were altered at the same time. Apparently, on Monday 26 June 1837, pensions had been granted after 21 years at sea or on foreign service, two years on shore in England to count as one year afloat and no Marine was entitled unless he had 10 years afloat or on foreign service. Further, since Sunday 1st January 1832 service had only counted from the age of twenty; now by an Order-in-Council Thursday 17th June 1847 this rule was declared to be unfair, and a reversion to the old Marine system was ordered, by which Marines were entitled to benefit from the whole of their service ashore and afloat and were allowed to reckon service from the age of 15.

On 1st August a new scale of pensions was fixed, which remained in force up to 1919, viz 8d a day, with additions of 21 pence for Sergeant Majors, 2 pence for QMS, 1 penny for Sergeants, a ha'penny for Corporals, with limits of 2/6, 2/3, 2/-, and 1/6 for respective classes. Acting time did not count. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1845. March. During the First Maori War in New Zealand, Marines helped defend Russell Island. 1845. March. New Zealand - In quite another quarter of the Globe, in New Zealand, trouble arose over the occupation of tribal land between the settlers and the Maoris. In March 1845 at Kororareka, the Chief Heke so harried the settlement that it was abandoned, and the inhabitants went to Auckland. Reinforcements were demanded from Australia and on their arrival the 58th and 96th Regiments with the Seamen and Marines of HMS North Star and hazard and a body of natives, proceeded against a stockade called Okaihau. As they had no artillery it was found to be impregnable, and they were forced to retire with a loss of 14 killed and 59 wounded. On Monday 23rd June 1845 they attacked another stronghold - 0heawi; the guns were useless till a 32 pdr was brought up from HMS Hazard. On lst July the assault was delivered and again repulsed with heavy loss; on 10th it was found that the Maoris had evacuated the Pah. In November 1845 Sir G. Grey XI, the governor sent a force of 1170 soldiers, volunteers, Seamen and Marines against the Chiefs Heke and Kawiti. Heke was at Ikoragi, but the force proceeded against Kawiti in the Pah at Ruapekapeka and. besieged it from Wednesday 31st December to Saturday 10th January 1846, when the Maoris abandoned it. The British loss was 13 killed and 30 wounded. The Chiefs surrendered and were pardoned, and the War in the North Island ended. A medal was granted for this campaign in 1869. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.) (sic)

1845. Thursday 8th May. The Storming of Heke's Pah at Okaihu. Royal Marines from HMS Hazard and HMS North Start were present.

1845. 23rd June - 7th July. The Battle of Ohaeawai was fought between British Forces and local Māori during the Flagstaff War at Ohaeawai in the North Island of New Zealand (11th March 1845 \- 11 January 1846). Te Ruki Kawiti, a prominent Rangatira (chief) was the leader of the Māori forces. The Battle was notable in that it established that the fortified pā (village) could withstand a bombardment from cannon fire and that frontal assaults by soldiers would result in serious troop losses. Lieutenant Colonel Despard led a combined force of troops from the 58th and 99th Regiments, Royal Marines and Māori allies in an attack on Pene Taui's Pā at Ohaeawai, which had been fortified by Kawiti. The British troops arrived at the Ohaeawai Pā on 23rd June and established a camp about 500 metres away. On the summit of a nearby hill (Puketapu) where they built a four-gun battery. They opened fired the next day and continued until dark but did very little damage to the palisade. The next day the guns were brought to within 200 metres of the pā. The bombardment continued for another two days but still did very little damage. This was due to the elasticity of the flax covering the palisade. Since the introduction of muskets,' the Māori had learnt to cover the outside of the palisades with layers of flax (Phormium tenax) leaves, making them effectively bullet proof as the velocity of musket balls was dissipated by the flax leaves. However, the main fault was a failure to concentrate the cannon fire on one area of the defences, so as to create a breach in the palisade. After two days of bombardment without effecting a breach, Despard ordered a frontal assault. He was, with difficulty, persuaded to postpone this pending the arrival of a 32 pound naval gun which came the next day on the 1st July. However, an unexpected sortie from the pā resulted in the temporary occupation of the knoll on which Tāmati Wāka Nene had his camp and the capture of Nene's colours - the Union Jack. The Union Jack was carried into the pā. There it was hoisted, upside down, and at half -mast high, below the Māori flag, which was a Kākahu (Māori cloak). This insulting display of the Union Jack was the cause of the disaster which ensued. Infuriated by the insult to the Union Jack, Colonel Despard ordered an assault upon the pā the same day. The attack was directed to the section of the pā where the angle of the palisade allowed a double flank from which the defenders of the pā could fire at the attackers, the attack was a reckless endeavour. The British persisted in their attempts to storm the unbreached palisades and five to seven minutes later 33 were dead and 66 injured. The casualties included Captain Grant of the 58th Regiment and Lieutenant Phillpotts of HMS Hazard. Shaken by the loss of a third of his troops, Despard decided to abandon the siege. However, his Māori allies contested this decision. Tāmati Wāka Nene persuaded Despard to wait for a few more days. More ammunition and supplies were brought in and the shelling continued. On the morning of the 8th July the pā was found to have been abandoned, the occupants having disappeared in the night. When they had a chance to examine it the British officers found it to be even stronger than they had feared. The defenders of the pā had four iron cannons on ship-carriages including a carronade that was loaded with a bullock-chain and fired at close quarters at the attaching soldiers. The colonial forces capture these cannons, one of which had been destroyed by a shot from a British cannon. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.) (sic)

1845. Wednesday 18th June. Bombardment of Tamatave.

1845. Tuesday 19th August. Operations against the Pirates by the Royal Navy had been in progress for two or three years. However, on the 19th August the pirate strong hold of Malludu defended by 100 men and two forts armed with 12 heavy guns were attacked and destroyed by boats of the Agincourt and 7 other vessels. Captain Hawkins Royal Marines, 4 Lieutenants, 8 Sergeants, 8 Corporal, 3 Fifers and 178 Privates were present.

1845. August. Relief of Monte Video.

1845. Thursday 20th November. Defeat of the enemy at Obligado on the Parana.

1845. Captain Talbot RN lead a force of 350 seaman and Royal Marines in 27 boats up the Sungei Besar river, in the Labuan area of Borneo, to successful attack a pirate stronghold, For the loss of only 21 killed and wondered.

1845. Thursday 20th November. South America, Puente Obligado. Brevet Major R. Leonard with The Marines of the squadron was landed for the protection of British interests during the siege of Monte Video by the Argentine's and remained there from 1843 to 1847. At the destruction of the batteries erected by General Rosas at Puente Obligado by combining British and French squadrons on the 2th November, Captain F. Hurdle landed with 145 Royal Marines and drove back the enemy from their position covering the Batteries at the point of the bayonet. 180 seamen who had been specially trained as Light Infantry by Lieutenant J.E.W. Lawrence of the Royal Marine Artillery drove them out of the woods they held at the same time. To facilitate the passage of a convoy past the Batteries of San Lorenzo, Lieutenant C.L. Barnard of the RMA With 12 gunners, Lieutenant Mackinnon RN the boatswain and pilot of the Alecto and 11 seamen with 4 rocket tubes lay concealed for three days on a small Island close under the guns. When the moment came for the convoy and their escorting gun vessels to pass the batteries, the RMA and seamen manned their rocket tubes. Lieutenant Barnard planted the British Flag under the noses of the enemy, and by the well-aimed and heavy discharge of rockets the passage of the convoy was made possible. In the evening the Marines of the squadron under Captain Hurdle RM and 4 Subalterns were landed and supported by the Bluejackets small arm men, stormed the batteries and spiked the guns.

1845. Thursday 31st December – 11th January 1846. A Royal Marines ships detachment stormed Ruapekapekeon a New Zealand Station.

1846. Monday 6th April. Alecto engaged at San Lorenzo and Toneloro.

1846. Tuesday 21st April. Lizard engaged near San Lorenzo.

1846. Monday 11th May. Harpy engaged at San Lorenzo.

1846. Thursday 4th June. Gorgon and consorts at San Lorenzo.

1846. Tuesday 7th - 8th July. Sir T. Cochrane at Pulo Bungore and Brune.

1846. July. Colonia captured.

1847. Saturday 3rd April. Vulcan and consorts attacked Bogue Forts.

1847. Monday 5th April. Bogue Forts captured.

1847. The deployment aboard ship was usually at a ratio of one Marine per gun with officers. This ratio was maintained when the Marine Forces were re-raised. The Marines were present in every notable, and not so notable, fleet and ship-to-ship action between 1793-1815. For example, they were at 1st June, St Vincent, Camperdown, the Nile, Copenhagen, Trafalgar, the Dardenelles, Cape Lissa and Aix Roads.

They always formed part of any cutting out excursion 'seizing an enemy ship by using ships' boats and taking it from its anchorage). But the Marines also distinguished themselves on land either serving with the army or serving as part of a naval brigade (a force made up of both seamen and marines) such as at Tenerife in 1797 or Santa Maura in 1810.

Other examples are 1799 in the Helder where they helped garrison the forts or in 1812, where the Royal Marine Battalions served aboard Commodore Home Popham's squadron off the north coast of Spain. Together with Spanish forces, they disrupted coastal traffic, captured several towns and ports and tied up the French Army of the North not allowing it to reinforce the Army of Portugal, which was subsequently defeated at Salamanca.

Most Marine battalions were ad hoc formations temporarily made up from the Marines serving in the fleet or squadron. There were Royal Marine battalions formed by the fleets for locations such as South Africa 1795, Acre 1799, Naples 1799, Malta 1800, Egypt 1801, Elba 1801, South Africa 1806, South America 1806-1807, Portugal 1808, Walcheren 1809, Anholt 1811, Java 1811, Netherlands 1813, North America 1814-1815 and Marseilles 1815.

There were, however, three more permanent battalions formed in Britain for service overseas: The 1st Battalion at Chatham, formed 30 September 1810 for service in Lisbon as the Royal Marine Battalion (numbered when the 2nd Battalion was raised). It left Lisbon in early 1812 to reorganize in Britain and returned to the north coast of Spain in 1812. Left for Britain again in December 1812 and arrived in Chesapeake Bay in June 1813 taking part in all of the operations there. In October 1813, the 1st Battalion left for British North America where it served until July 1814 when it was ordered to be distributed in the Great Lakes squadrons. A cadre reformed the battalion in Bermuda and it went to the Georgia coast, where it last saw action at St. Mary's River, Georgia in January and February 1815. It was finally disbanded in Britain July 1815. It had an artillery company and a small rocket corps attached.

The 2nd Battalion at Chatham, formed in July 1812 for service in the Peninsula. The 2nd Battalion arrived on the north coast of Spain in August 1812. In company with the 1st Battalion, it left for Britain December 1812. It arrived in the Chesapeake Bay in June 1813 taking part in all of the operations there. The 2nd Battalion was sent to British North America in September 1813. By order of the Admiralty in May 1814, the 2nd Battalion was broken up and dispersed among the Great Lakes squadrons. A cadre went to Chesapeake Bay where in August 1814, the 3rd Marine Battalion was now re-designated the 2nd Marine Battalion. It saw service at Bladensburg. In December 1814, the 2nd Battalion, with the 3rd Battalion, went to join the 1st Battalion at St. Mary's River, Georgia. The 2nd Battalion was disbanded in Britain July 1815. It had an artillery company attached.

Each battalion organized for service in North America originally contained:

1 Major Commanding; 1 Major; 8 Captains; 16 Lieutenants; 1 Paymaster; 1 Adjutant; 1 Quartermaster; 1 Surgeon; 1 Assistant-Surgeon; 2 Staff-Sergeants, 40 Sergeants; 40 Corporals; 16 Drummers and 672 Privates.

Each battalion also included one company of Royal Marine Artillery:

1 Captain; 4 Lieutenants; 4 Sergeants; 4 Corporals; 6 Bombardiers; 2 Drummers and 60 Gunners.

Artillery consisted of:

Four light 6 pounders; two light 5 ½ inch howitzers; two 10 inch mortars and two 8 inch brass howitzers.

The 3rd Marine Battalion at Portsmouth, formed in January 1814, by detachments there and by Royal Marine detachments withdrawn from serving in the Netherlands. It consisted of:

1 Major, 4 Captains, 21 Lieutenants 1 Adjutant, 1 Quartermaster and 10 Companies of 100 men each. Attached was one company of Royal Marine Artillery.

It arrived in Chesapeake Bay in July 1814. In August 1814, the 3rd Battalion was re-designated the 2nd Battalion and in September Vice Admiral Cochrane ordered the formation of a new 3rd Battalion using three companies of Royal Marines from the old 2nd Battalion and three companies of Colonial Marines. The Colonial Marines had been formed in Maryland, in May 1814, from escaped slaves and had been serving on the Atlantic coast. They saw service at Bladensburg and North Point.

The 3rd Battalion, with the 2nd Battalion, left Chesapeake Bay in December 1814 and rendezvoused with the 1st Battalion at St. Mary's River, Georgia. In April 1815 the Royal Marine companies were separated from the Colonial Marine companies of the 3rd Battalion. The Colonial Marines were joined by three new companies recruited from escaped slaves in Georgia, continued to be known as the 3rd Battalion, and finally disbanded in August 1815 in Trinidad.

1847. Francis Whatley was born in the town of Warminster, in the county of Wiltshire, in the year 1830, and enlisted into the Royal Marines in the year 1847.

After pursuing the ordinary course of a soldiers life for several years, doing duty at various places at home, and cruising in the Mediterranean Sea, in the Queen, the Flagship of Admiral Sir W Parker, he found himself, on the outbreak of the Russian war, in 1854, at Varna, on board the Agamemnon, assisted in the embarkation of the Allied Armies which were assembled at that place, to transport them to the Crimea, the Allied Commanders Lord Raglan and Marshall St Arnaud having resolved upon attacking the Russian power in that quarter.

Whatley says that the sight which presented itself upon the occasion of the embarkation at Varna was most magnificent; the sea as far as the eye could reach being covered with ships of all descriptions, having on board French and English troops, horses and war materials of every kind.

Having been transferred to the Britannia, Whatley now sailed in company with others of his corps for the Crimea and arrived at a place which he calls "Old Fort", where some of the soldiers began to land. It was not long however before the Russians let them know that they were on the lookout, for they commenced a sharp skirmish with the advanced portion of the landing troops.

After a short stay at "Old Fort", he set sail for Upatoria with detachments of Marines from the French and English fleets, and a detachment of Turkish soldiers, each about 500 in number, for the purposes of holding that town, and to prevent a division of the Russian Army about 10 000 strong from forming a junction with the main body of the Russian Army at the Alma. This it appears they succeeded in doing, although so greatly inferior in number, managing no doubt to keep the enemy in ignorance in that respect,

On the 20th of September was fought the battle of the Alma; and Whatley says that they could distinctly hear the booming of the cannon, while the battle was raging, though he was then at Upatoria, between 20 and 30 miles distant from the scene of the fight.

From Upatoria he sailed in the Cyclops steamer to Balaclava and was sent to the height to do duty in the batteries there.

He was present at the battle of Balaclava, which happened on the 25th October 1854, and witnessed the celebrated "Charge of the Light Brigade", when about 670 men rode down the valley through the Russian forces, while the Russians rained upon them shot and shell from almost every quarter. Suffice it to say that only about 200 men returned from the charge, the remainder having been killed or disabled.

Whatley continued at Balaclava for several weeks after the battle, and then marched to the front to do duty in the trenches with the Royal Artillery before Sebastopol, Whatley himself having become some time previously an artilleryman of the Royal Marines.

He was next engaged at the battle of Inkerman which transpired on the 5th of November. This was a dreadful hand to hand fight, in which a few thousand English kept at bay an immense force of Russians who had come upon them unawares, under the cover of a dark foggy morning, until some French reinforcements arrived, when victory declared itself in favour of the allies.

Our friend remained before Sebastopol working in many batteries until the fall of that place. On one occasion when exchanging shots with the Russians a ball struck dead three out of the five men who were working at the same gun as Whatley.

He also took part in the bombardment of Sebastopol on the 18th June and witnessed the abortive attempts of the Allies to take it by storm on that day. He was also present and engaged in the final three days bombardment, which resulted in the fall of that stronghold on the 8th September 1855.

After the fall of this place he next returned to Balaclava and went on board the St Jean do Acre 101 guns and sailed with the Allied expedition destined to attack the fortress of Kimburn and assisted in its reduction, the garrison surrendering themselves prisoners of war.

Whatley now returned to the Black Sea and sailed from thence in the Juno steamer for England arriving in Portsmouth harbour on the 24th November 1855. He continued in the service until 1861, when he claimed his discharge after a service of 12 years; having received the English and Turkish medals for the campaign in the Crimea. (Sic)

(From "The Skepton Mallett Home Words" – January 1876) Marines in 'John Company's Last War' by Lieutenant Colonel Brian Edwards. 'Reminiscence of the Crimea Campaign' from S.G. Blacker.

1848. Portsmouth Division moved into Forton Barracks, Gosport.

1848. Saturday 12th February. The storming of fort Serapaqui on a Nicaragua river, Lieutenant R. Boyle RM and 30 Royal Marines from HMS Alarm and HMS Vixen were present.

1848. Wednesday 29th March. The Royal Marines occupied Forton Barracks Gosport, moving from Clarence Barracks Portsmouth.

1848. Monday 12th June 1848 - Wednesday 13th September 1850. John Hopkinson, late Private, 26th Company Royal Marines, Portsmouth Division: 'A Cruise In The Mediterranean'

I was enlisted at Leeds in the County of York on the 6th day of December 1847, at the age of 21 years and 3 months. I was attested on the 7th and left Leeds by express the same night, arriving in London about 5 o'clock the next morning. We soon set off again, for Portsmouth, where we arrived about 2 p.m., and I remained in Barracks there until my turn came to go to sea. On the 22nd May 1848 a draft came in for 40 men and I happened to be one in that number. We were called out and passed the doctor, and on the following day we embarked on board Her Britannic Majesty's Ship HOVE, 120 guns, Captain Sir James Stirling, K.T. She had then been in commission about 12 months; the first six months she was cruising in the English Channel, then she was ordered back to England to take the Queen Dowager out to Madeira. When the Queen had landed at Madeira the ship went to Lisbon and joined the Channel Squadron again, under Rear Admiral Sir Charles Napier, until the Queen was ready to return.

At this time, they were augmenting all the Ships' companies. Previous to this time every three-decker that carried 120 guns had been allowed 160 Marines, and now they were augmenting them to 200 and 800 seamen, making a total of 1000 men for a ship's company. I was one in the 40 to make up her complement. In a week's time-after-we embarked we took the ship out to Spit Head, then we got in our lower deck gun powder and shot, provisions and water, and they served us last-comers out with a bed and blanket each. (We had had nothing to sleep on but the bare decks from coming on board.) They also served us out two hammocks each. I soon found out that ship's duty was a great deal harder than Barrack duty, for we had to turn out every morning at 4 a.m. while we were fitting out, and we had to work very hard the whole of the day getting the ship ready for sea.

On the 12th day of June we weighed anchor and got on the way about 9 o'clock in the morning. The boatswain mates piped Hands up Anchor, so we manned the capstan as many as could get to.

The band was ordered on deck, and we kept time with our feet as the band played. There were a great many boats round about us, several who had come out from the harbour to take their farewell of some of the ship's company. Some had fathers and mothers, some brothers and sisters, some wives and. children. It was almost heart-rending to see some, how they clung to each other up to the very last. As for me, I had nobody near to come to see me (I was 300 miles away from any of my friends, and I thought at the time it was almost as well it was so.)

After this passes away, and we find ourselves sailing on with a fair steady breeze round the Isle-of Wight, watching the porpoises rolling and leaping around, and the ship's band playing every night merrily down the coast of Portugal and of Spain, and in 14 days from England we arrive at Gibraltar. It is just dusk when all hands are calling out "The Rock is in sight". There was a fair wind, so we sailed on against the strong current and we passed by, seeing very little of the Rock and we took to the Barbary Coast keeping to the African coast all the way, never long out of sight of it. We arrived in Malta on the 17th July and left again the following day to go in search of the Fleet. We cruised about a few days, then we fell in with the Fleet just off Palermo. When we left Malta, we made for the coast of Sicily which lies straight ahead, and on the third day we came in sight of Mount Etna.

We sail on down the channel, with the most glorious scenery disclosing itself at every point, but Etna seems to absorb all till at length it disappears, and we come into the beautiful Straits of Messina, also Palermo, and it is here that we fall in with the Fleet. The following are the names of all the ships belonging to the Fleet at this time:

H.M. Ship HIBERNIA 120 guns, bearing the flag of Vice Admiral Sir William Parker, GCB, (Chattez C Stadden) the QUEEN 116, the RODNEY 84, VANGUARD 84, VENGEANCE 84, POWERFUL 84, then there was the ship to which I belong, the HOWE 120, and there were two French line of battle ships with us, besides a few smaller ships. We sailed on together, sometimes in line of battle order and sometimes all in a breast.

We sailed on round the point of Sicily on our way to Naples, past the Lipari Islands, one of which (Stromboli) is a very active volcano. We are admiring the formation of the clouds that hang over the Sicilian coast, when we perceive there is a mountain up among them, round which they are gathered, and to our infinite surprise and delight, glorious old Etna comes out of her cloud chambers and stands there full to view for at least some 50 miles, Looking if possible grander than when we first beheld her.

The next day we sail into the Bay of Naples. It is said to be the finest and most beautiful bay in the world, and certainly it would be difficult to find another to surpass it. There is Vesuvius smoking on the one side, with vineyards and dwellings half way up the ascent. At the foot of it on the side furthest from us is Pompeii which was buried by an eruption rather less than 1800 years ago, and at its foot nearest to us is a city built on Herculareum, another buried city, as this perhaps may be buried in its turn. There just before us in the curve of the bay is Naples itself. Its streets, as we see them from the ship, seem full of life, and its buildings rising up one above another, some of the domes and spires of the churches shining in the sunlight like burnished gold. I, of course, had a strong desire to go on shore, but I knew I should have to wait some time for this privilege. Our officers began going on shore very shortly after we dropped anchor, and in a few weeks, after we had gone through some slight repairs, to my great delight they commenced giving leave to the men, about 3 or 4 from each mess. It was not very long before I got leave for 24 hours, and this was the first time we had been on shore since we left England. I went onshore with a good many more, and I will just mention a. few things we noticed. First, all the fortifications were turned inwards, so that they could pour destruction in upon the city as well as upon an enemy without. There are four great forts, all the cannon of which are pointed upon the city, while there are government buildings surmounted by cannon in every direction, and at the ends of some of the principle streets you see loopholes and mouths of cannons peeping out at you in every direction, anything but pleasant to behold. I think we almost saw all around Naples there is a very large Barracks which we went to look at, where we were told they could parade some 1000 soldiers on the top.

I saw the King's palace, also the Opera House but I was not inside. There is also a fine museum in Naples, enriched not only with works of art but with relics from Pompeii.

We stopped at Naples and roundabout for more than eight months. We had not been long in the Bay of Naples before the remainder of the French Fleet joined us. There were seven English line of battle ships and eight line of battle ships of the French; there were two French Admirals and one English Admiral. There was a war going on at the time; we could see them shipping troops from Naples regularly, mostly to Palermo, it was said. But what the cause of this war was I am not prepared to say, for men in the Service never get to know much what is going on, only what they can see. When they hear anything it generally comes out from England either in their letters from home or newspapers. We were at Naples on Christmas Day, and a first-class Christmas we had. Each mess subscribed money and had a quantity of meat and other things brought from ashore, and great quantities of fruit, as fruit is very cheap in nearly all parts, of the Mediterranean. Each mess made a large chandelier and filled it with candles, and when they piped to dinner we lighted all our candles and lowered all the ports, and the band played us "The Roast Beef of Old England" while we were eating the roast beef of Naples.

Sometime in January the Admiral despatched us. off to different places; our ship and another went to a place called Castellamare, one to Genoa, one to Messina, one to Palermo, and the Admiral stopped at Naples. Occasionally the Admiral called us all together and exercised us, and the French Fleet also began to move off but where I cannot tell. It was said our business

there was to protect our Merchants. About the middle of April 1849, we weighed anchor, the whole of us except the VENGEANCE and we left her there.

We sailed out of the Bay very nicely without any accidents and we came down to Malta. The weather was very hot at this time, hotter than ever I had felt it in England. We had an awning

spread fore and aft the upper deck the whole day long to keep the sun off. We had scarcely let go our anchors before there were scores of boats, called Bom boats, with fruit and other things to sell; they were crowding round the ships in all directions. It is the Maltese harvest when the Fleet is there; we could buy almost anything in Malta, the same as in England.

We had not been long in Malta before we got leave to on shore. The day I went on shore there were two of my mess mates besides a comrade of mine from another mess, a native of Great Horton, the name of Jowett. With us being used to nothing but the ship's decks for about 12 months, and the weather being so warm and the roads so rough, we had no sooner landed and walked a very short distance, but we had all the skin off our feet. I soon found out I should not have to do much this time on shore.

There are always two English Regiments stationed in Malta, besides a regiment of natives called Royal Malta Fencibles. At this time there were the 44th and 69th Regiments lying there, and I was aware that there were several from Bradford and the neighbourhood, so we went to the St. Elmo Fort where the 69th was lying, and we met with several Yorkshiremen. At night their bands were out on the Parade Ground, which I thought sounded delightful more than 2,000 miles from Old England, playing "The Girl I Left Behind Me" and other lively tunes. So, I spent most of my time on shore this time amongst the soldiers, talking of home and watching the antics of some of our sailors and marines. Some who had come on shore with me were regularly drunk in a few hours (a man who keeps sober may enjoy himself best in watching their merrymaking). You might see them sometimes with great bunches of flowers which they have bought from the flower girls, pinned in their breasts, marching 4 or 5 abreast singing with all their might. Sometimes they will hire nearly all the boats in the harbour and fasten them in a train and fill the first with music which they make play "Rule Britannia" for hours together. Sometimes they will hire a number of horses on which they will play the wildest freaks imaginable, getting on the "upper deck" as they call the horse's back, not at all particular whether they face the head or tail, often preferring the latter, and the leader of them has a large stone tied round the horse's neck and every grog shop they come to he drops the stone and that is "dropping anchor", an example in which all the Fleet follow their Admiral.

However, night comes on and we have to look out for lodgings. I and my companions got what we considered very good lodgings, but we had not long been in bed before something came buzzing about us. We could not sleep, what with the heat and these torments flying about us; we scarcely got any sleep at all, and when we enquired in the morning they gave us to understand that they were what they called Mosquitos. After breakfast we had a walk, and I noticed that the houses are all built with flat roofs and a parapet with a staircase leading up to it, and not in frequently people seek relief from the heat below by sleeping there at night. We returned on board again at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and that was the first time ashore in Malta.

After a time, I got leave again, with the same companion as before, and we were determined to go out in the country this time, so we hired a horse each and we drove out to Cevitia Vecchia. As you travel through the country you see the sheep and goats all feeding in the same flock, you look upon the trees around and you see the fig trees by the wayside, and the palm, locust, vine and pomegranate. As for orange and lemon trees, they with their golden fruit are beyond all number. Then as you drive along you see a man ploughing with what looks like two sticks, drawn by a yoke of oxen, or an ox and ass yoked together. As for the cultivation of the island, that is peculiar in one respect, that it is mostly done in terraces, the edges of which are build up by stones.

1848. July. During the revolutionary troubles in Ireland a small Battalion of 300 men was sent to Dublin in July and proceeded to Waterford. It was present at the attack on Portland Barracks and the attempted destruction of the Granagh Bridge over the River Suir on Tuesday 12th September 1848. On Wednesday 1st March the complements of ships on the Irish station had been increased by 300 men. The Battalion had been withdrawn in February 1840.

1848. Royal Marine battalion in South Ireland.

1848. The strength was 12,000 but a fresh distribution was ordered, by which 12 new companies were created, but with reduced strength; which allowed 700 men to be transferred to the Artillery companies and the creation of 3 additional Artillery companies. An additional Lieutenant Colonel was, allowed for the Artillery Companies, and one for the Corps generally.

Portsmouth Barracks - In this year came also the move from the old Clarence Barracks at Portsmouth to the new Barracks, which had been erected on the land where the old hospital for prisoners of war used to stand at Forton. These were exchanged with the War Office for the Clarence Barracks, and at first consisted only of the four large blocks. The transfer took place on Wednesday 29th March 1848. At the same time the Barracks for the Woolwich Division on Woolwich Common were completed. These were the latest things of their day and appear to have been a very fine set of buildings. They were called the Cambridge Barracks: since 1846 the Division had been quartered in the old 74-gun hulk Benbow alongside the quay in the Dockyard. The Infirmary was established in what is now known as the Red Barracks. (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1848. The Royal Marines were again in Lisbon. Admiral Sir William Parker, owing to the critical state of affairs in Portugal on Wednesday 21st October 1846, offered an asylum to Queen Maria II. Some Marines, who had been sent out in the Terrible, were available and he was authorised to retain them on lst November, and the Admiralty hoped that he would be able to occupy Belem Castle with them. They were retained until matters calmed down.

1849. The strength voted was: Staff - 70 112

Divisional Companies - 10416 10 Artillery Companies - 1500 11986 An Order-in-Council of l6th January 1849 contains many valued concessions to the Marines which exist to the present day. It is laid down that a Marine's service commenced from date of attestation as service towards pension, reckoned from the age of 18 only.

Meritorious Service Medal - It instituted the Meritorious Service Medal, granting annuities for distinguished service to Sergeants - for which a sum of £250 was allowed, to be divided in sums not exceeding £20 per annum, to be enjoyed whilst serving or after discharge. The medal to be of silver "For Meritorious Service" and not to be liable to forfeiture except by sentence of Court Martial or on conviction of a felony.

Order-in-Council Tuesday 11th January 1853 modified the annuities.

Long Service and Good Conduct Medal - It also instituted gratuities for the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal - Sergeants £15, Corporals £10, Privates £5 \- provided they had served 2l years with irreproachable character and never been convicted by court martial. It also laid down the conditions for the grant of Good Conduct Badges and introduced the proviso of the grant of the 4th Good Conduct Badge at 16 years (now obsolete). It also brought in the regulation that deprivation of Good Conduct Badges could only be by Warrant, as for corporal punishment, and that no man wearing a GCB was liable to corporal punishment except for mutinous conduct.

Gunnery - An Order-in-Council of lst July 1849 directed that Marines generally should be trained in Naval Gunnery, also in knotting and splicing, hammock-slinging, boat pulling, etc. Hitherto such instruction on shore had been confined to the Artillery training of the RMA., but it was not till the year 1877 that a definite standard of Trained Man as for seamen was laid down for the Infantry of the Corps. A curious old custom was abolished on Saturday 6th October 1849. Apparently, Captains of Marines afloat were liable to a deduction of 1/1 a day to meet cost of provisions. No naval or military officers were so liable, and it was 24 abolished on lst July. (Sic) (H. E. Blumberg. Devonport January 1934.)

1849. Riff Coast Expedition.
Other Books by this Author

**'Almost Total Recall'** an Autobiography by Terry Aspinall. Who grew up in Stowmarket and the Teddy Boy gangs of Ipswich? Later to serve in the Royal Marines Commandos and saw active service in Borneo. Was involved in Hang Gliding during its early days of development in the UK. Played in several Rock N Roll bands around the world, before immigrating to New Zealand and a few years later to Australia.

**'Correcting History'** the invention of the Modern Hang Glider seems to have been shrouded in mystery and incorrect information for many years. It is only now with the luxury of hindsight, very fast computers, IT media and our constant quest for more and more information, that the story has been slowly unravelled. I'm not sure if it would have been possible fifteen or twenty years ago, as earlier hang gliding historians found out at their cost. As they had published articles and although read by many, nobody seemed to have picked up on what they were saying or did not care.

**'My personal Bucket' List'** In June (2018) I will be 75 years old, and I have just been asked by a close friend if I have completed or at least made a 'Bucket List'. The truth is I had never thought about it. In fact, until it came out as a film a couple of years ago, I had no idea what a 'Bucket List' was. After a little research I have concluded that the term 'Bucket List', is a list of all the goals you would like to achieve, dreams you want to fulfil and life experiences you desire to experience before you die. Having already experienced a lot of travel during the 60's, 70's and 80's, I have no further plans of places of interesting that I would like to visit. Instead I have concluded that as of now, I would like my 'Bucket List' to comprise of some of my personal Achievements. Coincidence. Right Place Wrong Time. Having served in the Royal Navy, Police force, and currently working for MI5. Dave Slater finds himself found guilty of murder. A crime he did not commit. A couple of years later and after his release from prison, he is once again accused of committing another murder. Is it a Coincidence or just bad luck? Being in the Right Place at the Wrong Time.

**'Royal Marines 350 Years'** is a brief history of the Royal Marines that were formed way back at 11.58 am on Tuesday 28th October 1664 by King Charles II. It describes some of its history up to the present day. Along with its traditions that have moulded Royal Marines into what has always been one of the finest fighting military forces in the world. Those that they fought in battle were so impressed with their courage and skill that their countries formed their own version of the Marines. To copy is the best form of flattery, a way to acknowledge just how great the Royal Marines were respected. Once A Marine Always a Marine.

**'Landguard Fort' Royal Marines Museum'**. Royal Marine museum is within the Landguard Fort complex situated at the southern end of Felixstowe (Suffolk). It is the last place a foreign invading force landed and was defeated on the British main land. It was also the very first battle that the Royal Marines fought on land, having been formed only three years earlier during 1664.

**'The British Hang Gliding History'** is an updated history of how the Hang Glider was invented in Australia during 1963, and of how it arrived in the UK to be manufactured and flown for the first time during 1972. This book is a shortened version of the successful website of the same name www.british-hang-gliding-history.com there are working hyperlinks to the BHGA early Hang Gliding magazine 'Wings' and the BMAA early Microlight magazine 'Front Line'.

**'Transfer Music from iPod to Computer'** This is just a short easy to follow free article that I'm sure will help many people to move their music collections from their iPod and iPads to their computers. I do not use legal or illegal software that usually bring loads of other rubbish into your computers. It will only take you a few minutes to learn and a couple of hours to move folders and files around on your computer.

**'An Easy Guide to Self-Publish Your E-book'** this short book will enable you to self-publish your work in E-book format with Smashwords.com. Its valuable information that can get you started on a literary career. It's short, basic, and very easy to follow. It covers the so-called tricks of the trade and mistakes that I learnt along the way. Explaining to the reader a rough idea of what will or won't be accepted with their publication.

**'Aldeburgh'** **Photo Memories 2014** is a collection of photo's that were taken during a short holiday stay in the town during September 2014. It's my way of being able to remember the trip and to also allow my friends and family to enjoy what Aldeburgh offers. My wife grew up in Aldeburgh and could not believe the changes that had taken place over the past thirty years. People who keep this E-book record will be able to use it in the future as further changes take place as the town changes and grow.

'Birkdale Road' A photo album capturing the different colours that are annually displayed and enhance the Birkdale Road just east of Brisbane Australia. As with most countries one can usually tell the time of year by the vegetation that nature displays all around us. I get a great sense of pleasure looking at the different colours that enhanced the Birkdale road, and of their constant changes that take place during the different seasons.

**'The Fabulous Spawlszoff Brothers'** a fictitious story, that is based on actual funny events that the author has experienced during his 50 years in the music industry.

**'Johnny Morris and the Convertibles'** is a fictitious story that is based on actual events that the author has experienced during his 50 years in the music industry.

**'Chasing Shadows'** this novel is about Englishman Michael J. Thompson. Who joined the Australian Army, so he could serve in Vietnam during 1968. There were only a very few British who got to fight in this theatre of war and Michael was one of them. Michael had his own ideas of jungle training and fighting that he had learnt in other theatres of war. Where they had worked well and saved many lives. He always wanted to help others survive in a hostile environment. Where your next step could kill you if you walked into a bobby trap or ambush. His ideas on cross border patrols where later to be adopted by other western countries. However, his special teams were at their best on information gathering patrols. His golden rule was 'To see but not be seen and eat nothing red'.

**'The Kansas Rascal'** Ten years after his wife died, Australian Bradley Newman is living a lonely life. Never being able to accept her death has made it hard for him to find another partner. His love of music and magic has been his saving grace. Accepting that he will never find that special person that could replace her. After his son sets him up with a computer he becomes excited at the prospect of learning a new technology. Then by chance during 1998 while on line he meets a girl from America and falls in love with her. However, he has not the courage to tell her of his feeling. He secretly flies to America to meet up with her but walks into a lot of trouble that he did not see coming. Feelings of love can sometimes blind the beholder.

**'The Autumn Reunion'** A fictitious story of a school reunion that tempted James through the painful journey of having to choose one girlfriend above another.

**'The Adventures of Henri and Charlie'** is a very young children's short story about the authors pet Peach Face Parrot and Canary that escape from their cages and are taken on a wild ride, with no hope of returning to the security of their own cages back home. In this story, the birds talk to each other.

**'Matthew Returns'** Matthew has been discharged from the British Army after serving 22 years. He returns to Suffolk and the small countryside town of Stowmarket, in which he grew up. At first, he finds it hard to settle back into the life he once knew. Finding it hard to obtain employment with skills he had picked up while serving in the Army. However, a shock awaits him when it comes to finding himself a girlfriend.

**'Unexpected'** John is in a great relationship with his partner until the day she disappears. His friends and the locals turn against him, thinking that he has done something wrong. Luckily, he befriends somebody who takes him for who he is. However, he is in for a shock and an ending that he did not expect.

**'One of A Kind'** Chris Lawler was born into a military orientated house hold and his Officer Father forces him to join the Army that leads to the SAS. He goes on to Join the French Foreign Legion. To later find himself in Vietnam and later Angola. Eventually joining the Royal Marines and serving in Northern Ireland.

