nated with continued streams of fire, with the flashes of guns, and the bursting of shells. The fire of the enemy was equally severe. * * * * On the 22d a great explosion was observed in the fort, which we afterwards learned was occasioned by their small magazine having been blown up by one of our shells. On the same night the laboratory tent, in the rear of our great mortar battery, exploded, killing and wounding 9 men belonging to the Amaranthe. This accident was caused by the tent having been incautiously placed directly to leeward, and within a few yards of the mortars, the sparks from which ignited the powder. * * * * On the 24th, after an almost incessant bombardment of five days, Villaret capitulated. * * * * The terms were nearly similar to those of other colonies, with the exception of the entire demolition of fort Dessaix; and that the garrison should be taken to France in British ships, and there exchanged for British subjects[1].”
After the reduction of that valuable colony, Captain Brenton was appointed to the Belleisle 74, bearing the broad pendant of Commodore Cockburn.
“The French garrison was embarked on board the Belleisle, and the Ulysses 44, with seven sail of transports. Commodore Cockburn, having the captain-general and all his staff embarked on board the Belleisle, proceeded to Europe, agreeably to the terms of the capitulation[2].
“On the 23d April, the Commodore anchored in Quiberon bay, with the Ulysses and convoy. Colonel Boyer, chief of the staff taken on the island, was immediately sent with a letter from the captain-general to the minister of the marine, and another from Commodore Cockburn to the same personage, stating the circumstances under which they had arrived. The boat which landed Colonel Boyer, in the Morbihan, brought a note from him, stating that an officer was waiting there for the arrival of the prisoners, with full powers to treat for their exchange. The word ‘treat’ was understood to conceal some chicanery, by which the enemy were to gain possession of their men, without returning ours. The capitulation of Martinique had been received in France previous to our arrival, or how should an officer have been ‘waiting for us with full powers?’ and had there been any honorable intention of fulfilling the treaty, an equal number of British prisoners would have been prepared to embark. ‘Treating’ had ended at Martinique before the men laid down their arms. We must therefore relate one more instance of the falsehood of Napoleon.
“Monsieur Redan, the commissioner, soon appeared, covered with sil-
