field[1]. An important service subsequently performed by Lieutenant Maurice, is thus described in a letter from the Commodore to Sir Evan Nepean, dated off Martinique, Nov. 26, 1803:
“Early this morning, as the Centaur was passing Cape de Salines, she was fired at, and several shot exchanged. I immediately directed Captain Maxwell to stand on far enough, so that by tacking we could fetch into Petite Ance d’Arlette, where we anchored, and landed the greater part of the marines under Captain Crozier, and forty seamen commanded by Lieutenants Maurice and Ayscough, to destroy it. On the first alarm the national guards had assembled to aid 14 cannoniers of the marine artillery, stationed in the battery; but by the rapid and active movements of the officers and men on this service, the enemy had not time to arrange themselves in defence of the narrow and steep path to the eminence, where was planted a brass 2-pounder; and on the approach of our men, they flew to the Morne, and 90 dispersed themselves in its thick woods, that only one cannonier fell into our hands. The battery, mounting six 24-pounders, was completely destroyed, and the guns, &c. thrown over the precipice; but, unfortunately, owing to the explosion of the magazine a little too soon, one seaman was killed, and Lieutenant Maurice, first of the Centaur, Captain Crozier, and Lieutenant Walker, R.M. with six men, wounded.”
For their gallantry on this occasion, Lieutenants Maurice and Ayscough were each presented with a sword value 50l., by the Patriotic Fund. A similar reward was also voted to Captain Crozier, and a sword of smaller value to his wounded subaltern.
Shortly after this event. Commodore Hood resolved to take possession of, and fortify, an almost impregnable rock, situated near Point Diamond, the S.W. end of Martinique; in order that he might be enabled more effectually to check the enemy’s coasting trade, as well as to prevent their cruisers passing through the narrow channel formed by the rock, and thereby effecting their escape when pursued, as he had witnessed in one remarkable instance, when serving as a Lieutenant of his uncle’s flag-ship, during the American war.
The altitude of the Diamond rock is 600 feet; its circumference about three-quarters of a mile. The south side is inaccessible, it being a flat steep, like a wall, sloping a little towards the top. The east side is likewise inaccessible, with an overhanging cave of great height. On the S.W. there are other caves of considerable magnitude, but perfectly impreg-
