valuable lives are saved to his Majesty’s service, having only two killed and one wounded. The enemy, from the nearest account I have been able to obtain, lost on shore 30 killed and 40 wounded, independent of the ships and boats: they also lost three gun-boats and two row-boats. Allow me to speak in the highest terms of the officers and men under my command; and I trust, when the court-martial shall have taken place, that their hardships, fatigue, and gallantry, will merit your lordship’s approbation, they having been nineteen nights under arms, and some of them obliged to drink their own water. I beg leave to enclose the articles of capitulation, and have the honor to remain, your lordship’s most obedient and humble servant,
“To the Right Hon. Viscount Nelson, &c. &c. &c.”
Articles of Capitulation, proposed by Captain Maurice, and accepted by the French Commander.
“1. – That the rock, with all its works, shall be delivered up entire.
“2. – That the garrison shall be allowed to march to the Queen’s battery, with drums beating and colours flying, and there lay down their arms.
“3. – That all private property shall be secured to the officers and men.
“4. – That the garrison shall be sent to Barbadoes, at the expence of the French nation; but not to serve till regularly exchanged.
“5. – That the garrison is capable of holding out a few days longer, and two hours are given for an answer, when hostilities will be re-commenced.”
“Sir,– I have received your letter of the 6th inst., acquainting me with the surrender of the Diamond Rock under your command, on the 2d of this month, to a squadron of the enemy’s ships and gun-boats, therein mentioned, together with the terms of capitulation which accompanied your said letter; in answer to which, while I regret the loss of the Diamond, I have no doubt that every exertion has been used by yourself and those under your command for its defence, and that its surrender has been occasioned from the circumstances you represent. It is particularly gratifying that so few lives were lost in the contest, and I have very fully to express my approbation of the terms of capitulation, as well as with your conduct personally, and that of the officers and men under your command, which I have to request you will be pleased to communicate to them. I am, &c.
“To Captain J. W. Maurice &c.”
