442
POST-CAPTAINS OF 1809.
tents. The powder left below was drowned, and the launch cut away, that she might not be serviceable to the enemy. At 7-50 we had every person up, and the ladders secured, when the Berwick 74 opened her fire within pistol-shot: at 8, the whole of the enemy’s squadron and gun-boats were in action, which was returned by Hood’s battery and Fort Diamond; the whole of the troops in the boats keeping up a heavy fire of musketry. It was a fortunate circumstance we quitted the lower works when we did, as our own stores hove down by the enemy’s shot would have killed and wounded the whole of us. I was now busily employed in placing the people on the different lodgments, with small arms, to harrass the enemy as they landed, and to cover themselves. I am happy to say that the execution done was considerable; for the fire of our men was so galling, that the seamen left their boats, excepting three men in each, who were shot dead, and three of the gun-boats went adrift. The whole of the enemy’s squadron were constantly employed during this day in bombarding the rock, as they could fetch in to windward of it. At night the whole of the men were posted on different lodgments, to harrass the enemy, as they threw in supplies and reinforcements: on the 1st, the enemy’s squadron constantly bombarding the rock, the fire from the troops much more spirited: on the 2d, the enemy’s squadron, reinforced by a brig, bombarding as before; the fire from the troops this day very severe, as they were covered by the overhanging rocks, and fired up as our men appeared. At four in the afternoon, on examining into our ammunition, I found we had but little powder left, and not a sufficient quantity of ball-cartridges to last until dark. Being firmly of opinion that the enemy meant to endeavour to carry the heights by assault that night, I thought it a duty I owed to those brave fellows who had so gallantly supported me during three days and two nights constant battle, to offer terms of capitulation; and having consulted my first Lieutenant, who was of the same opinion, at 4-30, the unhappiest moment of my life, I threw out a flag of truce, which returned at five, with honourable terms for the garrison, and the next morning we embarked on board the Pluton and Berwick. On the 4th we were sent to Barbadoes in a cartel, agreeable to the articles, except 14 men, whom they forcibly detained unknown to me, getting persons to swear they were French. I have written to Captain Kempt, agent for prisoners of war, stating the business, as well as their endeavouring to entice the whole of my crew to enter into their service; but, thank God! I trust no Englishman, let him be ever so bad, is base enough to do so. I beg leave to recommend in the strongest terms, the able and gallant support I received from my first Lieutenant, Mr. Robert Adams Wadham, whose services at different times in carrying despatches to Barbadoes, relating to the enemy, merit my warmest acknowledgments. I am also much indebted to Lieutenant Watson of the marines, for his active and able support. Those, Sir, were the only officers I had, but I needed not more, for the conduct of the whole of my people was so active, orderly and gallant, that I shall always reflect on it with pleasure to
