charge a broadside in return to a shot fired athwart their bows by one of the British ships, and then to make the usual token of submission.
In this manner, la Surveillante frigate, the national brig, and one hospital-ship, came out, accompanied by three or four merchantmen, on the 30th Nov.; but owing to a sudden shift of the wind, the others were prevented from following them; and la Clorinde frigate, having grounded under Fort St. Joseph, at the entrance of the harbour, was in so desperate a situation that the light boats sent from the British squadron, to assist the French in removing out of the reach of Dessalines and his black adherents, were returning to their respective ships, supposing that nothing could save her from destruction.
At this critical period, the launch of the Hercule 74, which had just been hoisted out, was proceeding towards the harbour, under the command of Mr. Willoughby, who had removed to that ship on her being selected for the flag of Sir John T. Duckworth, in July 1803.
Anxious to rescue the numerous Frenchmen on board la Clorinde from the certain fate that awaited them, whether they remained in her or swam to the shore, (for no quarter was then given by either the blacks or their opponents); at the same time feeling it to be disgraceful to the character of the British navy not to make an effort in their behalf, this zealous officer took upon himself the whole responsibility, and instantly pulled towards the grounded frigate[1].
Finding, as he approached la Clorinde, that her side was crowded with troops ready to spring into the launch, and fearing that some disaster would happen if he took his boat alongside, Mr. Willoughby searched for, and after some time found a small punt, in which he proceeded to the frigate, resolved to put in practice every resource to save her passengers and crew, amounting, as he soon found, to at least 900 men, women, and helpless children.
- ↑ Mr. James erroneously states, that the Hercule’s launch was among the rearmost of the boats which left la Corinde to her fate. See Nav. Hist. Vol. iii, p. 302.
