integrity of his black pilot, resolved to attempt cutting her out; although he considered the enterprise so desperate, and so nearly a forlorn hope, that, for the sake of inspiring his men with more than usual enthusiasm, which the occasion required, he headed them himself in his full dress uniform, a circumstance which had more effect upon the gallant fellows than if their number had been doubled.
About midnight, this heroic officer left la Nereide, taking with him his three Lieutenants (John Burn, Thomas Lamb Polden Laugharne, and Henry Colins Deacon), two marine officers, and 100 men; but owing to the intricacy of the channel, it was full five hours before he reached the only spot where a landing could be effected; and even there the surf was half filling the boats when the French national schooner l’Estafette, of 4 brass guns and 15 men, including an enseigne de vaisseau, lying close to the shore, hailed, and gave the alarm. Both batteries, assisted by two field pieces, immediately played upon the place of debarkation, and the British had no sooner formed on the beach than they found themselves likewise exposed to a heavy fire of musketry. Their subsequent proceedings are thus described by Captain Willoughby, in his official letter to the senior officer off Port Louis, dated May 1, 1810:–
“As every officer knew before we landed what was to be done afterwards, the whole party was instantly upon the run, and in ten minutes in possession of the nearest battery: having spiked the guns (2 long 12-pounders), we moved towards the guard-house, protected by 2” (6-pounders) “field-pieces, 40 troops of the line, 26 artillery, and a strong party of militia, the whole commanded by Lieutenant Rockman, of the 18th regiment. This detachment, while we were taking the battery, had attacked and driven our boats into the centre of the harbour. Their opening fire upon us was the signal for charging; and, to my astonishment, they instantly gave way with a speed we could not equal: their officer, who deserved to command better soldiers, was taken prisoner, with his two field-pieces, which he was in the act of spiking.
“Hitherto twilight had hid our force: full day shewed to the enemy the Nereide’s small band of volunteers, consisting of 50 seamen, and the same number of marines. The strongest battery was still in their possession, to gain which it was necessary to pass the river Jacotel at the foot of a high hill covered with wood, and defended by the com-
