approached the redoubt without the enemy being certain of their progress, and, under a very heavy fire, they arrived nearly at the same time at their points, rushed into their works, prevented more than two or three discharges of cannon being given, and with their bayonets drove the enemy down the steep hill which formed the rear of the work.[1]
“The judicious fire kept up from our batteries till the very moment of the attack, facilitated much the approach of the troops; and a false attack made by the Corsicans on Lieutenant-Colonel Moore’s right, served also to engage and distract the attention of the enemy, who were not aware of the extent of their danger[2]. The loss of the enemy, on the 16th and 17th, amount to upwards of 100 men killed and wounded, and 10 officers, including the commandant, and 60 men made prisoners, out of 550 that occupied the work[3].
“The enemy being now reduced to their last posts on the height of Fornelli, at about 400 yards distance, from which we were separated by a deep ravine, and fearing that their retreat would be cut off, abandoned them about midnight, crossed over to St. Fiorenzo, hauled off their frigates, and left us in possession of the tower and batteries of Fornelli, against which we otherwise must have placed cannon, and, in a delay of two or three days, probably have lost a number of men.”
Fornelli was taken possession of by the detachment of seamen under Lieutenant Gore.
“On the 19th, after taking measures for the march of the troops to the other side of the town, in order to cut off the enemy’s communication with Bastia, a summons was sent to St. Fiorenzo. In the afternoon, a negative answer was received; but, during the day, strong symptoms of a speedy evacuation were perceived.”
Lieutenant Gore had not been long in possession of Fornelli, when he discovered that the enemy were about to set their frigates on fire. He immediately sent off a report to
- ↑ One hundred seamen, armed with pikes, and commanded by Lieutenant Gore, entered the enemy’s works simultaneously with the royals, and at the head of the column of attack.
- ↑ About 1200 Corsicans, under General Paoli, occupied advanced posts, and covered the flanks of the British forces, during the siege of St. Fiorenzo.
- ↑ The Convention redoubt was originally an open battery, but by indefatigable labour, the enemy had converted it into a close work, mounting 6 twenty-four-pounders, 8 eighteens, 5 twelves, 1 brass nine, 2 sixes, 11 small brass guns, 4 12-inch mortars, and 4 6-inch howitzers. Of these, 7 guns, 10 gun-carriages, 1 howitzer and its carriage, and 2 mortars with their beds, were rendered unserviceable by shot and shells from the British batteries.
