For nearly three years from this period, the Robust was attached to the Channel Fleet, without being engaged in any service requiring particular attention. In the autumn of 1798, she was again placed under the orders of Sir John Warren, who had been selected to command a detachment sent to the coast of Ireland, for the purpose of intercepting reinforcements and supplies, with which the French had agreed to furnish the mal-contents in that kingdom.
body of the Republican troops unmolested into the fort. The instant the alarm was given, the garrison was thrown into the greatest scene of confusion; several of the emigrant soldiers grounded their arms, and shouted Vive la Republique; others abandoned or massacred their officers; the few who remained faithful fought with great desperation, and did not surrender till after a bloody and dreadful conflict. The Emigrants, Chouans, and English in the fort, were about 10,000; most of whom were either killed or taken prisoners; among the number were the young Comte de Sombrieul, the Bishop of Dol, and several other emigrants of distinction, who were, contrary to the terms of capitulation agreed on by General le Moine, conducted by his orders to Nantz, where they were tried by a military tribunal, and sentenced to suffer death. The morning after this dreadful affair, the boats of the squadron with great difficulty brought off upwards of 2000 royalists, under cover of the frigates. Sir John Warren next proceeded to the islands of Hedic and Houat, of which he took possession without opposition. Having refreshed the troops, and left a sufficient number for their defence, with some ships of war to cover the retreat of the troops if necessary, he sailed to the attack of the island of Noirmoutier; but he here also found the Republicans so well prepared, that he was obliged to retire, after destroying two or three armed vessels, and then took possession of Isle Dieu, about five leagues to the southward of Noirmoutier. Soon after the Commodore’s arrival at this place, he was joined by the Jason frigate, Captain Stirling, having on board the Comte d’Artois, Duc de Bourbon, and several French noblemen. A fleet of transports also joined the squadron, with 4000 British troops on board, under the command of Major General Doyle, who were landed on the island with a great quantity of military stores, cloathing, &c. They remained here till the close of the year, when finding it utterly impracticable to attempt any further descent on the coast of France, they were re-embarked on board the transports and returned to England. Thus ended this unfortunate expedition, by which the nation is supposed to have lost near 40,000 stand of arms, with cloathing for as many men; besides an immense quantity of stores, ammunition, &c. Six transports that arrived in the evening previous to the storming of Fort Penthievre, laden with provisions of every sort for the army, fell into the hands of the enemy.
