In Feb. 1800, Sir Charles Hamilton was appointed to the chief command on the coast of Africa, where three French fri-
strong squadron, and upwards of 17,000 troops hired from Russia to assist in the enterprise.
On the 12th Aug. the first division of troops, consisting of about 10,000 men, in about 200 transports, sailed for the enemy’s coast, escorted by a squadron of men of war, commanded by Vice-Admiral Mitchell. Contrary winds and very tempestuous weather prevented the fleet from reaching the point of debarkation until the 26th, on which day the whole of the vessels were anchored in safety; and on the following morning the troops were landed near the Helder, under cover of a warm and well-directed fire from the bombs, gun-brigs, and other small vessels. The enemy made but little opposition to the landing; but soon after a severe conflict ensued, which terminated in their complete discomfiture. This gave the British the entire possession of the whole neck of land between Kirk Down and the road leading to Alkmaar; on which General Daëndels finding himself cut off from the Helder, sent orders for the Governor to evacuate the fortress and join him. The next morning that important post, with all the shipping lying in the Nieuve Diep, and the naval magazine, were taken possession of by the British.
The falling of the Helder opened the Texel to the fleet; Vice-Admiral Mitchell therefore, lost no time in making the necessary dispositions for attacking that of the enemy, which was lying at anchor in a line at the red buoy, near the Vlieter; for this purpose he got under sail, and as his ships were standing in, despatched Captain Rennie, of the Victor sloop, with the following summons to the Dutch commander:
“Sir. I desire you will instantly hoist the flag of H.S.H. the Prince of Orange; if you do, you will immediately be considered as friends of the King of Great Britain, my most gracious Sovereign; otherwise take the consequence. Painful it will be to me for the loss of blood it may occasion; but the guilt will be on your own head.
“To Rear-Admiral Storey, or the Commander-in-Chief of the Dutch squadron.”
Captain Rennie, on his way, picked up a flag of truce with two Dutch officers, coming from their chief to Vice-Admiral Mitchell, whom he carried on board the Isis; after a few minutes conversation, at their earnest request, the British commander anchored in a line, a short distance from the enemy’s squadron; and sent the Dutchmen back to their Admiral, with positive orders not to alter the position of the ships, nor do any thing whatsoever to them, and in one hour to submit, or take the consequences. In less than the time prescribed, the same officers returned with a verbal message of submission, and bearing the following letter, containing Rear-Admiral Storey’s reasons for complying with the summons:
