mitting efforts that many of the unhappy Toulonese were indebted for an asylum.
In the Spring of 1794, Captain Elphinstone returned to England with the trade from the Mediterranean, and three French men of war, under his protection. On the 12th April, in the same year, he was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral, and soon after hoisted his flag on board the Barfleur, of 98 guns, in the Channel Fleet. On the 30th May he was created a K.B., as a reward for his distinguished merits.
In the month of January, 1795, hostilities being about to take place between Great Britain and the Batavian Republic[1], Sir George Keith Elphinstone shifted his flag to the Monarch of 74 guns, and sailed from Spithead, April 2d, for the Cape of Good Hope, having under his command a small squadron destined for the reduction of that settlement. On the 1st of June following he was advanced to the rank of Vice-Admiral.
Sir George arrived in Simon’s Bay early in July, and was there reinforced by several men of war and Indiamen, having on board a number of troops under the command of Major-General Craig. The Dutch Governor, M. van Sluyskin, rejecting the proposals which were made to him for putting the colony under the protection of Great Britain, in trust for the Prince of Orange, the necessary measures were taken to reduce the place by force.
The Dutch troops were entrenched in a strong position at Muyzenberg, distant six miles from Cape-Town, and well furnished with cannon, having a steep mountain on their right, and the sea on their left, difficult of approach on account of shallow water, with a high surf on the shore; but the absolute necessity of securing the post, made it obvious to the British Commanders that it ought to be attempted.
For this service the Vice-Admiral prepared a gunboat, and armed the launches of the fleet with heavy carronades, landed two battalions of seamen, about 1000 strong, in addition to 800 soldiers and marines, and sent ships frequently round the bay, to prevent suspicion of an attack, when any favourable opportunity might offer.
On the 7th of August a light breeze sprung up from the
