N.W., and at twelve o’clock the preconcerted signal was made; when Major-General Craig instantly put the forces on shore in motion, and at the same moment Commodore Blankett, with a detached squadron, got under weigh, whilst the armed boats preceded the march of the troops about five hundred yards, to prevent their being interrupted.
About one o’clock the ships, being abreast of an advanced post of two guns, fired a few shot, which induced those in charge to depart; and, on approaching a second post, of one gun and a howitzer, the effect was the same. On proceeding off the camp, the confusion was instantly manifest, although the distance from the squadron was greater than could have been wished; but the shallowness prevented a nearer approach. The ships having taken their stations in a very judicious manner, opened so brisk and well-directed a fire, as to compel the enemy to fly with the greatest precipitation; leaving to the assailants two heavy guns, one brass 6-pounder, and two howitzers. In this attack the squadron had only two men killed and five wounded. Five Dutch East Indiamen were found in the bay, and taken possession of; three of them from Batavia, with valuable cargoes on board, and two from Amsterdam, which had delivered their lading previous to the arrival of the British.
The next day the enemy endeavoured to regain the important position they had lost, having drawn out their whole force from Cape-Town, with eight field-pieces; but were every where repulsed. Upon this occasion the seamen and marines particularly distinguished themselves, and manoeuvred with a regularity that would not have discredited veteran troops.
From this period no material circumstance occurred till the 4th Sept. when the Vice-Admiral was joined by fourteen sail of Indiamen, having onboard a large body of troops, under the command of Major-General Alured Clark. Upon this accession of strength, it was determined to make an immediate attack upon Cape-Town; accordingly the troops, artillery, and stores, were landed with the greatest expedition; and on the morning of the 14th the army began its march, each man carrying four days’ provisions, and the volunteer seamen from the Indiamen dragging the guns through
