Grande Chaloupe, six miles to the westward of the town, where the enemy were totally unprepared for an attack. The remainder of the squadron (when it was supposed the first landing was secured) immediately pushed for anchorage, and were followed by the transports. The weather, which, till now, had been favourable, began to change; the beach on that side of the island being steep and composed of large shingles, is generally of difficult access; but it was supposed, on reconnoitring it, that the landing was practicable, and Captain Willoughby of the Nereide, who undertook to superintend it, pushed off in a small prize schooner, with a party of seamen and a detachment of light troops, and with some of the boats which followed, effected a partial debarkation; but the surf still increasing, several were stove on the beach; it being, however, considered by the military commander of much importance to effect a landing at that point, a light transport was placed with great judgment by Lieutenant Lloyd, of the Boadicea, in order to act as a breakwater; but the stern cable parting, she only formed a momentary cover for a few boats; and notwithstanding every exertion of the skill and experience of Captain Willoughby, it was found necessary, at the close of the day, to relinquish any further attempts at that spot for the present. On this occasion two seamen and two soldiers were drowned; the party, however, maintained their ground, and took possession of the battery and post of St. Marie during the night. The Magicienne, commanded by Captain Curtis, and two transports, were now detached to support the brigade at Grande Chaloupe; but the former alone gained the anchorage, and landed the troops embarked in her. In the morning of the 8th, the beach still appearing unfavourable, Captain Rowley weighed and proceeded to the same place, where he put on shore the remainder of the troops, guns, &c, leaving the transports in charge of Captain Lambert, of the Iphigenia. Dispositions were now made for an attack upon St. Denis; but this was prevented by the appearance of an officer, who brought an offer from the governor to capitulate on honourable terms, which was agreed to, and on the 9th, the whole island submitted.
While the British were thus successful in the Isle of Bourbon, they experienced a reverse in a gallant attempt made
