about half an hour, had the satisfaction of seeing the enemy’s colours hauled down.
Another fort in the harbour, and the ship, being the next objects of Captain Bligh’s attention, the Theseus entered the port with the assistance of the boats; and having fired a few shot at the ship of war, she also struck her colours, and proved to be la Sagesse, of 28 guns.
The Commandant, conceiving the place to be no longer tenable after the loss of the ship, and apprehensive of being exposed to the rage of the Blacks, whom he considered a merciless enemy, claimed British protection, and surrendered the fort and garrison at discretion. Having spiked the guns and destroyed the ammunition, the troops and inhabitants, many of whom were sickly, were embarked, and landed under a flag of truce at Cape François. Being informed by the prisoners that their General, Dumont, and his suite, had fallen into the hands of the Blacks, and that they were in the most imminent danger, Captain Bligh was induced, from motives of humanity, to solicit their pardon from the chief of the people; and he had the gratification of having his request immediately complied with.
On the 18th Nov. following, Cape François surrendered to the Blacks, who agreed to allow the French garrison ten days to complete the evacuation. On the 30th, the colours of the former were displayed at the forts, which induced the senior officer of the British squadron[1] to despatch Captain Bligh to ascertain the sentiments of their leader respecting the garrison. On entering the harbour, Captain Bligh met Commodore Barre, who entreated him to go on board one of the French frigates, and enter into some capitulation, which would have the effect of putting them under the protection of Great Britain, and prevent the Blacks from sinking the ships as they had threatened, and were preparing to do. With this request he immediately complied, and then hastened to inform General Dessalines that all the vessels in the harbour had sur-
- ↑ Captain John Loring, of the Bellerophon, who commanded the squadron employed in the blockade of St. Domingo, died at Fareham, in Hampshire, Nov. 9, 1808. He was a most zealous, brave, and humane officer. At the time of his demise he commanded the district of Sea Fencibles from Emsworth to Calshot.
