resumed the command in Chesapeake bay, to proceed with the Dragon, Regulus, and Brune, to the coast of Georgia, where he was joined by some other ships of war, having on board two companies of the 2d West India regiment. On the llth Jan. 1815, he took possession of Cumberland Island, without meeting any resistance; and passing from thence in boats to the main land, disembarked on the 13th at a small distance from the fort on Point Petre, which he entered after a sharp skirmish with the American riflemen, who had taken post in a jungle through which he had to pass on his way to the town of St. Mary’s. The result of this enterprise will be stated in our memoir of Captain Charles B. H. Ross[1].
Intelligence of peace between Great Britain and America having arrived at Cumberland Island soon after the capture of St, Mary’s, Captain Barrie was not called upon to give any farther proof of his prowess. “Whether it may be reserved to him to enjoy in security and peace the delightful intercourse of social life, or again to be called to vindicate the rights of his country, and to chastise the insolence of her enemies, he will carry with him,” said the highly respectable Chairman of his numerous friends assembled at a festive meeting which we are about to notice, “our best wishes for his health and prosperity – he will carry our well-grounded assurance, that in no hands can be more safely placed the honor and dignity of Great Britain.”
Previous to their separation, the Dragon’s officers presented Captain Barrie with a piece of plate, value 100 guineas, as a testimony of their sincere attachment; and on the 21st Dec. 1815, a public dinner was given at Preston, in commemoration of his professional services, and more especially those which he had recently rendered to his country on the coast of America. Among the company were several gallant officers who had served under him, and whose attachment had induced them to travel several hundred miles in order to join in this tribute of esteem conferred upon their favorite commander.
- ↑ Captain W. S. Badcock, of the Brune troop-ship, accompanied Captain Barrie in his expeditions to Rappahanock river and St. Mary’s, and displayed great gallantry on every occasion that offered.
