872
POST-CAPTAINS OF 1804.
assistance, which was readily granted; and by the end of the year, the whole territory of the Seven United Provinces was cleared of the enemy, with the exception of a few fortified places. The assistance contributed by Lord George Stuart towards the accomplishment of this desirable event, will be seen by the following extracts from his public letters to the late Admiral Sir William Young, under whom he had been for some time serving:
“Yesterday morning (Dec. 7, 1813) some pilots brought off a letter, from a gentleman who had been in the British service, requesting aid to drive the French from Zierick-zee[1]. I lost no time in working up, and anchored just out of gun-shot of a heavy battery, which totally commanded the passage. As it was necessary to pass in execution of your orders, I made the disposition for attacking it. I therefore collected 50 marines and 70 seamen from the Horatio, with the same number from the Amphion, with a determination of storming it from the rear, as soon as the tide would answer for the boats to leave the ship, which could not be till 9 P.M. During the interval, a deputation from the principal citizens came on board under a flag of truce, from the French General, requesting that, in order to save the effusion of blood, and prevent the disorders which were likely to ensue in the city, then in a state of insurrection, terms of capitulation should be granted, by which the French, with their baggage, should be allowed to withdraw and be conveyed to Bergen-opzoom: this I peremptorily refused, * * * and sent back the terms herewith enclosed[2]. The thickness of the weather prevented the deputation from quitting the ship before 10 P.M., which induced me to extend the time till midnight. I had not proceeded any considerable distance from the ship before the signal (3 guns), in token of submission, was made. I landed at the battery, which having secured, I went forward to the town, and found the native French had made their escape. I directed the seamen to remain at the gate, and entered with the marines, amidst the acclamations of an immense multitude. Proceeding to the town-hall, I was
- ↑ Zierick-zee is the capital of Schowen, an island of Zealand, lying between Goeree and North Beverland.
- ↑ “Sir,– With a view to spare the effusion of blood, as senior officer in command of H.B.M.’s forces, I feel it my duty, after the communication I have received, and the resources which I at present have, to summons you with the French officers and troops under your immediate command, to surrender prisoners of war. No other conditions will be admitted. I expect a decisive answer by 12 o’clock this night; my authority will not admit of the suspension of hostilities longer than that period.
(Signed)“G. Stuart.”
“To the French Commandant.”
