division took post before Ter Verre[1], and joined in the attack of that place, throwing several cases of rockets into it with good effect; during the night a flag of truce was received, and the terms of capitulation agreed to and signed by Lieutenant-General Fraser and myself. On the 1st instant, the troops quitted Ter Verre, on their way to fort Raminekena, when we were constantly employed in the construction of works, and drawing heavy cannon, till it also capitulated on the 3d at night[2]. The detachment then proceeded to East Zouberg, and were employed day and night in cutting fascines, erecting batteries, and drawing heavy ordnance into them; the artillery horses being found inadequate to perform that service from the narrow roads, darkness of the night, and difficulty of driving clear of the ditches, into which they had thrown several 24-pounder guns and carriages. This important duty, from the heavy rains and soft muddy soil, was attended with the greatest difficulty and fatigue.
“After having assisted in mounting all the batteries, and otherwise completing them, on the 12th, General Sir Eyre. Coote honored me with the command of a new work just lined out for six 24-pounders; we made every possible exertion to complete it under a galling fire from the enemy’s ramparts, distant only 600 yards; during the day four were killed and one wounded in the battery. At sun-rise on the 14th, we opened a most destructive fire on the rampart and town in front of us, and in two hours every gun we could bear upon was silent. Our fire waa kept up incessantly until about 7 P.M., when I received an order to cease, as did all the other works. We immediately put the battery in a state for renewing the fire, if found necessary; and at nine we opened again by order, with still greater effect, and continued our fire until two o’clock, when we ceased, by order, the French General having agreed to capitulate on the basis of the garrison becoming prisoners of war. I cannot conclude this report, without assuring you that I have received every possible support from Captain Blarney, and the Lieutenants of the different ships under my orders } and I beg to recommend them to your attention and protection[3],”
- ↑ Camvere.
- ↑ The occupation of fort Ramraekens by the British, completed the investment of Flushing – Middleburgh, the capital of Walcheren, having previously surrendered. It also enabled the small armed vessels and gunboats to pass through the Slough into the Western Scheldt, for the purpose of preventing succours from reaching the enemy by the canal of Ghent.
- ↑ Lieutenants John Wyborn, ___ Nicholson, Eaton Travers, ___ Hilton, ___ Howell, ___ Medway, and ___ Hall.
