troops from the different camps to join at Berville, as the strongest situation. Every exertion was made to fortify this post in the best manner possible: across the narrow pass by which alone it could be approached by land, a strong breast-work was thrown up, with embrasures for six field-pieces; on the flanks, and immediately in the rear of this, another was thrown up; and in front of both, on the brow of the hill, a strong abbatis was formed. The enemy that landed at Bay Mahault soon possessed themselves of that place; they then marched on to the Gabarre, where they had nearly surrounded the royalists before they were able to make their retreat to the camp. The possession of the Gabarre afforded them an easy conveyance for guns, ammunition, cattle, &c. from Grande Terre, and they now made their appearance in sight of our camp. The enemy, who had landed on the opposite part of the island, as soon as day broke upon them, began their march to Petit Bourg. Lieutenant Colonel Drummond of the 43d regiment, with some convalescents from the hospital, and a party of royalists, advanced to meet them; but perceiving their great superiority of numbers, found it advisable to retreat through Petit Bourg, and took post at a battery upon the shore called Point Bacchus, between that village and Camp Berville. The enemy, on taking possession of Petit Bourg, exercised the most unheard of cruelties on the unfortunate sick in the hospitals, putting all they found to death; some of them were fortunate enough to be taken off by the boats belonging to the men of war lying there. Too much praise cannot be given to Captain Boyer[64] of the Assurance, for his humane exertions on this occasion. From the hospitals to the wharf was a continued scene of misery and horror, being strewed with the bodies of the sick, who were barbarously put to death as they were crawling to the shore, in hopes of being taken off by our boats. The next movement of the enemy was to Point Bacchus, where Colonel Drummond and his party, being surrounded, were made prisoners. The enemy keeping possession of this post, entirely cut off all communication between the camp and our shipping. They then proceeded to possess themselves of the surrounding heights, and formed a junction with the other party which landed at Bay Mahault; by which Camp Berville was completely surrounded on the land side. The utmost strength of Berville camp was now about two hundred and fifty regular troops, and three hundred royalists; but none of these could be called effective, being reduced to extremity by sickness and fatigue. The enemy instantly began to form batteries, one of which, on an eminence, in some measure commanded our camp. On the 29th of September, in the morning, the enemy in a large body attacked our advanced work; our field-pieces and musketry opened a heavy fire upon them, and an engagement ensued, which continued with equal fury for three hours; when, after having been charged the third time by our