An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps, from its Original Institution down to the Present Era, 1803Gillespie, Alexander, Major
History
An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps, from its Original Institution down to the Present Era, 1803
Gillespie, Alexander, Major
Great Britain. Royal Marines -- History
The American Congress, with the notes of conciliation and peace
ever sounding within the walls of their House, had taken early
pains to interest the Canadians in the destinies of their
neighbours, by inflammatory addresses, and by artful and apposite
inferences drawn from the immortal writings of Montesquieu,
their Countryman, suited to their prejudices and their political
feelings. Having thus placed the train to a deep design, those wily
Continentals trusted to time in accomplishing its intended effects.
America soon availed herself of that enthusiasm which pervaded her
Citizens, to turn it to a purpose. Already had she disseminated her
doctrines over Canada, which she was determined to follow up with
her arms. Generals Montgomery and Schuyler headed the troops which
were destined to invade that Colony, who found many of the natives
either wavering or friendly to the infatuating name of Liberty.
After a series of successes in the capture of Forts Chamblee and
St. John's, the defeat of General Carleton, at Longueil, and the
surrender of Montreal, all in the Upper Province, the only hope
that remained of preserving Canada for the British Crown, centered
in the town of Quebec.
Within the defenceless walls of Montreal, was that brave and
valuable Officer, General Carleton, now Lord Dorchester. Feeling
the weight of his duties, and also conscious of his own importance,
at so perilous a crisis, he resolved upon escaping from its
impending surrender, which would have deprived his Country of his
services. The impulse was patriotically great, and the event was
happy. Committing himself, in the night, to a boat, with muffled
paddles, he escaped the vigilance of the rebel guards, and reached
the seat of his Government. Here he arrived in the hour of danger.
A co-operating expedition, under Mr. Arnold, against the Lower
Province of Canada, unequalled in military annals, for the
originality of plan, and boldness of execution, had threatened the
Capital, in the absence of its Governor. Without a distinct object
of reference, it would be useless attempting to delineate the
progressive advances of these daring invaders, from New England.
It is enough to say, that a body of Soldiers, ultimately
formidable, with their arms and other necessaries, traversed a
path, in many places hitherto untrodden by human steps, of upwards
170 miles, interspersed with thickets, precipices, and swamps, and
often obliged to carry, on their shoulders, the numerous batteaux
attached to their little Army. Such were their sufferings, that
many returned, but those, whom constancy supported in following
their Chief up to the walls of Quebec, merit the highest encomiums
which can be rendered to man for undaunted perseverance and steady
fidelity.
We may often derive the most impressive examples from our enemy,
and they ought never to be rejected. A British Soldier only needs
the recital of any deed, in order to rival it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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