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
Amidst the awful conflagration, and an incessant discharge from the
rebels, Captain Reynolds retained his intrinsic coolness. After
each had consulted his own safety, and no hope remained of stifling
the flames, he continued alone, alternately took off his coat,
waistcoat, and stock, placed them on the gangway, and committed
himself to the deep. Heaven interposed at this perilous moment,
and preserved a life, which was subsequently marked by the most
gallant deeds, and is still prolonged to justify the goodness of
Providence, by the display of every virtue that can adorn human
nature. Captain, at present Major General Barclay, of Marines, was
a companion in this trying scene, and was much distinguished for
his steady conduct. The Merlin was also destroyed.
This fatal attempt by sea, was alike disastrous on the part of
the Army. A well-concerted and bold attack upon Red Bank, by a
large Corps of Hessians, terminated in repulse and a heavy loss.
Unfortunate as was the issue of both, still each department well
merited a sprig of the laurel.
From the importance of the object, the views of our Commanders were
renewed against these strong posts. The exertions of the Officers
and Seamen of the Fleet were great, and toilsome in transporting
cannon and stores to a small morassy spot, named Province Island,
which would effectually disturb the enemy. Having opened fire from
it, and a fair breeze springing up, a well-digested plan of naval
attack was carried into effect.
Proceeding by different channels, the ships were brought against
various points of Mud Fort, and other branches of defence, upon the
15th of November, when, after a long destructive cannonade, the
rebels deserted it in the night. Captain Cornwallis, in the Isis,
shewed much judgment and spirit upon this occasion.
A detachment from the Army having been also directed against Red
Bank, the Americans hastily withdrew, after partly destroying the
works, but leaving their artillery and stores. They also set fire
to many of their vessels on the river.
Thus was a way, in some degree, opened for supplies to the troops
in Philadelphia.
General Washington, who had followed the Royal Army, remained in
its vicinity, but constantly resisted every effort in bringing him
to a general action.
The unhappy issue of the expedition under Lieutenant General
Burgoyne, previous to this era, threw a general damp, and
accelerated the decision of France in entering the list against
us. By apparent and occasional concessions, that insidious Power
observed a temporizing system, until she had attained the means of
following up her hostile views. So suspicious were her designs,
however, that considerable armaments continued to be carried on in
our ports.
During this period of national despondency, the towns of Liverpool
and Manchester nobly stepped forth in aid of their Country. Each
tendered 1000 men, which was accepted, and their patriotic example
was diffused throughout the land.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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