The public emergencies called for a very considerable addition to the Corps of Marines in 1779. Seventeen thousand three hundred and eighty-nine were voted, being an effective augmentation of 5560. Early in the year accounts were received of the capture of Pondicherry, by the united efforts of the Navy under Sir Edward Vernon, and a large force of European and Company's troops under Sir Hector Monro. After more than two months of very fatiguing duties, owing to the heavy rains, the siege was brought to that issue, which invited a general assault. The works having been much battered in every quarter of approach, three different attacks were meditated; against L'Hospital Bastion to the southward, the East face of the North West Bastion, and from the sea to the northward. These arrangements having been made, nearly 200 Seamen, and all the Marines of the squadron were landed on the 15th of October 1778, in order to have joined in the storm, which was to have taken place on the 17th. But Monsieur Bellecomb, who had hitherto defended himself with much obstinacy, dreading this event, proposed terms of surrender, which were accepted. Many were of opinion, that had he withstood the onset, its result would have been fatal to the British Army, from the extensive mines that he might have sprung. Admiral Byron, who arrived in the West Indies in the beginning of 1779, rendered our Naval force in that country superior to the enemy. He was foiled in every attempt to bring D'Estaing to an action, who kept close in Martinique. The English Admiral having gone to leeward, with a view to collect the homeward-bound at St. Kitt's, and to escort them, a small detachment of French troops took St. Vincent, after a very inadequate resistance; and the conquest of Grenada soon after followed, but under circumstances highly honourable to Lord Macartney and our arms. At this, D'Estaing, who united in himself the character of the Soldier and the Seaman, was present, and led a French column in storming the British lines upon Hospital Hill. These were carried, after a gallant defence, which led to the immediate surrender of the Island. Scarcely was this accomplished, when he was called to act upon another element by the approach of Admiral Byron, who, deceived by intelligence as to the French force, hastened down under a press of sail and in a scattered order. A general ardour pervaded all to close with the enemy, whose numbers could only be gradually perceived as they stretched out from the land. They were at last discovered to be far superior to the chacing fleet, when the advanced ships of it, led by Admiral Barrington, nobly seconded by Captain, now Lord Gardiner, in the Sultan, and Sawyer in the Boyne, had begun the battle. To these names may be added Captains Collingwood, Edwards, and Cornwallis, as having been highly distinguished on the 6th of July. Lieut. Jonah Veale, of Marines, was killed in this action, and Lieut. Richards wounded.