After cannon being landed, and the batteries opened during some days, they had produced but little effect upon the enemy's works; on which it was resolved to storm them with 150 Seamen and Marines, united with some loyal Irish, who were to be aided in their approach by a fire from the ships and the heights. Under this cover the assailants advanced at four in the morning, against walls 28 feet in height. To these they applied their scaling ladders, when the storming party, headed by two British Seamen, gained the top, and being instantly seconded, the Spaniards, paralysed at the daring act, begged for quarter. It is to be regretted that the name and local origin of _one_ intrepid Sailor, upon this occasion, should have been lost. Ascending with two cutlasses, he soon found an enemy almost asleep, whom he disdained to sacrifice: rousing him from his slumbers, he put one into the Spaniard's hand, telling him they were now equal. Whether from a dislike to the combat, or in gratitude for such generous conduct, the tender, however, was not accepted. The Commanders declined some offers of ransom made by the enemy which would have been highly advantageous to themselves; but they militated against their Country's interest. This conquest was obtained with a very trifling loss. Some valuable captures were brought into our ports during the year, and our Commerce was well protected. Sir James Wallace, by an exploit in Cancalle Bay, recalled to the public mind the deeds of former times, by the capture or destruction of three frigates under the French batteries. Lieutenant A. J. Field, of the Marines, still lives an instance of Providence, by an escape from the melancholy fate of too many of his shipmates in the Quebec frigate, which blew up in action with La Surveillante. In this, British valour would have ultimately triumphed; but it was obliged to yield to destiny. The most amiable manners, in union with a cool courage, were the predominant features of Captain Farmer's character. Captain Pearson, of the Serapis, ennobled himself by a brave defence against a much greater force, which assumes an historical importance, from its happy consequences in saving a large and valuable convoy entrusted to his care. An action was fought between his Majesty's ship Pearl and the Spanish frigate St. Ammonica, which very much signalized Captain, now Admiral George Montague, and in which Lieutenant Fowke, of Marines, was also distinguished. Nothing of attached moment farther, appears within the review of 1779. CHAP. XXXIV. In every war it has been evident that state necessity has required an annual increase to the establishment of Marines. Eighteen thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine were the number decreed for the service of 1780.