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
This little fortress disdaining to participate in that terror
which had disgraced the continent of Italy, afforded refuge to Mr.
Isaac Grant, English Vice Consul at Leghorn, and others of his
countrymen, who fled from our rapacious enemies on their entrance
into Tuscany. His example and precepts roused the natives to arms,
while the very females shared in the patriotic impulse of defending
their families and their Country, from those universal spoilers.
Mingled with its garrison, were Lieutenant Lawrence and his party
of Marines from the Pearl, whose animated efforts, during a long
series of six months fatigue and danger, are little known, but
were such as to entitle the whole to the highest praise. This
little force, by their constancy and courage, ever set the best of
examples, were always foremost on service, and stood to their post
and guns when the Tuscan and other foreign troops gave way. They
were likewise unremittingly useful in preparing shells, mounting
and transporting cannon, and in repairing their carriages, as well
as constructing works. Their knowledge of gunnery, acquired by
experience in a long siege, and their ambition to gain honor to
their corps and themselves, induced them to live in the batteries,
and the little sleep which they enjoyed, was by their cannon. Such
zealous perseverance impaired the healths of this brave detachment,
and if the place had not been relieved by other troops, Lieutenant
Lawrence and his faithful companions must have fallen victims to
incessant toil.
The merits of Colonel Airey, in the defence of Porto Ferrajo, were
great indeed. Nothing could surpass his cool judgment and spirited
exertions in foiling a very superior enemy in all their attempts.
The bravery and good conduct of Mr. Isaac Grant, in repeated
sallies, were eminently conspicuous. Few occasions have exhibited a
more manly patience, or a nobler stand.
Upon the 12th of September Sir John Warren appeared with his
squadron to relieve this brave garrison. He had previously given
an order to Captain John Richardson, of Marines, to act as Brigade
Major to Lieutenant Colonel Airey, and he was disembarked, as
well as Captain Johnstone, from the Gibraltar, 12 Subalterns, 17
Serjeants, 18 Corporals, 11 Drummers, and 390 Privates. A force of
240 Seamen was also landed under Captain Long of the Royal Navy.
Captain James Weir, (now on retirement), who commanded the Marines
at Malta, served in Porto Ferrajo at the head of a Maltese corps,
with distinguished reputation.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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