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
John Budd, private Marine, distinguished himself most signally
during the pursuit. He was attacked singly by four black
grenadiers, one of whom he killed with his first fire, wounded
another, when coolly awaiting a return from the other two, reloaded
his musquet, with which he shot a third, and bayoneted the fourth.
Afterwards turning to him who was wounded, he closed his destinies,
and throwing the remains of the whole over the rocks finished his
exploit by saying "This is the way I shall serve all traitors." The
conduct of John Lamswood, and Alexander Livingstone is also worthy
of notice; both were severely wounded, but they persevered in their
duty until the loss of blood, brought them to the ground. The
former received a ball in his mouth, which lodging in his throat,
was afterwards extracted by an able operation of Mr. Veitch,
Surgeon of the Saturn. I am authorized likewise to detail the
name of John Batt, private, whose alacrity, during these arduous
services, cheered his associates. As my scope is limited, I would
not detract from the merits of these corps, with which mine was
united. Theirs were such as to maintain their long established
reputation. Upon their return to Martinique, the whole detachment
met a mark of public recompence in those necessaries which they
had expended, and the Officers received the thanks of General
Johnstone, and of the Presidency of Dominique, which they had
probably saved from general revolt.
I wish I could close the year with a more gratifying topic than
that of insubordination, which first shewed its lurking spirit
in the Mediterranean, by the most daring acts. It broke out on
board the Gibraltar, whose crew chose to decide the propriety of
fulfilling or disobeying the orders for their future destination.
Attempts of violence were opposed by the noblest firmness in
Captain Johnstone and his gallant party on board, by whose
spirited and prompt exertions, with those of the Officers, good
order was restored, the flame stifled from spreading farther, and
the services of a brave squadron preserved to their Country at a
momentous crisis.
Two of the ringleaders suffered death; upon whose trials the
distinguished merits of the Marine detachment were apparent to the
Court, who gave testimony of their gratitude by inserting them upon
their records. The following communication bespoke, in suitable
terms, the very high sense which the Commander in Chief entertained
of their meritorious conduct, which was read throughout his fleet.
"Kent, Oristagni Bay, 4th November, 1802.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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