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
The manly, daring, and enlightened mind of him who guided the
public measures, was never more conspicuous than in the extensive
plans which directed the operations of the present year. Superior
to the menaces of invasion, though still not despising them, he
did not limit the national energies to a system of self-defence,
but resolved upon carrying war and conquest against the distant
territories of our enemy. The spirit of Englishmen, thus roused,
kept pace with the bold views of Mr. Pitt, and while it has
convinced the world how invincible we are when knit together in the
bonds of union, let us imitate the examples of this happy period,
upon every return of public danger!
One of the most gallant single actions with which this contest was
marked, occurred in the West Indies, towards the close of 1758. It
is narrated by Captain Tyrrell, of the Buckingham, who fought it,
in all the honest simplicity of a British Seaman, and bears high
testimony to the gallant conduct of those under his command. This
gratifying tribute, when merited, should never be withheld from
the meanest, and it must ever honourably characterize the man who
bestows it. Falling in with the Florissant, of 74 guns, and two
heavy frigates, in his Majesty's Ship Buckingham, of 70, he bravely
engaged them and obliged the first to strike; but night coming on,
she availed herself of its darkness, made sail, and escaped from
her disabled antagonist. Speaking of my Corps, Capt. Tyrrell's
words are, "Capt. Troy, at the head of his Marines, performed
the service of a brave and gallant Officer, cleared the poop and
quarter-deck of the enemy, and drove her men like sheep down the
main deck."
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