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 interval afforded the display of many instances of bold
intrepidity, amongst the individuals of the line and of my corps,
from the many sallies which were attempted by the active St.
Croix, during the course of it. One of these being aimed against
a post occupied by Captain Wright, of Marines, having under him
three Companies of his Corps, which was of peculiar importance,
this brave Officer, notwithstanding orders were given to retreat
from it, assumed a personal responsibility, and, well knowing its
consequence in the future operations of the Army, determined to
maintain it. He repulsed the enemy, and received the flattering
sanction of Brigadier General Howe, who, in the course of duty,
afterwards visited it, for has very resolute conduct.
Another conspicuous instance of this kind occurred in Lieutenant
Lachlan Cuthbert, of the Army, who evinced the greatest personal
courage, and though abandoned by his men, pointed and fired the
guns of a battery at which he commanded. Being soon supported, the
enemy were forced to retire with loss.
After an incessant cannonade, which had effected a large breach
sufficiently practicable to encourage a storm, preparations for it
were accordingly made; observing which, General St. Croix proposed
to capitulate, after a loss of 922 men within the walls of the
Citadel, upon the 7th of June.
In consequence of their gallant defence, honorable terms were
granted to the garrison, which was immediately shipped for France.
During the whole of this service, so highly creditable to our Army,
and to the corps of Marines, we have to recount 34 Officers, 30
Serjeants, 8 Drummers, and 710 Rank and File killed and wounded.
General Howe was amongst the latter, as well as Brigadier Carleton,
already mentioned.
Much unanimity between the naval and land forces prevailed, and the
nation had to look with equal gratitude, to both, for the happy
issue.
Major General Crawford being appointed Governor, and every thing
arranged, the troops that could be spared were afterwards embarked
for more distant duties.
The following orders were given out by the Commander in Chief to
the Army, sometime after the complete surrender of Belleisle:
"General Hodgson has the greatest pleasure to acquaint the Officers
and Soldiers under his command, with his Majesty's satisfaction
in the spirit, patience, and cheerfulness with which they have
sustained the fatigues of this siege."
Commodore Keppel in his public letter to the Right Honorable Mr.
Pitt, says, respecting the corps of Marines, "Major General Hodgson
by his constant approbation of the battalion of Marines landed
from the ships, and put under his command, gives me the pleasing
satisfaction of acquainting you of it, that his Majesty may be
informed of the goodness and spirited behaviour of that corps."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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