An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps, from its Original Institution down to the Present Era, 1803

CHAP. II. CHAP. II. U pon the death of King William III. whose royal memory must long be dear to Englishmen, Queen Anne ascended the British throne. Previous to this event, the seeds of a new war had been forming, which was proclaimed against France and Spain, upon the 4th day of May, 1702. The French King having advanced his grandson, the Duke of Anjou to the vacant Spanish monarchy, her Majesty espoused the interests and claims of the Archduke of Austria upon that sovereignty, and resolved upon sending a strong fleet into the Mediterranean, which was to become the theatre of their hostile efforts. One of the first acts of her reign was a revival of the corps of Marines, but they were placed upon a different footing from these that existed under her royal predecessor. Destined for the mingled and active services of co-operation with the well-trained forces of our allies, along with a new establishment, a new constitution was also requisite. Their meritorious conduct, as soldiers, in the subsequent duties that were allotted them, reflected honour upon their discipline and their country, and they shared in the royal thanks of Him whose cause they maintained, by their frequent debarkations upon the sea-coasts of France, Spain, and Italy. Her Majesty's order for levying this body of men was issued upon the first day of June, 1702, and runs thus: ANNE R. "Our pleasure is, that this establishment of six regiments of Marines, and six other regiments, for sea service , do commence and take place from the respective times of raising. And our farther pleasure is, That the order given by our dearest Brother the late King deceased, and such orders as are or shall be given by us touching the pay or entertainment of our said forces, or any of them, or any charges thereunto belonging, shall be duly complied with, and that no new charge be added to this establishment, without being communicated to our High Treasurer, or Commissioners of our Treasury for the time being. "Given at our Court at St. James's, first day of June in the first year of our reign. "By her Majesty's command, "Godolphin." I annex, also, the expences incurred by one regiment of this description, which will be a guide to the total charge for the whole of them. One Company, per day. per year. Field and Staff Officers . Colonel as Colonel £0 12 0 £219 0 0 Lieut. Col. as Lieut. Col. 0 7 0 127 15 0 Major as Major 0 5 0 91 5 0 Chaplain 0 6 8 121 13 4 Adjutant 0 4 0 73 0 0 Quartermaster 0 4 0 73 0 0 Chirurgeon 0 4 0 73 0 0 One Mate to ditto 0 2 6 45 12 6 ———— ———— £2 5 2 £824 5 10 ======= ======== One Company, per day. per year. Captain £0 8 0 £146 0 0 First Lieutenant 0 4 0 73 3 0 Second Lieutenant 0 3 0 54 15 0 2 Serjeants, each 1 s 6 d 0 3 0 54 15 0 3 Corporals, each 1 s 0 3 0 54 15 0 2 Drummers, each 1 s 0 2 0 36 10 0 59 Privates, each 8 d 1 19 4 717 16 8 ———— ————— £3 2 4 £1,137 11 8 ======= ========= Pay of 10 Comp. more of the like number and same rates 31 3 4 11,375 16 8 ———— —————— 34 5 8 £12,513 8 4 ======== =========== One Company of Grenadiers to complete this Regiment, as follows: 1 Captain £0 8 0 £146 0 0 1 First Lieutenant 0 4 0 73 0 0 1 Second Lieutenant 0 4 0 73 0 0 3 Serjeants, each 1 s 6 d 0 4 6 82 2 6 3 Corporals, each 1 s 0 3 0 54 15 0 59 Grenadiers, each 8 d 1 19 4 717 16 8 ———— ————— Total this Regiment 39 15 8 £14,520 18 4 ======== =========== Pay 5 Regiments more, at the same rates, &c. 198 18 4 72,604 11 8 ————— —————— Total for Marines £238 14 0 £87,125 10 0 ========= =========== The six regiments of Foot for sea service were exactly the same numbers and same denominations, excepting as to officers, who among these corps, were detailed as Ensigns instead of Second Lieutenants. Classed under one general head, the twelve regiments cost the public £238 14 0 per day , and £174,251 0 0 per year . The idea of this class of men being raised with a view of becoming a nursery for the Navy, seems to have been now relinquished, and the following articles for their government and conduct were framed, and adopted, by her Majesty in council, upon the 1st of July, 1702. 1st. They were to be employed on board her Majesty's ships as there should be occasion, and quartered at, or as near as might be to the dock-yards, when on shore, to guard them from embezzlements, or any attempts of an enemy. 2d. In all matters relating to their subsistence and clearings, when on board and on shore, they were to be paid in like manner as the land forces, and the same deductions to be made from them for clothing, and one day's pay, once a year, from each officer and soldier for the hospital. 3d. They were to be allowed an equal proportion of provisions with the seamen, without any deductions from their pay for the same. 4th. And to have the same allowance for short provisions (when circumstances render the issue of full allowance imprudent) as the seamen, to be paid to themselves, or their assigns. 5th. Such regiments, or parts of them as should be on shore, were to be mustered by a commissary or commissaries in the same manner as the land forces, excepting in this case, that they, the said commissaries, were obliged to allow at each muster on his or their rolls, all such officers and soldiers as should appear to him or them by authentic vouchers, or certificates, to be put on board any of her Majesty's ships or vessels, and that such part of the aforesaid regiments as should be at sea, might be paid while they were so, it was directed, That the commanding Marine Officer with them should, every two months, return to the Commissary General of the Musters a perfect list of all the officers and soldiers on board each ship, signed by himself, and all the Marine Officers, expressing the times of entry, death, and discharge of each man, that so the Commissary might compare the said lists with the monthly books sent to the Navy Office, and allow such of the officers and soldiers as should appear to him fit to be so allowed. 6th. To prevent confusion, not less than fifteen Marine Soldiers, and with them an Officer, were to be put on board a ship, at any one time, unless in cases of necessity. 7th. And for the ease of the whole a particular Pay-master was appointed, with power to solicit the arrears of the regiments, and to receive all sums of money from the Treasurer of the Navy; and immediately upon the receipt thereof, to issue the same to the respective Colonels, or their Agents; he was also required, diligently and carefully to adjust all accounts relating to the regiments, according to such muster rolls as should be delivered to him by the Commissary, or Commissaries; and those muster rolls were to be allowed of, as sufficient vouchers for the charges in the accounts, and for making out debentures and warrants. 8th. To enable the aforesaid Pay-master to keep an Office, and to defray the charge thereof, and of Clerks and other contingencies, he was allowed sixpence in the pound, pursuant to the subscription of the respective Colonels, which he had power to deduct out of all monies issued to him, in the same manner as the poundage was deducted from the land forces. 9th. For rendering such parts of the regiments as should be on shore the more useful, her Majesty declared it should be left to herself, or the High Admiral, to dispose of them at such places nearest to the several dock yards, as might be judged most convenient: And since there might be occasion for Labourers to dispatch necessary works, her Majesty empowered her High Admiral, or the Commissioners for executing that office, to cause to be employed in the aforesaid dock yards, so many of the Marine Soldiers as might be judged fitting, and to make them such daily allowance for the same, besides their ordinary pay, as to him or them should seem reasonable. Thus placed under the controul of the Lord High Admiral, he was pleased to nominate Brigadier General Seymour to superintend the whole; whose peculiar duties were to observe, that the men were comfortably quartered, that the officers were attentive in their respective departments, and that the Marine Soldiers, when embarked on board of ship, were supplied with proper sea clothes, and other suitable necessaries. During this reign also, a number of independent companies of Marines was raised for the express purpose of defending our different West India possessions, to which quarter they were sent, were embodied into three regiments, and where they remained many years. CHAP. III. I n order to pave the way for the cordial reception of King Charles the III. orders were sent to Sir Cloudesley Shovel, then commanding the British Fleet in the Mediterranean, to effect what he could by conciliation, or by conquest, amongst the different dependencies of the French and Spanish monarchies, previous to the arrival of the Royal Claimant. Throughout the whole of that Admiral's instructions, much dependence was placed upon the energies of the Marine Forces under his command, and they subsequently bore a conspicuous share of the mingled services that ensued, in the cause of the House of Austria. This circumstance may evince the very high estimation in which they were held as Soldiers, although nothing materially occurred either under the command of Sir Cloudesley Shovel, or during the currency of 1703. After many delays the Archduke arrived at Lisbon, with Sir George Rooke, upon the 25th day of February 1704, in order to concert a plan of future operations with his ally, the King of Portugal. The Admiral was enjoined to attempt nothing without the suggestion and assent of Both. The first enterprize was against Barcelona, whither they were invited by some deputies from Catalonia, and a few leading men in the city, who gave assurances that it would declare for Charles the III. if a shew of attack only was made. Here 1600 Marines were landed, at the request and under the command of the Prince of Hesse, upon the noon of the 19th of May. This force being inadequate for the purpose, it was next day re-embarked at the instance of his Highness. Listening to the wishes of their Majesties, in conformity with his instructions, the Admiral would have attempted Cadiz; but, upon deliberation, and that there was no army to co-operate, this idea was given up. They accordingly turned their thoughts to Gibraltar, where the Prince of Hesse was landed in the afternoon of the 21st of July, with 1800 British and Dutch Marines. Proceeding upon the decision of a Council of War, his Highness was to cut off all communication with the main land, to bombard and cannonade the place, and to reduce it to the obedience of the King of Spain. Having established his post at some mills then near the town, he sent a summons for the Governor to surrender; who answered, that all his garrison had taken an oath of allegiance to their lawful Sovereign, King Philip the V. and that as loyal and faithful subjects, they would die in its defence. The Admiral having directed a strong force to proceed against the south mole, the enemy were driven from their guns.—A number of boats manned and armed, were then detached under the gallant conduct of Capt. Whitaker, of the Navy, who soon obtained possession of the great platform; but about one hundred, whose impetuous bravery had carried them within the effects of a mine connected with the fort, were killed and wounded by its explosion. The rest, however, advancing most rapidly, gained a redoubt, half-way between the mole and the town. This attack being made upon a Sunday, almost the whole of the women belonging to the garrison, were performing their devotions in a chapel about four miles distant; so that the besieging forces were between them and their husbands and families. This circumstance hastened the fall of the place, for the citizens within strongly urged the Governor to capitulate; who being thus almost compelled to it, the Prince of Hesse, at the head of the Marines, marched in upon the evening of the 24th.—The garrison, indeed, was only composed of two skeleton regiments; but the strength of the fortifications, the number of cannon mounted being upwards of 100 pieces towards the sea, and the two narrow passes of approach from the land, would have rendered it formidable to an enemy who possessed not the dash of enterprize. Our loss, in the attempt, was 61 killed, and 206 wounded. In October of the same year, the Garrison, composed of Marines under the Prince of Hesse, sustained a siege by 7000 men. The purpose of the enemy was to have stormed from the south mole, united with the desperate attempt of a Spanish forlorn hope climbing the rock, and a general attack from the main land. Against very superior forces Gibraltar was maintained, until relieved by Sir John Leake, who reinforced the place with 2000 men. This Fortress, seated upon the territories of our natural foe, has long stood a monument of our naval power, which has oftener than once been especially devoted to relieve its wants; and has also afforded to the world, a brilliant instance of military defence under the late Lord Heathfield. Nothing worthy of notice occurred until the month of September 1705, when it was deemed essential by the Earl of Peterborough Commander in Chief, to attempt something worthy of our arms, and the service of the King. At the desire of his Lordship, a large body of Seamen and Marines were landed at Barcelona, who were auxiliary in the reduction of that important place, at which his Majesty was present. This city was destined to an attack from the enemy, early in 1706, whither Sir John Leake, having the Earl of Peterborough on board, proceeded in April. His Majesty, King Charles, who was then within its walls, very strongly urged the immediate debarkation of all our forces; upon which, 1400 land troops, and the Marines of the fleet, were on the 9th of April, sent to his aid. Their appearance was well timed, as the French had made a practicable breach, which they would otherwise have stormed upon the following day.—After repeated attempts they relaxed in their efforts, and many volunteers from the city, as well as peasants from the mountains pouring down in numbers, obliged them to raise the siege precipitately, upon the 11th.—After ten at night the enemy began to retreat; but first setting fire to their magazines, and placing matches to their mines. Many of the former, however, were preserved by the natives, and a number of the latter were extinguished by the soldiery. The morning's dawn presented their army retreating in disorder, and grievously harassed by our troops, and the enraged Catalans. An eclipse of the sun, followed by a total darkness about nine, suspended for a while every operation, which, when dissipated, the slaughter was renewed, till prudence recalled them from the carnage. The enemy's camp, with 100 brass cannon, and stores of every description, were the fruits of our efforts. Having thus relieved this important place, the fleet sailed upon the 18th of May, and landed the forces of every description, upon the coast of Valencia on the 25th. This was preparatory to the attack of Alicant, which was deemed almost impregnable.—Having been apprized that it was reinforced, and that a regular siege alone could reduce it, the idea was dropped for a time, and they proceeded against Carthagena, which immediately submitted; and where a garrison of 600 Marines under Major Hedges, who was appointed Governor of it , was established for its defence. An attempt upon Alicant was then resolved upon; but Brigadier Gorge having upon a close review of the place, and learning the resolute spirit of its Governor, Major General Mahoni, represented that not less than 3000 men were necessary to reduce it.—Having with him not more than 1450 troops, and he being of opinion that no dependence could be placed in the Spanish Militia, it was determined to withdraw the garrison of Marines from Carthagena, in order to assist in these active operations, and to put another in its stead. The fleet arrived off Alicant, upon the 26th of June, when a summons was forwarded to General Mahoni, who, like an Officer, answered, that he would hold out to the last. His force consisted of more than 1000 Soldiers, and many inhabitants of the town, who had volunteered in its defence. Brigadier Gorge having moved from Elche upon the 21st of July, where he had remained waiting for reinforcements, to within a mile of Alicant, all the Marines of the fleet, with 800 Seamen, were landed upon that day, and the following morning, and the bombardment commenced in the evening of the 22d. A detachment of the Naval force under Sir George Byng, rendered very essential service, by dismounting many of the enemy's guns opposed to the sea, and driving the men from them. Upon the 24th of July, the Marines arrived from Carthagena, and were immediately landed. Four days after, when the troops had gained possession of the suburbs, all the boats were manned and armed, in order to attack the town. On the 29th, the ships having made a practicable breach in the round tower, at the west end of the place, and another at the middle of the curtain, between the mole and the easternmost bastion, the Soldiers advanced to storm them. An Officer with fifteen Grenadiers rashly pushed on against the breach in the town, but were repulsed before they could be supported. Upon this occasion there were particularly distinguished, Captains Evans, Passenger, and Watkins, of the Royal Navy. Capt. Evans, at the head of a few of the boats crews, was the first to mount into the breach, and they were rapidly seconded by the whole forces, who, upon reaching the town, secured every post, with but little loss; there being only 30 killed, and 80 wounded, although the Spaniards had prepared for this event, by forcing temporary loop holes in their houses, from which they kept up a sharp fire upon our men as they approached. General Mahoni now retired into the Castle, and was again summoned by Brigadier Gorge; his answer was such as became him, and what might have been expected from his character. At this time the detached squadron had dismounted many of his guns, beat down a part of the walls, and his Garrison was extremely annoyed by shells from the bomb vessels. Composed chiefly of Neapolitans, they at last compelled the brave Mahoni to yield, who, from this cause alone, surrendered his charge, after a heavy loss, upon the 25th of August. Having adjusted every thing, the fleet proceeded to the Island of Ivica, where it arrived upon the 9th day of September. The Governor instantly saluted, and tendered submission and obedience to King Charles the III. It was afterwards resolved to attack Majorca, to the Viceroy of which a summons was sent in, upon the 14th of September. He, with some others in the interest of the Duke of Anjou, appeared resolute to defend themselves; but when a few shells were thrown into Palma, the capital, the inhabitants obliged him to retire to his palace, and there enter into terms. A Garrison of one Captain, one Lieutenant, and 100 Marines was placed here, and all the disaffected to our cause, were withdrawn from the island. Nothing farther, connected with my subject, appears on the face of the military transactions of this year. In the month of June, 1707, an opportunity presented of co-operating with the Duke of Savoy and Prince Eugene in an intended attack upon Toulon. Towards the close of it, the fleet proceeded for the coast of Italy, where it anchored upon the 28th, between Nice and Antibes, about a league from the Var.—A conference took place on the following day betwixt the Commanders in Chief, when it was decided, that a joint attack should be made upon a part of the enemy's army then entrenched upon that river, before they could be reinforced. These works being exposed to the fire of the ships, as they could stand within little more than musket shot, were hastily evacuated, and in less than an hour they were occupied by 600 Seamen and Marines. The passage was now open for the Duke of Savoy to prosecute his destination, while frigates were stationed along the different parts of the sea coast, in order to keep up a mutual communication. Having reached Toulon, every aid was afforded by the fleet both as to men and cannon, but the enemy daily augmenting his forces, and having made a successful sally, induced the raising of this siege upon the 10th of August, after a loss of more than a thousand men. One happy result arose from this attempt however, which was, that the French, under a sudden dread of consequences, sunk a number of their largest men of war, which were ever after unfit for service. King Charles having often urged the reduction of Sardinia, with a view to open a passage for his troops in Naples to attack Sicily, as well as on account of its sources of supply of all kinds of provisions for his armies, of which they were much in want, a body of Marines was drawn from Tarragona, a strong sea port and Garrison in Catalonia, to assist in this enterprize. Upon the 1st day of August, 1708, the whole arrived before Cagliari, the capital. Upon receiving a very equivocal answer to a summons sent in, the bombardment commenced that evening, and continued without intermission until next morning, when at the break of day, Major General Wills, and the whole of the Marines, with one Spanish regiment were landed. The place, in consequence, almost instantly surrendered. The whole having been re-embarked, the fleet again set sail, upon the 18th of August, for Minorca, and arrived at Port Mahon upon the 25th. At this period, two of the Marine Regiments were drafted, and both officers and men were incorporated with the other four, now employed upon this service. The measure was necessary, in order to supply the casualties that had occurred, and to render these corps effective.—For this purpose, all the Marines capable of duty, were drawn from a number of the fleet about to return home, as well as to assist in the reduction of an island, which, every officer conceived, would make a spirited and tedious defence. The first attack was against Fort Fornelle, which was cannonaded by two of the ships, and fell after a contest of four hours. A detachment having been pushed to Cittadello, the capital, it surrendered without resistance. The batteries were opened on the works defending the town of Port Mahon, upon the 17th of September, when, after a short but brisk fire, and the loss of only six men, a lodgment was effected under the very walls of St. Philip's Castle; and next day the enemy capitulated. Thus was this strong fortress, and important island, gained by a force of only 2400 men, while the garrison consisted of more than one thousand Soldiers, with upwards of 100 pieces of cannon mounted, and having every thing requisite for sustaining a long siege. Sir George Byng arrived at Lisbon upon the 14th of October, having her Majesty the Queen of Portugal on board, but, although many other objects of service were in contemplation, nothing farther was attempted during 1708. CHAP. IV. E arly in 1709, a plan was formed to attack Port Royal in the province of Nova Scotia, at that time in possession of the French.—For this purpose a body of 400 Marines was embarked, and the expedition was entrusted to the joint conduct of Colonel Nicholson of the land forces, and Captain Martin of the navy.—The squadron proceeded for Boston, where they were to be reinforced by some ships, and such provincial auxiliaries, as might be ready, or were necessary for this intended conquest. Here a Council of War was held, which arranged the future operations of a body, now consisting of 2000 men.—They reached their destination upon the 24th of September, and the proper ground for landing having been reconnoitred, the debarkation took place on the following day.—The enemy opened a heavy fire upon the boats from their guns and mortars, but with little effect. A bomb-vessel drifting up with the tide of flood within reach of the Fort, rendered important service during the two first days, which was spiritedly aided by the military exertions on shore. Upon the first day of October, the Governor of the Fortress having expressed an inclination to surrender upon terms, they were taken into consideration and agreed to. Here a Garrison of Marines was left. Having thus reduced the place, it was now named Annapolis Royal, in honor of her Majesty, under whose auspices it was conquered. CHAP. V. T he British Nation, ever true to its Allies, often has had cause to complain of a want of this reciprocal honour. Limited in my scope, it belongs not to me to develope errors, and far less to expose such as have arisen from high causes. But, in vindication of the military fame of my country and my corps, I have to regret, that the zealous and gallant services of both should have been unavailingly exerted in the unprosperous views of King Charles upon the Spanish monarchy. To the want of co-operation and unanimity must be ascribed the many chequered events, and reverses, that marked his royal efforts during this contest. Unsupported by his family, or his nation, whose immediate interests it must have been to place him effectively on that throne, he was exposed to many fatal disappointments when he could not remedy them, and was thus often obliged to adopt the measures of necessitous expediency, when he should have been enabled to prosecute the objects of an arranged system. Early in 1709, the town of Alicant became hard pressed, having sustained a long and obstinate siege against a very powerful force of the combined enemy. The garrison, composed in a great proportion of Marines, exhibited the most heroic perseverance in maintaining the place. Unable to reduce it, the besiegers attempted to undermine the rock upon which the Castle stood, of which they apprized its defenders; but this had no effect upon their resolution. A partial shock, which buried above twenty in its effects, did not intimidate them, and they bravely continued to defend themselves till the fleet, under Sir George Byng, appeared (I believe) on the 4th of April. General Stanhope, with the troops on board, were to have attempted its relief, under cover of a squadron that was at the same time to have attacked the enemy's lines along the sea shore; but a heavy gale coming on, and many of the ships being in shallow water, it was judged proper to stand farther out into the road. The weather continuing severe, and being unable to gain any intelligence as to the state of the garrison, the Commanders in Chief dreading the worst, and in pity to their sufferings, by a flag of truce, proposed terms of surrender, which being agreed to, the brave remnants were embarked on board of the fleet, which now proceeded to Tarragona, Port Mahon, and afterwards to Barcelona. During the remainder of this year, nothing farther was attempted by our squadrons, which, in their attached duties, were employed to harass the commerce of our foes, and to protect the convoys of provisions destined wherever necessary. Upon the 13th of March, 1710, Sir John Norris arrived at Port Mahon, as Commander in Chief of the Naval Forces. After having arranged every thing, transporting troops to the different quarters, where required, and some inferior attacks upon the enemy, he reached Barcelona upon the 18th of June, in order to concert future operations with his Majesty. An expedition was meditated against Cette, in the province of Languedoc, where the Troops and Marines were landed upon the 13th of July. The place made but a feeble resistance; and the fort, upon which eighteen pieces of cannon were mounted, surrendered the same day. Major General Seissau, then advancing against Adge with the regiment of Stanhope, and three hundred Marines, that town was delivered up without resistance. The Isle of Cette, however, was shortly afterwards recovered by the French army stationed in the province under the Duke de Roquelaure; but all our soldiers were previously re-embarked. Nothing further occurred in 1710, which is in any respect connected with my subject. CHAP. VI. E arly in 1711 it was resolved to attempt the town of Quebec, the capital of the French dominions in Canada, for which service Sir Hovenden Walker and General Hill were nominated as Commanders in Chief. A respectable force was appointed, and they were directed to proceed for Boston, in New England, there to arrange every thing necessary for this undertaking. They reached Nantasket, near Boston, upon the 24th of June, and having prepared the Provincial Corps, and withdrawn the Marines who garrisoned Annapolis Royal since its surrender, they sailed for the object of their destination, after many delays, upon the 30th of July. This attempt was rashly adopted, without examining the difficulties it involved. The urgent suggestions of the American Provinces first gave the idea, in order to get rid of a hostile and dangerous neighbour, but their energies were by no means adequate to the extent of their designs. A general ignorance of the navigation of the river St. Laurence very early exposed us to the loss of more than 800 brave men, who perished from this fatal cause, and these sad examples put a period to an expedition formed in misrepresentation, and conducted by incapacity. The whole squadron and forces returned to England on the 9th of October, after having left the provincial auxiliaries upon their own coast. CHAP. VII. S ir John Jennings arrived at Barcelona upon the 20th of March, 1711, in order to assume the command of the British Fleet. To watch the enemies ports, to distress their trade, and to keep open the communication of intelligence and supplies for the detached forces of our Allies, were all that he could now attempt in the tottering cause of King Charles the Third. About this time died Joseph, Emperor of Germany, whose bequeath of all his dominions to our Royal Competitor compensated for past struggles, and averted that blow to his pride which must soon have ensued from the desperate state of his affairs, by a total dereliction of his object. That event called upon him to fill the throne of his country; to obey which, his Majesty soon after embarked on board the English fleet, and was escorted to Italy. His Royal Consort still remained behind, with a view to inspire a motive for farther efforts, but the suspension of arms between Great Britain and France put a period to every active co-operation. The Empress, with her retinue, embarked at Barcelona, early in 1712, and landed at Genoa upon the 26th of March, from whence she prosecuted her journey towards the destined seat of her power. After a tedious negociation, the stages, or the detailed terms, of which it is not my task to retrace, peace was restored by the Treaty of Utrecht, on the 31st of March, 1713. We retained possession of Gibraltar, Minorca, and Nova Scotia; each conquered by our arms during the war, and in effecting all of which the Marine forces, established during the reign of Queen Anne, very essentially contributed. The extraordinary expences of this long war, notwithstanding its duration, did not much exceed forty-four millions, which, considering the immense forces kept on foot, and the subsidies granted to so many of the Continental Powers, appear but a small sum. CHAP. VIII. T he allowances made to the respective ranks on the Staff of the Army, which was employed in Spain and Portugal, and in which officers of Marines shared, when upon this service, and when acting in any one of the undermentioned capacities, were arranged by her Majesty in Council, previous to the expedition. General of the Horse and Commander in Chief per day £10 0 0 Three Aids de Camp, each 10 s 1 10 0 Lieutenant General 4 0 0 Two Aids de Camp, each 10 s 1 0 0 Two Major Generals, 2 l each 4 0 0 One Aid de Camp to each, 10 s 1 0 0 Three Brigadiers, each 1 l 10 s 4 10 0 Three Majors of Brigade, each 10 s 1 10 0 Quarter-master General 0 10 0 Adjutant General 0 10 0 Judge Advocate 0 10 0 Pay-master 0 5 6 Secretary to Commander in Chief 0 10 0 Chaplain to Commander in Chief 0 6 8 Physician to Commander in Chief 0 10 0 Chirurgeon to Commander in Chief 0 10 0 Provost Marshall 5 s and 6 men, each 3 s 1 3 0 Waggon Master 0 3 0 ————— Daily amount £32 8 2 ========== And for Contingencies upon Account, the sum of £6000. "By her Majesty's command, "Godolphin." Established 1st June, 1702. The death of the Lord High Admiral, in a retrospective view, also produced some trivial reforms in the constitution of the Marine Regiments, which were accomplished under the auspices of the same ministry that had framed their original regulations. Some existing abuses were, I believe, the pretext for this change, as the Commissaries, after the decease of the Royal Consort, were enjoined to transmit their accounts, and otherwise correspond with the Secretary at War, upon the subject of these establishments. Many omissions seem to have prevailed in making regular returns from the different detachments, necessarily extended over every quarter of the globe, which first arising from individual neglect, ultimately retarded the proceedings of the Commissioners, who were appointed to investigate the national expenditure, at the close of the war. The following is their report upon this head: "Soon after the commencement of our Commission, we required Mr. Whitfield, late Pay-master of the Marines, to lay the accompts of these Regiments before us; which after many delays he did, but in a very imperfect manner. "We insisted upon a more distinct accompt, whereupon he, (being very ill) sent his chief Clerk Mr. Sizer to us, who deposed, that the accompts could not be made more perfect without muster rolls, which Mr. Lynn the Commissary had not returned. "In answer to this, Mr. Lynn hath declared, that he could not make up the muster rolls farther than the 24th of December, 1709, for want of the ships books, and the certificates from the Agents of the Commissioners of the sick and wounded: which books and certificates could not be had from the distant parts of the service, till those employed there came to England. "These difficulties prevent our stating the accompts of the Marines, but it is obvious, that the expence of the Navy is increased by them. "For the Pay of 8000 Marines, according to the establishment, amounts to £128,133 5 0 per annum . "The Pay of 8000 ordinary Seamen, is £98,800 0 0 per annum . "The extraordinary charge therefore, is £29,333 5 0—and how far it may be thought necessary to continue Marines in time of peace, is humbly left to the judgment and determination of Parliament.—The next great expence to the public, is that of the Navy, &c." After the work of peace was accomplished, a great reduction of the forces took place, and the half-pay list for the year 1714, exhibits upon it the following Regiments of Marines:—The whole having been disbanded, and the officers thus remunerated. Lieutenant General Holl's, &c. [Here is a detailed list of Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Majors, Captains, 1st Lieutenants, 2d Lieutenants, Chaplain, Adjutant, Quarter-master, and Surgeon.] Major General Wills's do. Brigadier Borr's do. Lord Viscount Shannon's do. One Muster-master General, and Three Deputies. Tranquillity was scarcely restored to the nation, when it had to lament the loss of its Sovereign, who closed an amiable and a virtuous life upon the 1st day of August, 1714. The eyes and hearts of every Briton, who was capable of appreciating, and solicitous to maintain the blessings he enjoyed, naturally turned towards a successor, the recognized virtues of whose illustrious House, were the surest pledge of a continuance of their religious and civil liberties. Accordingly, the Crown was tendered to, and accepted by King George the First, whose wise and mild reign, amidst subsequent convulsions, fully realized every hope which the nation had formed. He had scarcely been seated on his throne, when a rival appeared, the unfortunate dupe of the hostile and ambitious designs of France, against his kingdoms. But the loyalty of his subjects, and the courage of his troops, defeated an attempt that must have renewed the evils which urged on a recent and a glorious Revolution. In the first year of his Majesty's Government, it was judged proper to grant a signal mark of royal favour, in consideration of the extensive and gallant services of the Marine Regiments. Accordingly, all the officers attached to those of Lieutenant General Holl, Major General Wills, and Brigadier Barr were restored to their rank and full pay, and were generally incorporated with the different corps of the line. Four invalid companies were also granted. A spirit of public œconomy, as well as of public jealousy against the very idea of a standing army, that existed during the æra of which I treat, preclude any retrospective details from me within the periods of 1715 and 1739—During those days the very name of a Marine Soldier carried within it hostility to British liberty. It was a term which the most enlightened could not comprehend, and afforded a handle of discussion to the leaders of parliamentary debates, and of popular prejudices. During the above interval, the nation encountered a short war, and was also placed in the attitude of preparation for a second—but the events of neither fall within my limited scope; as no force, except the nominal and unattached title of General of Marines existed, with four independent companies of invalids. It was not until 1739, upon the repetition of Spanish cruelties and aggression towards the industrious and defenceless subjects of Britain, that the system of Marine Regiments was renewed. The sword was again drawn upon the 19th of October of that year, and an Order of Council of the 12th of December, determined upon the immediate levy of six of this description. The Colonels who were nominated to command them were as follow: 1st. Edward Wolfe, esq. from 3d Foot Guards. 2d. William Robinson, esq. Lieutenant Colonel from Handyside's Regiment of Foot. 3d. Anthony Lowther, esq. from 2d. Foot Guards. 4th. John Wynyard, esq. from Colonel Tyrrel's Regiment of Foot. 5th. Charles Douglas, esq. from Colonel Howard's Regiment of Foot. 6th. Lewis Ducie Morton, esq. from 3d. Foot Guards. In order to render them immediately effective, and with a view to discipline them, five men from each company of the Regiments of Foot Guards, were appointed as Serjeants and Corporals, and mingled with the whole.—That they might also be rapidly completed, a bounty of one pound ten shillings was tendered to the first 1800 men of our regular army who should volunteer this transition of service. It was not long, by the use of such energies, before the whole were raised, and no part of the royal speech was more generally applauded than that which proposed this levy. The notion of their being an appendage to the standing army, seems to have been, at this time, considerably effaced, though the phantom was still kept alive by those who studiously search into and proclaim every apparent grievance. Early in the year 1740, three additional regiments were raised in America, and the Royal Standard was erected at New York, as the signal-post to which every volunteer Marine was to repair. It was supposed, that from climate, the natives of that Continent were better calculated for the service to which they were destined than the Europeans, and they were clothed in a manner well adapted for the future scene of their duties. The Colonels, Lieutenant-Colonels, Majors, and Subalterns, were appointed by the Crown, and the Captains of Companies were nominated by the American Provinces. Their uniform was camblet coats, brown linen waist-coats, and canvas trowsers. Colonel Spotiswood, of Virginia was Colonel Commandant of the whole. In January, 1740, the six Marine Regiments received an effective augmentation of 2040 men, and one Lieutenant to each Company. An addition also of twenty men was granted to each of the four Companies of Invalids, and another allowed to the retired Marine establishment. Previous to the sailing of Admiral Vernon for the West Indies, he, in an Address to the Duke of Newcastle, and in terms of an honest zeal for the public service, thus expresses himself upon the subject of Marine Soldiers: "I could wish, indeed, we had each of us a company of regular troops sent on board of us, which would have strengthened us in numbers, as well as had their expertness in handling their arms, to have incited our Seamen to the imitation of them. If we should come to a general war with France as well as Spain, I believe your Grace will have already perceived, from the difficulty of manning these ships as they are, the necessity there may be of converting most of our marching regiments into Marines; and if, as they become Seamen, they were admitted to be discharged as such, that would make a good nursery for breeding them, at a time we might probably find such a necessity for them. "As I have always looked upon our fleet as what must not only protect our trade, but secure us the blessings of a Protestant succession, your Grace will be so good as to excuse the overflowing of a sincere, though it may be an imprudent zeal; being strongly convinced in my own judgment, that preserving a superiority at sea is the best security of his Majesty's government, as well as the trade and prosperity of this kingdom." The above ideas seem principally drawn from that system which existed as to the Marine previous to the reign of Queen Anne, and what has been already noticed. The arguments also bear a similarity to those subsequently adopted by General Lloyd, whose Treatise I shall have a future occasion to quote. If the subordinate arrangements of a ship could allow of it, much benefit would ensue to the public service by a greater number of Marine Soldiers being added to the complement of each, instead of a set of men denominated wasters , who are partly composed of criminals that have compromised with the injured laws of their country, who rarely, even upon a stretch of years, become real seamen, and who, from their former habits of life, are too often the leaders of discord and insubordination. On the contrary, if the plan which is suggested were generally adopted, with such an additional force on board, capable of striking terror upon either element, not a British squadron would put to sea that must not be viewed by our enemies with a jealous eye; but what would keep their extensive coasts for ever on the alert, and by that rapidity and secrecy which are peculiar to all naval movements, objects might be effected, and conquests achieved that never were anticipated by the political surmises of our countrymen, or the intelligence of our foes. Many other weighty considerations might also be adduced to enforce this expedient, which more properly fall within discussion under a future detail of events. At no period of time was ever the voice of the nation more unanimous for war. The evidence of Captain Jenkins, before the House of Commons, stating his sufferings from Spanish cruelty, aroused the indignation of every member, and notwithstanding the pacific temper of the Minister of that day, and his powerful influence, all were anxious to vindicate the insulted honour of the nation. Before the declaration of hostilities, Admiral Vernon sailed for the West Indies, and arrived at Jamaica in the month of October, 1739. The aspect of public affairs previous to his leaving Europe, fully sanctioned immediate enterprize against the enemy. After taking in refreshments at Jamaica, and having embarked 200 Soldiers under Captain Newton, to serve as Marines, he shaped his course for Porto Bello, the destined object of his attack, and at that time the great mart for the wealthy commerce of Chili and Peru. The attempt was fraught with many apparent obstacles, but it was undertaken and performed with an unexampled spirit and promptitude, which are the surest means of success in military enterprize; but more particularly when it is aimed against the distant territories of an enemy. Upon the 21st of November, the attack was commenced by the ships in line of battle, against the Iron Castle, a strong fort of 22 guns, at the north point of the entrance into the harbour. The Spaniards flying from several parts of it, an instant debarkation of the Seamen and Marines was resolved on, from the Burford, Norwich, and Worcester, under cover of these ships. With the loss of only two killed, they effected a landing, when they compensated for the want of scaling ladders, by each man mounting upon the shoulders of another, and thus entering the embrazures.—This Fort was carried although no breach had been made, which indeed was almost impossible, against walls of 9 feet in thickness, and such as afterwards withstood for a while, the explosions of those mines that were used to raze them. This gallant beginning struck terror into the Garrison of Gloria Castle, and Jeronimo Fort, both which defended the town; the former had two regular bastions, and a curtain between them mounted with 22 guns, besides many more pointing towards the mouth of the harbour. Upon the 22d, an attack was intended against the whole, but the enemy hung out the white flag, a signal of surrender. Upon this occasion, Captain Downing of the Navy led the attack on the Iron Castle. After having landed, he very properly wished to form his men into some order for it. One brave but impetuous Sailor, disdaining such precautions, pushed on, who, on being ordered to halt, answered with an ingenuous oath, "Don't let us halt, Captain, till we are lamed." In this operation we sustained a loss of only twenty killed and wounded, while the enemy were lessened in their numbers by desertions into the country, and by action, nearly three hundred men. After destroying the fortifications, which from their strength required some time, the Admiral with his squadron sailed for Jamaica upon the 13th of December, and previously received from the Governor and inhabitants of the place the warmest acknowledgments for the humanity and generous treatment they had experienced. The bombardment of Carthagena, in February, 1740, and the attack upon Chagre (a fort situate upon the mouth of a river of that name, a little to the north-west of the Gulf of Darien), were all that could be performed before the arrival of reinforcements and supplies from Europe, now much wanted. The latter, surrendered, after a contest with the men of war and bomb-ketches, upon the 24th of March, when the Castle situated on a rock, and the Custom-house, under its protection, were demolished and burnt. The fleet afterwards returned to Porto Bello, and from thence to Jamaica. At this period considerable exertions were making at home, with a view to attack more effectually the Spanish possessions in South America, as well as their own coasts. A large number of men of war was assembled at Spithead, and Lord Cathcart, with six regiments of Marines, now considerably strengthened, with other forces, were encamped in the Isle of Wight, and continued in readiness for these intended services. It was not until the 26th of October that the fleet set sail from St. Helens for Jamaica, where they arrived in the month of January, 1741. The united forces which were embarked on board were Wentworth's, Harrison's, and Cavendish's regiments of Foot, with the six regiments of Marines already detailed. Unfortunately for his country, and that profession of which he was so bright an ornament, Lord Cathcart very early fell a victim to the climate, when the command devolved upon the Honourable Brigadier General Wentworth. The whole force sailed from Irish Bay, in Hispaniola, upon the 25th of February, 1741, consisting in all of one hundred and twenty-four sail, having been reinforced by two of the Marine regiments raised within the American provinces, and other levies which had been previously formed in those colonies. Upon the 4th of March, in the evening, the whole anchored in the Grand Playa, to windward of the town of Carthagena, the intended object of their attack. After the necessary arrangements, the fleet moved forward in two divisions, upon the 9th, to silence the different forts, as preparatory to the landing of the troops. After little more than one hour's cannonade, those of St. Jago and St. Philip were deserted by the enemy, when five hundred grenadiers made a descent under their walls, and took possession of them. Against the 15th, every soldier, with the tents, tools, artillery, and ordnance stores were landed, the ground was cleared, and an encampment formed. About this time, the Admiral being informed by General Wentworth that the army was much incommoded by a strong fascine battery on the opposite side of the harbour, called the Barradera side, he detached a number of boats, full of men, under the conduct of Captain Boscawen, having under him Captains Laws and Coats, of the navy. Upon no occasion was intrepidity ever more conspicuous, and that great man at this time gave an earnest of what his country might expect from him. In their approach they did not observe from its situation a small battery of five guns, but they soon remedied their error, by resolutely pushing on shore, and gaining possession, after a slight resistance. The enemy rousing a little from their surprise at the other, consisting of fifteen 24-pounders, opened their fire from two guns; but following up the same spirited course, the seamen, headed by their gallant leaders, advanced most rapidly, and carried this strong battery also. Here they spiked up all the guns, destroyed the platforms, and completely effected this important object with but little loss. The enemy, well knowing the value of this position, soon mounted two heavy cannon, which were again silenced by a ship ordered for that purpose. A third opportunity—and the same scene of action afforded a display of Naval courage, when six other guns were once more destroyed, with every appendage to them. These repeated efforts much aided the operations of the Army now employed in the reduction of the Castle of Bocca Chica. Upon the 25th of March, a practicable breach having been made in it, the general communicated his determination to storm it. Accordingly Admiral Vernon assembled all the boats, in order to co-operate, having landed their men within view of the enemy, where the fascine battery was fixed. This was a well-judged diversion; for when the grenadiers advanced to storm, at the hour appointed, they met no resistance, as the Spaniards fled without firing a shot. A panic had now seized the enemy, who set fire to one of their ships. Taking advantage of this state, the boats resolved to attempt the fort of St. Joseph, which was immediately evacuated. Being now within the boom thrown across the harbour, and the Dons, seeming determined to sink their ships, they judged it proper to row on, and soon boarded the Galicia, carrying the flag of the Spanish Admiral.—These obstructions being removed, the Admiral and the squadron, still with much difficulty, moved into the harbour. After various services, the Castle of Grande Castillo having been gained, and the enemy sunk all their men of war, farther preparations were made for landing the troops nearer the town, in order to cut off all communication with the main land. Our loss, up to the beginning of April, was two Colonels of Foot, one of Marines, with one Captain of the Royal Navy, besides other Officers slain, and upwards of four hundred of different descriptions killed and wounded. That mortality, which is the never-failing result of protracted operations in this inhospitable clime, now began its ravages. Matters were pushed on—the bomb-ketches on the 2d of April began to play upon the town, and the other passages of approach cleared from the ships sunk by the enemy, as being necessary for the disembarkation of the forces near the city. After these difficulties were removed, they were landed at the dawn of the 5th, under the command of General Wentworth, who, after a spirited contest, established his encampment within a mile of the fort of St. Lazar.—Things now drawing to extremities, it became necessary to forego the ceremonies of a regular siege, and, however hazardous, to rest the issue upon a storm. Accordingly, before day-break on the 9th, five hundred Grenadiers, supported by a thousand Marines, and some Jamaican levies, advanced against the enemy's lines in front of the fort. These were distantly followed by a body of Americans, with wool-packs, scaling ladders, and hand grenades. The Spaniards were entrenched to the shoulders, and their works over-awed by St. Lazar; but neither intimidated the gallant progress of our men, who, led by Brigadier General Guise, were much annoyed, suffering extremely from flanking fires, which they had not foreseen, and enduring a heavy loss before they could reach the object of their attack. The persevering and undaunted bravery of British Soldiers was never more displayed than on this day. They at last gained their point by intrepidly leaping into the entrenchments, and driving their enemies into the fort, which communicated by a draw-bridge with the lines. It was now those gallant fellows felt the precipitate errors of their superiors. The unarmed Americans in their rear, many of whom were killed without possessing the powers of resistance, dispersed, and threw away the charges committed to them. Three only did their duty, and with these scanty supplies, a bold effort to scale the walls of St. Lazar, was made by ten grenadiers, headed by a serjeant.—They mounted them, but being unsupported, were all cut to pieces, except him who saved himself by trusting his destinies to a headlong adventure. Cooped up within a narrow spot, exposed to the grapeshot and marksmen of the enemy above them, the situation of these brave remnants became desperate after the break of day. A retreat was now the only expedient left, which was accomplished under the countenance of a strong reinforcement from the camp, but under the effects of a galling fire from the fort. The Spaniards, however, did not dare to pursue a body of men, now weakened by loss, but covered with glory. Nearly seven hundred composed the list of killed and wounded upon this occasion. The future operations of the army ceased to be offensive, and their exertions necessarily became precautionary. Dissentions, with their arising results, delay and disease, accomplished what the enemy durst not attempt. It belongs not to me to enlarge upon either causes or effects in my limited detail, excepting where in either there may seem a tendency to involve the military character of those men whose memoirs and services I have undertaken to record. The Soldier may appear as often distinguished amidst misfortune, as the Citizen, though his country will render honours to the victorious alone, like the world, which, too often, confines its incense to the prosperous. It is a tribute due to the gallant subordinates of the fleet and land force to say, that, throughout their arduous duties, they evinced a courage and perseverance worthy of their country and their cause. While history is bound to publish truths, it never ought to extenuate the errors of any branches of its subject. By the 16th of April some hundreds became sick from exposure to the weather, the heavy rains that periodically set in about this time, and the scanty supplies of water; among whom were many of the principal officers. Upon the 23d and 24th, Councils of War were held, which decided upon an immediate re-embarkation. Captain Knowles of the Navy, who had throughout bore a distinguished part in the duties of an Engineer, was now entrusted with the demolition of Castillo Grande, which was with much labour completed on the 25th, and all the guns rendered unserviceable. The same was effected at Bocca Chica. Upon the whole, the Spaniards sustained a heavy loss, as appears from the following detail: Guns Bocca Chica Castle 80 Fort St. Joseph 20 Fort St. Philip 15 Fort St. Jago 6 Fascine batteries on Barradera side 20 Four men of war at Bocca Chica 332 Two batteries at Passe Cavalla 13 Castillo Grande 63 Port Mazinello 12 Seven galleons 128 Conqesadon and Dragon men of war 134 —— 723 ==== Such events to the enemy were for some time irretrievable, and long felt. The charges of repairing the different fortifications must have been prodigious, when we consider the strength with which they were constructed. Our loss upon the whole was undoubtedly great, being in all nearly two thousand men, and I annex a detail of the Officers of European Corps who were killed, died of the diseases incident to the climate, or of the wounds they received: Wentworth's Regiment of Foot. Killed Died Lieut. Colonel (Sandford) 1 0 Major 0 1 Captain 0 1 Lieutenants 9 5 Ensigns 0 2 —— —— 10 9 ==== ==== General Harrison's . Killed Died Lieut. Colonel (Daniel) 0 1 Captains 1 4 Capt. Lieutenant 0 1 Lieutenant 2 5 Ensigns 0 2 —— —— 3 13 ==== ==== Cavendish . Killed Died Lieut. Colonel (Grant) 1 1 (Hely) Captains 1 2 Lieutenants 1 2 Ensign 1 0 —— —— 4 5 ==== ==== Wolfe's Marines. Killed Died Major 0 1 (Watson) Captains 0 5 First Lieutenant 1 0 Second Lieutenant 0 1 —— —— 1 7 ==== ==== Douglas's Marines, (succeeded by Lt. Col. Cochran .) Killed Died Colonel (Douglas) 1 0 Captains 1 1 First Lieutenants 1 2 Second Lieutenants 0 1 —— —— 3 4 ==== ==== Lowther's Marines. Killed Died Captains 1 3 First Lieutenants 0 3 Second Lieutenants 1 1 —— —— 2 7 ==== ==== Robinson's Marines. Killed Died Lieut. Colonel (Thompson) 1 0 Captains 0 2 First Lieutenants 0 2 Second Lieutenants 1 0 —— —— 2 4 ==== ==== Wynyard's Marines. Killed Died Major (Hall) 0 1 Captains 1 2 Captain Lieutenant 0 1 First Lieutenants 0 6 Second Lieutenants 1 3 —— —— 2 13 ==== ==== Morton's Marines. Killed Died Colonel (Morton) 0 1 Lieut. Colonel (Blagrave) 0 1 Major (Macloed) 0 1 Captains 0 2 First Lieutenants 1 8 Second Lieutenants 0 2 —— —— 1 15 ==== ==== Being a total loss of nineteen Officers killed, and seventy-seven who died from disease or their wounds. The casualties of the other auxiliaries which were drawn from America, were not proportionate to the above, as they were better calculated for the climate; but the regiments of Marines were newly-raised levies, and by an erroneous policy, they were too early destined for a country, the air of which alone will always outdo the works of the sword. It is remarked, that young formed Corps are the worst adapted for it, as it is too sudden a transition of life with many who compose them, and are often strangers to that regulated system of discipline which, in establishing their comforts, secures their health. Upon no service, however, were men ever more distinguished for bravery, but all who ever visited these quarters of the globe well know, that its diseases will conquer and control the boldest minds. Every thing having been arranged, the fleet sailed for Jamaica upon the 6th of May, where they arrived upon the 19th, and found their reinforcements and supplies, of which they now stood in much need.

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