Extract from Beatson's Naval and Military Memoirs of Great Britain, vol. iv. p. 518-529. Upon the first alarm of the enemy being on the coast, General Prevost exerted himself to the utmost, to increase and strengthen the fortifications of the town of Savannah; and was most ably seconded in his operations, by Captain James Moncrieffe of the engineers, and Captain Henry of the navy. Orders were sent to the Hon. Lieutenant-Colonel Maitland, who was posted with a considerable detachment of troops at Beaufort, and to Captain Christian, of his Majesty's ship Vigilant, to repair as soon as possible to Savannah, with the troops, ships, and galleys, then at Port Royal island. Unfortunately, the express with these orders was intercepted by some of the rebel patrols; and, previous to the arrival of a second messenger, the enemy had time to seize on the principal communications between the two places. This rendered the junction of that detachment with the garrison, upon which alone any hope of defending Savannah could be reasonably founded, a matter extremely precarious, difficult, and dangerous. Happily, however, the abilities of Colonel Maitland, and the zeal of the troops under his command, powerfully aided by the professional skill of Lieutenant Goldesborough, of the navy, who was thoroughly acquainted with the various creeks, inlets, and cuts, with which the interior navigation of this country abounds, overcame every obstacle in their way. The battery at Tybee was destroyed; the leading marks for the bar were cut down; and the little naval force there was held in readiness to run up the river Savannah, as soon as the French fleet were seen making for the mouth of it. On the 9th, the whole of the French fleet anchored off the bar: and on the 10th, four frigates weighed and came to Tybee anchorage. M. d'Estaing had got from Charlestown, a large supply of small craft, into which he put his troops; and they proceeded into Ossabaw inlet, and made good the debarkation of their forces at Bowley, 13 miles from Savannah, under cover of four galleys. The French frigates prepared, at the same time, to advance up the river. Captain Henry and the naval department were employed, from the 10th to the 13th, in conveying to Savannah part of the guns and ammunition of the Rose and Fowey, in vessels which General Prevost had sent down for that purpose. On the 13th, both frigates being much lightened, sailed over the Mud-flat to Five Fathom Hole, from which the remainder of their guns and ammunition were conveyed up to the town, which is only three miles distant. The Comet galley, Keppel brig, and some armed vessels, were so placed as to cover the passage of Colonel Maitland, with the forces under his command, from Port Royal, through Wallscut. On the 14th and 15th, the seamen completed the important business of landing the cannon and ammunition from the ships and small vessels: and they were appointed to the different batteries, under the command of Captains Henry, Brown, and Fisher, of the navy. Some masters of transports, and the master of a privateer, with their men,[99] made voluntary offers of their service; as did Mr. Manley; merchant of Jamaica. Their offers were accepted; and they had their posts assigned them. The marines were incorporated with the grenadiers of the 60th regiment. On the 16th, the Compte d'Estaing sent a haughty letter to General Prevost, summoning him to surrender the place to his Most Christian Majesty: informing him, at the same time, that among the troops which he had the honour to command, was the detachment which had stormed the Hospital Hill at the Grenades. He begged leave to recal this to his memory; and assured him, that he gave him this notice from motives of humanity, in order to spare the shedding of human blood. General Prevost, on receiving this message, called a meeting of the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and Field-Officers in the garrison, who authorised him to say, that he declined surrendering on a general summons, without specific terms; but that, if such were proposed as he could with honour accept, he would then give his answer. This drew a reply from M. d'Estaing, in which he affirmed, that it was customary, not for besiegers, but for those who were besieged, to propose terms of capitulation; stated, that he had no objections to allow the General every indulgence consistent with his duty; and informed him that, as it was his intention next day to form a junction with the army of the United States of America, if his answer was not immediately ready, he must in future treat with General Lincoln and him. General Prevost, in return, demanded a cessation of hostilities for 24 hours; as a time absolutely necessary for deliberation, and for the discussion of various interests. Towards the evening of the 16th, the Compte d'Estaing returned an answer, in which he consented to this demand. The two armies joined on the 17th, and formed separate but contiguous encampments. It was during this parley, that the detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel Maitland, consisting of upwards of 1,000 men, arrived from Beaufort. The enemy well knew, how important it would be to their interests to prevent this junction; and for that purpose, had attempted an enterprise, which proved unsuccessful, by their pilots refusing to undertake to place the French frigates in the necessary stations, for enabling them to cut off Colonel Maitland's communication with Savannah. Of this circumstance the Colonel availed himself: and after undergoing immense fatigues, joined General Prevost in the evening of the 16th, with 500 men; and the remainder of his detachment arrived about noon the next day. As he found the enemy in possession of the ship-channel, the Colonel had been obliged to come round Dawfaskie, and land on the marshes; and after dragging his boats (empty) through a cut, got into the Savannah river above the French frigates, and from that came down to the town. A Council of War was held, in which it was determined to defend the place to the last extremity: and notice of this resolution was sent to the besieging Generals. To this M. d'Estaing returned an answer. Hostilities immediately recommenced: and the British tars could not refrain from giving three huzzas from their batteries. Both sides now exerted themselves with the utmost assiduity. When the town was first summoned, there were not above eight or ten guns mounted; but so indefatigable were the exertions of Captain Moncrieffe, the senior engineer in the place, in putting it in a proper state of defence, that, by adding the guns landed from the ships to those which were in store, he had, in the course of a few days, nearly 90 pieces of cannon ready to oppose to the enemy, as soon as their batteries should open. He had likewise erected many redoubts, batteries, and other works, to retard their progress. In all these operations, the soldiers and sailors, with the utmost cheerfulness, worked day and night in the face of hostile troops flushed with conquest: the enemy were greatly astonished at the activity of the garrison. From the accounts given to M. d'Estaing, of the situation of things at Savannah, he considered his success against it as certain. He had made repeated declarations to the Americans, that, as the season of the year was so far advanced, he could not remain more than ten or fifteen days on shore, lest his fleet should be injured on such a dangerous coast. The reinforcement which the garrison had received, reduced the besiegers to the alternative of either storming or besieging the town of Savannah. The latter plan was adopted, and they took their measures accordingly. As it was apprehended, that the enemy's ships might come too near the town, and annoy the rear of the British lines, Captain Moncrieffe had some fire-rafts prepared, and in readiness to act against them, if they should make the attempt. It was also judged expedient, in order effectually to prevent it, to sink a number of vessels to stop up the passage. As his Majesty's ship the Rose was in so very bad a condition, that, by the report of shipwrights lately employed to survey her, she could not swim above two months; as her guns, ammunition, and stores, had been landed; and as her weight would keep her across the channel, when lighter vessels might shift, owing to the rapidity of the current, and to the hardness of its sandy bottom, in which they could have little hold, Captain Henry selected her as a vessel proper to be sunk. The Savannah armed ship, and four transports, were also scuttled and sunk, and by these the channel was blocked up. Above the town several smaller vessels were sunk, and a boom was laid across the river, to prevent the enemy from sending down fire-rafts among the shipping, or landing troops in the British rear. Previous to the vessels being sunk, the Fowey, Keppel brig, Comet galley, and Germain provincial armed ship, were got up to the town: and the latter having guns, was placed off Yamairaw, to flank the lines. While the enemy's batteries were getting ready to play against the town, three French frigates advanced up the river to Mud-flat. One of them, having twelve-pounders, and two rebel galleys, carrying each two eighteen-pounders in their prows, anchored in Five Fathom Hole; from which one of the frigates sailed into the back river, with a design to cannonade the rear of the British lines. She fired a great number of shot; which, being at their utmost range, did no execution. The galleys advancing nearer, did some damage to the houses; but a few shot now and then from the river battery, made them keep a respectable distance. Two sallies, one of them on the 24th; commanded by Major Graham, of the 16th regiment; and another on the 27th, commanded by Major M'Arthur, of the 71st regiment; were admirably well conducted, did the enemy considerable mischief, and killed and wounded a great many of their best troops, while the loss on our side was very inconsiderable; In the first sally, Major Graham artfully drew the enemy into a snare, by which the French and the rebels fired on each other, and had near 50 men killed before the mistake was discovered. The batteries played on every place where the enemy were perceived to be at work; and more than once obliged them to discontinue their labour. It was the 3rd of October, before they opened any of their batteries: and then, about midnight they began to bombard from nine mortars of eight and ten inches, and continued the bombardment about two hours. At day-light, their fire commenced again from the nine mortars, and also from 37 pieces of cannon from the land side, and 16 from their shipping: and in this they persisted with little variation during several days. The execution done by this heavy fire, was much less than could have been imagined. It consisted in killing a few helpless women and children, and some few negroes and horses in the town, and on the common. On the 6th, the enemy threw some carcasses into the town, which burnt one wooden house: and about 11 o'clock, the General sent a letter, by a flag of truce, to M. d'Estaing, requesting permission to send the women and children out of the place, on board of ships and down the river, under the protection of a French ship of war, until the siege should be ended. After three hours, and a deal of intermediate cannon shot and shells, an insulting answer was returned by Messrs. Lincoln and d'Estaing, in which they refused to comply with this reasonable and humane demand. The garrison, undismayed by this brutal conduct on the part of their opponents, kept up a smart fire against them; and during the night were extremely busy in adding to their works, and in repairing such of them as had sustained damage. Thus things went on until the morning of the 9th; when, a little before day-break, after a heavy, and as usual, incessant cannonade and bombardment, the enemy attacked General Prevost's lines. The attack being upon the left of his centre, in front of the French; and very soon after, upon his left and right. It was yet dark, and the darkness was increased by a very thick fog, which made it impossible to determine with precision, where the real attack was to be made, or how many assaults were intended. No reinforcements therefore were sent; but every thing was kept in readiness for that purpose, and the troops waited with the greatest coolness in their different posts, for the approach of the enemy. Those in the lines were prepared to charge them, wherever they should attempt to penetrate: and the General had the greatest hopes, that the fire of the field artillery, which was placed to support the advanced redoubts, would enable him, while the enemy were entangled among these, to throw them into some confusion; and, perhaps, with a good prospect of success, to order his corps de reserve to sally forth and charge them. The ground toward both his flanks, owing to its natural defects, which the utmost efforts of Captain Moncrieffe had been unable effectually to remove, was but too favourable for an enemy. On the right was a swampy hollow, by which they could approach under cover to within fifty yards of his principal works, and in some places still nearer; and there, he supposed, that the rebels would make their assault. On the left, the approach was neither so well covered, nor of so great an extent as that on the right; but as it was sufficiently large to admit troops to act, as the ground was firm and clear, and as it was near their encampment, he expected that the French regulars would make their attack there: but in this he was mistaken. A real attack did take place there: but the principal attack, composed of the flower of the French and rebel armies, and led by the Compte d'Estaing in person, assisted by all the principal officers of both, was made upon his right. Under cover of the hollow, they advanced in three columns; but, owing to the darkness, took a wider circuit than they needed or intended to have done, and went deeper into the bog. These circumstances prevented them from beginning the attack so soon as they had concerted; and besides occasioning a loss of critical time, produced considerable disorder in their ranks. The attack, however, was very spirited, and for some time obstinately maintained; particularly at a redoubt on the Ebenezer road, which was a scene of hot action, great loss, and consummate bravery. Two stand of colours were actually planted, and several of the assailants killed upon the parapet; but they met so determined a resistance, that they could not, with all their efforts, force an entrance. It was now, that the skill and design of the defences raised by Captain Moncrieffe, were fully displayed; for, while the conflict was still dubious and bloody, the field-pieces, from three batteries which were manned by the sailors, took them in every direction, and made such havock in their ranks, that they were thrown into confusion, and compelled to make a pause. At this critical moment, Major Glacier, of the 60th regiment, with the grenadiers of that corps and the marines, advanced rapidly from the lines; in the most impetuous manner, charged the enemy with their fixed bayonets; and plunging among them, into the ditches and works, drove them, in an instant, from the ditches of the redoubt, and from a battery a little to the right of it. Following up the blow, they forced them to fly, in great confusion, over the abatis, and into the swamp. On this occasion, Captain Wickham, of the 2d battalion of the 60th grenadiers, greatly distinguished himself. When the grenadiers advanced, three companies of the second battalion of the 71st regiment were ordered to sustain them: and although they were posted at no considerable distance, and marched forward with the usual ardour of that corps, such was the rapidity with which the grenadiers had made their attack, and so precipitate was the enemy's retreat, that they could not come in for a share of the victory. One of the enemy's columns a little more to their left, in every attempt which it made to come out of the hollow, was repulsed by the brisk and well directed fire of a redoubt, where the militia were posted, aided by Hamilton's small corps of North Carolinians, who were on the right, and moved there with a field-piece to bear obliquely against it, while one of the seamen's batteries took it directly in flank. It was now day-light: but the fog was not sufficiently cleared off, to enable General Prevost to judge with any degree of certainty of the strength, disposition, or further intentions of the enemy on the right. On the left, and in the centre, the fog, with the addition of the smoke, was still impenetrably close: and a smart firing being still kept up there, the General thought it would be improper to draw from it a number of troops sufficient to make a respectable sortie. By these means, an opportunity was lost of taking complete advantage of the confusion of the enemy, by charging them in their retreat; but they did not get off without being severely cannonaded by the batteries and field-pieces, as long as they were in sight, or judged to be within reach. They were every where repulsed: and those on the left were only heard, being concealed from view by the thickness of the fog. Lieutenant-Colonel de Porbeck, of Weissenbeck's Hessian regiment, was field-officer of the right wing: and being in the redoubt when the attack began, had an opportunity, which he well improved, of signalizing himself in a most gallant manner. It would not be doing justice to the different corps who defended the redoubt, if we neglected to mention them. They were part of the South Carolina Royalists; and the light dragoons dismounted, and commanded (by special order) by Captain Tawae, a good and gallant officer, who nobly fell with his sword in the body of the third man he had killed with his own hand. The loss on the part of the British in this battle, consisted of one captain, and fifteen rank and file killed; one captain, three subalterns, and thirty-five rank and file wounded. The loss sustained by the enemy, as acknowledged by the French, was about a thousand or twelve hundred men killed and wounded; of these, they lost forty-four officers and seven hundred men: and the deserters, of whom there were a great many, all declared, that the loss on the part of the rebels was not less than four hundred men. Among the wounded was M. d'Estaing, (in two places) M. de Fontange, Major-General; and several others of distinction. Count Polaski, (who has been mentioned in the course of these Memoirs), a Colonel of cavalry in the rebel service, in making a desperate push at the British lines, was mortally wounded. About ten o'clock, the enemy requested a truce, and leave to bury their dead, and carry off their wounded men. This was granted for those who lay at a distance from the lines, or out of sight of them: but those within or near the abatis were interred by the British. Their numbers were on the right, two hundred and three; on the left, twenty-eight. One hundred and sixteen prisoners, most of them mortally wounded, were delivered to the enemy. To this loss, considerable of itself, must be added, the numbers buried by them, the numbers who perished in the swamp, and many who were carried off by them when they retreated. From this time to the 18th, nothing very material happened. Several flags of truce were sent during that period by the enemy, and a great deal of civility passed mutually between the French and British. Many apologies were made for their refusal to allow the women and children to be sent out of town: and the blame of this base conduct was laid, by a French Colonel, Compte O'Duin, entirely on the scoundrel Lincoln, and the Americans.[100] The offer was then made with great earnestness, that the ladies and children should be received by the Chevalier du Romain, on board of the Chimere; but the answer given to it was blunt and soldierly, that what had once been refused, and that in terms of insult, was not in any circumstances deemed worth acceptance. All the French officers seemed quite ashamed of this affair. As it was with them only, that the British had any intercourse after the repulse on the 9th, the sentiments of the Americans could not be so well known. But, as the letter was signed by d'Estaing, as well as by Lincoln, their imputing this harsh, cruel, and unprecedented refusal, entirely to the brutality of the American General, may serve to shew their consciousness, that it was altogether indefensible; but is by no means sufficient to exculpate the French Commander, from his share of the blame and disgrace, inseparable from it. An author,[101] who is extremely partial to the American cause, endeavours to defend this measure from motives of policy: "The combined army (says he) was so confident of success, that it was suspected, that the request of sending away the women and children, proceeded from a desire of secreting the plunder lately taken from the South Carolinians, and artfully covered under the specious veil of humanity. That the Commanders were suspicious, considering the stratagem Prevost had practised after being summoned, is not strange. It was also presumed, that a refusal would expedite a surrender." There does not seem to have been much cordiality between the French and Americans in this enterprise. M. d'Estaing would have been well pleased to have done the business without them, by summoning the place to surrender to his Most Christian Majesty. This, the latter took much amiss, as they considered themselves as principals, and the French only as auxiliaries: and for this piece of presumption, some concessions were made. When the time assigned by M. d'Estaing for this expedition had elapsed, and still more was required by the engineers, if it was expected that the garrison should be compelled to surrender by regular approaches, he became extremely impatient to bring matters to a quick decision, and urged giving the assault to the place. This measure, says Mr. Gordon, was forced on M. d'Estaing by his naval officers, who had remonstrated against his continuing to risk so valuable a fleet in its present unrepaired condition, on such a dangerous coast in the hurricane season; and at so great a distance from the shore, that it might be surprised. These remonstrances were enforced, by the probability of their being attacked by the British fleet completely repaired, with their full complement of men, soldiers, and artillery on board, when the ships of his Most Christian Majesty were weakened, by the absence of a considerable part of their crews, artillery, and officers, employed at the siege of Savannah. These reasons had great weight with M. d'Estaing: and he prevailed on General Lincoln to storm the place without farther loss of time. The Americans seemed to think, that by a little more patience and perseverance, the town must have submitted; as in a few days, the lines of the besiegers would have been carried quite close to the works of the besieged. Their allies, however, judged themselves to be in so critical a situation, that they acquiesced in M. d'Estaing's proposal; for, if the French had retired to their ships, the siege must have been raised, so that there remained only one alternative for them to adopt. The repulse which they had received, was not followed by mutual accusations of want of courage or conduct in either party; but the French, in all their conversations, spoke of the Americans with the greatest contempt. It was not perceived until the 18th, that the enemy had raised the siege; but, the fog clearing up in the morning of that day, it was found that they had moved off. For some days previous to this, they had been busy in drawing off their cannon and mortars, and in embarking their sick and wounded, of whom they had a great number. General Prevost immediately detached parties in pursuit of them; but they had got to such distance before it was discovered they had retreated, that they could not overtake them: the enemy in their march having broken down all the bridges. The French embarked in Augustine creek, and the rebels crossed the river Savannah, at Zubley's ferry, and got into South Carolina. The enemy's fleet quitted the coast on the 26th October, and their frigates and galleys on the 2d of November, as soon as an exchange of prisoners had taken place. The balance of prisoners was in the enemy's favour: for while they were off this coast, on the 11th of September, his Majesty's ship, Ariel, of 24 guns, was taken by the French frigate, the Amazon, of 36 guns; and besides taking the Experiment, they took also the Myrtle, navy victualler; and Champion, storeship. The last of these was a prize of considerable importance to them, for their fleet was very badly manned, their crews sickly, their ships in bad condition, short of anchors and cables, and no running rigging to reeve, but this ship afforded them a supply. She had been sent from New York, with naval stores for the ships and vessels, under the command of Captain Henry. No. II. Address from the Council and House of Representatives of St. Vincents to Lieut.-Col. Prevost, p. 7. "Sir, The Committee of His Majesty's Council, and of the Representatives of the Inhabitants of St. Vincents, deeply impressed with the many and eminent services you have rendered this colony, beg leave to offer their most grateful thanks to you, not only on their own account, but on that of the community at large. It might be irksome to you to minutely particularize these services: the Committee, however, cannot forbear mentioning your voluntary and unsolicited return to the defence of the Colony, and to participate in a most laborious and perilous war, against an inglorious enemy. Such zeal, Sir, strongly characterizes the soldier. The happy consequences to the public cause, although unfortunate to yourself, of your late gallant attack on the enemy's advanced post, demand the warmest acknowledgments, and the universal wish that you may speedily recover from your wounds, and that our gracious Sovereign may discern, and properly reward such distinguished merit. "10th March, 1796." No. III. Letter from the Duke of Portland to Brigadier-General Prevost, p. 7. "Whitehall, 29th April, 1801. "Sir, "The satisfactory manner in which you have conducted the Administration of Public Affairs in St. Lucie, and the representations made to the King in your behalf by the Members of the Court of Appeal, have induced His Majesty to appoint you Lieutenant-Governor of that Island. I transmit to you inclosed His Majesty's Commission; and I have only to add, that I am persuaded that your conduct in the administration of your Government will continue to justify the very flattering and favorable intentions of the Court of Appeal, to contribute to the support of the respectability of your civil station. "I am, Sir, "Your most obedient humble servant, (Signed) "Portland." No. IV.
Address to Brigadier-General Prevost from the Inhabitants of St. Lucie, p. 7. Les Habitans de l'Isle de St. Lucie, À Son Excellence Monsieur le Brigadier-GÉnÉral George Prevost, Lieut.-Gouverneur de cette Isle, &c. Monsieur le Gouverneur, Lorsque le paix, objet de tous ties voeux, fait rentrer l'Isle de Sainte Lucie sous la domination FranÇaise, c'est un hommage bien lÉgitime que de vous rendre au nom de tous les Colons un tÉmoignage public de l'amour, du respect, et de la reconnoissance que votre gouvernement doux et paternel, et votre sage administration, ont fait naÎtre dans tous les coeurs. Les avantages sans nombre dont vous avez fait jouir la Colonie, depuis que vous en avez pris le Commandement, l'attachent hautement. En effet, M. le Gouverneur, l'amour constant que vous avez manifestÉ pour le bien public; les soins infinies que tous avez pris pour rendre et faire rendre la justice dans un tems oÙ toutes les loix Étaient en oubli; le zÈle infatigable avec lequel vous tous Êtes occupÉ des discussions des intÊrets des Colons; votre gouvernement paternel, qui, en vous conciliant tous les esprits, À detruit les divisions qui pouvaient exciter, a fait regner l'union et la concorde parmi les habitans, et a fait renaÎtre la confiance, et la prospÉritÉ. Enfin, votre gouvernement tutelair, qui a fait chÉrir l'authoritÉ de sa MajestÉ dans la votre, sont autant de bienfaits dont vous avez fait jouir les habitans de la Colonie, et dont ils conserveront Éternellement le souvenir. Mais il en Était un plus grand que le zÈle et l'amour du bien public, qui vous animaient, reservoit À la Colonie; c'est votre sollicitude paternelle qui a emploiÉ et obtenue, pour nous, de sa MajestÉ, qu'elle nous rendit nos loix, non tribunaux, nos magistrats, c'est-À-dire, le tÉmoignage le plus convainÇant qu'elle prÉferait au droit de nous traiter comme un peuple conquis, la douceur de nous adopter pour ses enfans, et de nous rendre les objets de sa tendresse. Nous en sommes tellement convaincus, M. le Gouverneur, que nos infortunes ont ÉtÉ adoucis, et que nous en avons ressentis les plus grands effets. Le bonheur, la tranquillitÉ et la prospÉritÉ dont les habitans de la Colonie out jouis jusqu'À present, ils les tiennent de la bontÉ du Roi, et de votre administration paternelle, M. le Gouverneur; et si notre reconnoissance ne trouve pas d'expressions assez forte pour vous peindre aussi vivement que nous le sentons, notre admiration pour vos talens, notre vÉnÉration pour vos vertus, et notre amour profonde pour votre personne,—daignez permettre que la Colonie vous prÉsente, comme un foible tÉmoignage, une ÉpÉe, sur la lame de laquelle seront gravÉ ces mots:—La Colonie de St. Lucie reconnoissante. Jouissez, M. le Gouverneur, du bien que vous avez fait À la Colonie; et les voeux des Colons pour votre gloire et votre bonheur vous suivront À votre patrie. No. V. Letters from Sir Thomas Trigge, Commander of the Forces in the West Indies, p. 7. "Sir, "I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th inst., and feel very great regret, that your state of health is such as to render your returning to England necessary, by that means depriving His Majesty and myself of your services in this country. You may rely I shall not fail to express my sentiments on this subject when I write home, as in rendering this tribute of justice to your character, I shall discharge the most pleasing and gratifying part of my duty. I beg you will be pleased to signify to the council, that in consequence of your absence, I have appointed Brigadier-General G. H. Vansittart, to succeed to the civil and military command of the Island of St. Lucie, per interim, in order that he may be recognised accordingly, and take upon him the functions and authorities of that situation. "I have now, Sir, to take my leave, and to offer my best wishes for your welfare and happiness; entertaining the firmest hope and assurance, that you will meet on your arrival in England those marks of approbation, which in every instance you have so highly and eminently merited. "With sentiments of the purest esteem and regard, I have the honor to be, Sir, "Your most obedient and faithful humble servant, (Signed) Thos. Trigge, Lieut.-General." Sir Thomas Trigge to Colonel Brownrigg. "Sir, "The return of Brigadier-General Prevost to England, calls on me to express to His Royal Highness, the Commander-in-Chief, the opinion with which his conduct has impressed me, both in his civil and military capacities during his command in the island of St. Lucie, as, did I fail to point out those officers who are deserving of His Royal Highness's countenance and support, I should be as wanting in justice to the individual, as deficient in point of duty to the Commander-in-Chief. "I cannot but view with infinite regret Brigadier-General Prevost's departure from this country, as he has invariably conducted his command in the most satisfactory manner. The zeal and unremitting exertion which he has on every occasion shewn, and the exact attention which he has paid to the several duties of his situation, point him out as a distinguished and excellent officer, and whom it is my duty to recommend in the strongest terms to His Majesty, and to the Commander-in-Chief. "I have the honor to be, Sir, &c. &c. (Signed) "Thos. Trigge, Lieut.-General." No. VI. Account of the Capture of St. Lucie and Tobago, from the Annual Register for 1803, p. 8. "On the 22nd June, the island of St. Lucie was taken by General Grinfield and Commodore Head. The French Commander, General NaguÊs, refused to capitulate, and the expectation of approaching rains rendered it necessary to get possession of the Morne FortunÉe with as little delay as possible. It was therefore determined to attack it by storm; the defence was gallant; yet, by the determined bravery of the British soldiers and seamen, the works were carried in about half an hour, not without some loss, chiefly, among the officers. This conquest was of considerable importance as a naval station. The island as a colony is valuable, but the climate is unhealthy. "The British commanders lost no time in pursuing their victorious career; and on the 25th, they sailed for Tobago, which they reached on the 30th. It was defended by General Berthier, an officer of note in the French service; but being apprised of the number of the British, and of the gallantry they had displayed at St. Lucie, he did not think it prudent to risk an engagement. A capitulation was agreed to on the same day, upon the most liberal terms, the garrison marching out with the honours of war, and to be sent back to their native country."—Annual Register for 1803, p. 283. No. VII. Extract of a Letter from Major-Gen. Grinfield relative to the expedition against St. Lucie and Tobago, p. 8. "It is with real satisfaction I send you the enclosed extract from Colonel Clinton's letter to me." Extract of a Letter from Colonel Clinton to Lieutenant-General Grinfield, dated "Horse Guards, 3rd Sept. 1803. "This despatch, addressed to the Commander-in-Chief, bears testimony, in the handsomest terms, to the meritorious services of Brigadier-General Prevost; and to the zealous promptitude with which he left his government of Dominica, to fulfil your wishes. In reply, I am directed to acquaint you, that His Royal Highness is perfectly sensible of the zeal, which induced Brigadier-General Prevost to volunteer his service on the late occasion, under your command; a circumstance which redounds much to his credit; and which, on a proper opportunity, His Royal Highness will not fail to mention to His Majesty." Extract of a Letter from Lord Hobart to Brigadier-General Prevost. "I cannot omit to congratulate you upon the complete success of the expeditions against St. Lucie and Tobago, in which you were so actively and honourably engaged; and I have the satisfaction of acquainting you, that His Majesty has been graciously pleased to notice, with particular approbation, your conduct upon those services." No. VIII. Letter to Brigadier-General Prevost from General NaguÊs, p. 9. "Depuis la prise du Morne FortunÉ, je ne cease d'Éprouver de la part du GÉnÉral en Chef des Égards que j'aie dÛ attribuer À un caractÈre de loyautÉ qui se remarque des que l'on se trouve en rapport avec le GÉnÉral Grinfield. "Mais je n'ignore pas, GÉnÉral, qu'animÉ des mÊmes principes, je dois À vos dispositions particuliÈres une partie des precÉdÉs gÉnÉreux dont je me suis vu comblÉ. Avant de vous tÉmoigner toute ma reconnoissance, laissez moi, je vous prie, m'arrÊter sur un fait qui vous est personnel, je veux parler de l'humaine prÉvoyance que vous avez eue de placer, À votre arrivÉe au Morne, une Sauve Garde À l'hÔpital militaire pour la suretÉ de nos malades. Citer un pareil trait c'est assez dire pour le Guerrier qu'il honore et distingue. Je viens maintenant, GÉnÉral, aux sentimens que vous m'avez inspirÉ, et je vous prie de croire que je n'y mets point de reserve. Veuillez donc bien m'agrÉer l'hommage, et recevoir mes trÈs humbles salutations. (SignÉd) "NaguÊs."[102] "CasÉuge, le 6 Messidor, an 11." No. IX. Account of the Attack upon Dominica by a French Squadron, p. 9. "It may easily be supposed that much alarm prevailed at home, when it was known that two such formidable fleets[103] of the enemy were actually at sea, and which were aggravated by reports of strong detachments of the Brest fleet having also escaped, with a view to some grand combined exertion of the enemy. Where the blow was to fall, occupied the public mind. Malta, Brazil, the British West Indies—a general junction of the whole of the combined force of the enemy, in order to cover a descent upon Ireland. In short, every possible point of annoyance or attack was warmly agitated in the public mind. At length intelligence was received on the 6th May, from the British Commander-in-Chief of the forces in the windward and leeward islands, that Dominica had been attacked on the 22nd February preceding, by a French armament of one three-decker, and four other line of battle ships, three frigates, two brigs of war, and a schooner, with about 4,000 landmen on board. Brigadier-General Prevost, the Governor of the island, immediately made the best dispositions for its defence, and opposed, with the small force under his command, the landing of the French inch by inch. At length the whole of the enemy's force, consisting of 4,000 men, under the cover of the tremendous fire of the Majestueux, of 120 guns, four 74's, and the frigates, having landed, and having made such a disposition as threatened to cut off the retreat of the Governor, and his few remaining troops from the town and fort of Prince Ruperts, and thereby reduce the whole island; General Prevost, with the utmost promptitude and presence of mind, directed the regular force, under Captain O'Connell, to make a forced march across the island, and join him at Prince Ruperts; to which place he himself repaired attended only by his staff, and arrived in 24 hours: the troops also arriving there with their wounded, after four days continued march, through the most difficult country existing. The Governor immediately took the necessary precautions to place the fort in the best state, and his appearance was so formidable, that the French Commander-in-Chief, after having in vain summoned him to surrender, thought proper, after levying a contribution upon the inhabitants of Roseau, which town had been set on fire, in the moment of attack, and had suffered severely by the conflagration, on the 27th, to reimbark his whole force; and after hovering a day or two in the bay, and about the port of Prince Ruperts, made easy sail towards Guadaloupe. Throughout the whole of this transaction, the highest praise is due to the Governor, and the British troops under his command. At one period 200 of the latter were opposed to more than 2,000 of the enemy, and under the command of the gallant Major Nunn, who unfortunately received a mortal wound in the action, and subsequently under Captain O'Connell, succeeded in withstanding them for more than two hours, and then effected their retreat, after having made much slaughter of the invaders. Nor should the militia of the island be without their due share of praise, for their exemplary bravery and steadiness. Upon the whole it may be stated, with perfect propriety, in the words of General Myers, that in this affair, had not the town of Roseau been accidentally destroyed by fire, we should have little to regret, and much in which to exult."—Annual Register for 1805, p. 220. No. X. Public Despatches and Letters relative to the Attack of the French upon Dominica, in 1805, p. 9. From Lieut.-Gen. Sir William Myers to Earl Camden. "Barbadoes, March 9th. "My Lord, "I have the honour to enclose to your Lordship, a copy of a despatch from Brigadier-General Prevost, dated Dominica, 1st March. The details contained therein, are so highly reputable to the Brigadier-General, and the small portion of troops employed against so numerous an enemy, that I have great satisfaction in recommending that their gallant exertions may be laid before his Majesty: the zeal and talents manifested by the Brigadier-General, upon this occasion, it is my duty to present to his royal consideration, and, at the same time, I beg to be permitted to express the high sense I entertain of the distinguished bravery of His Majesty's troops, and the militia of the colony, employed upon that service. The vigorous resistance which the enemy have experienced, and the loss which they have sustained in this attack, must evince to them, that however inferior our numbers were on this occasion, British troops are not to be hostilely approached with impunity; and had not the town of Roseau been accidentally destroyed by fire, we should have little to regret, and much to exult in. Your Lordship will perceive by the returns, that our loss in men, compared to that of the enemy, is but trifling; but I have sincerely to lament that of Major Nunn, of the 1st West India regiment, whose wound is reported to be of a dangerous kind; he is an excellent man, and a meritorious officer. "I am, &c. (Signed) "W. Myers."
"Head-quarters, Prince Ruperts, Dominica, March 1st. "Sir, "About an hour before the dawn of day, on the 22nd ult. an alarm was fired at Scotshead, and soon after a cluster of ships was discovered off Roseau. As our light increased, I made out five large ships, three frigates, two brigs, and small craft, under British colours, a ship of three decks, carrying a flag at the mizen. The frigates ranged too close to Fort Young; I ordered them to be fired on, and soon after 19 large barges, full of troops, appeared coming from under the lee of the other ships, attended and protected by an armed schooner full of men, and seven other boats, carrying carronades. The English flag was lowered, and that of France hoisted. A landing was immediately attempted on my left flank, between the town of Roseau and the post of Cachecrow. The light infantry of the 1st West India regiment, were the first on the march to support Captain Serrant's company of militia, which, throughout the day, behaved with great gallantry. It was immediately supported by the grenadiers of the 46th regiment. The first boats were beat off, but the schooner and one of the brigs coming close in shore, to cover the landing, compelled our troops to occupy a better position, a defile leading to the town. At this moment I brought up the grenadiers of the St. George's regiment of militia, and soon after the remainder of the 46th, and gave over to Major Nunn these brave troops, with orders not to yield the enemy one inch of ground. Two field-pieces were brought into action for their support, under the command of Serjeant Creed, of the 46th regiment, manned by additional gunners and sailors. These guns, and a 24-pounder from Melville's battery, shook the French advancing column, by the execution they did. I sent two companies of the St. George's militia, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Constable, and a company of the 46th, to prevent the enemy from getting into the rear of the position occupied by Major Nunn. On my return, we found the Majestueux, of 120 guns, lying opposite to Fort Young, pouring into the town and batteries her broadsides, followed by the other 74's and frigates, doing the same. Some artillery, several captains of merchantmen, with their sailors, and the artillery-militia, manned five 24-pounders, and three 18's at the fort, and five 24's at Melville's battery, and returned an uninterrupted fire. From the first post red-hot shot were thrown. At about ten o'clock, a. m. Major Nunn, most unfortunately for His Majesty's service, whilst faithfully executing the orders I had given, was wounded, I fear mortally. This did not discourage the brave fellows. Captain O'Connell, of the 1st West India regiment, received the command and a wound almost at the same time; however, the last circumstance could not induce him to give up the honour of the first, and he continued in the field, animating his men, and resisting the repeated charges of the enemy, until about one o'clock, when he obliged the French to retire from their advanced position with great slaughter. "It is impossible for me to do justice to the merit of that officer. You will, I doubt not, favourably report his conduct to His Majesty, and, at the same time, that of Captain James, who commanded the 46th, and Captain Archibald Campbell, who commanded the grenadiers of the 46th. Foiled and beat off on the left, the right flank was attempted, and a considerable force was landed near Morne Daniel. The regulars not exceeding 200, employed on the left in opposing the advance of their columns, consisting of 2,000 men, could afford me no reinforcement; I had only the right wing of the St. George's regiment of militia to oppose them, of about 100 men. They attacked with spirit, but, unfortunately, the frigates stood in so close to the shore, to protect their disembarkation, that after receiving a destructive fire, they fled back and occupied the heights of Woodbridge Estate. Then it was that a column of the enemy marched up Morne Daniel, and stormed the redoubt, defended by a small detachment, which, after an obstinate resistance, they carried. On my left Captain O'Connell was gaining ground, notwithstanding a fresh supply of troops, and several field-pieces, which had been brought on shore by the enemy. I now observed a large column climbing the mountain to get in his rear. The town, which had been for some time in flames, was only protected by a light howitzer, and a six-pounder to the right, supported by part of the light company of St. George's regiment. The enemy's large ships in Woodbridge-bay out of the reach of my guns, my right flank gained, and my retreat to Prince Ruperts almost cut off, I determined on one attempt to keep the sovereignty of the island, which the excellent troops I had, warranted. I ordered the militia to remain at their posts, except such as were inclined to encounter more hardships and severe service; and Captain O'Connell, with the 46th under the command of Captain James, and the light company of the 1st West India regiment, were directed to make a forced march to Prince Ruperts. I then allowed the President to enter into terms for the town of Roseau; and demanded from the French general, that private property should be respected, and that no wanton or disgraceful pillage should be allowed. This done, only attended by Brigade-Major Prevost, and Deputy-Quarter-Master-General Hopley, of the militia forces, I crossed the island, and in 24 hours, with the aid of the inhabitants, and the exertions of the Caribs, I got to this garrison on the 23rd. After four days continued march, through the most difficult country, I might almost say, existing, Captain O'Connell joined me at Prince Ruperts, wounded himself, and bringing in his wounded, with a few of the royal artillery, and the precious remains of the 46th regiment, and the 1st West India light company. I had no sooner got into the fort, than I ordered cattle to be drove in, and took measures for getting a store of water from the river in the bay. I found my signals to Lieutenant-Colonel Broughton, from Roseau, made soon after the enemy had landed, had been received; and that in consequence, he had made the most judicious arrangements his garrison would allow of, for the defence of this important post. On the 25th, I received the letter of summons I have now the honour to transmit, from General of Division La Grange, and without delay, sent the reply you will find accompanying it. On the 27th the enemy's cruizers hovered about the head; however, the Centaur's tender (Vigilante) came in, and was saved by our guns. I landed Mr. Henderson, her commander, and his crew, to assist in the defence we were prepared to make. As far as can be collected, the enemy had about 4,000 men on board, and the whole of their force was compelled to disembark before they gained an inch of ground. I trust this despatch by Capt O'Connell, to whom I beg to refer you; his services entitle him to consideration. I am much indebted to the zeal and discernment of Foot-Adjutant Geraly, who was very accessary to the execution of my orders. I cannot pass unnoticed the very soldier-like conduct of Lieut. Wallis, of the 46th regiment, to whom I had entrusted the post of Cachearn or Scotshead; perceiving our retreat, he spiked his guns, destroyed his ammunition, and immediately commenced his march to join me at Prince Ruperts, with his detachment; nor that of Lieutenant Shaw of the same regiment, who acted as an officer of artillery, and behaved with uncommon coolness and judgment, whilst on the battery, and great presence of mind in securing the retreat of the additional gunners belonging to the 46th regiment. "On the 27th, after levying a contribution on Roseau, the enemy reimbarked, and hovered that day and the next about this port. This morning the French fleet is seen off the south end of Guadaloupe, under easy sail. Our loss you will perceive by the returns I have the honor to transmit, was inconsiderable, when compared with that acknowledged by the enemy, which included several officers of rank, and about 300 others. "Geo. Prevost." "P.S. As I find I cannot spare Captain O'Connell from[Pg xxviii] the duty of this garrison, I must refer you to the Master of a Montreal vessel, who has engaged to deliver this despatch." "Au Quartier-GÉnÉral au Roseau, le 5th Ventose, An 13. "Le GÉnÉral de Division Lagrange, Grand Officier de la LÉgion de l'Honneur, &c. &c. "Monsieur le GÉnÉral, "Avant de commencer les operations militaires contre le fort oÙ tous paraissez tous Être rÉtirÉ, je viens remplir une prÉalable autorisÉ et pratiquÉ, entre les nations civilisÉes. "Vous connoissez aussi bien, M. le GÉnÉral, votre position, et peut-Être mÊme, l'inutilitÉ d'une nouvelle Éffusion de sang; vous avez dÛ gÉmir en voyant le malheureux sort de la ville de Roseau; mon premier soin en y entrant a ÉtÉ de donner des ordres pour arrÊter l'incendie: mais par malheur le mal Était dejÀ trop grand. Le besoin en subsistence produit toujours des effete cruels, et le rÉsultat peut en Être calculÉ plus positivement que celui de toute autre chose. Ne fÛt-ce que cette consideration, elle est plus que suffisante sous la circonstance oÙ vous vous trouvez pour accepter les conditions honorables que je suis disposÉ À vous accorder, et soustraire ainsi par un arrangement les habitans intÉressants de cette colonie À des nouveaux malheurs presque toujours insÉparable des ÉvÉnemens de la guerre. Veuillez, M. le GÉnÉral, me faire connoÎtre bientÔt votre rÉponse; en attendant, recevez l'assurance de la haute consideration que j'ai pour vous. "J'ai l'honneur de vous saluer, (Signed) "Lagrange." "Head-Quarters, Prince Ruperts, Feb. 25th, 1805. "Sir, "I have had the honour to receive your letter. My duty to my King and country is so superior to every other consideration, that I have only to thank you for the observations you have been pleased to make on the often inevitable consequences of war. Give me leave, individually, to express the greatest gratitude for your humanity and kind treatment of my wife and children; at the same time to request a continuance thereof, not only to her and them, but towards every other object you may meet with. "I have the honor to be, &c. &c. (Signed) "G. Prevost." Copy of a Letter from Lord Camden. Downing Street, 18th May, 1805. "Sir, "Your letter to me of the 1st of March, containing your reports to Lieut.-General Sir William Myers, of the attack made by a French squadron with a considerable body of troops on the Island of Dominica, of the gallantry with which they were opposed, and of their retreat from that Island on the 27th February has been laid before the King. I have it in command from His Majesty to express his entire satisfaction in the judicious and brave exertions which you displayed in this emergency; and you will signify to the officers and men of the Regular and Militia forces under your command, His Majesty's entire approbation of their spirited and meritorious services. "I have honor to be, &c. &c. (Signed) "Camden." No. XI. Letter from His Royal Highness the Duke of York to the Earl of Camden, p. 9. "Horse Guards, Nov. 26th, 1805. "My dear Lord, "I have to acknowledge your lordship's letter of yesterday, recommending Major-General Prevost to my peculiar protection, from the military spirit and knowledge which he displayed in the late affair with the enemy at Dominica, and I request your lordship will be persuaded of the high sense I entertain of the services and exertions of Major-General Prevost, and that I shall be happy in availing myself of any opportunity to recommend him for a mark of His Majesty's favor. "I remain, my dear Lord, "Yours sincerely, "Frederick." "To the Earl of Camden, K. G. &c. &c. &c." No. XII. Letter from the Speaker of the House of Assembly of Dominica to General Prevost, p. 10. "Dominica, 17th May, 1805. "Sir, "I have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency, by desire of the House of Assembly, a copy of their Resolutions of the 2d instant, expressive of their thanks of your late gallant defence of the colony against a French force so very superior, and appropriating the sum of 1,000 guineas for the purchase of a Sword, and a service of Plate to be presented to you in testimony of their gratitude and approbation. It affords me a peculiar gratification to be the organ of the House on the present occasion, because I am thus furnished with an opportunity of expressing the high esteem I entertain for your Excellency's character, not only as a brave, judicious, and experienced officer, in which capacity your merit has long stood conspicuous, but as a man of strict probity, and as a Governor whose public measures have uniformly been directed by views of general utility. When I say that it is with the deepest regret I contemplate the departure of your Excellency from this colony, I speak the language of every respectable member of the community—but you go to reap in the approbation of your Sovereign, and the applauses of your country, the well-earned reward of your unremitting vigilance and indefatigable exertions, and I am persuaded that you carry with you from hence the earnest wishes of all good men for the happiness and prosperity of yourself and your family. "I have the honor to be, "With the highest respect, &c. &c. (Signed) "J. Lucas, "Speaker." The Governor's Reply. "Prince Ruperts, 3d June. "Sir, "You have conveyed to me, in terms most flattering, the thanks of the House of Assembly for my endeavours to save this colony from the misery of a foreign and oppressive yoke. As the organ of that body you have expressed its partial sentiments with a friendly zeal, that has made on my mind an impression not to be effaced. Allow me, Sir, through you, to offer to the House of Assembly my unfeigned thanks for the token I have received of its partial consideration of my services. That unanimity which has been our strength, uninterrupted, may render Dominica, even in the present perilous moment,[104] almost invulnerable. Whilst danger exists, I will never abandon my post; nor shall I ever cease to entertain a grateful recollection of the sentiments the occasion has called forth. So much of the resolutions of the House as we not personal to myself, I have caused to be given out in General Orders, to the Regular and Militia Forces. "I have the honor to be, &c. (Signed) "G. Prevost." No. XIII. His Honor the President and Council, and the Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly, to His Excellency the Governor in Chief, p. 10. The Board and House having come to the following Resolution of voting the sum of 1,000l. sterling, for the purpose of purchasing a Sword and Service of Plate to be presented to his Excellency Governor Prevost, in the name of the Colony, as a token of its gratitude for the gallant defence thereof by his Excellency on the memorable 22d February last, Also a sum not exceeding 300l. sterling, for defraying the expense of a Monument to the memory of the late Major Nunn who gallantly fell on the same memorable occasion, Also the sum of 100 guineas for the purchase of a Sword to be presented to Major O'Connell, And 300l. sterling to be presented to Captain James, commanding the 46th regiment, to be laid out in the purchase of a Service of Plate for the use of the officers' Mess of that regiment—request your Excellency's' assent thereto, and that you will issue your warrants to the Treasurer accordingly. T. Metcalf, President. J. Lucas, Speaker. Council Chamber, 12th May, 1805. House of Assembly, 15th May, 1805. No. XIV. Resolutions of the Patriotic Club, and Letter of the Chairman to General Prevost, p. 10. Patriotic Fund, Lloyd's, May 14, 1805. At a Special General Meeting of the Committee held this day, Joseph Marryat, Esq. in the Chair,[Pg xxxiii] Read, from the London Gazette of the 7th of May, a letter from Lieut.-General Sir William Myers, Bart. commanding His Majesty's troops in the Windward and Leeward Islands, to Earl Camden, one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, inclosing a letter from Brigadier-General Prevost, Governor of Dominica, relating to the vigorous and gallant resistance made by the troops and militia under his command, against the very superior force with which the French landed at Roseau, on the 22d of February last; his retreat to the fort at Prince Ruperts; and the resolution he expressed, in answer to the summons of General Lagrange, of defending it to the last extremity; in consequence of which the enemy abandoned the enterprise, and evacuated the Island. Resolved, That a Sword of the value of 100l., and a Piece of Plate, of the value of 200l., with appropriate inscriptions, be presented to Brigadier-General Prevost, for the distinguished gallantry and military talents he displayed on that occasion, by which the sovereignty of the Island was preserved to His Majesty's arms. That a Sword of Fifty Pounds value, and a Piece of Plate, of the value of 100l., with appropriate inscriptions, or that sum in money, at his option, be presented to Major Nunn, wounded while faithfully executing the orders of General Prevost, "Not to yield to the enemy one inch of ground." That a Sword of 50l. value, and a Piece of Plate, of the value of 100l., with appropriate inscriptions, or that sum in money, at his option, be presented to Captain O'Connell, whose wound did not induce him to forego the honour of the command to which he succeeded on Major Nunn being disabled; and in which he resisted the repeated charges of the enemy, notwithstanding their great superiority in numbers, till he obliged them to retire with great slaughter. That the sum of 100l. be presented to Captain Colin Campbell, wounded. That the sum of 40l. each be given to the men whose wounds have been attended with disability or loss of limb. That the sum of 20l. each be given to the other men severely wounded. And the sum of 10l. each, to the men slightly wounded, including the Militia of the Island. That Brigadier-General Prevost be requested to advise the Committee of the mode in which the Resolutions respecting himself, Major Nunn, and Captain O'Connell, can be most acceptably carried into effect—to distribute the sums voted to the men wounded, and draw for the amount—furnishing the Committee with the names of the parties, and the sums respectively paid them—and to forward to the Committee the best information he can procure respecting the families of the men killed, including the Militia of the Island, that relief may be afforded to such widows, orphans, and aged parents, as depended upon them for support. Joseph Marryat, Chairman. (Copy.) London, May 15, 1805. "Sir, "I have the honor to inclose you the resolutions of the Committee of the Patriotic Fund, on their taking into consideration the official account of the gallant and successful defence, made by you, and the brave men under your command, against the very superior force with which the enemy invested Dominica, on the 22d February last. That the sovereignty of the Island was preserved to the British Crown, must be in a great degree ascribed, under Divine Providence, to the talents with which you conducted the military operations; to the confidence which those who served under you had in those talents; and the animation with which they were inspired by your example. "The primary object of this Fund being the relief of the wounded, and the families of those killed in the service of their country, the Committee, on every occasion, restrict their votes of honorary marks of distinction for gallant conduct, to the commanding officers. This, they trust, will satisfactorily explain to those brave officers, to whose merit you bear such honorable testimony, the reason of their not being noticed in these resolutions. "The Committee, cannot but remark the very distinguished manner in which the inhabitants of Dominica have displayed those gallant exertions against the enemy, to which they so readily came forward to animate others, by contributing to this fund. The Committee trust, that in attending to the other objects of the inclosed resolutions, you will be particularly careful to recommend to their consideration, the distressed relatives which any of the Militia of the Colony may have left unprovided for. Your bills, at three days sight, on Sir Francis Baring, Bart., Chairman of the Patriotic Fund, at Lloyds, for the amount of the sums voted to the wounded men, will be immediately honored. As those who are disabled, will be invalided and sent home, the Committee submit it to your discretion, whether the gratuities to them had not better be paid them on their arrival here, under your certificate of their claims. "You will be pleased to accompany your draft, with a letter, giving the names of the parties wounded, and the sums respectively paid to each; which the Committee leave to your judgment, according to the nature and extent of the injuries they have received, instead of waiting for further information to act upon themselves. "I have the honor to be, Sir, "Your most obedient humble servant, "Joseph Marryat, Chairman." "Brigadier-General Prevost." No. XV.
At a General Meeting of West India Planters and Merchants, held at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate Street, May 22, 1805, p. 10. Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Meeting be given to his Excellency Brigadier-General Prevost, Governor of the Island of Dominica, for the distinguished gallantry and high military talents he displayed on the 22d of February, 1805, in the defence and effectual protection of that Colony against a numerous, powerful, and unexpected force from France. And that this resolution be communicated to General Prevost, in a letter from the Right Honorable Lord Penrhyn, the Chairman of this Meeting. Resolved unanimously, That this Meeting, impressed with the highest sense of the important service rendered to all the West India Colonies, by the able resistance made by General Prevost to the landing of the enemy on the 22d of February, 1805, do request that he will accept from the general body of West India Planters and Merchants, a Piece of Plate, of the value of 300 guineas, with an inscription expressive of the sense of this resolution. Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Meeting be given to the Field-Officers, Captains, and other Commissioned Officers of the Royal Artillery, the 46th regiment, the 1st West India regiment, and also to the officers of the Colonial Militia, for the gallant conduct they respectively exemplified, and the zealous co-operation they afforded on the same occasion, and that his Excellency the Governor be requested to communicate the same.[Pg xxxvii] Resolved unanimously, That his Excellency General Prevost be requested, in a letter from the Chairman, to signify to the Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates of his Majesty's Regular and Militia forces at Dominica, the high sense this Meeting entertains of their services in resisting the French force on the 22d of February, 1805. No. XVI. Extract from the Dominica Journal, of Saturday, July 6th, 1805, p. 10. Roseau, July 6th, 1805. Yesterday afternoon, embarked from Roseau, in the Garrison-boat, (under a salute from Fort Young and Scot's Head) for Prince Ruperts, to join his amiable family, who left town the day preceding, his Excellency Major-General George Prevost, our worthy and highly respected Governor, a gentleman who retires from his government with the pleasing gratification of the consciousness of having faithfully discharged his duty to his Sovereign, at the same time that he has, as conscientiously, studied the interests of the people, over whom he has for nearly three years most uprightly and honorably presided. We presume not to arrogate to ourselves talents capable of becoming the panegyrists of a Prevost—we shall confine ourselves to observing that his remembrance will be ever held dear in the breast of every worthy inhabitant of this Colony; and by declaring that it is our sincere prayer that his merit may meet its due reward from our most Gracious Sovereign, and that himself and family may pass their future days in the enjoyment of every earthly felicity.[Pg xxxviii] No. XVII. Dispatches from Sir George Beckwith, and Letter from Lord Castlereagh, p. 11. Downing-street, March 27. The following despatches have this day been received from Lieut.-General Beckwith, Commander of His Majesty's Forces in the Leeward Islands, addressed to Lord Viscount Castlereagh. "Martinique, Feb. 1. "My Lord, "In my last, No. 42, I had the honour to report to your Lordship the sailing of the army from Carlisle Bay upon the 28th ult. I have now the satisfaction to acquaint your Lordship that we landed in two divisions upon the 30th; the first division, under the orders of Lieutenant-General Sir G. Prevost, consisting of between 6 and 7,000 men, at Bay Robert, on the windward coast, in the course of the afternoon, without opposition; and, notwithstanding the difficulties of the country, we occupied a position on the banks of the Grand Lezard River before day-break of the 31st, with a corps of nearly 4,000 men, after a night march of seven miles through a difficult country. These services were greatly facilitated by the judicious and manly conduct of Captain Beaver, of His Majesty's ship Acasta, who led into the Bay in a bold and officer-like manner, preceded by His Majesty's brig Forester, Captain Richards. The exertions and success of this measure were completely effective, two transports only striking in the narrow passage at the entrance of the Bay. Hitherto we have experienced no resistance from the militia of the country; and they manifest a disposition every where to return to their homes, in conformity to a joint proclamation by the Admiral and myself, which is obtaining a very extensive circulation. The second division of the army, consisting of upwards of 3,000 men, under the command of Major-General Maitland, landed near St. Luce and Point Solomon on the morning of the 30th; but, as our communication with that corps is not yet established, I cannot enter into any details. Lieutenant-General Sir G. Prevost, with the advance in my front, will take possession of the heights of Bruno in the course of this day; and I am led to expect will there, for the first time, feel the pulse of the regular troops of the enemy. The port of Trinite, which lies beyond the line of our operations, will, by order of Captain Beaver, of the navy, be taken possession of this day, by a detachment of seamen and marines from the squadron to windward, under the command of Captain Dick, of the Penelope. The Admiral, with the body of the fleet and store-ships, is in the vicinity of Pigeon Island, at the entrance of Fort Royal Bay. Our operations to windward have been vigorous and effectual in point of time; and the privations of the troops have been considerable, and borne in a manner worthy of the character of British soldiers. From what has passed, I am of opinion the inhabitants of the country manifest a friendly disposition; and after the heights of Surirey shall be carried, which I expect will be strongly contested, the campaign will be reduced to the operations of a siege, and the defence of the fortress.—The services rendered by the captains and officers of the navy to windward have been great and essential, and the exertions of Captain Withers of the navy, principal agent for transports, peculiarly meritorious. "Geo. Beckwith, Com. Forces." "Martinique, Heights of Surirey, Feb. 3. "My Lord, "In my letter of the 1st inst. I had the honour to report, for His Majesty's information, the progress then made in our operations against the enemy. My expectation that Lieutenant-General Sir G. Prevost would meet them upon Morne Bruno, and that the heights of Surirey would be warmly contested, was realized in the course of the same day; and both were carried under the direction of the Lieutenant-General, with that decision and judgment which belong to this respectable officer, and much to the honour of Brigadier-General Hoghton, the officers and men of the Fusileer brigade and light battalion, engaged on that service. On the 2nd, it appeared to me to be desirable to extend to the right of our position; which was effected in a spirited manner by the King's infantry. An exertion was then made to carry the advanced redoubt; but, having soon reason to believe that it would have been acquired with a loss beyond the value of the acquisition, the troops were withdrawn; and the enemy abandoned it during the night, with another redoubt contiguous to it, with evident marks of disorder: both will be occupied and included in our position this night. Pigeon Island surrendered at discretion yesterday, which enables the shipping to enter Fort Royal Bay; all the batteries on the Case Naviere side have been destroyed and abandoned, a frigate and some other merchant-vessels burned, the lower fort abandoned, and all their troops withdrawn from Fort Royal to the principal fortress. I consider the investiture to be nearly completed, and we must now look for the operations of a siege. Time does not admit of details; but your Lordship will perceive that these operations have been effected in eight days from our quitting Barbadoes, notwithstanding heavy rains and most unfavourable weather, in which the troops have borne every species of privation in a manner worthy their character as British soldiers. "Geo. Beckwith, Com. Forces." "Camp, Heights of Surirey, Martinique, Feb. 10. "My Lord, "Having, in my communications of the 1st and 5th instant, submitted to your Lordship's consideration general reports of the operations of the army I have the honour to command, I now beg leave to inclose the special reports of the General Officers commanding divisions, and of Brigadier-General Hoghton, whose brigade was in action upon the 1st; with separate returns of our loss upon the 1st and 2nd, which, I am inclined to believe, will terminate our operations in the field.—The lower fort, formerly Fort Edward, was taken possession of before day-break in the morning of the 8th, by Major Henderson, commanding the Royal York Rangers, with that regiment, without resistance, and we now occupy that work. St. Pierre surrendered to Lieutenant-Colonel Barnes, of the 46th, the day before yesterday; and I have not yet received the details. In the course of all these services, where the co-operation of the navy was practicable, the greatest exertions have been made by the Rear-admiral; and the important advantages rendered on shore by that excellent officer, Commodore Cockburn, in the reduction of Pigeon Island, and the landing cannon, mortars, and ammunition at Point Negroe, and conveying them to the several batteries on that side, have been of the highest importance to the King's service. "Geo. Beckwith, Com. Forces." "Martinique, Heights of Surirey, Feb. 2. "Sir, "In conformity with your orders, I disembarked on the 30th ult. with the Fuzileer brigade of the 1st division of the army, at Malgre Tout, in the Bay Robert, at four o'clock, p. m. and proceeded from thence to De Manceau's estate, where I arrived late, in consequence of the difficulties of the country, and the unfavourable state of the roads for the movement of cannon. Before the dawn of the next day, I reached Papin's, and proceeded from thence with the advance, composed of the Royal Fusileer regiment, and the grenadier company of the 1st West India regiment. The enemy retiring before me, I reached the heights of De Bork's estate towards evening, where I was joined at day-light on the 1st inst. by Brigadier-General Hoghton, with the 23rd regiment and the light infantry battalion, under the command of Major Campbell, of the Royal West India Rangers. I lost no time after this junction, and pushed forwards the Hon. Lieutenant-Colonel Pakenham, with the Royal Fusileers, to possess himself of Morne Bruno; this movement I supported by the light infantry battalion, under Brigadier-General Hoghton, who was ordered, after uniting the two corps, to proceed to force the heights of Desfourneaux, whilst I held the Royal Welsh Fusileers in reserve, to strengthen such points of attack as might require it. On my coming on the heights of Surirey, I had innumerable proofs of the valour and judgment of the Hon. Lieutenant-Colonel Pakenham, of the excellence of the Fusileer brigade, and of the spirited and judicious exertions of Lieutenant-Colonel Ellis, and Majors Pearson and Ostley, of the 23rd or Royal Welsh Fusileers; also of the bravery of Major Campbell and the light infantry battalion; all of which have enabled me to retain this valuable position without artillery, within 300 yards of the enemy's intrenched camp, covered with guns. The officers belonging to my staff distinguished themselves by their zeal and activity during the heat of the action. I have to lament the loss of Captain Taylor, Acting Deputy-Quarter-Master-General, who was severely wounded whilst rendering effectual services to his country.—I cannot omit acknowledging, that to Lieutenant Hobbs, of the Royal Engineers, I am indebted for the rapidity of our movements, and ultimate success, from his acquaintance with this country, which enabled him to guide and direct our movements. "Geo. Prevost, Lieut.-Gen."
(Private.) "Downing-street, May 25th, 1809. "Dear Sir, "I beg to congratulate you on the successful termination of the operations in Martinique, in which you bore so distinguished a part. I hope that this will find you safely returned to Nova Scotia, without having suffered in your health from your West India campaign. "I remain, dear Sir, "Your faithful and obedient servant, "Castlereagh." "Lieut.-Gen. Sir G. Prevost, &c. &c. &c." No. XVIII. Addresses presented to Sir George Prevost, on his Arrival at the Islands of Dominica and St. Christopher, p. 11. To His Excellency Lieut.-Gen. Sir George Prevost, Bart. &c. &c. &c. "May it please your Excellency, "We, His Majesty's loyal subjects, the Members of the House of Assembly of the Island of Dominica, avail ourselves of the occasion of your Excellency's visit to your late government, to repeat to you the assurances of the high esteem which we have ever entertained for the character of your Excellency, and to express our most grateful sense of the unabated zeal which your Excellency has evinced, on every occasion, to promote the welfare and prosperity of this colony, as well as to add glory to the arms of your country. "With every anniversary of the 22nd February, will the services rendered by your Excellency recur to our memory, not only from the gallantry displayed by your Excellency upon that occasion, when opposed to so superior a force, but for your subsequent exertions in favour of the unfortunate sufferers by the fire, to which may be chiefly attributed the relief afforded them by the mother country. "We beg leave to congratulate your Excellency upon the brilliant result of the operations against the enemy's most important colonial possession, and by which, an opportunity has been afforded you, of acquiring fresh laurels, in addition to those which already grace your Excellency. "We most heartily and sincerely wish your Excellency a prosperous and pleasant passage to your government, and we anticipate that reward which awaits you (ever most pleasing to a soldier)—the approbation of your sovereign. "Jno. Hy. Hobson, Speaker." "House of Assembly, 15th March, 1809." Reply of Sir George Prevost. "Mr. Speaker, and "Gentlemen of the House of Assembly, "I feel flattered by your expressions of personal consideration, and highly gratified that my exertions in favour of the sufferers on the memorable 22d of February, 1805, were attended by some success. "I thank you for your congratulations on the favourable termination of a short, but brilliant campaign. "George Prevost." "Government-House, 15th March, 1809." To His Excellency Lieut.-Gen. Sir George Prevost, Bart. &c. &c. &c. "May it please your Excellency, "We the merchants and inhabitants of this His Majesty's Island of Saint Christopher, beg leave to approach your Excellency with the warmest congratulations on your arrival in this colony; and to assure your Excellency that could any circumstance enhance the satisfaction we receive upon this occasion, it must proceed from the happy contemplation of the recent success which has crowned the exertions to which you have so pre-eminently contributed in the reduction of the Island of Martinique to His Majesty's arms: a conquest which has at once given additional splendour to the British name, and added another signal example of your merit, perseverance, and intrepidity. "Although pre-eminent as your Excellency is viewed, by every class of your heroic brothers in arms, we cannot, however, but assure your Excellency, that the high and general estimation which every inhabitant of the sister colony (hitherto entrusted to your command), feels toward you, (and which colony you so gallantly defended against a superior force), contributes most powerfully to endear you to every individual of this island, in the united character of a brave soldier and a good citizen. "We trust your Excellency's stay amongst us will be protracted for a time equal to the wishes of this community, who anxiously express the most ardent desire of offering to your Excellency every testimony of the high consideration they entertain of you, and the brave soldiers under your command. "A great and good King, who can appreciate merit and bestow reward, will add stability to our expressions, and pronounce to the world, by his commendations, that we have not presumed to announce your merits, but from the truest heralds of your fame—men who have shared your dangers and received your smiles—the British soldiery." "Basseterre, March 21st, 1809."
Reply of Sir George Prevost. To the Merchants and Inhabitants of the Island of St. Christopher. "Gentlemen, "Highly flattered as I feel by the address of the merchants and inhabitants of His Majesty's Island of St. Christopher; the gratification I derive from this testimony of their consideration, increases my very sincere regret that the interest of the public service deprives me of the opportunity of indulging my private feelings in making a longer stay than my duty will in the present instance permit;—I shall ever most eagerly and joyfully avail myself of every occasion of testifying to this island, my sincerest and best wishes for its welfare and prosperity. (Signed) "George Prevost." "Basseterre, March 21st, 1809." No. XIX. Address from the Inhabitants of Halifax, p. 12. To His Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart. &c. &c. &c. "Sir, "Your Excellency intending shortly to leave this Province, the inhabitants of Halifax cannot omit expressing to you their unfeigned regret on the occasion, and, at the same time, testifying their gratitude for the many real benefits which the province has derived from your short administration of the government. "We have often been induced to come forward to manifest our esteem for many valuable and respectable characters, who have filled high stations in this country, for it has been our good fortune to have had many men of tried worth at the head of the civil, naval, and military departments here; but believe us, Sir, we use not the language of flattery, when we say, that we have never felt more sincere regret, than for your departure from us. "Equity has been the ruling principle of your administration, and the most unremitting attention to public business its invariable practice: your indefatigable zeal carried you into the most remote parts of the province, and you became early acquainted with our situation and our wants. The confidence with which you inspired the legislative body, induced them to provide ample supplies for the different branches of the public service. The wisdom with which they have been appropriated, equals the liberality with which they were granted, and must produce extensive and permanent benefits to the country at large. "Your ears have been open to the petitioners of every class, and your ready attention to their wants and their claims, has left no cause for complaint. With the sentiments of affectionate and respectful regard which you have excited in our breasts—while we deplore our loss, we cannot but derive consolation from the justly merited honours that cause your removal. "We consider your appointment to the supreme command of British North America, as an earnest of the blessing which His Majesty's subjects, on the western side of the Atlantic, are to enjoy under the government of the august personage, the anniversary of whose birth we this day assemble to commemorate. At this critical period, when the prejudices and misguided councils of a neighbouring nation render it not improbable that we may be called upon to defend the invaluable privileges of Englishmen, it must be a source of satisfaction to every loyal subject, that His Royal Highness, in the name of our venerable sovereign, has entrusted the defence of these colonies to an officer, who has so frequently proved himself worthy of commanding British colonies. May he ever, Sir, be thus influenced in his nominations to offices of great trust and high responsibility, by the merit of those on[Pg xlviii] whom they are to be conferred. We thank you for your condescension in permitting your portrait to be taken and left with us. It will be a perpetual memorial of a personage, whose public conduct and private virtues have been so beneficial and endearing to His Majesty's subjects in this province. "You go, Sir, to a more exalted station; but you cannot go where you will be more beloved or respected. In taking our leave of you, permit us to assure you of our warmest wishes, that every blessing may be yours, and every happiness attend your amiable and exemplary lady, and each individual of your excellent family. "Halifax, 12th August, 1811." No. XX. Addresses from the Clergy of Nova Scotia, &c. &c. to Lieutenant-General Sir George Prevost, Bart. &c. &c. &c. p. 12. "Sir, "Although the clergy of the established church of Nova Scotia most cordially join in the general tribute of respect, which is now offered to your Excellency; and very largely share in the sincere regret, so universally excited by your intended departure from this province; the important benefits which you have rendered to the sacred objects of our profession, by your Excellency's exertions in their behalf, impel us to a more particular expression of our gratitude, and our grief. "Your Excellency has a claim upon the best acknowledgments we can offer, for every mark of respect to our office, and every condescending attention to ourselves, that we could receive at your hands; accompanied by continual endeavours to promote the cause of literature and religion in this colony. "Through your Excellency's attentive kindness, and your representations to the throne, the most benevolent assistance has been extended to our churches, and in every part of the province they are now receiving improvement and enlargement. While our dutiful and affectionate gratitude is directed towards the royal source of these great benefits, we cannot be wanting in warm and grateful respect, for the channel through which they have been obtained. "Nor are we under less obligation, for the uniform and exemplary attention of your Excellency, and your family, to the public and private duties of religion. You will permit us, Sir, though duly sensible of your other numerous and distinguished merits, to consider this among the brightest ornaments of your character. It supplies us with most gratifying evidence, to an important truth, that the ablest and best servants to their King and country, must be sought among those who are most faithful to their God. "Feeling as we do the extensive and peculiar benefits of your Excellency's residence among us, it is impossible that we should not have the deepest regret for your departure. But it will be our duty to seek for alleviation for our sorrow, in grateful recollection of the benefits we have already received, and in humble hope that the influence of your example will remain, when we can no longer enjoy the advantages of your presence. We have unfeigned satisfaction also, in the increased honours, and more extensive command, to which you are called, by the discerning favour of your Prince; and we shall have much comfort in reflecting, that although your Excellency will be advanced from the particular charge of this province, we shall still have the happiness of being under your general government. "Permit us to assure you, Sir, that our sincerely affectionate respect and esteem will ever follow you; and that our fervent prayers are now offered, and will be long continued, for every blessing to yourself and family; for every honour you can now enjoy; and for unfading glory when all the honours of the world shall have passed away." "Halifax, Aug. 15th, 1811." His Excellency's Reply. "I received with sentiments of peculiar satisfaction, the address of the Right Reverend the Bishop and the clergy of Nova Scotia. "My fervency in that important cause they especially promote, renders their favourable consideration of my government, an act at once gratifying for the past, and encouraging for the future, under whatever situation my sovereign's commands may place me. I am well aware, that if our revered and pious King could investigate the course of my administration in this province, there is no part of it which would ensure me his royal favour, equal to the testimony with which I am honoured in this address. "George Prevost." "Government House, 15th August." Halifax, August 19. The following addresses were presented to his Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart. last week. The Address of the Council to his Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart. Lieut.-Governor of Nova-Scotia, &c. &c. &c. "Sir, "His Majesty's Council cannot take leave of your Excellency at this Board, without an expression of those sentiments which they cordially feel upon the painful eve of your departure. "The general regret of the province upon this occasion, pervading every class, and flowing from the purest of sources, must afford you, Sir, the most satisfactory evidence, that you have lived here in the hearts of His Majesty's subjects;—and that you have well merited the affection they manifest: to us who have had the honour of a closer communication with your Excellency, and have, thus, become intimately acquainted with your talents and your virtues, you have been more perfectly known;—by us, you will of course be doubly regretted. "We early discovered your vigilance, and energetic zeal for the good of the province,—your acute discernment of its best interests,—your perseverance in the pursuit of every object that could lead to its welfare,—and your unwearied attention to its minutest concerns;—we soon discovered that excellent understanding, which has so well fitted you to govern, and that integrity and independence, which have rendered your government so beloved, and so respectable. "It is, however, to these talents and virtues, that we are to impute our present loss;—the discerning mind of our excellent Prince has called you to a higher appointment, and our fellow subjects of a sister colony will have the satisfaction of receiving that boon, with which we are now parting;—we have a consolation, however, in reflecting, that we are still to remain within the influence of your valued abilities, and that we may feel the effects of their spirited exertions, in a contiguous, and more extensive quarter of the British empire;—wherever your duties, civil or military, may call you, to the cabinet as a statesman, or to the field as a soldier, we are confident you will deserve well of your country, and justify, to the fullest extent, the very high opinion upon which your preferment has been founded. "As your council,—with whom you have ever advised, upon terms of the most unreserved candour and harmony,—as your friends,—with whom you have ever associated, upon terms of the most affectionate condescension; we, Sir, with feelings of the purest regret,—and with the sincerest wishes for the welfare of yourself and your family,—earnestly bid you farewell." Answer. "Gentlemen, "The expressions of general esteem and approbation, with which I have been honoured, concurring with the sentiments of His Majesty's Council, is a circumstance peculiarly gratifying to me. You, gentlemen, are intimately acquainted with the principles upon which my conduct has been founded, others can only judge from the effects produced by the measures pursued during my administration. "If my endeavours in the public service have been successful, I may ascribe much of that success to the able assistance I have received from you. "Your advice, ever springing from a perfect knowledge of the true interests of the province, a due regard to the just rights of the people, and a zealous attachment to His Majesty's person and government, has enabled me to accomplish objects of much promise to the future prosperity of this province. "Having expressed the obligations I feel on public ground, I am not the less sensible of those of a personal nature. "I shall ever reflect with satisfaction on the happy state of our intercourse during the period of my administration.—It is, therefore, with feelings of the sincerest regard, I repeat your farewell. "George Prevost." "Government House, 16th Aug. 1811." To his Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart. Lieut.-Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of Nova Scotia, &c. &c. &c. "We the undersigned representatives for the county and townships within the county of Hants, as well for ourselves as our constituents: the clergy and magistrates in the same county, beg leave to address your Excellency upon your departure from this government. "We have recently heard with mingled joy and concern, that His Majesty has raised you to the distinguished, but well-merited favour of being appointed Governor-General of the British Provinces in North America, and that your Excellency will immediately proceed to your government. Upon this occasion we cannot forbear expressing our grateful sense of your wise and mild administration. "The ardour manifested by your Excellency, in promoting the true interests of this province, has made a deep impression upon the minds of the people of this happy and highly-favoured colony. "Under your government, Sir, though a short one, the agriculture, commerce, and fisheries of the province have rapidly increased; religion has been cherished, schools established, extensive roads of communication with the capital opened and improved, the militia organized and disciplined, and under the most salutary regulations rendered efficient. "The inhabitants of the county of Hants, deeply impressed with a sense of the benefits they have received, will ever retain a grateful recollection of them, and while they lament the departure of your Excellency from this government, are made happy by the consideration that your Excellency has experienced an additional mark of the Royal favour. "We earnestly pray that your Excellency, Lady Prevost and family, may have a pleasant voyage, and arrive in safety at the seat of your government, and be attended throughout life with the choicest blessings of Providence. [Signed by the Representatives, Magistrates, Clergy, and other principal Inhabitants.] "Windsor, 13th August, 1811."
Reply. "Gentlemen, "With feelings of satisfaction and gratitude, I return you my best thanks for the warm assurance of your regard, so kindly manifested in your address upon my departure. "Your high approbation of my measures I shall ever retain as an additional pledge of the general esteem of this province, which it has been my ambition to acquire; and, believe me, that among those of His Majesty's subjects, who have favoured me with their good opinion and good wishes, I feel much pleasure in receiving the affectionate address of the flourishing county of Hants. "George Prevost. "Government House, 16th Aug. 1811." To His Excellency Lieut.-General Sir George Prevost, Bart. Lieut.-Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of Nova Scotia, and its Dependencies, &c. &c. &c. "May it please your Excellency, "The magistrates and militia officers of King's County, humbly intreat, that they may be allowed to offer their assurance of high respect and unfeigned esteem to your Excellency, on your departure from Nova Scotia. Your Excellency's unwearied attention to the welfare and best interest of this province, have engaged admiration, and given you a strong claim to our gratitude; while the wisdom, mildness, and firmness of your administration have commanded general confidence; and such are your military talents, that, though storms have been hovering around us, and threatened to burst over our heads, with dependence on Divine protection, we have felt secure, while our armed force was under your direction. "The virtues of your character have endeared you to the inhabitants of Nova Scotia, and we cannot but feel regret at your departure: but a higher and more important station requires your talents and abilities; and we beg leave to congratulate you on the flattering testimony you have received of royal favour and approbation. "Permit us to say, that we shall ever feel a lively interest in every thing that regards your Excellency, and that the name of Sir George Prevost will ever be dear and honoured among us. "To Lady Prevost we beg leave to tender our best respects, and sincere wishes, for her future happiness. "May a pleasant passage await you, and may you continue to receive, from our gracious Sovereign, those rewards which your services so justly entitle you to. [Signed by the Magistrates, Clergy, Militia Officers, and other principal Inhabitants.] "August 15th, 1811." Reply. "Gentlemen, "Feeling a sincere regard for every class of people within this happy colony, I need not say that your kind address cannot but add to my gratification. "I have made it my study to become acquainted with every part of the Province, with its views, its resources, and its advantages; but of your county I have had the satisfaction to obtain a more particular knowledge. "The high state of its cultivation, and the agricultural benefits attending it, should make you proud of the land on which you live. "Permit me, in return for your cordial address, to express my sincere wishes that your prosperity may continue, and that you may long live a free and happy people, under the best of governments. "George Prevost." "Government House, 16th Aug. 1811." Address from the House of Assembly of Upper Canada to Sir George Prevost, March 1813, p. 75. "May it please your Excellency, "We, his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of Upper Canada in Provincial Parliament assembled, beg leave to congratulate your Excellency on your arrival in this Province, and to express the unfeigned satisfaction it affords us in as much as it is an additional proof of the high interest your Excellency takes in the general welfare of this colony. "We should be wanting to the sovereign, under whose paternal care we have so long lived, to our country and to ourselves, were we to neglect to offer to your Excellency at this time, the sentiments of gratitude with which we feel inspired for the marks of your attention manifested in providing clothing for a considerable portion of the loyal and brave militia of this Province, as well as for the active and vigorous exertions which have been made, and are now making for strengthening our marine force upon the Lakes, which will enable us to secure and preserve that superiority upon that favourite element to which Great Britain is indebted for her prosperity and glory; and on which our safety so materially depends. "Emerging from a state of infancy, the inhabitants of this province have been enabled, by the aid afforded them by your Excellency in his Majesty's regular forces, to defeat the designs of the enemy; although his numbers have been in every instance so superior. "To suppose your Excellency will not continue to extend every assistance to us in this emergency, would be the height of incredulity, after the testimony we have already witnessed of your vigilance and affectionate solicitude for our preservation. It would be superfluous, therefore, to suggest how much we stand in need of the fostering hand of our mother country—to be directed by the wisdom of your Excellency, in order that we may maintain the laws and constitution so dear to us, and which it is our sincere hope we may transmit unimpaired to our posterity. "We hesitate not to say, that the energy your Excellency may exercise towards the attainment of this great end, will be zealously seconded by the people of this Province, and that their efforts under the influence of an omnipotent power, and the devotion of your Excellency's military skill, will be eventually successful. "Allan M'Lean, Speaker." Address from the Inhabitants of York to Sir George Prevost. "May it please your Excellency, "We the Magistrates and other inhabitants of the town of York, are happy in having an opportunity of paying that respect, which we owe to your Excellency, and of offering our most sincere thanks and acknowledgments for the attention you have been pleased to shew to this province. "The pride and pleasure which we feel from the behaviour of our gallant militia, is greatly heightened when we consider that their conduct is honoured with your approbation, and that you are pleased to testify your sense of their services in ordering clothing for a considerable proportion of their number; an act of benevolence and humanity which will make a deep and lasting impression on their minds; and stimulate them to preserve that high character which they have already acquired. "But we should, indeed, be much wanting to your Excellency, as well as to ourselves, if we did not on this occasion, with gratitude acknowledge the obligation which this province lies under to the valour and discipline of his Majesty's regular forces, whose courage and conduct, on the most trying emergencies, have done honour to the name and to the character of a British soldier. "We are particularly gratified, and offer our most sincere thanks and acknowledgments for the vigorous exertions which have been made, and are still carrying on towards the strengthening our provincial marine, by order of your Excellency, fully convinced that to maintain a superiority upon the Lakes is an object of the first importance to this Province. "Thankful for that success which has hitherto crowned his Majesty's arms under your command, we earnestly beg for its continuance, entertaining the pleasing hope, that by our own conduct, and the exertions of our brave defenders, we, in this Colony, by the blessing of God, may long remain under the protection of our parent State, a free, brave, and loyal people. "Thomas Scott, Chairman." Address from the Inhabitants of Kingston to Sir George Prevost. "May it please your Excellency, "We, his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Magistrates, Officers of the Militia, and other inhabitants of the town of Kingston, and other parts of the Midland District, beg leave respectfully to express the high sense we entertain of your Excellency's watchful care for the safety of this Province, which has led you at this inclement season to undertake a toilsome journey of many hundred miles for the purpose of visiting and inspecting its extensive frontiers. Your presence, Sir, cannot but diffuse fresh energy in all classes of his Majesty's subjects, and encourage them to continue their zealous co-operation in the common cause; and we trust that under the judicious arrangement which has been made by your Excellency's orders, Divine Providence will continue to crown our exertions in defence of the Province against his Majesty's enemies with the same success by which they have been hitherto happily distinguished. "Kingston, March 7, 1813." Address from the Inhabitants of the Eastern District of Upper Canada to Sir George Prevost. "To his Excellency Sir George Prevost, Knight and Baronet, Captain General, &c. &c. &c. The loyal address of the Inhabitants of the Eastern District. "We, his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, inhabitants of the Eastern District of Upper Canada, beg leave to present to your Excellency our unfeigned, and heartfelt congratulations on your safe return from your long and fatiguing journey to the upper parts of this Province, which your ardent zeal for the service of your king and country, and paternal solicitude for the security of this portion of his Majesty's dominions only could induce you to undertake. "We thank heaven for having preserved your Excellency's person from all the dangers to which you have been exposed, not only from the enemy in the long line of frontiers through which you had to pass, but from the contagious diseases, which rage through many parts of these Provinces, and other dangers incidental to a journey of upwards of a thousand miles in a country like this, still destitute of inns, and proper accommodations for travellers, and at the most inclement season of the year. "So illustrious an example of despising danger and sacrificing personal ease and comfort, exhibited by the representative of our beloved sovereign, both chears and animates us to bear with resignation our individual privations in the glorious cause in which we have to struggle. We now experience the truth which we have so often heard with wonder from others, that your Excellency's prudence carries with it an irresistible attraction and confidence among all classes of people, wherever you go. We should consider it criminal to complain of the hardships to which the present state of warfare has subjected us, in common with all our fellow-subjects in this Province; perfectly convinced, as we are, of your Excellency's earnest wish and readiness to alleviate our sufferings as much as lies in your power. "The auspicious event which, in the late brilliant success of His Majesty's arms at Ogdensburg, so closely followed the arrival of your Excellency in Upper Canada, flatters us with the hope that this will be but one of the happy consequences of your visit. We cannot express to your Excellency in terms sufficiently strong, our satisfaction in thus having an opportunity of teaching the enemy that their repeated insults, and wanton attacks upon our shores, are not to be borne with impunity. "To your Excellency's active and fertile mind we look up with much confidence for the vigorous and energetic measures, to prosecute a war, into which the insidious policy of a faithless and inveterate enemy has involved our country and ourselves, and in which are feared every thing which can render life desirable at stake. "We are determined to stand or fall by the parent country, and to defend the crown and dignity of our revered sovereign, our families and our properties, with the last drop of our blood. We know that justice is on our side, and we trust that the God of battles will continue to favour our cause as he has hitherto done. Indeed we do not allow ourselves to entertain the smallest doubt of a glorious termination of the contest under your Excellency's government and Heaven's protection. "Glengary, March 8, 1813." No. XXII. Official Report of Col. Baynes, p. 81. Extract of a Letter from Lieut.-General Sir George Prevost to Earl Bathurst, dated Head-Quarters, Kingston, June 1, 1813. "Although as your Lordship will perceive by the report of Colonel Baynes, which I have the honour herewith to transmit, the expedition has not been attended with the complete success which was expected from it, I have great satisfaction in informing your Lordship that the courage and patience of the small band of troops employed on this occasion, under circumstances of peculiar hardship and privation, have been exceeded only by their intrepid conduct in the field, forcing a passage at the point of the bayonet through a thickly wooded country, affording constant shelter and strong positions to the enemy; but not a single spot of cleared ground favourable to the operations of disciplined soldiers." "Kingston, May 30, 1813. "Sir, "I have the honour to report to your Excellency, that in conformity to an arranged plan of operations with Commodore Sir James Yeo, the fleet of boats assembled astern of his ship, at 10 o'clock in the night of the 28th inst., with the troops placed under my command, and led by a gun-boat under the direction of Captain Mulcaster, Royal Navy, proceeded towards Sackett's Harbour in the order prescribed to the troops, in case the detachment was obliged to march in column, viz. the Grenadier Company, 100th, with one section of the Royal Scots, two Companies of the 8th, or King's, four of the 104th, two of the Canadian Voltigeurs. Two six-pounders, with their gunners, and a Company of Glengary Light Infantry, were embarked on board a light schooner, which was proposed to be towed under the direction of Officers of the Navy, so as to insure the guns being landed in time to support the advance of the troops. Although the night was dark with rain, the boats assembled in the vicinity of Sackett's Harbour, by one o'clock, in compact and regular order; and in this position it was intended to remain until the day broke, in the hope of effecting a landing before the enemy could be prepared to line the woods with troops which surround the coast; but unfortunately, a strong current drifted the boats considerably, while the darkness of the night and ignorance of the coast, prevented them from recovering the proper station until the day dawned, when the whole pulled for the point of debarkation. It was my intention to have landed in the cove formed by Horse Island, but on approaching it, we discovered that the enemy were fully prepared by a very heavy fire of musketry, from the surrounding woods which were filled with Infantry, supported with a field-piece. I directed the boats to pull round to the other side of the Island, where a landing was effected in good order and with little loss, although executed in the face of a corps formed with a field-piece in the wood, and under the enfilade of a heavy gun of the enemy's principal battery. The advance was led by the Grenadiers of the 100th regiment, with undaunted gallantry which no obstacle could arrest; a narrow causeway, in many places under water, not more than four feet wide, and about four hundred paces in length, which connected the Island with the mainland, was occupied by the enemy in great force with a six-pounder. It was forced and carried in the most spirited manner, and the gun taken before a second discharge could be made from it: a tumbril, with a few rounds of ammunition was found; but, unfortunately, the artillerymen were still behind, the schooner not having been able to get up in time: and the troops were exposed to so heavy and galling a fire, from a numerous but almost invisible foe, as to render it impossible to halt for the artillery to come up. At this spot two paths led in opposite directions round the hill. I directed Colonel Young, of the King's regiment, with half of the detachment to penetrate by the left, and Major Drummond, of the 104th, to force the path by the right, which proved to be more open and was less occupied by the enemy. On the left the wood was very thick, and was most obstinately maintained by the enemy. The gun-boat which had covered our landing, afforded material aid by firing into the woods; but the American soldier, secure behind a tree, was only to be dislodged by the bayonet. The spirited advance of a section produced the flight of hundreds; from this observation all firing was directed to cease, and the detachment being formed in as regular order as the nature of the ground would admit, pushed forward through the wood upon the enemy, who although greatly superior in numbers, and supported by field-pieces, and a heavy fire from their fort, fled with precipitation to their block-house and fort, abandoning one of their guns. The division under Colonel Young was joined in the charge by that under Major Drummond, which was executed with such spirit and promptness, that many of the enemy fell in their inclosed barracks, which were set on fire by our troops. At this point the further energies of the troops became unavailing. Their block-house and stockaded battery could not be carried by assault, nor reduced by field-pieces, had we been provided with them—the fire of the gun-boats proved inefficient to attain that end—light and adverse winds continued, and our large vessels were still far off. The enemy turned the heavy ordnance of the battery to the interior defence of his post. He had set fire to the store-house in the vicinity of the fort. Seeing no object within our reach to attain that could compensate for the loss we were momentarily sustaining, from the heavy fire of the enemy's cannon, I directed the troops to take up the position on the crest of the hill we had charged from. From this position we were ordered to reimbark, which was performed at our leisure, and in perfect order, the enemy not presuming to show a single soldier without the limit of his fortress. Your Excellency having been a witness of the zeal and ardent courage of every soldier in the field, it is unnecessary in me to assure your Excellency that but one sentiment animated every breast—that of discharging to the utmost of their power their duty to their King and country; but one sentiment of regret and mortification prevailed, in being obliged to quit a beaten enemy, whom a small band of British soldiers had driven before them for three hours, through a country abounding in strong positions of defence, but not offering a single spot of cleared ground favourable for the operation of disciplined troops, without having fully accomplished the duty we were ordered to perform. The two divisions of the detachment were ably commanded by Colonel Young, of the King's, and Major Drummond of the 104th. The detachment of the King's and Major Evans nobly sustained the high and established character of that distinguished corps; and Captain Burke availed himself of the ample field afforded him in leading the advance to display the intrepidity of British Grenadiers. The detachment of the 104th, under Major Moodie, Captain M'Pherson's company of Glengary Light Infantry, and two companies of Canadian Voltigeurs, under Major Herriot, all of them levies of the British Provinces of North America, evinced most striking proofs of their loyalty, steadiness, and courage. The detachment of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment behaved with great gallantry. Your Excellency will lament the loss of that active and intelligent officer, Captain Gray, acting Deputy-Quarter-Master-General, who fell close to the enemy's work while reconnoitring it, in the hope to discover some opening to favour an assault. Commodore Sir James Yeo conducted the fleet of boats in the attack, and accompanying the advance of the troops directed the co-operation of the gun-boats. I feel most grateful for your Excellency's kind consideration in allowing your Aids-de-Camp, Majors Coore and Fulton, to accompany me in the field; and to these officers for the able assistance they afforded me. "I have the honour to be, &c. &c. (Signed) "Edward Baynes. "Colonel Glengary Light Infantry Commanding." "To His Excellency Lieut.-General Sir George Prevost, Bart., &c." Return of killed, wounded, and missing, in an attack on Sackett's Harbour, on the 29th of May. Total.—1 General Staff, 3 Serjeants, 44 Rank and File killed. 3 Majors, 3 Captains, 5 Lieutenants, 1 Ensign, 7 Serjeants, 2 Drummers, 172 Rank and File, 2 Gunners wounded. 2 Captains, 1 Ensign, 13 Rank and File wounded and missing. No. XXIII. Extracts of Letters from Sir George Prevost to Brigadier-General Procter, p. 92. (Private.) "Castle of St. Lewis, Quebec, 9th February, 1813. "Sir, "I have received your despatch of the 26th ult. addressed to Major-General Sheaffe, reporting the glorious result of an attack, you had very judiciously deemed it expedient to make on the 22d, on a division of General Harrison's army advancing from the river Raisin, upon Sandwich, commanded by Brigadier-General Winchester. "In congratulating you upon so honourable an event, and in expressing my entire approbation of the zeal and spirit which you have evinced on the arduous command committed to you, I cannot fail to notice the intrepidity manifested by Colonel St. George, and the other officers and men, regulars and militia, serving under your immediate command. "Your singular judgment and decisive conduct in the affair of French Town, shall be pourtrayed for the gracious consideration of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, and I will not fail in repeating your warm recommendation of Lieutenant M'Lean, who is acting as your Brigade-Major. "I earnestly recommend upon all occasions a strict adherence to the control and restraint of our allies the Indians, that we may be enabled to repel the charges which have not unfrequently, though always falsely, been brought against our Government for resorting to the employment of them. "I have the honour to be, &c. (Signed) "George Prevost." "To Brigadier-General Procter, Detroit." "Kingston, 14th June, 1813. "Sir, "I have had the honour of your different letters, of the 14th of May, by Lieut.-Colonel Boucherville, containing the report of your successful resistance to the attack of the enemy, on the 5th of that month, and must heartily congratulate you upon the skill and bravery so invariably displayed by yourself and the troops under your command, and which have led to so fortunate a result; I have also to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, of the 10th inst. and beg leave to assure you that I have not been unmindful of your situation and wants. Brigadier-General Vincent has received directions, and I have reason to think he has already adopted measures for supplying them as far as lies in his power. And whenever the Indian goods, which are now on their way from Quebec, shall have reached this post, they shall be forwarded to you without delay. As you have not acknowledged the receipt of my instructions, transmitted to you by desire, by Major-General Sheaffe, to avail yourself of any favourable opportunity of retaliating upon the enemy for the attack upon York, by endeavouring to annoy their settlements upon Lake Erie, I fear his letter has not reached you. The arrival of Captain Barclay, who, I trust, with a small reinforcement of seamen, is with you long before this, will, I hope, enable you to place your Marine on such a footing as to check any attempts of the enemy, to gain a superiority on Lake Erie. I am very solicitous to receive from you a correct statement of the whole of your Marine establishment, and what is wanted to render it complete. "I have, &c. (Signed) "George Prevost." "To Brigadier-General Procter, Detroit." No. XXIV. Sentence of the Court-martial on Captain Barclay, p. 112. That the capture of His Majesty's late squadron was caused by the very defective means Captain Barclay possessed to equip them on Lake Erie; the want of a sufficient number of able seamen, whom he had repeatedly and earnestly requested of Sir James Yeo to be sent to him; the very great superiority of the enemy to the British squadron; and the unfortunate early fall of the superior officers in the action. That it appeared that the greatest exertions had been made by Captain Barclay, in equipping and getting into order the vessels under his command; that he was fully justified, under the existing circumstances, in bringing the enemy to action; that the judgment and gallantry of Captain[Pg lxviii] Barclay in taking his squadron into action, and during the contest, were highly conspicuous, and entitled him to the highest praise; and that the whole of the other officers and men of His Majesty's late squadron conducted themselves in the most gallant manner; and did adjudge the said Captain Robert Heriot Barclay, his surviving officers and men, to be most fully and honourably acquitted.—Rear-Admiral Foote, President. Court-martial on General Procter, p. 113. Horse Guards, 9th September, 1815. At a General Court-martial, held at Montreal, in Upper Canada, on the 21st December, 1814, and continued by adjournments to the 28th January, 1815, Major-General Henry Procter, Lieutenant-Colonel of the 41st Regiment, was arraigned upon the undermentioned charges, viz. 1st, "That the said Major-General Procter, being entrusted with the Command of the Right Division of the Army serving in the Canadas, and the retreat of the said Division from the Western Parts of Upper Canada having become unavoidable from the loss of the Fleet on Lake Erie, on the 10th September, 1813, did not, immediately after the loss of the Fleet was known by him, make the Military arrangements best calculated for promptly effecting such retreat, and unnecessarily delayed to commence the same until the Evening of the 27th of the said Month, on which Day the Enemy had landed in considerable force within a short distance of Sandwich, the Head-Quarters of the said Division, such Conduct on the part of the said Major-General Procter, endangering the safety of the Troops under his Command, by exposing them to be attacked by a force far superior to them, being contrary to his Duty as an Officer, prejudicial to good Order and Military Discipline, and contrary to the Articles of War." 2d. "That the said Major-General Procter, after commencing the retreat of the said Division on the said 27th September, although he had reason to believe that the Enemy would immediately follow it with very superior numbers, and endeavour to harass and impede its March, did not use due expedition, or take the proper measures for conducting the said Retreat, having encumbered the said Division with large quantities of useless Baggage, having unnecessarily halted the Troops for several whole Days, and having omitted to destroy the Bridges over which the Enemy would be obliged to pass, thereby affording them the opportunity to come up with the said Division, such conduct betraying great professional incapacity on the part of the said Major-General Procter, being contrary to his Duty as an Officer, prejudicial to good Order and Military Discipline, and contrary to the Articles of War." 3d. "That the said Major-General Procter did not take the necessary measures for affording security to the Boats, Waggons, and Carts, laden with the Ammunition, Stores, and Provisions, required for the Troops on their retreat, and allowed the said Boats, Waggons, and Carts, on the 4th and 5th October, 1813, to remain in the rear of the said Division, whereby the whole, or the greater part of the said Ammunition, Stores, and Provisions, either fell into the Enemy's hands, or were destroyed to prevent their capture, and the Troops were without Provisions for a whole day previous to their being attacked on the said 5th of October; such conduct on the part of the said Major-General Procter being contrary to his duty as an Officer, prejudicial to good Order and Military Discipline, and contrary to the Articles of War." 4th. "That the said Major-General Procter having assured the Indian Chiefs in Council at Amherstburgh, as an inducement to them and their Warriors to accompany the said Division on its retreat, that on their arrival at Chatham, they should find the Forks of the Thames fortified, did nevertheless neglect fortify the same; that he also neglected to occupy the Heights above the Moravian Village, although he had previously removed his Ordnance, with the exception of one six-pounder, to that position, where, by throwing up works he might have awaited the attack of the Enemy and engaged them to great advantage; and that after the intelligence had reached him of the approach of the Enemy on the Morning of the said 5th of October, he halted the said Division, notwithstanding it was within two miles of the said Village, and formed it in a situation highly unfavourable for receiving the Attack which afterwards took place, such conduct manifesting great professional incapacity on the part of the said Major-General Procter, being contrary to his Duty as an Officer, prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline, and contrary to the Articles of War." 5th. "That the said Major-General Procter did not on the said 5th day of October, either prior to, or subsequent to, the Attack by the Enemy on the said Division on that day make the Military dispositions best adapted to meet or to resist the said Attack, and that during the Action, and after the Troops had given way, he did not make any effectual attempt in his own person, or otherwise, to rally or encourage them, or to co-operate with and support the Indians who were engaged with the enemy on the right, the said Major-General Procter having quitted the Field soon after the Action commenced, such Conduct on the part of Major-General Procter betraying great professional incapacity, tending to the defeat and dishonour of His Majesty's Arms, to the sacrifice of the Division of the Army committed to his charge, being in violation of his Duty, and unbecoming and disgraceful to his Character as an Officer, prejudicial to good Order and Military Discipline, and contrary to the Articles of War." Upon which Charges the Court came to the following decision:— "The Court having duly weighed and considered the evidence adduced, as well in support of the Charges, as in support of the Defence, is of Opinion." "That the Prisoner, Major-General Henry Procter, Lieutenant-Colonel of the 41st Regiment, is not Guilty of any part of the First Charge; and the Court doth therefore wholly acquit him, the said Major-General Procter, of the same." "On the Second Charge, the Court is of opinion, that the said Major-General Procter is Guilty of the following part thereof, that he did not take the proper measures for conducting the Retreat; but the Court is of Opinion, that the said Major-General Procter is Not Guilty of any other part of the said Charge, and doth therefore acquit him of the same." "On the Third Charge the Court is of opinion, that the said Major-General Procter is Guilty of that part thereof in which it is charged, that the said Major General Procter did not take the necessary measures for affording security to the Boats, Waggons, and Carts, laden with the Ammunition, Stores, and Provisions, required for the Troops on their retreat; but the Court is of opinion, that the said Major-General Procter is Not Guilty of any part of the remainder of the said Charge, and doth therefore acquit him of the remainder thereof." "On the Fourth Charge the Court is of opinion, that the said Major-General Procter is Guilty of that part thereof, in which it is charged that he neglected to occupy the heights above the Moravian Village, although he had previously removed his Ordnance, with the exception of one Six Pounder, to that position, where, by throwing up Works he might have awaited the attack of the Enemy, and engaged them to great advantage;—and that after the intelligence had reached him of the approach of the Enemy on the Morning of the said 5th October, he halted the said Division, notwithstanding it was within two miles of the said Village, and formed it in a situation[Pg lxxiii] highly unfavourable for receiving the attack, which afterwards took place;—but the Court is of opinion, that the said Major-General Procter is Not Guilty of any part of the remainder of the said charge, and doth therefore acquit him of the remainder thereof." "On the Fifth Charge the Court is of opinion, that the said Major-General Procter is Guilty of that part thereof, in which it is charged that he did not on the said 5th day of October, either prior to or subsequent to, the attack by the Enemy on the said Division on that day, make the Military dispositions best adapted to meet or to resist the said attack; but the Court is of opinion, that that part thereof, in which it is charged that during the Action, and after the Troops had given way, he did not make any effectual attempt in his own person or otherwise, to rally or encourage them, or to co-operate with and support the Indians who were engaged with the Enemy on the right, has not been proved, and the Court doth therefore acquit him, the said Major-General Procter of the same;—and the Court is of opinion, that the said Major-General Procter is Not Guilty of any part of the remainder of the said Charge, and doth therefore fully and honourably acquit him of the same." "Upon the whole, the Court is of opinion, that the prisoner, Major-General Procter, has in many instances during the retreat, and in the disposition of the Force under his Command, been erroneous in judgment, and in some, deficient in those energetic and active exertions, which the extraordinary difficulties of his situation so particularly required." "The Court doth therefore adjudge him, the said Major-General Procter, to be publicly reprimanded, and to be suspended from Rank and Pay, for the period of Six Calendar Months." "But as to any defect or reproach, with regard to the personal conduct of Major-General Procter, during the action on the 5th of October, the Court most fully and honourably acquits the said Major-General Procter." His Royal Highness the Prince Regent has been pleased, in the name and on the behalf of His Majesty, to confirm the Finding of the Court, on the 1st, 3d, 4th, and 5th Charges. With respect to the Second Charge it appeared to His Royal Highness to be a matter of surprise that the Court should find the prisoner Guilty of the offence alleged against him, while they at the same time Acquit him of all the facts upon which that Charge is founded;—and yet, that in the summing up of their Finding upon the whole of the Charges, they should ascribe the offences of which the prisoner has been found Guilty, to Error in Judgment, and pass a Sentence totally inapplicable to their own finding of Guilt, which can alone be ascribed to the Court having been induced, by a reference to the general good character and conduct of Major-General Procter, to forget, through a humane, but mistaken lenity, what was due from them to the Service. Under all the circumstances of the case, however, and particularly those which render it impossible to have recourse to the otherwise expedient measure of re-assembling the Court, for the revival of their proceedings, the Prince Regent has been pleased to acquiesce in, and confirm so much of the Sentence as adjudges the prisoner to be publicly reprimanded, and in carrying the same into execution, His Royal Highness has directed the General Officer commanding in Canada, to convey to Major-General Procter, His Royal Highness's high disapprobation of his conduct, together with the expression of His Royal Highness's regret, that any officer of the length of service, and of the exalted rank which he has attained, should be so extremely wanting in professional knowledge, and so deficient in those active and energetic qualities, which must be required of every officer, but especially of one in the responsible situation in which the Major-General was placed. His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief directs that the foregoing Charges preferred against Major-General Procter, together with the Finding and Sentence of the Court, and the Prince Regent's pleasure thereon, shall be entered in the General Order Book, and read at the Head of every Regiment in His Majesty's Service. By Command of His Royal Highness, The Commander-in-chief, Harry Calvert, Adjutant-General. No. XXVI. p. 122. Adjutant-General's Office, Head Quarters, Quebec, 26th March, 1814. General Orders, His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief and Commander of the Forces feels the highest gratification in obeying the Commands of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, transmitted in a letter from the Right Hon. the Earl Bathurst, one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, of which the following is a Copy, and which His Excellency directs to be published in General Orders, and read at the Head of all Corps in this Command: "His Royal Highness has observed with the greatest satisfaction the skill and gallantry so conspicuously displayed by the officers and men who composed the detachment of troops opposed to General Hampton's army. By the resistance which they successfully made to an enemy so vastly disproportionate, the confidence of the enemy has been lowered, their plans disconcerted, and the safety of that part of the Canadian frontier ensured. It gives His Royal Highness peculiar pleasure to find, that His Majesty's Canadian subjects have at length had the opportunity (which His Royal Highness has been long anxious should be afforded them) of refuting, by their own brilliant exertions in defence of their country, that calumnious charge of disaffection and disloyalty with which the enemy prefaced his first invasion of the Province. "To Lieut.-Colonel De Salaberry, in particular, and to all the officers and men under his command in general, you will not fail to express His Royal Highness's Most Gracious Approbation of their meritorious and distinguished services. His Royal Highness has commanded me to forward to you by the first safe opportunity, the Colours which you have solicited for the embodied Battalions of the Militia, feeling that they have evinced an ability and disposition to secure them from insult, which gives them the best title to such a mark of distinction. "By His Excellency's Command, Edward Baynes, Adjutant-General, N. A." No. XXVII. Extract from Sir George Prevost's Despatch to Earl Bathurst, dated 18th May, 1814, p. 135. "The principal objects in the attack upon Oswego, being to cripple the resources of the enemy, in fitting out their squadron, and particularly their new ship at Sackett's Harbour, their guns and stores of every description being drawn from the former post, and thus to delay, if not altogether to prevent, the sailing of the fleet, I determined to pursue the same policy on Lake Champlain, and therefore directed Captain Pring to proceed with his squadron, on board of which I had placed a strong detachment of the 1st battalion of the marines, towards Vergennes, for the purpose, if practicable, of destroying the new vessels lately launched there, and of[Pg lxxvii] intercepting and capturing the stores and supplies for their armament and equipment. Captain Pring accordingly sailed on the 9th, and with the force mentioned in the margin, having been prevented by contrary winds from reaching his destination until the 14th instant, he found, on arriving off Otter Creek, the enemy so fully prepared to receive him, their vessels so strongly defended by batteries, and a considerable body of troops, that after a cannonading with some effect from his gun-boats, he judged it most advisable to abandon his intended plan of attacking them, and return to Isle aux Noix. "The appearance of our squadron on the Lake has been productive of great confusion and alarm at Burlington, and other places, along its shores, and the whole of the population appeared to be turned out for their defence." No. XXVIII. Extract of a Letter from Major-General Sir James Kempt to Sir George Prevost, respecting the intended Attack upon Sackett's Harbour, dated "Kingston, 18th Sept. 1814. "Sir, "With all due deference to your Excellency's superior judgment, it appears to me, that an operation of this magnitude, and probable duration, should not be undertaken without the most ample means, and at the very best season of the year; that not less than 8,000 infantry, with a strong efficient corps of artillery and engineers, should be employed on this service; that Watertown and Brownville should be occupied in force by strong corps of observation, capable of covering the operations; that there should be an intermediate rendezvous for the assembly of the troops and stores, between this and the place of debarkation; and, that above[Pg lxxviii] all, we should have the decided superiority on the Lake, before the service is undertaken. "I have the honour to be, with great respect, "Your Excellency's most obedient "And most humble servant, "James Kempt. Lieut.-Gen." No. XXIX. Extract of a Letter from Sir J. L. Yeo to Sir George Prevost, dated 29th Aug. 1814, p. 141. "I have this day received a correct statement of all the officers and men belonging to the establishment on Lake Champlain. "I enclose your Excellency a scale of the complement of each vessel, agreeable to the Admiralty order, by which you will perceive that, after each complement is complete, there will remain 97 seamen over and above. Your Excellency must be aware, that when this squadron proceeds up the Lake, I shall be under the necessity of taking the seamen out of the gun-boats; neither will the number of seamen we have in this country, afford a sufficient number of men to man the gun-boats on Lake Champlain, independent of the ships." No. XXX. Correspondence between Sir George Prevost and Capt. Downie, p. 145. "Head-Quarters, Plattsburg, Wednesday, 7 a. m. 7th Sept. 1814. "Sir, "The enemy's force in the Bay consists of a ship, inferior to the Confiance, a brig, a large schooner, a sloop, and seven or eight gun-boats. When the gun-boats are manned, the remaining craft appear to have but few men left on board. If you feel that the vessels under your command are equal to a contest with those I have described, you will find the present moment offers many advantages which may not again occur. "As my ulterior movements depend on your decision, you will have the goodness to favour me with it, with all possible promptitude. "In the event of your coming forward immediately, you will furnish conveyance for the two 8-inch mortars, ordered from Isle aux Noix, with their stores, provided you can do so, without delaying the sailing of your squadron. "I have the honour to be, &c. (Signed) "G. Prevost." "To Captain Downie, &c." "H. M. S. Confiance, off La Cole, 7th Sept. 4 p. m. 1814. "Sir, "I have the honour of your Excellency's letter of this morning. "I am aware of the comparative force of the two squadrons, and am thus far on my way to find the enemy, conceiving that the moment I can put this ship into a state for action, I shall be able to meet them. "The Confiance at this moment is in such a state, as to require at least a day[107] or two to make her efficient before the enemy; but with all the exertion I can use, it will probably be that time at least, before it will be possible to get her up to Chazy, where I shall be happy to receive any further communication from your Excellency. "I have the honour to be, Sir, "Your most obedient servant, "Geo. Downie." "His Excellency Lieut.-Gen. Sir G. Prevost, Bart. &c. &c." "Head-Quarters, Plattsburg, Thursday Morning, 8th Sept. 1814. "Sir, "I have just received your reply to my communication of yesterday. "As it is of the highest importance the ship, vessels, and gun-boats, under your command, should commence a co-operation with the division of the army, now occupying Plattsburg, I have sent my Aid-de-Camp, Major Coore, with this letter, in order that you may obtain from him correct information of the disposition made by the enemy of his naval force in this bay. "I only wait for your arrival to proceed against General Macomb's last position, on the south bank of the Saranac. Your share in the operation, in the first instance, will be to destroy or capture the enemy's squadron, if it should wait for a contest, and afterwards co-operate with this division of the army; but if it should run away, or get out of your reach, we must meet here to consult on ulterior movements. "I have the honour to be, &c. (Signed) "G. Prevost." "H. M. S. Confiance, off Point au Fer, 8th Sept. 1814. "Sir, "I have the honour of your Excellency's letter of this day; and have to state, that I am advancing with the squadron to Chazy as fast as the wind and weather will allow. "In the letter I did myself the honour to address to you yesterday, I stated to your Excellency, that this ship was not ready—she is not ready now; and until she is ready, it is my duty not to hazard the squadron before an enemy, who will even then be considerably superior in force. "I purpose remaining at Chazy until I find myself enabled to move, which I trust will be very shortly, it depending on my guns being ready. "I have the honour to be, Sir, "Your most obedient servant, "Geo. Downie." "His Excellency Sir Geo. Prevost, Bart. &c. &c. &c." "Head-Quarters, Plattsburg, Friday, 9th Sept. 1814. "Sir, "In consequence of your communication of yesterday's date, I have postponed moving on the enemy's position, on the south bank of the Saranac, until your squadron is in a sufficient state of preparation to co-operate with this division of the army. "I need not dwell, with you, on the evils resulting to both services from delay, as I am well convinced you have done every thing that was in your power to accelerate the armament and equipment of your squadron, and I am also satisfied nothing will prevent its coming off Plattsburg the moment it is ready. "I am happy to inform you, that I find from deserters, who have come over from the enemy, that the American fleet is inefficiently manned, and that a few days ago, after the arrival of the new brig, they sent on shore for the prisoners of all descriptions, in charge of the Prevost, to make up a crew for that vessel. "I have the honor to be, &c. (Signed) "G. Prevost." "P.S. Captain Watson, of the Provincial Cavalry, is desired to remain at Little Chazy until you are preparing to get under weigh, when he is instantly to return to this place with the intelligence."[Pg lxxxii] "H.M.S. Confiance, off Chazy, 9th Sept. 1814. "Sir, "I have the honour to communicate to your Excellency, that it is my intention to weigh and proceed with the squadron, from this anchorage, about midnight, in the expectation of rounding into the bay of Plattsburg about dawn of day, and commencing an immediate attack on the enemy's squadron, if they shall be found anchored in a position that will afford any chance of success. "I rely on any assistance it may be in your power to give. "In manning the flotilla and ships, we are many short. I have made application to the officer commanding at Chazy, for a company of the 39th regiment to make up. "I have the honour to be, Sir, "Your most obedient servant, "Geo. Downie." "His Excellency Sir Geo. Prevost, Bart. &c. &c. &c." "P. S. I have just this moment received your letter of this day, to which the preceding is, I think, a sufficient answer. "G. D." "Head-Quarters, Plattsburg, Saturday Morning, 10th Sept. 1814. "Sir, "I received, at twelve last night, your letter, acquainting me with your determination to get under weigh, about that time, in the expectation of rounding Cumberland Head at dawn of day; in consequence, the troops have been held in readiness, since six o'clock this morning, to storm the enemy's works at nearly the same moment as the naval action should commence in the bay. I ascribe the disappointment I have experienced to the unfortunate change of wind,[Pg lxxxiii] and I shall rejoice to learn from you, that my expectations have been frustrated by no other cause. "I have the honour to be, &c. (Signed) "G. Prevost." "To Capt. Downie, &c. &c. &c." No. XXXI. Extract from Vermont Paper, dated Burlington, Sept. 1814, p. 168. "The articles in your paper of last week, republished from the Montreal papers, are interesting, as they evince the spirit of our Canada neighbours, and the high hopes they had entertained from their late expedition. "That the result is not such as they could have wished we believe, but that its failure should be ascribed entirely to the misconduct of Gov. Prevost is wholly unaccountable. It is not our business or desire to shield Gov. Prevost from the censure of his subjects, but after the decision of the contest between the hostile fleets, we can perceive no object of national importance which could have justified the further operations of the army. "It is possible that an army of 12,000 men might have carried the works at Plattsburg, but the positive assertions on this subject betray great ignorance of our resources, and the spirit of our people. Grant, that after much hard fighting, and the loss of many valuable lives, they had succeeded in taking the forts, do they suppose they could have retained them against all the forces we can bring against them? If they do, we can only say, that they are grossly mistaken. "Do they suppose that an army of 12,000 men can march through a country, every county of which contains more than that number of souls; or do they suppose their progress would not be obstructed?[Pg lxxxiv] "A large proportion of our citizens are opposed to the present war, and from principles the most noble and virtuous. They will not, under existing circumstances, consent to aid in offensive operations against their neighbours. But let no one suppose their love of peace will destroy their love of country, and that they can make war upon us without danger. We will not willingly molest them, but they must not disturb us. He is unworthy any country who would not protect his own from invasion; and we are happy to know that this country is inhabited by men who need no additional inducement to protect their rights and privileges at every hazard. "People." "Messrs. Hinckley and Fish." No. XXXII. An Extract from the Address of the House of Assembly, at the opening of the Session, 30th Jan. 1815, to His Excellency Sir George Prevost, p. 176. "The operations contemplated on the shores of Lake Champlain, we are led to believe, by our confidence in your Excellency's judgment, were planned in consequence of wise combinations, and our proximity to the scene of action has enabled us to acquire a perfect conviction, that they were frustrated by causes beyond your Excellency's control. We are equally convinced that the failure of our naval means rendered necessary at the very onset, an immediate abandonment of the enterprize. "The protecting hand of His Majesty's government has been agreeably felt in the reinforcements received by your Excellency, for the diminution of the pressure of the war on the inhabitants of this province. The testimony which your Excellency is pleased to bear to the zeal and alacrity with which their services have been rendered, cannot but be more flattering to their feelings and demands through their representatives, their warmest acknowledgments. It is under your Excellency's wise and just administration that their character and conduct have been justly appreciated; and whatever merit their services may be entitled to, a large portion of it is unquestionably due to your Excellency, whose well founded confidence in them, has enabled them, by those services, to testify their faithful, loyal, and patriotic adherence to His Majesty: of which, under your Excellency's administration, they hope many opportunities, during a long time to come, will be afforded them to give additional proofs." Extract from an Address from the House of Assembly of Lower Canada, to Sir Geo. Prevost, 20th March, 1815. "We take this opportunity of repeating the expression of our sentiments of gratitude to your Excellency, for having, by your prudence, by the wisdom of your measures, and by your ability, preserved to the empire these important provinces, and for the paternal solicitude with which your Excellency has watched over the welfare of His Majesty's subjects, and to pray your Excellency to rest assured, that those benefits will ever remain deeply engraven on the hearts of the Canadians." Extract from the Resolutions of the House of Assembly of Lower Canada, 21st March, 1815. "According to order, the resolutions of the Committee of the whole House, to consider whether it would be expedient to give to his Excellency the Governor-in-Chief, some mark of gratitude for his distinguished services in this province, were reported to the House, agreed to, and ordered to be engrossed. "The said resolutions are as follows: "Resolved, "That this House entertains the highest veneration and respect, for the character of his Excellency Sir George[Pg lxxxvi] Prevost, Governor-in-Chief, whose administration, under circumstances of peculiar novelty and difficulty, stands highly distinguished for energy, wisdom, and ability. "Resolved, "That this House, representing the people of this province, anxiously desirous of expressing their gratitude to his Excellency, for having, under Providence, rescued us from the danger of subjugation to our late foe, have, and do hereby, give and grant a service of plate not exceeding five thousand pounds, sterling, to his Excellency, as a testimonial of the high sense this House entertains of his Excellency's distinguished talents, wisdom, and abilities. "Resolved, "That for the better carrying into execution the object this House has in view, for the purchase of the service of plate for his Excellency, the Speaker of this House be authorized to give directions to such persons, in England, as may be best able to execute the same, and that when so completed, the said service be presented to his Excellency the Governor-in-Chief, in the name and on the behalf of the Commons of His Majesty's province of Lower Canada. "Resolved, "That an humble address be presented to his Excellency the Governor-in-Chief, to communicate the above resolutions, humbly praying that his Excellency will be graciously pleased to advance a sum not exceeding five thousand pounds sterling, to the order of the Speaker of this House, for the object stated in the above resolutions; and that this House doth engage, and hereby pledges itself to make good the said advance the next ensuing session of this provincial parliament."[Pg lxxxvii] Extract from the Speech of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, on presenting the Money Bills to the Governor-in-Chief, 23rd March, 1815. "Superior to prejudices which had but too generally prevailed, your Excellency has derived from the devotion of that brave and loyal, yet unjustly calumniated people, resources sufficient for disconcerting the plans of conquest, devised by a foe at once numerous and elate with confidence. Reinforcements were subsequently received; and the blood of the sons of Canada has flowed mingled with that of the brave soldiers sent to its defence. Multiplied proofs of the efficacious and powerful protection of the mother country, and of the inviolable loyalty of the people of this province, strengthen their claim to the preservation and free exercise of all the benefits which are secured to them by their existing constitution and laws." Addresses to Sir Geo. Prevost, from the Inhabitants of Quebec and Montreal, 31st March. To His Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart. Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief, in and over the Provinces of Lower Canada, &c. &c. &c. "May it please your Excellency, "We the inhabitants of the city of Quebec, most respectfully approach your Excellency, at the moment of your departure for England, to express the sentiments which we entertain, of a most profound regard for your Excellency's person and character, and a lively gratitude for the benefits, which, in common with our fellow subjects throughout the province, we have derived from your Excellency's administration. "At the period of your Excellency's arrival in this country, on the eve of a war with America, you found the majority of its inhabitants irritated by the unfortunate effects of misunderstandings of a long duration. Your Excellency, consulting[Pg lxxxviii] only the general welfare by a strict adherence to justice and a well-timed confidence, soon allayed every discontent, and rallied the whole population for the common defence. Under the happy influence of harmony thus restored, the militia was assembled and trained, and an exhausted treasury replenished. The additional means which you thereby derived from the colony committed to your particular care, enabled your Excellency to extend the handful of British troops at your disposal, to the most distant parts of the Upper Province, where the long meditated attacks of the enemy were met at the onset, and his forces repeatedly overthrown with disgrace—the happy precursor of the fate which awaited all his attempts on this province. "If the smallness of the regular army with which your Excellency was left to withstand the whole efforts of the United States for two years, and the insufficiency of the naval force on the Lakes, have exposed His Majesty's arms to some reverses, it is nevertheless, true, that under the auspices of your Excellency, the British arms have acquired new laurels, amidst circumstances of extraordinary difficulty, unprecedented in European warfare; the name of the people of this country has been rendered illustrious, and a vast extent of territory protected from the ravages of war and preserved to the empire. "Your Excellency's name and services will ever be held in veneration and grateful remembrance by the inhabitants of Quebec. The whole province has assured you of its gratitude; and the imperishable evidences of your Excellency's merits, though they could not appease, will easily overcome your enemies. "May your Excellency's voyage be prosperous, and its results correspond with your wishes. The citizens of Quebec will hail the day of your Excellency's return to your government, rewarded with the full approbation of a gracious Prince, as one of the happiest in the annals of Canada. [Signed by 1420 persons.] "Quebec, 31st March, 1815." [Pg lxxxix]To which his Excellency was pleased to return the following Answer: To the Inhabitants of the City of Quebec. "Gentlemen, "I thank you for those sentiments of kindness which now, as at all times, I have had the gratification to receive from the inhabitants of the city of Quebec. It is at the moment of separation that such expressions appeal most forcibly to the heart. "If under the authority which His Majesty has deemed proper to place in my hands, you have been prosperous and happy, the objects of all my exertions, and my most earnest solicitude has been attained. "The time I have spent in your society has taught me at once to appreciate its worth, and to regret the loss of it; and, be assured, the testimony of regard you have now given me, will be treasured up among recollections the most grateful to my feelings." On Monday last, at twelve o'clock, the Address of the Citizens of Montreal was presented to his Excellency Sir George Prevost, by their Deputies, J. M. MondelÊt and John M'Donald, Esquires, which Address is as follows: To his Excellency Sir George Prevost, Bart. Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief, in and over the Province of Lower Canada, Upper Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and their Dependencies, Vice-Admiral of the same, Lieutenant-General and Commander of all His Majesty's Forces in the said Provinces, and in the Islands of Newfoundland, Prince Edward, Cape Breton, and Bermuda, &c. &c. &c. "May it please your Excellency, "We His Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, inhabitants of the city of Montreal and the neighbouring Parishes, have learnt with extreme regret that your Excellency is unexpectedly about to leave this province. "We hasten, before your Excellency separates yourself from us, to convey to your Excellency the expression of our sorrow for your departure, of our gratitude for the benefits conferred on us, in common with our fellow subjects, by your Excellency's administration, and our ardent wish that your Excellency's absence from this province may be of short duration. "These sentiments are naturally produced in our minds by the recollection of the public and private virtues which have been displayed by your Excellency in your exalted station, and by the advantages we have experienced from your Excellency's wisdom and justice in peace, and your protecting care in war. "In your Excellency's civil administration, we have seen conspicuously evinced an anxious desire to dispense equal justice to His Majesty's subjects, to obliterate unjust and impolitic distinctions between the inhabitants of this province, of different origin, and to unite them as members of one community with the same rights and interests, for the promotion of their common welfare. Influenced by this wise and just policy, your Excellency has been enabled to form a correct estimate of the character and disposition of the population of Canada: and, by reposing in the loyalty and bravery of His Majesty's Canadian subjects that confidence which they fully merited, your Excellency has afforded practical evidence of their devoted attachment to His Majesty's government, and their capacity to yield it effectual support. "While exposed to the pressure of the late unjust and unprovoked war waged by the United States of America against His Majesty, we experienced the security derived from your Excellency's indefatigable exertions for the defence of this Province, and have reason to ascribe its preservation, as well as that of the Upper Province, to the judicious distribution and arrangement of the Public Force made by your Excellency, by which the attempts of the enemy were frustrated, and the honourable character, with the rights and advantages of British subjects has been secured to the Inhabitants of the Canadas. "Having the greatest confidence in the skill and judgment of your Excellency, and being fully convinced of the ability and prudence with which your Excellency has discharged the military as well as civil duties of your high office, we anticipate, from the investigation for which your Excellency is preparing, a result honourable to your Excellency's character, by which your well-earned reputation will be confirmed, the voice of calumny and detraction silenced, and your Excellency's merits conclusively established. We persuade ourselves also that the important services rendered in this country by your Excellency to His Majesty's Government will be duly appreciated by His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, of whose discernment and justice we have had so many proofs, and will procure for your Excellency deserved approbation, and the high rewards reserved for distinguished merit. "We shall not cease to take the warmest interest in the fortunes of your Excellency; and in expressing our ardent wishes for your prosperity and that of your family, we join in the general sentiment of the country, whose affection and unalterable attachment your Excellency will carry with you, and whose greatest felicity would be experienced in the speedy return of your Excellency to resume the reins of Government." (Signed by 1510 persons.) His Excellency was pleased to make the following answer: To the Inhabitants of the City of Montreal, and the neighbouring Parishes. "Gentlemen, "The alacrity with which you have hastened to prevent the distance of your residence from being an obstacle to the expression of your kind wishes on my sudden and unexpected departure, gives to them all the additional value of eager sincerity. "Your good will is to me a most acceptable offering: and as I am now content if your good opinion of my services during my Administration is proportioned to my desire to promote your welfare, so shall I ever be ambitious that your estimate of my exertions may be found as correct as the favourable judgment which I early formed of His Majesty's subjects in Canada, which experience has now fully justified." Letter from M. de Salaberry to Sir George Prevost. A son Excellence Sir George Prevost, &c. &c. Qu'il plaise À votre Excellence, Me permettre d'Écrire, puisque je ne peux sortir. J'en suis empÊchÉ par une maladie opÎniÂtre et apparemment dangereuse, puisqu'encore hier j'ai tombÉ sans connaissance sur le plancher. Je suis bien peinÉ d'Être privÉ par les accidens d'aller vous rendre mes respects, avant que vous vous laissiez. Sir George, vous portez pour vous justifier—Quoi! une justification de vous! Qui pouvait s'y attendre? Mais s'il en faut une, la voici d'un mot: Le Canada est encore a l'Angleterre. Cela repond À tout. Le rÉsultat est tout, il est frappant, il est grand. VoilÀ un fait, celui-lÀ: on ne peut le nier. Devant lui doivent disparaitre les vaines paroles, les accusations sophistiques; sous lui doivent succomber les efforts de la malveillance, l'envie, les passions haineuses; mais le mÉrite et la vertu sont sujets À la persÉcution. Vous en triompherez glorieusement: j'Ôse vous le prÉdire avec assÛrance, et je la souhaite du profond de mon coeur, comme je souhaite aussi tous les bonheurs pour vous, Sir George, et pour ce qui vous est chÉr. Avec ces vrais sentimens, et ceux du plus grand respect, j'ai l'honneur de me souscrire, Mon GÉnÉral, De votre Excellence, Le trÉs-humble, trÈs-obÉissant Et trÈs devouÉ serviteur, L. de Salaberry, Col. M. Quebec. A Beauport, 28 Mars, 1815. P. S. Oui, les Canadas sont encore À l'Angleterre, mais n'y serraient plus sans un effort persÉverant de prudence, d'activitÉ, de patience courageuse, et d'habilitÉ consommÉe, dans un commandement et un genre de guerre aussi difficiles, dont la conduite Éxige un art tant particulier. VoilÀ ce qu'avoueront tous ceux qui ont de vraies connaissances de la nature de ces pays de situations si extraordinaires, À des prodigieuses distances, À travers des forÊts immenses. Ce ne sont pas des guerres d'Europe, oÙ sous un beau ciel et dans des riches plaines cultivÉes, toutes les parties d'armÉes se touchent, oÙ sont toujours À-portÉe, de se donner la main, dans des localitÉs rapprochÉes et dont les communications sont si faciles. Daignez, mon GÉnÉral, traiter mes reflexions avec indulgence, puis qu'elles viennent d'un vieux et loyal soldat, qui a commencÉ À faire la guerre il y a prÉcisement quarante ans cette annÉe. No. XXXIII. Extract from Christie's Memoirs of the Administration of the Colonial Government of Lower Canada, by Sir James Henry Craig, and Sir George Prevost. "The administration of the Civil Government of Lower Canada under Sir George Prevost, was mild, equitable, and unquestionably popular among the entire mass of the Canadian population, in whose loyalty from the commencement, he placed the most implicit confidence. To their fidelity, and to the prudent and conciliating policy of this Governor, Great Britain is indebted for the preservation of the Canadas, unavoidably left destitute of money and troops at the outset of hostilities with America, by reason of the urgent demands of the war in Spain. The Provincial Legislature, by giving a currency to Army Bills and guaranteeing their redemption, effectually removed all apprehensions of a deficiency in the financial resources of the Colonial Government. The organization of a respectable force of embodied Militia, and the power delegated to the Governor, of turning out the whole of the effective male population of the Province, in cases of emergency, enabled him to withstand the efforts of the United States, during two successive campaigns, with scarcely any other resources than those derived from the Colony. They who had been partial to the preceding Administration, and who probably may have been instrumental in the arbitrary measures with which it is reproached, were, as might be expected, adverse to the policy of the present Governor, and spared no pains to represent in England the affairs of the Colony in the falsest colours. The disappointments experienced at Sackett's Harbour and Plattsburg, gave occasion to his enemies to discredit his military character: but whatever may have been his capacity as a general, (which we leave to the judgment of military men) it must be admitted, that as a civil governor, at the head of a people irritated by arbitrary measures under the preceding Administration, he judiciously explored his way through a period of unprecedented embarrassments and danger, without a recurrence to Martial Law, or the least exertion of arbitrary power. His manners are represented by those who were familiarly acquainted with him as unassuming and social. His public speeches or addresses partook of even classical elegance. His smooth and easy temper placed him beyond the ordinary passions of men in power, and though aware of the intrigues of unprincipled and implacable enemies labouring at his destruction, and loaded with the obloquy of the press, he is known to have harboured no resentment against the former, and to have reasoned with that coolness and unconcern with respect to the latter, which can only spring from a virtuous and ingenuous mind." Extract from Bouchette's Topographical Account of Lower Canada, p. 121. "At a time when the military resources of the Province were so greatly curtailed by the most arduous continental warfare that ever Great Britain was engaged in, it is a matter of surprise that so much could have been effected with such slender means. An enemy, emboldened by possessing an ample force, and inspired by the prospect of obtaining a fertile country, long the object of inordinate desire, could only be successfully opposed by a union of the greatest energy with the most active measures; that such was presented to him is incontrovertible, and the credit of having brought them into action by unceasing perseverance, will attach to the judicious dispositions of the Governor-General, Sir George Prevost, and for his strenuous efforts in turning the enthusiasm of the people into a bulwark stronger, and more impenetrable than entrenchments or fortresses against an invader." The following Extract from James's Naval Memoirs, p. 411, shewing the opinion of the American Naval Commander, as to the result of the action on Lake Champlain, was intended to form a note to page 175. "Commodore Macdonough, taking Lieutenant Robertson, when presenting his sword, for the British Commanding Officer, spoke to him as follows:—'You owe it, Sir, to the shameful conduct of your gun-boats and cutters, that you are performing this office to me; for, had they done their duty, you must have perceived, from the situation of the Saratoga, that I could hold out no longer: and indeed, nothing induced me to keep up her colours, but seeing, from the united fire of all the rest of my squadron on the Confiance, and her unsupported situation, that she must ultimately surrender.'—Here is an acknowledgment, candid and honourable in the extreme." No. XXXIV. Inscription on the Monument erected to the Memory of Sir George Prevost in Winchester Cathedral, p. 177. Sacred to the Memory Of Lieutenant-General Sir George Prevost, Baronet, of Belmont, in this County, Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in North America; In which command, by his wise and energetic measures, And with a very inferior force, He preserved the Canadas to the British Crown, From the repeated invasions of a powerful Enemy. His Constitution at length sunk Under incessant bodily and mental exertions, In discharging the duties of that arduous station, And having returned to England, He died shortly afterwards in London, on the 5th Jan. 1816, Aged forty-eight years; Thirty-four of which had been devoted To the service of his Country. He was interred near the remains of his Father, Major-General Augustin Prevost, At East Barnet, in Middlesex. His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, To evince in an especial manner the sense he entertained Of his distinguished conduct and services, During a long period of constant active employment, In situations of great trust, both military and civil, Was pleased to ordain, As a lasting memorial of His Majesty's Royal favour, That the names of the Countries, Where his courage and abilities had been most signally displayed, The West Indies and Canada, Should be inscribed on the banners of the supporters, Granted to be borne by his Family and his descendants. In Testimony of his private worth, His piety, integrity, and benevolence, And all those tender, domestic virtues Which endeared him To his Family, his Children, his Friends and Dependants, As well as to prove her unfeigned love, gratitude and respect, Catharine Ann Prevost, His afflicted Widow, caused this Monument to be erected, Anno Domini, 1818.
No. XXXV. [Pg xcviii] Private Despatch from Sir George Prevost to Earl Bathurst, p. 179. (Private.) "Montreal, 21st Sept. 1814. "My Lord, "In my despatch from Plattsburg, of the 11th inst. I reported to your Lordship the unfortunate event which induced me to withdraw the troops with which I had advanced into the enemy's territory. My reasons for that measure I can more fully explain to your Lordship in a private communication than it might be proper to do in a public letter. "Your Lordship must have been aware from my previous despatches, that no offensive operations could be carried on, within the enemy's territory, for the destruction of his Naval Establishments, without naval support. Having ascertained that our flotilla was in every respect equal to the enemy's, and having received from Captain Downie the assurance, not only of his readiness, but of his ability to co-operate with the army, I did not hesitate in advancing to Plattsburg, and confidently relying upon the successful exertions of the squadron, I made my arrangements for the assault of the enemy's works the moment it should appear. "The disastrous and unlooked for result of the naval contest, by depriving me of the only means by which I could avail myself of any advantage I might gain, rendered a perseverance in the attack of the enemy's position highly imprudent, as well as hazardous. From the state of the roads, each day's delay at Plattsburg rendered my retreat more difficult. The enemy's Militia was raising en masse around me, desertion increasing, and our supply of provisions scanty. "Excluded from the use of water communication, and that by roads passing through woods and over swamps, becoming, from the state of the weather, as well as from the obstructions made by the enemy, nearly impassable—under these circumstances, I had to determine whether I should consider my own fame, by gratifying the order of the troops in persevering in the attack, or consult the more substantial interests of my country, by withdrawing the army which was yet uncrippled, for the security of these provinces; in adopting the latter measure, I feel that I have accorded with the views of His Majesty's Government, and that a contrary conduct would have been attended with immediate and imminent danger to this Province. "The most ample success on shore, after the loss of the fleet, could not have justified the sacrifice I must have made to obtain it. Had I failed, and such an event was possible, after the American army had been cheared by the sight of a naval victory, the destruction of a great part of our troops must have been the consequence, and with the remainder I should have had to make a precipitate and embarrassed retreat, one very different from that which I have made. "These are considerations which, without doubt, will have their due weight with your Lordship, and induce you, I trust, to view the measures I have adopted as those best calculated to promote, as well the honour of His Majesty's arms, as the safety of this part of his dominions. "I herewith transmit a comparative state of the force of the two squadrons, in order that your Lordship may be satisfied with my reasons for not discouraging a Naval Engagement, in which, if all had done their duty, I should have had a very different report to make. "I have the honour to be," &c. "The Right Hon. Earl Bathurst." J. M'Creery, Printer, Tooks Court, Chancery Lane.
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