Some Account of the Public Life of the Late Lieutenant-General Sir George Prevost, Bart Part 9

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 s.h.i.+ps, 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 prompt.i.tude 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 Lords.h.i.+p, 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 Lords.h.i.+p 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 cl.u.s.ter of s.h.i.+ps was discovered off Roseau.

As our light increased, I made out five large s.h.i.+ps, three frigates, two brigs, and small craft, under British colours, a s.h.i.+p 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 s.h.i.+ps, 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 sh.o.r.e, 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 circ.u.mstance 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 sh.o.r.e, 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 sh.o.r.e 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 s.h.i.+ps 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 hards.h.i.+ps 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 a.s.sist 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 ent.i.tle 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 pa.s.s 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 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-General au Roseau, le 5th Ventose, An 13._

"Le General de Division Lagrange, Grand Officier de la Legion de l'Honneur, &c. &c.

"Monsieur le General,

"Avant de commencer les operations militaires contre le fort ou tous paraissez tous etre retire, je viens remplir une prealable autorise et pratique, entre les nations civilisees.

"Vous connoissez aussi bien, M. le General, votre position, et peut-etre meme, l'inutilite d'une nouvelle effusion de sang; vous avez du gemir en voyant le malheureux sort de la ville de Roseau; mon premier soin en y entrant a ete de donner des ordres pour arreter l'incendie: mais par malheur le mal etait deja trop grand. Le besoin en subsistence produit toujours des effete cruels, et le resultat peut en etre calcule plus positivement que celui de toute autre chose. Ne fut-ce que cette consideration, elle est plus que suffisante sous la circonstance ou vous vous trouvez pour accepter les conditions honorables que je suis dispose a vous accorder, et soustraire ainsi par un arrangement les habitans interessants de cette colonie a des nouveaux malheurs presque toujours inseparable des evenemens de la guerre. Veuillez, M. le General, me faire connoitre bientot votre reponse; en attendant, recevez l'a.s.surance 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 grat.i.tude 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 lords.h.i.+p'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 lords.h.i.+p 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,