On the 21st of March, 1794, by order of their Excellencies Sir Charles Grey, K. B. General and Commander in Chief of his Britannic Majesty's forces in the West Indies, &c. &c. &c. and Vice Admiral Sir John Jervis, K. B. commanding his Majesty's fleet, &c. &c. Commodore C. Thompson, Colonel R. Symes, and Captain J. Conyngham, met at Dillon's house to receive proposals of capitulation for Fort Bourbon, from Colonel d'Aucourt, Captain Dupriret, and Gaschet Dumaine, jun. nominated Commissioners for that purpose by General Rochambeau.
The following Articles were proposed, discussed, and modified, at a second conference held at Fort Royal on the 22d of March, 1794.
Article I. The garrison, composed of the troops of the line, artillery, gunners of the marine, and national guard, shall march out with colours flying, thirty rounds a man, and two field pieces with twelve rounds.—Answer. The colony of Martinique, already reduced by the arms of his Britannic Majesty, and the forts and towns of St. Pierre and Fort Royal taken with sword in hand, General Rochambeau can only capitulate for Fort Bourbon, and what it contains.—Granted. But they are to lay down their arms at a place appointed, and not to serve against his Britannic Majesty, or his allies, during the present war.
II. Three months pay to be allowed to the troops of the line.—Answer. No pay will be given. All their effects will be allowed them; and they will be provided with whatever may be necessary for their voyage to France.
III. The thirty-seventh regiment, formerly Marshal Turenne's, shall keep their colours and arms.—Answer. Refused, being contrary to all customs of war. The officers may keep their swords.
IV. They shall be furnished with ships to carry them to France.—Answer. Granted.
V. The emigrants, who have returned to Martinique, shall not be present where the garrison lay down their arms or embark.—Answer. Granted.
VI. Such persons of the national guard, who can give proofs of their property, shall be permitted to remain in the island, giving that property as security for their conduct.—Answer. Those of the national guard in Fort Bourbon who have affairs to settle, and whose sojourn may not be deemed dangerous to the colony, may remain according to the declaration of the General, dated January 1, 1794.
Such as wish to go to France shall be allowed, leaving their agents here.—Answer. Granted.
VII. Persons not included in the above article, who are compelled to return to France, shall be allowed a certain time to settle their affairs.—Answer. A proper time shall be allowed: fifteen days at least.