"General Orders, Halifax, February 27, 1778.
"That good Marine Soldier who was yesterday with General Massey, and who now forgets his name and Company, the General wishes to see to-morrow morning at nine o'clock, as he wants to reward him for his loyalty. General Massey will be much obliged to Major Souter to order this to be read by an Officer, at roll-calling, to the different Companies."
In April, Lieutenant Jacobs who was an ornament to his Corps, (subsequently drowned at St. Lucia) was appointed to act as Overseer to the King's Works, which were carrying on.
No occasion seemed to have been lost by General Massey in calling forth talents wherever they were to be found, and applying them to the public good. Such precedents, if generally adopted upon service, would stimulate the Marine Officer to the early study of every branch of military education. It is but rarely that we are inclined to devote our attention to sciences which may never be called into action, and what our professional views seem almost to render unnecessary. This knowledge may adorn the man, but it is too often restrained from being useful to our Country.
Upon the 25th of August the Marine Battalion was struck off the roster of duty in the garrison of Halifax, previous to its embarkation for Europe.
Major General Massey delivered, in Public Orders of the 30th, his testimony of the general conduct of both Officers and men to this effect:—
"The Commander in Chief cannot part with the Marine Corps, without telling them he was pleased with their soldier-like appearance at the review of yesterday, and now has the pleasing satisfaction to say, that he has had the honour to command that Corps for above two years, without ever hearing of a Court Martial in it, or ever rebuking an Officer or Soldier.
"He will therefore make such a report of that respectable body of men as they merit, and now wishes Officers and Soldiers plenty of prize-money, and makes not a doubt but they will always contribute to the glory of his Majesty, King George's arms."
On the 1st day of September the whole embarked, but in consequence of a petition from the Lieutenant Governor and Council of the Province of Nova Scotia, intreating their continuance, in order to yield their tribute of respect, the Commander in Chief was pleased to intimate the following notice, in Public Orders of the 7th:—
"The Lieutenant Governor and Council, having made application to Major General Massey, praying the Marine Corps may be detained here, and Lord Viscount Howe having left the determination to him, the Major General is happy to comply with the Lieutenant Governor's request; they, therefore, are to continue in the harbour till further orders, and Major Souter will please to land the men on board the transports, at either Dartmouth or the Eastern Battery, in order to give them an airing, at such times as he may choose to order."