Lieutenant A. J. Field, of the Marines, still lives an instance of Providence, by an escape from the melancholy fate of too many of his shipmates in the Quebec frigate, which blew up in action with La Surveillante.
In this, British valour would have ultimately triumphed; but it was obliged to yield to destiny. The most amiable manners, in union with a cool courage, were the predominant features of Captain Farmer's character.
Captain Pearson, of the Serapis, ennobled himself by a brave defence against a much greater force, which assumes an historical importance, from its happy consequences in saving a large and valuable convoy entrusted to his care.
An action was fought between his Majesty's ship Pearl and the Spanish frigate St. Ammonica, which very much signalized Captain, now Admiral George Montague, and in which Lieutenant Fowke, of Marines, was also distinguished.
Nothing of attached moment farther, appears within the review of 1779.
[CHAP. XXXIV.]
In every war it has been evident that state necessity has required an annual increase to the establishment of Marines. Eighteen thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine were the number decreed for the service of 1780.
It was at this period, and has since been too prevalent a custom, to embark recruits not only unscienced in discipline, but utterly untrained to arms. Such deficiencies could only be compensated by native valour, aided by the care of Officers in rendering them good marksmen, and by that punctual system which prevails in our ships of war. A few regular-built Soldiers should always be intermingled with every detachment; a rule that can only be observed by maintaining a sufficient strength during peace, or by a prompt levy on the commencement of hostilities.
The year of 1780 was ushered in by some well-timed successes of Admiral Rodney. While nature has so clearly pointed out our means of defence, she has also taught our islanders to greet, with tenfold joy, every victory that is gained upon their favourite element.