All the military talents of Lord Mulgrave were requisite at this trying juncture. They were soon displayed in the most active measures, by occupying situations essential for checking the enemy's attacks, and affording a temporary security to many extensive objects, until reinforcements should arrive.
His Lordship had to guard against the insults of the Army of Le Poype on the East, as well as that of Carteaux on the West, in which he was materially aided also by the activity and steady bravery of the Officers and Seamen of the fleet. At this time too, the Spaniards were actuated by a spirit of cordial union.
On the 28th of September, a seasonable supply of 2800 Sardinian and Neapolitan troops arrived, who, in three days after, in conjunction with the other allied corps, of which the British Marines formed one, had an opportunity of signalizing themselves, led by Lord Mulgrave himself, in recovering the important heights of Pharon, which had been surprized and carried under cover of a fog, upon the 30th.
To the rapid enterprize of his Lordship, as much as the seconding valour of every subordinate Soldier and Seaman, may justly be ascribed the glory and success of the 1st of October. Very honorable mention was made of Serjeant Moreno, and three privates of the Spanish Marine Corps, who, with a daring and judicious zeal, traced out the line of march for the allied column on the right, to within pistol shot of the works.
Directed by genius, the laurel was obtained, and its value enhanced by a very trifling loss, while that of the French exceeded 1400 killed and wounded; Lieutenant Carter, of Marines, was amongst the English wounded.
A very bold sortie, from Fort Mulgrave, took place on the 8th of October, against the enemy's batteries, opposite the Hauteur de Grasse, evidently constructed with a view to incommode the fleet. In this, 50 British Marines co-operated, and shared in the honor of destroying their guns on the Hauteur de Reinier; a service which was peculiarly allotted to the seamen under Lieutenant Serocold. Fort Pomet, partly garrisoned by my corps, had been exposed to a severe cannonade; particularly from 2 guns and 1 mortar above it, which allowed no tests but of steady courage.
Captain Elphinstone bore testimony of Marine spirit, in an attack from Fort Pharon upon the French forces to the eastward, when Captain Dexter was distinguished for his services.
Much am I inclined to diverge upon the meritorious acts of all, but my scope is necessarily limited.
Lord Mulgrave resigned the command of the combined troops to Major General O'Hara, upon the 27th of October, after the most creditable discharge of his trust.