The British posts were extremely wide, and the duties of all were of the most fatiguing kind; but they were supported with the fortitude of Soldiers.
One of the most brilliant events of this checquered warfare, although unnoticed in any of the official details of it, and generally unknown, was meritedly attached to Lieutenant (afterwards Captain) Thomas Nailor, who was entrusted with the defence of a fort, having under him a little garrison of 120 men, principally Marines. A body of 2000 French moved on to attack him upon the morning of a day, with which I am uninformed as to date, under cover of a fog, and sanguine in the hope of surprising him. But he was on the alert, and prepared to receive them. With a thoughtful but unshaken valour he awaited the onset, ordering his little band to reserve their fire, until the republicans were close, and to maintain it by platoons; but by no means in a scattered form. A Neapolitan Lieutenant Colonel had thrown himself into the fort when on the eve of its being attempted, but he fell early in the conflict. After repeated essays to carry it with those superior numbers, the French relinquished the field with the loss of nearly 400 killed and wounded; casting back an eye of disappointment, mingled with admiration, of their undaunted opponents.
That young man is now no more. Owing to bad health, he retreated from public to private life, both of which he adorned by modest merit, the mildest manners, and most intrinsic worth. The final destiny of man, but recently closed his life unstained by dishonor.
During the progress of this siege too, a very flattering occasion intervened of testifying the personal zeal of Lieutenant (now Captain) Burdwood, in one of the sorties from Toulon. Embarking in it originally as a Volunteer with the Light Company of the Royals, his talents were decreed to conduct the retreat of its remains, after having been deprived of its Officers. So much were his merits appreciated by that gallant corps, that a deputation of Serjeants waited on him the following day, to solicit that, if a similar opportunity should again offer, he would give a preference by attaching himself to the First Regiment of Foot. The Officers of it also, anxious to express their feelings, voted him a perpetual member of their mess; upon which books, his name now stands in record of their gratitude.
Jealous feuds were apparent in the breast of the Spanish Commander, Don Langara, early in October. It has since appeared that he spoke the sentiments of his court, which was basely negociating with the authorized agents of the diabolical Robespierre. Every trifling incident was seized as a subject far contention, and the subsequent conduct of the Spanish troops warrants the suspicion that this influence was general. The address of Lord Hood, under this dilemma, was great and manly.
The Enemy, from constant reinforcements, became daring in their attacks. On the 15th of November they attempted Fort Mulgrave on the Hauteur de Grasse, with a large force.
This post was occupied by the Spaniards on the right, who soon gave way, and retreated, firing their musquets in the air. To Capt. D. Campbell of the 2d battalion of Royals, and Lieut. Lemoine of the corps of Artillery, was owing the repulse of the enemy, and saving that very important post.
Towards the close of November, the French having opened against Fort Malbousket, and their shells also reaching the town, it was requisite to dislodge them from the ground they held. A body of 2300, under Gen. Dundas, of which the Marines composed a part, advanced against it, under many obstructions, on the 30th, drove the enemy from it, but, under an ill judged impetuosity, rushed onwards, instead of maintaining the post they had gained. The republicans gathering in numbers, in turn recovered all, and took Gen. O'Hara prisoner, after he was wounded, and had used the utmost endeavours to rally our Soldiers. This Officer foresaw not the unfortunate ardency, but had arrived at the post in order to arrange its defence. He unhappily fell a sacrifice to his overstrained zeal.
Little hope now remained of preserving Toulon; the enemy, from his numbers, pushing matters to a close. Sickness began its ravages; and no reinforcements were at hand to supply them.
The very material post of Fort Mulgrave, partly garrisoned by British Marines, was much annoyed by shells, without having the means of retreat from their effects. On the 17th of December, at two in the morning, the French advanced to storm it. Here again the Spaniards gave way, and it was in vain that English courage alone was exerted in supporting their quarter of it. From hence our men retreated to Fort Balaguier, under cover of the different posts on the heights. After dawn, one unceasing fire against the different posts on Pharon, commenced, which ended in the republicans gaining possession of the mountain that overlooks Toulon. These reiterated disasters could not now be retrieved. To withdraw every detachment within the town of Toulon, for re-embarkation, became the only alternative. On the 18th it was directed that the whole combined forces should assemble near Fort La Malgue with secrecy, and about ten at night they began their march and the evacuation of Toulon. Avoiding the Fort of St. Catharine, which had been shamefully quitted during the day, without orders, the whole struck through a sally post, by which they gained an advanced part of the road, and arrived at Fort Malgue, where they formed on the rising ground above the shore. The Army reached the ships by day break, without loss.