"I have great satisfaction in obeying their Lordships commands to communicate this intelligence to you; and in offering their Lordships congratulations on this testimony of the opinion his Majesty entertains of the very distinguished services of that part of his forces to which you belong.
"I am, Sir, &c. &c.
(Signed) "EVAN NEPEAN."
"Lieut.-Gen. Souter Johnstone, Commandant
of the Marines."
A respectable and effective force of 100 companies, was the peace establishment, and subsequent events have realized the wisdom of that measure.
The retired list was also considerably augmented, which yielded a retreat, not only to the worn out veteran, but likewise to those who could identify an incapacity for future service. Every necessary reference as to the former and present details of the corps, may be had to that list which is annually issued from the Board of Admiralty, upon the 1st of January, and is in the hands of almost every Officer.
Although hostility had ceased in every quarter, still the Marine Soldier was oftener than once conspicuous upon the annals of the year, by a steady fidelity and valour.
A very dangerous insurrection of the 8th West India regiment in the island of Dominica, marked by circumstances of the most shocking barbarity, was checked in its immediate effects, in part, by his firm countenance. It fortunately occurred, when those murderous revolters first shewed their spirit, that his Majesty's ship Magnificent was at anchor in Prince Rupert's Bay. Some shot, from the Lower Cabareta, which went over her, was the first symptom of mutiny on the shore, and it was soon confirmed by intelligence that the Blacks had risen in arms, and had assassinated a number of their Officers. Captain Gifford tendered his services to the President of the island, who, conceiving it only the prelude to a general commotion, gladly accepted the offer. Lieutenant O. Neale volunteered the duty of disembarkation, and he felt it a difficult task to restrain the ardor of the whole party of Marines, to follow him. But his number was confined to 2 Serjeants, 2 Corporals, and 36 Privates, with which he put off from the ship just at dawn on the morning of the 10th of April. Observing the rebels advancing rapidly to the beach, he anticipated their object, quickly effected a landing, and took post on a hill, after the exchange of some scattering shots. Opposed to nearly 500 Blacks, whom he kept at bay during the day, reinforcements became necessary, and he was farther strengthened by two successive detachments of Marines under Lieutenants Lambert and Hawkins. Upon this rising ground, those brave fellows, not exceeding 66, gave refuge to many Officers who flew from the ferocious hands of the mutineers. They were afterwards joined by some Colonial Militia, who were little calculated, from the mixed nature of their arms, to oppose a resolute enemy. The dispositions of Lieutenant Lambert through the night, aided by the counsels of Mr. O. Neale, were like a good Officer. The native troops gave way to slumber. His outposts were, therefore, confided to his faithful companions, and all his energies were derived from his own brethren. Incessant rains had nearly rendered useless all their ammunition.
On the following day the Marines were ordered to Grand Ance, in order to protect the inhabitants, and through that night were posted in the swamps to prevent the escape of the Blacks from Fort Shirley. Many of our men had been 56 hours on shore amidst the greatest privations; having had nothing to eat but raw salt beef and biscuit. The stagnated smell from their position, pointed out the necessity of obtaining some other refreshment to recruit nature, and to avert disease. A Marine of the party, overhearing the discussion amongst his Officers, nobly said, "I will go to the village and bring them—I know I must go and repass the enemy's fire, but my life is not mine, it is at the constant command of his Majesty's service." He accordingly performed his duty, and escaped unhurt.