An unhappy plan of procrastinated operation continued to mark our progress in the neighbourhood of Basseterre, which assumed, however, a more active form under Gen. Barrington, who succeeded to the command of the Army, after the death of General Hopson, on the 27th of February.—Resolving to change the plan of operation, he withdrew his forces from Basseterre, leaving a garrison in Fort Royal, and blowing up the other works.
The whole now directed their course to Fort Louis on the 7th of March, where the transports did not arrive until the 20th, owing to the prevalence of strong lee currents. Intelligence being received of a powerful French Squadron having reached Martinique, induced the Commodore to leave the Army at this critical period to their own energies, and to proceed whither he might be enabled to counteract its future schemes. Accordingly the Marines were withdrawn from the shore, and distributed amongst their proper ships; but such was their reduced state in consequence of this service, that detachments were also necessarily solicited from the General to supply the heavy casualties which had occurred to them.
After a tedious, fatiguing, and spirited train of operation, upon which I am now precluded from remark, General Barrington effected the conquest of Guadaloupe on the 2d of May, and with it the neighbouring islands of Marigalante, Deseada, and The Saintes. Every one conversant in the military obstacles which present in that inhospitable country, cannot restrain his applause of the distinguished perseverance of the Commander in Chief, and the gallant Subordinates during the whole course of their arduous duties. It exhibits a powerful example of what may be achieved by the talents and active spirit of one man; but they are inherent in that noble family, whose virtues I cannot enhance by any panegyric of mine.
Wherever we cast an eye the most glorious achievements appear before us. The conquest of Canada and its Capital, was a most conspicuous event, but it was dearly purchased with the life of one man whose exalted genius and patriotic soul were fitted to turn the scale of Empires. The Plains of Abraham will be a lasting memorial of the superior steadiness and valour of British Soldiers, when led by courage and ability. The fatigues and services of the navy throughout the whole of this campaign were severe and highly honorable.
This leads me to notice a very ludicrous circumstance that occurred on the morning of the 13th of September, previous to that battle which decided the fate of Quebec.—A number of Tars who had been employed in dragging the cannon to the heights upon which they were planted, when returning to their ships, observed the army drawn up in battle array, instead of continuing their route, they fell into the ranks with the Soldiers, some having cutlasses, others sticks, and a few having nothing in their hands. General Wolfe remarking their zeal, addressed them with that complacency which was so familiar to him, thanked them for their well meant spirit, urged them to go on board, and pointed out the probable bad consequences from their mingling with the soldiery at so critical a moment. To this request some of them answered, "God bless your Honour, pray let us stay and see fair play between the English and French." The General could not help smiling at these brave but thoughtless fellows, and again repeated his wish for them to withdraw. With this some complied, but others swore, immediately on turning his back, "that the Soldiers should not have all the fighting to themselves, but that they would come in for a share of it some way or other."
It appears that a number actually continued in the ranks during the progress of the day, and whenever a Soldier dropped they alternately put on his accoutrements, charged, and fired with perfect coolness.
Nothing peculiarly active fell to the lot of the Marines, excepting an affair of diversion on the 12th of September, with a view to aid the more material operations of the army.
Upon the evening of that day the Admiral ordered the flat bottomed boats, below the town, to assemble astern of one of the frigates. Into these all the Marines which could consistently be spared, were embarked, and at the break of day of the 13th stood over towards the Beaufort shore as if to make a descent, while the ships of war that escorted them were ordered to cannonade the French lines. This feint obliged the enemy to retain a greater force at those works, than they would otherwise have done, and it was in some degree instrumental towards the success of that glorious day.
In the summer of the present year orders were given for each ship of the line, upon the home station, to take on board a double complement of Marines, to co-operate in the descents which might be attempted by the army.