Much unanimity between the naval and land forces prevailed, and the nation had to look with equal gratitude, to both, for the happy issue.
Major General Crawford being appointed Governor, and every thing arranged, the troops that could be spared were afterwards embarked for more distant duties.
The following orders were given out by the Commander in Chief to the Army, sometime after the complete surrender of Belleisle: "General Hodgson has the greatest pleasure to acquaint the Officers and Soldiers under his command, with his Majesty's satisfaction in the spirit, patience, and cheerfulness with which they have sustained the fatigues of this siege."
Commodore Keppel in his public letter to the Right Honorable Mr. Pitt, says, respecting the corps of Marines, "Major General Hodgson by his constant approbation of the battalion of Marines landed from the ships, and put under his command, gives me the pleasing satisfaction of acquainting you of it, that his Majesty may be informed of the goodness and spirited behaviour of that corps."
During the summer of this year, the Fleet and Army, under Sir James Douglas, and Lord Rollo, reduced the island of Dominica, which had maintained the assumed name of neutral, but had evinced the most marked partiality for France; after a conference between these joint Commanders, and the principal Natives, who at first appeared much inclined to capitulate, the islanders, urged on by the artifices of Mons. Longprie, the Governor, seemed resolved to defend themselves.
The Ships soon moved close to the land, and, after a heavy cannonade, silenced all the batteries, when the troops were pushed ashore.
A successful and uninterrupted train of attack continued through the whole day of the 6th of June, with but little loss on our part, in which Lieutenant Colonel Melville, who led the grenadiers of the Army, was much distinguished for promptitude and spirit. The capture of the entire island, upon the 7th, was the effect of such active energies.
Nothing farther was achieved during this year, that falls properly under my review, in the light of conquests.
Numerous were the gallant single actions that were fought at sea. One of the most prominent for daring spirit, and steady perseverance occurred upon the 23d of January, between the Minerva, commanded by Captain Alexander Hood, (now Lord Bridport), of 32 guns, and the Warwick, formerly a British ship of 60, but with only 34 mounted.