The disposition of attack being made, Brigadier Grant began it with the French advanced posts, at dawn on the morning of the 24th, while Brigadier Rufane advanced against their redoubts along the sea coast upon the right, seconded by 1000 Seamen in flat-bottomed boats, keeping pace with it.
Lord Rollo's Brigade supported the Grenadiers, and General Walsh with his, the Corps of Light Infantry, under Colonel Scott, who was ordered to make a circuit, with a view to flank or get behind the enemy. This essentially contributed to the success of the day, as that body gained their left, and continued to incommode it, while the Grenadiers were carrying every thing before them.
Brigadier Rufane performed his part with rapid and impetuous success, being aided most spiritedly by the Seamen.
The final result of the day was gaining Morne Tartenson, other subordinate works having many cannon, and driving the fugitive enemy across a deep ravine, into the town of Fort Royal and Morne Garnier.
General Haviland, with his Brigade, and two Battalions of Highlanders, with a few Light Infantry, under Major Leland, were directed to effect a passage over this gully, considerably to the left, and cut off a detached force of the French from their main body. Insurmountable difficulties, however, prevented this well-designed combination; but they did not check their reaching in time to support the Light Infantry, under Colonel Scott, in a very important post which they had gained opposite to Morne Garnier; while an upper plantation of consequence was occupied by Walsh's brigade, and the Grenadiers. The space between these two was filled by the Marines.
Batteries were opened on the 25th against the Citadel of Fort Royal, which being much annoyed by the guns from Morne Garnier, it was judged expedient to attack it on the left, where the Light Infantry and Haviland's brigade were. Here cannon were opened against it, in order to harass the enemy, and to ensure the future passage of the ravine.
An attempt of the French on the evening of the 27th, signalized this British outpost, which drove them back, not only across the gully, but followed them and gained possession of their batteries, where they established themselves; having been gallantly seconded by the brigades of Walsh and Grant. Before nine at night the enemy had abandoned this strong ground, and so precipitate was their retreat, that they left behind them some serviceable ordnance and ammunition, which were felt by the Citadel early next morning.
General Monckton, finding his batteries on Morne Tartenson at too great a distance to produce material effect, resolved to push on to Morne Capuchin, little more than 400 yards from the Citadel. Observing this meditated essay, the enemy beat the chamade on the evening of the 3d of February, and terms were signed on the 4th.
The testimonies of the Commanders in Chief to the respective Corps were strong and animated. As usual, the services of the Seamen were arduous in transporting cannon, and fearless amidst dangers.