The Spaniards appeared astounded at this disgrace; they made no attempt to extinguish the flames; but appeared at a loss how to proceed. Early in December they began to arouse themselves, and to restore the batteries; but were retarded by the fire of the garrison. While the besiegers were using diligence in repairing the old works, and constructing new ones, the gallant defenders of the fortress were equally indefatigable,—every serjeant, drummer, musician, officer’s servant, and private soldier was required to use the musket, shovel, and pickaxe, as his services were necessary.
1782
All ordinary means of attack appearing to be unavailing against the resolute garrison of Gibraltar, stupendous preparations were made on a new principle, and floating batteries were constructed with great art and labour, and were accounted the most perfect contrivance of the kind ever seen. The combined power of France and Spain was directed against the fortress; the Duke of Crillon took the command of the besieging army, and he was assisted by a celebrated French engineer, Monsieur d’Arcon. As the summer of 1782 progressed, the garrison was aware that a crisis was approaching, and awaited with cool determination the hour of trial. Sickness and the enemy’s fire thinned their numbers (Lieutenant White, of the Fifty-sixth, being among the wounded); yet their efforts were not relaxed. New subterraneous works were constructed; and furnaces prepared for heating red-hot shot.
A trial of hot shot was made in the early part of September, and some of the enemy’s works were set on fire. This unexpected disaster provoked the Duke of Crillon to hurry the attack of a number of new batteries, which opened with a volley of sixty shells, and was followed by the fire of one hundred and seven guns of large calibre. A tremendous storm of bullets and shells thundered against the fortress; and soon after, the immense battering ships approached and took their station: princes of the royal blood of France,—Spanish nobility,—dignified characters of Europe,—and an amazing concourse of persons filling the enemy’s camp, and covering the adjacent hills, to witness the fall of the fortress under the fire of these stupendous vessels.
The batteries of the garrison opened their fire, and the roar of four hundred heavy guns proclaimed the dreadful conflict. The battering ships proved powerful; the heaviest shells rebounded from their tops, and a thirty-two pound shot scarcely seemed to make an impression on them. Sometimes smoke arose, but the engines in the ships soon caused it to disappear. The effect of the red-hot shot was doubted; the result uncertain; but the fire was persevered in, and showers of balls, shells, and carcasses, flew through the air. For some hours the attack and defence were so equally well supported, as scarcely to admit of any appearance of superiority in the cannonade on either side. The wonderful construction of the battering ships appeared to bid defiance to the powers of the heaviest ordnance and of red-hot balls. In the afternoon (13th September) the face of things began to change, and the smoke issuing from the upper part of the enemy’s flagship became more voluminous. A second ship soon appeared in the same condition. Confusion prevailed. The enemy’s cannonade began to abate. Signals of distress were made to their fleet; and groans and cries of suffering came from the burning ships. Soon after midnight one battering ship was in flames; in a short time a second appeared in the same state; and between three and four o’clock six more exhibited the effects of the red-hot shot. A dreadful scene of conflagration illuminated the bay of Gibraltar, and the British seamen were seen rescuing their enemies from impending destruction.
Although defeated in this grand effort, the Spaniards entertained some hope of being able to reduce the garrison to submission from the want of provision; and the siege was continued: but in October the combined fleets of France and Spain were damaged by a storm. After this event the garrison was again relieved; supplied with provisions, and reinforced with troops; and the officers and soldiers were encouraged to persevere in their gallant efforts, by a letter from the principal Secretary of State, published in orders, in which it was stated,—“I am honored with His Majesty’s commands to assure you, in the strongest terms, that no encouragement shall be wanting to the brave officers and soldiers under your command. His Majesty’s Royal approbation of the past will, no doubt, be a powerful incentive to future exertion: and I have the King’s authority to assure you, that every distinguished act of emulation and gallantry, which shall be performed in the course of the siege, by any, even of the lowest rank, will meet with ample reward from his gracious protection and favour.”
Thus encouraged, the brave garrison of Gibraltar stood firm and determined in the defence of the fortress, and the enemy lost all hopes of being able to gain possession of the place.
1783
Preliminary articles for a treaty of peace having been signed, hostilities ceased in February, 1783, and Gibraltar remained one of the gems of the British Crown, after a determined siege of three years, seven months, and twelve days, from the commencement of the blockade.
Thus terminated the celebrated siege of Gibraltar; the nations of Europe were struck with admiration of the gallant defenders of the fortress; the British people applauded their governor and his brave garrison; and the officers and soldiers received the thanks of Parliament and the approbation of their Sovereign.