On board la Clorinde was the French General Lapoype, to whom Mr. Willoughby represented, that, as by the terms of the capitulation, the ships and vessels of war were to haul down their colours when outside the harbour, it would not be a greater sacrifice of national honour, considering the situation of the ship, she then heeling much and beating heavily, if he did so immediately and gave her up to him. “I will then,” said Mr. Willoughby, “hoist English colours, wait upon Dessalines, and demand, not only that the British flag shall be respected, but that, if assistance cannot be procured from the shore, and la Clorinde is lost in the night, now fast approaching, the crew and passengers shall be considered as prisoners to the English, and protected as such until the senior officer has it in his power to send for them.”
General Lapoype readily assented to this proposal; upon which Mr. Willoughby hoisted British colours, hailed Fort St. Joseph, and told the Haytian officer in command there that he wished to wait upon his chief. Permission was immediately granted, and Mr. Willoughby, after experiencing some difficulty in landing, obtained an interview with Dessalines, who received him kindly and promised all that he asked for.
About this time, two or three other boats arrived from the Hercule; and a favorable change taking place in the weather, la Clorinde was soon hove off, with the loss of her guns and rudder, but without having sustained any material damage. “Thus to the uncommon exertions and professional abilities of acting Lieutenant Willoughby,” were owing the preservation of so many people, and the acquisition to the British navy of a frigate, which continued for many years afterwards to be one of the finest of the 38-gun class.
We have reason to believe that Mr. Willoughby was restored to the rank of Lieutenant for his excellent conduct at Cape François, the commander-in-chief having recommended him most strongly to the protection of the Admiralty, in the despatch which we have just quoted[1].
- ↑ Sir John T. Duckworth’s official letter to Sir Evan Nepean, dated Dec. 18, 1803. – N.B. The preservation of la Clorinde is noticed in Nicholas’s Imperial Encyclopedia, and also in Rainsford’s Hayti.
