command of Captain Willoughbys, whose zeal induced him to volunteer the command of so small a party. * * * * * *. The guns and mortars at the different batteries and on the beach being spiked, their carronades burnt or destroyed, and magazines blown off under the directions of Captain Willoughby, the whole of the troops, marines, and seamen, were embarked, * * * * * *. I beg leave to refer you for details to Lieutenant-Colonel Keating’s letter; and am happy to say he mentions in high terms the conduct of Captain Willoughby, the officers, seamen, and marines employed on this occasion.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Keating to the Bombay Government.
“At 6 A.M. on the 21st” (Sept. 1809), “the troops were disembarked to the southward of Point de Galotte, seven miles from St. Paul’s, and immediately commenced a forced march, with a view of crossing the causeways that extend over the lake, before the enemy could discover our debarkation or approach to the town, which we were fortunate enough to effect; nor had they time to form in any force until we had passed the strongest position. By seven o’clock we were in possession of the first and second batteries, Lambousière and la Centière; when Captain Willoughby, of the royal navy, who commanded a detachment of about 100 seamen on shore, and to whose zeal, activity, and exertions, I feel much indebted, immediately turned the guns upon the enemy’s shipping, from whose fire, which was chiefly grape, and well directed, within pistol-shot of the shore, we suffered much, being necessarily exposed to it during our movements upon the beach, and through the town. From the battery la Centière, Captain Imlack was detached with the second column to take possession of the third, or battery of la Neuf, deserted by the enemy. On his way thither, he fell in with and was opposed by the entire force of the French, who had concentrated and taken up a very strong position behind a stone wall, with eight brass field-pieces, 6-pounders, upon their flanks. This post was instantly charged in the most gallant manner by that officer and his men: the enemy, however, maintained their position, and Captain Hannor, of the 56th regiment, was ordered to proceed with the third column to his support, who charged, and took two of the enemy’s guns. The action now became warm, but never doubtful.
“The enemy being reinforced from the hills, and having also received 110 troops of the line from the French frigate la Caroline, and the squadron not being able to stand in to support us, our movements being endangered by their fire except at intervals, which they always took advantage of. Captain Willoughby was directed to spike the guns of Lambousière and la Centière, and with the seamen to man the third battery, la Neuf, continuing the fire from thence upon the enemy’s shipping. By this arrangement, Captain Forbes, who with the reserve had covered those batteries, was enabled to advance against the enemy, who, after an honorable resistance, were compelled to give way. Their remaining guns