tenant Edward Lloyd, of the Boadicea, in order to act as a breakwater; but the stern cable parting, she only formed a momentary cover for a few boats; and notwithstanding every exertion of the skill and experience of Captain Willoughby, the officers, and seamen, it was found necessary, on the close of the day, to relinquish any further attempts at this point for the present. I am concerned to state, that two seamen (belonging to la Nereide) and two soldiers, were drowned on this occasion; the party, however, maintained their ground, and took possession of the battery and post of St. Marie during the night[1].
The Magicienne, with two transports, was now detached to support the brigade landed at Grande Chaloupe; but Captain Curtis alone gained the anchorage, and landed the troops embarked in her. In the morning of the 8th, the beach still appearing unfavorable, I weighed, at the desire of Lieutenant-Colonel Keating, and proceeded to the anchorage off Grand Chaloupe, where we landed the remainder of the troops, guns, &c. * * * * * *; at 10 P.M., I received a message from the Lieutenant-Colonel, that he had entered into a capitulation with the enemy, and at his request landed next morning, in company with Mr. Farquhar, appointed to the government of the island, when we signed the terms of capitulation. * * * * * *. To Captains Pym, Lambert, Curtis, and Willoughby, I feel particularly indebted, for the prompt assistance and support I received from them on every occasion; and the active exertions of the officers and men on this short but fatiguing service, could not be surpassed. Lieutenant-Colonel Keating has mentioned, in high terms of approbation, the conduct of Captain Willoughby, the officers and seamen employed on shore with the troops; and Lieutenant Cottrell, with the brigade of marines under his orders[2].
Shortly after the surrender of Isle Bourbon, 100 grenadiers of the 33d and 69th regiments, and 12 artillery-men, were embarked on board la Nereide, for the purpose of co-operating with Captain Willoughby in an attack upon l’Isle de la Passe, situated about 4 miles from Port Sud-Est, in the Isle of France, and commanding the narrow and intricate entrance to that harbour. The main object of this enterprise
- ↑ L’Estafette, and the whole of la Nereide’s boats, were dashed to pieces. The schooner, steered by Captain Willoughby, with the dressings still on his wound, was so crowded with troops, that Lieutenant-Colonel Macleod and many of his men were nearly drowned before they could gain the shore.
- ↑ The enemy’s regular force amounted to only 676 rank and file; but he had an organized militia force of 2717 men. The British had 1800 European and 1860 native troops, of whom 8 were killed and 78 wounded.
