348
POST-CAPTAINS OF 1801.
Exmouth, from the former of whom he received the following reply:
“Barcelona, June, 30, 1815.
“Sir.– I received yesterday, by the favour of Captain Lock, your letter of the 26th instant, and I return you all my thanks for the interesting details you give on Marseilles and Toulon. I natter myself that both these places, and all the country, will soon be delivered from the yoke, and able to testify their sentiments of loyalty. Believe, me, Sir, with high regard, your most affectionate,
(Signed)“Louis Antoine.”
“To Captain Mundy, H.B.M. Ship Ajax.”
On the 29th June, Captain Mundy sent another despatch to Lord Exmouth, which we here insert, together with a copy of that officer’s letter acknowledging the receipt thereof:
“My Lord.– I have the honor to inform you, that yesterday morning a detachment from Marseilles came alongside, acquainting me that a great battle had been fought, in which Buonaparte’s army had been defeated; that he had flown to Paris, and abdicated in favour of his son, whom the people of Marseilles refused to acknowledge, and had therefore hoisted the white flag, driven away the troops, and organized themselves, in number effective about 2,500 men; at the same time inviting me to an interview with the Royal Committee appointed as a Provisional Government, which I immediately attended. The enthusiasm of the multitude was great, and they greeted the English in common with the King. On iny appearing at the Prefecture, I was addressed by the President, who congratulated me on the brilliant victory and its consequences, and begged me to assist them as much as lay in my power to forward their intentions of establishing the old monarchy. I offered to proceed immediately to Barcelona for the Duke d’Angouleme, which, however, they requested I would not do, as the appearance of the ship would give confidence to the people, in case Murat should send a force from Toulon against them; and they requested me to anchor close to the town. This I promised to do, provided they shewed such confidence in me as to place the forts of Chateau d’Iff and Ratonneau in my hands, or allow half the garrison to be British. This question they retired to deliberate upon; and when they returned, gave it as their opinion, that they did not conceive themselves authorized to put the King’s forts into the hands of foreigners; on which I told them that they could not expect me to remain in the situation they required, without possessing the sea defences. They then requested I would supply them with such arms as I could spare, which I immediately did, taking a receipt for the same. I then asked for three avisos, one to despatch to your Lordship, another to Sir Hudson Lowe, and a third to the Duke d’Angouleme, which they have promised. The white flag, I am informed, is flying to-day at Cette and Aries. I have almost forgot to mention, that the Committee begged for some British troops. In consequence thereof, I have written this morning to Sir Hudson Lowe, to request such as
