storming Fort Piscadero, in the island of Curaçoa, by which daring exploit a safe place of debarkation was secured for the seamen and marines then in readiness to be landed from the squadron under Captain John Bligh, of the Theseus 74, for the purpose of endeavouring to subjugate that colony. For his gallantry on this occasion, and his equally spirited conduct during the rapid movement which caused the Dutch to fly from all their positions on the heights near the town of St. Ann, he was honored with the command of one of the two advanced posts, situated about 800 yards from that place, where he continued under the fire of Fort République and other very superior works, sustaining likewise repeated attacks made by the enemy’s sharpshooters, &c. until Feb. 25th, when orders were given to re-embark. On the 5th of that mouth. Lieutenant Willoughby and himself, accompanied by Lieutenant Nicholls, R.M., and about 80 or 85 men, marched out from their batteries for the express purpose of giving battle to at least 500 Dutch soldiers and French sailors, who were approaching with loud cheers, seemingly determined to capture the British cannon; and this formidable force they completely defeated in fair fight, with muskets alone; but not until 23 of their own gallant fellows were either killed or wounded. The total loss sustained at the advanced posts during the twenty-five days’ operations amounted to 18 killed and 42 severely wounded, besides many bruised and others slightly hurt.
The meritorious conduct of Mr. Travers, at Curaçoa, was duly represented to Sir John T. Duckworth by Captains Bligh and Dunn; and, on his return to Jamaica, he received the personal thanks of that distinguished officer, on the quarter-deck of the Hercule, and in the presence of all the captains then at Port Royal. In addition to this singular honor, his admiral was at the same time pleased to express great regret that he had not completed his time as a petty-officer, and to promise him early promotion.
On the 14th Mar. 1804, Mr. Travers commanded one of the boats with which Lieutenant Willoughby succeeded in capturing la Felicité, French privateer; and his seamanlike
