Royal Naval Biography/Maurice, James Wilkes
JAMES WILKES MAURICE, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1809.]
This officer was born at Devonport, Feb. 10, 1775. He entered the royal navy in 1789, and served as a midshipman on board the Inspector sloop, successively commanded by Captains Alexander Mackey and James Leakey, until that vessel was paid off at the close of 1791; after which he passed several months on shore, under the tuition of the Rev. Mr. Malham, an able mathematician.
In Dec. 1792, Mr. Maurice joined the Powerful 74, Captain Thomas Hicks, which ship (at the commencement of hostilities between Great Britain and France) escorted a fleet of outward-bound Indiamen to the latitude of the Cape of Good Hope, and when on her return home touched at St. Helena, where she captured a valuable French merchantman, whose commander had not yet heard of the war.
The Powerful was subsequently fitted for the flag of Rear-Admiral Ford, commander-in-chief at Jamaica; but Mr. Maurice was prevented from proceeding to that station, in consequence of his being subpoenaed to give evidence against a warrant officer, who was about to be tried at the Exeter assizes, for embezzling his Majesty’s stores.
In May, 1794, finding no opportunity of rejoining the Powerful, Mr. Maurice obtained a rating on the books of la Concorde frigate, then commanded by Sir Richard J. Strachan, Bart., under whose successor (Captain Anthony Hunt) he was present at the capture of the Tigre, Alexander, and Formidable, French line-of-battle ships, off L’Orient, June 23, 1795. He was also very actively employed during the expedition to Quiberon, in the summer of that year; and although personally unknown to the Commodore, Sir John B. Warren, his good conduct was not unobserved by that officer, from whom he received an order to act as Lieutenant of the Thunderer 74, in the absence of a gentleman who had returned sick to England.
This appointment not being confirmed by the Admiralty, Mr. Maurice rejoined la Concorde at the request of Captain Hunt, and assisted at the capture of two French frigates (l’Unité and la Virginie), several privateers, and numerous merchant vessels; likewise at the destruction of la Volage corvette, mounting 26 guns.
In 1796, Captain Hunt was appointed to la Virginie, and la Concorde placed under the command of Captain Richard Bagot, with whom Mr. Maurice served on the North Sea and Channel stations until the commencement of Mar. 1797, when, being strongly recommended by the latter officer, he was received on board Lord Bridport’s flag-ship, and three weeks afterwards promoted into the Glory of 98 guns, which appointment was confirmed by the Admiralty, on the 3d of the following month. From Dec. 1798 until May 1802, we find him serving as a Lieutenant of the Canada 74, successively commanded by Sir J. B. Warren, the Hon. Michael De Courcy, and Sir Joseph Sydney Yorke.
After remaining about four months on half-pay, Lieutenant Maurice was appointed first of the Centaur 74, in which ship he assisted at the capture of St. Lucia, Tobago, Demerara, and Essequibo, by the naval and military forces under the command of Commodore Hood and Lieutenant-General Grinfield[1]. An important service subsequently performed by Lieutenant Maurice, is thus described in a letter from the Commodore to Sir Evan Nepean, dated off Martinique, Nov. 26, 1803:
“Early this morning, as the Centaur was passing Cape de Salines, she was fired at, and several shot exchanged. I immediately directed Captain Maxwell to stand on far enough, so that by tacking we could fetch into Petite Ance d’Arlette, where we anchored, and landed the greater part of the marines under Captain Crozier, and forty seamen commanded by Lieutenants Maurice and Ayscough, to destroy it. On the first alarm the national guards had assembled to aid 14 cannoniers of the marine artillery, stationed in the battery; but by the rapid and active movements of the officers and men on this service, the enemy had not time to arrange themselves in defence of the narrow and steep path to the eminence, where was planted a brass 2-pounder; and on the approach of our men, they flew to the Morne, and 90 dispersed themselves in its thick woods, that only one cannonier fell into our hands. The battery, mounting six 24-pounders, was completely destroyed, and the guns, &c. thrown over the precipice; but, unfortunately, owing to the explosion of the magazine a little too soon, one seaman was killed, and Lieutenant Maurice, first of the Centaur, Captain Crozier, and Lieutenant Walker, R.M. with six men, wounded.”
For their gallantry on this occasion, Lieutenants Maurice and Ayscough were each presented with a sword value 50l., by the Patriotic Fund. A similar reward was also voted to Captain Crozier, and a sword of smaller value to his wounded subaltern.
Shortly after this event. Commodore Hood resolved to take possession of, and fortify, an almost impregnable rock, situated near Point Diamond, the S.W. end of Martinique; in order that he might be enabled more effectually to check the enemy’s coasting trade, as well as to prevent their cruisers passing through the narrow channel formed by the rock, and thereby effecting their escape when pursued, as he had witnessed in one remarkable instance, when serving as a Lieutenant of his uncle’s flag-ship, during the American war.
The altitude of the Diamond rock is 600 feet; its circumference about three-quarters of a mile. The south side is inaccessible, it being a flat steep, like a wall, sloping a little towards the top. The east side is likewise inaccessible, with an overhanging cave of great height. On the S.W. there are other caves of considerable magnitude, but perfectly impregnable from that side. The west side, where breakers run into the sea, affords the only landing, and that not at all times practicable. Even when a person reaches the shore, he must creep on his hands and feet, through crannies and over dangerous steeps, till he gains the N.W. side, where the eye is suddenly relieved by a slope of green fig-trees, overhung by an immense grotto. To place a battery on the top of this rock would, at first sight, appear impossible; but Commodore Hood, intent on annoying the enemy, and convinced of its practicability, lost no time in making the attempt, which was beheld by the French, at Martinique, first with contempt, and afterwards with astonishment.
On the 8th Jan. 1804, the Centaur was anchored close to the south side of the rock, and a party of men, principally mechanics, landed under the orders of Lieutenant Maurice, who, with his accustomed zeal, had volunteered to direct their operations. The works were carried on with so much rapidity, that on the 18th of the same month a royal salute was fired in honor of Queen Charlotte’s birth-day, from three 24-pounders, one mounted on a traversing carriage close to the water, another upon the N.E. side, and the third rather less than half-way from the base to the top of the rock, The most arduous and important task was to get two long 18-pounders to the summit, where a platform was made by blowing away the forked pieces of granite that crowned it, and holes drilled through the rock to receive the breechings, and thereby prevent the guns from going over the precipice when fired. To such an officer as Commodore Hood no difficulty was insurmountable. The method adopted by him on this occasion was characteristic and ingenious, consequently deserving of particular notice.
Lieutenant Maurice having succeeded in scrambling up the side of the rock (rarely, perhaps never before, trodden by man), and fastened one end of an 8-inch hawser to a pinnacle, the viol-block was converted into a traveller, with a purchase-block lashed thereto, and the other end of the hawser set up, as a jack-stay, round the Centaur’s main-mast. The gun being slung to the viol, the purchase-fall was brought to the capstern In this manner the desired object was effected in the course of a week, during which time Lieutenant Maurice and the working party on shore suffered most dreadfully from excessive heat and fatigue, being constantly exposed to the sun and frequently obliged to lower themselves down over immense precipices to attend the ascent of the guns, and bear them off from the innumerable projections against which they swung whenever the ship took a shear, which often occurred, and caused considerable delay. By the same process shot, powder, tools, provisions, &c. were conveyed to the rock, which was ultimately placed on the establishment of a sloop of war, and the command thereof conferred upon Lieutenant Maurice, as a reward for his uncommon activity and exertions[2].
Lieutenant Maurice’s promotion and appointment to the command of “H.M. sloop Diamond Rock,” was confirmed by the Admiralty, May 7. 1804, from which period nothing material occurred until the 20th Feb. 1805, when a French squadron, consisting of one 3-decker, four seventy-fours, three heavy frigates, two brigs, and a schooner, having on board 3500 troops, arrived from Europe, under the command of Rear-Admiral Missiessy, for the purpose of throwing supplies into Martinique, &c. and of attacking the weakest of the British colonies. Immediately on the appearance of this hostile force. Captain Maurice despatched his first Lieutenant, in a swift-rowing boat, to St. Lucia, with instructions to purchase a schooner and proceed with the intelligence to Commodore Hood, then lying at Barbadoes; but who unfortunately had no other line-of-battle ship than the Centaur wherewith to oppose so formidable an intruder.
On the French Admiral’s second departure from Fort Royal bay, to which he had returned after ravaging Dominica, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat, Captain Maurice despatched the same officer to St. Lucia and Barbadoes, with intelligence that the enemy were bound to St Domingo, which proved to be perfectly correct, although the rapidity of their movements enabled them to sail again previous to the arrival of Rear-Admiral Cochrane, who had proceeded thither from Carlisle bay, in consequence of Captain Maurice’s representation[3].
Soon after this event. Sir Samuel Hood visited the Diamond Rock, in company with his lady; and Captain Maurice had the gratification of receiving the highest praise from that distinguished officer, for his continued zeal and activity, together with an assurance of the Commodore’s sincere friendship, and his readiness to serve him on any future occasion that might offer.
The official details not having been published in the London Gazette, very little has hitherto been known in this country relative to the loss of the Diamond Rock, which would no doubt have proved impregnable to an enemy, whilst in the hands of the British, had it not been for the unfortunate shortness of ammunition, and the absolute want of water[4], under which its brave defenders laboured, when attacked by a French squadron in May, 1805. It will be obvious on a perusal of the following correspondence, and sentence of a court-martial by which he was tried, that Captain Maurice, though not able to command, fully deserved success:
“Barbadoes, June 6, 1805.
“My Lord,– It is with the greatest sorrow I have to inform you of the loss of the Diamond Rock, under my command, which was obliged to surrender on the 2d instant, after three days’ attack from a squadron of two sail of the line, one frigate, one brig, a schooner, eleven gun-boats, and, from the nearest calculation, 1500 troops[5]. The want of ammunition and water was the sole occasion of its unfortunate loss. Although I shall never cease to regret the accident, yet it is some consolation to think so many valuable lives are saved to his Majesty’s service, having only two killed and one wounded. The enemy, from the nearest account I have been able to obtain, lost on shore 30 killed and 40 wounded, independent of the ships and boats: they also lost three gun-boats and two row-boats. Allow me to speak in the highest terms of the officers and men under my command; and I trust, when the court-martial shall have taken place, that their hardships, fatigue, and gallantry, will merit your lordship’s approbation, they having been nineteen nights under arms, and some of them obliged to drink their own water. I beg leave to enclose the articles of capitulation, and have the honor to remain, your lordship’s most obedient and humble servant,
(Signed)“J. W. Maurice.”
“To the Right Hon. Viscount Nelson, &c. &c. &c.”
Articles of Capitulation, proposed by Captain Maurice, and accepted by the French Commander.
“1. – That the rock, with all its works, shall be delivered up entire.
“2. – That the garrison shall be allowed to march to the Queen’s battery, with drums beating and colours flying, and there lay down their arms.
“3. – That all private property shall be secured to the officers and men.
“4. – That the garrison shall be sent to Barbadoes, at the expence of the French nation; but not to serve till regularly exchanged.
“5. – That the garrison is capable of holding out a few days longer, and two hours are given for an answer, when hostilities will be re-commenced.”
“Victory, at Sea, June 8, 1805.
“Sir,– I have received your letter of the 6th inst., acquainting me with the surrender of the Diamond Rock under your command, on the 2d of this month, to a squadron of the enemy’s ships and gun-boats, therein mentioned, together with the terms of capitulation which accompanied your said letter; in answer to which, while I regret the loss of the Diamond, I have no doubt that every exertion has been used by yourself and those under your command for its defence, and that its surrender has been occasioned from the circumstances you represent. It is particularly gratifying that so few lives were lost in the contest, and I have very fully to express my approbation of the terms of capitulation, as well as with your conduct personally, and that of the officers and men under your command, which I have to request you will be pleased to communicate to them. I am, &c.
(Signed)“Nelson & Bronte[6].”
“To Captain J. W. Maurice &c.”
“Barbadoes, June 19, 1805.
“Sir,– In my letter of the 14th May, to Sir Francis Laforey, I informed him of the arrival of the enemy’s combined squadrons off the rock, and of our having had one hour’s partial action with them as they passed it: their force consisting of 16 sail of the line, 8 frigates, 3 brigs, 1 ship armed en flute, and his Majesty’s late sloop Cyane[7].
“On the 16th May, at 7-30 A.M., saw a large ship rounding Point Saline; from her appearance I plainly saw she was a ship of the line, and from the cut of her sails, an enemy. At 8 she hoisted a Spanish ensign and pendant; I immediately directed French colours to be hoisted as a decoy, which fully answered my wishes, for at 8-40 she had got under the lee of the rock, at the distance of three-quarters of a mile, when I shifted the colours, and opened a well-directed fire of round and grape from fort Diamond; the first shot striking her under the fore channel, she directly put her helm up, and in the act of wearing returned one feeble shot. From the light winds she did not get out of range until nine, but continued running before the wind till twelve. At 2 P.M. an enemy’s brig stood out of Fort Royal bay, and beat to windward of the rock, where she continued to cruise. I was now fully satisfied in my own mind of the intention of the enemy to attack the rock. From the 16th to the 29th we were completely blockaded by frigates, brigs, schooners, and sloop-rigged boats, which prevented any supplies being thrown in to me. On the 25th a sloop frum St. Lucia, with my second Lieutenant, who had carried despatches to Barbadoes” (announcing the arrival of the French and Spanish squadrons) “and the Purser, who had gone over to complete the provisions to four months, was taken under my guns, endeavouring to throw in some barrels of powder, although we covered her with a spirited fire from fort Diamond, Centaur’s battery, &c. On the 29th, at 5-30 P.M., two ships of the line, one frigate, and a schooner, with eleven gun-boats in tow, stood out from Fort Royal, under all sail. I now had not the smallest doubt that the squadron was intended for the attack of the Diamond. The rock was therefore put into the best state of defence possible, and I was determined to defend it while I had any ammunition and water remaining. On the 30th, at sun-rise, the enemy’s squadron had fallen far to leeward; but the wind unfortunately veering very much to the southward, (indeed farther than I had known it for some months) enabled them to fetch as high as St. Ann’s bay, where they continued under easy sail for the night. On the morning of the 31st, at sun-rise, they were still under easy sail, far to windward; but from the number of their signals, and having cast off their boats, I was convinced the attack would soon be made. At 7, the enemy bore up in a line for the rock, the gun-boats, &c. keeping within them, crowded with troops. Seeing the impossibility of defending the lower works against such a force, and the certainty of our being prevented from gaining the heights without considerable loss, and which could not bo defended for any time without us, with the greatest reluctance I ordered the whole above the first lodgment, leaving a man, at each gun to give the enemy their contents. The powder left below was drowned, and the launch cut away, that she might not be serviceable to the enemy. At 7-50 we had every person up, and the ladders secured, when the Berwick 74 opened her fire within pistol-shot: at 8, the whole of the enemy’s squadron and gun-boats were in action, which was returned by Hood’s battery and Fort Diamond; the whole of the troops in the boats keeping up a heavy fire of musketry. It was a fortunate circumstance we quitted the lower works when we did, as our own stores hove down by the enemy’s shot would have killed and wounded the whole of us. I was now busily employed in placing the people on the different lodgments, with small arms, to harrass the enemy as they landed, and to cover themselves. I am happy to say that the execution done was considerable; for the fire of our men was so galling, that the seamen left their boats, excepting three men in each, who were shot dead, and three of the gun-boats went adrift. The whole of the enemy’s squadron were constantly employed during this day in bombarding the rock, as they could fetch in to windward of it. At night the whole of the men were posted on different lodgments, to harrass the enemy, as they threw in supplies and reinforcements: on the 1st, the enemy’s squadron constantly bombarding the rock, the fire from the troops much more spirited: on the 2d, the enemy’s squadron, reinforced by a brig, bombarding as before; the fire from the troops this day very severe, as they were covered by the overhanging rocks, and fired up as our men appeared. At four in the afternoon, on examining into our ammunition, I found we had but little powder left, and not a sufficient quantity of ball-cartridges to last until dark. Being firmly of opinion that the enemy meant to endeavour to carry the heights by assault that night, I thought it a duty I owed to those brave fellows who had so gallantly supported me during three days and two nights constant battle, to offer terms of capitulation; and having consulted my first Lieutenant, who was of the same opinion, at 4-30, the unhappiest moment of my life, I threw out a flag of truce, which returned at five, with honourable terms for the garrison, and the next morning we embarked on board the Pluton and Berwick. On the 4th we were sent to Barbadoes in a cartel, agreeable to the articles, except 14 men, whom they forcibly detained unknown to me, getting persons to swear they were French. I have written to Captain Kempt, agent for prisoners of war, stating the business, as well as their endeavouring to entice the whole of my crew to enter into their service; but, thank God! I trust no Englishman, let him be ever so bad, is base enough to do so. I beg leave to recommend in the strongest terms, the able and gallant support I received from my first Lieutenant, Mr. Robert Adams Wadham, whose services at different times in carrying despatches to Barbadoes, relating to the enemy, merit my warmest acknowledgments. I am also much indebted to Lieutenant Watson of the marines, for his active and able support. Those, Sir, were the only officers I had, but I needed not more, for the conduct of the whole of my people was so active, orderly and gallant, that I shall always reflect on it with pleasure to the latest day of my life. Indeed, when you observe that we had only two killed and one wounded, you will conclude, that had not my orders been put in execution with the greatest promptness and attention, we must have met with great loss; and had I let loose their valour, I should have lost half my men. Their fatigue and hardships were beyond description, having only a pint of water during 24 hours, under a vertical sun, and not a moment’s rest day or night: several of them fainted for want of water, and others were obliged to drink their own. A schooner had brought out 60 scaling ladders, to attempt us that night under cover of the squadron, and four more sail of the line were to have come against us the next day. Indeed the whole of the combined squadrons were employed on the service, and not less than 3000 men[8]. The Captain of the Sirène frigate was wounded through the knee. My only consolation is, that although I unfortunately lost the rock, I trust its defence was honorable, and hope it will merit your approbation. I have the honor to remain, &c.
(Signed)“J. W. Maurice.”
“To Rear-Admiral Cochrane, &c. &c. &c.”
Sentence.
“The Court is of opinion, that Captain James Wilkes Maurice, the officers and company of his Majesty’s late sloop Diamond Rock, did every thing in their power to the very last, in the defence of the rock, against a most superior force; and that Captain J. W. Maurice behaved with firm and determined resolution, and did not surrender the Diamond until he was unable to make further defence for want of water and ammunition; the Court do therefore honorably acquit Captain Maurice accordingly.
“The Court cannot dismiss Captain J. W. Maurice without expressing their admiration of his conduct in the whole of the occasion; and also they express the highest approbation of the support given by the officers and men under his command; a circumstance that does high honor to them, and no less credit and honor to the discipline maintained by Captain Maurice: the Court do therefore unanimously and honorably acquit the said officers and ship’s company, and they are unanimously and honorably acquitted accordingly[9].”
Captain Maurice returned home with despatches from Rear-Admiral Cochrane; landed at Liverpool, on the 3d Aug. 1805; and proceeded express to the Admiralty, where he met with a very flattering reception, and was immediately presented with an appointment to the Savage, a new 18-gun brig, then fitting for foreign service, but subsequently placed under the orders of Lord Gambier, on the Irish station. Whilst equipping that vessel at Portsmouth, he had the honor of an interview with the immortal Nelson, who seized his hand, and expressed himself as follows:
“Captain Maurice, I am very happy to see you, and I lament that I did not arrive in the West Indies time enough to save you; but don’t let that make you uneasy, for I assure you there is no person who entertains a higher sense of your gallantry in the defence of the rock than myself: I am sorry their Lordships have not given you post-rank; however, you are placed under my orders, by my own particular request, and I will do every thing in my power to serve you.”
At the time of this interview, Nelson was about to resume the command of the Mediterranean fleet, but unfortunately the Savage could not be manned in time to accompany him, and her commander’s prospects of promotion were consequently blighted; the intelligence of his lordship’s glorious death having reached England whilst Captain Maurice was still at Portsmouth, strenuously but vainly endeavouring to render his sloop effective.
From Dec. 1805, until June, 1807, the Savage was chiefly employed convoying the trade from the different ports in St. George’s Channel to the Downs; and Captain Maurice had the good fortune never to lose a single vessel committed to his charge, during the whole of that period. We next find him escorting a fleet of merchantmen from Cork to the West Indies, and subsequently cruising under the orders of Rear-Admiral Dacres, on the Jamaica station, where he captured the Don Quixote, Spanish brig privateer, of 8 guns and 99 men, Dec. 1807.
In July, 1808, Captain Maurice joined the flag of Sir Alexander Cochrane, at Barbadoes; and the Admiralty having strongly recommended him to that officer for promotion, he was appointed Governor of Mariegalante, on the 1st Oct. following. His post commission bears date Jan. 18, 1809.
The command of a frigate would have been much more acceptable to Captain Maurice than this appointment; but as Sir Alexander paid him many compliments on his defence of the Diamond Rock, and there was a probability of Mariegalante being attacked, he lost no time in assuming the government of that small colony, and making every necessary arrangement for baffling the designs of the enemy, should they send a force from Guadaloupe against him.
On landing at Mariegalante, Governor Maurice found that the garrison consisted of only 400 marines, no less than 300 of whom were then dangerously ill in the hospitals; and that notwithstanding the vigilance of those still doing duty, the enemy were constantly supplied with intelligence respecting the state of the island, all the inhabitants being French, and many of them related to, or otherwise connected with persons residing in Guadaloupe. A negro regiment was soon afterwards raised by order of Sir Alexander Cochrane; but although this corps proved useful in preserving order for the time being, it could not have been depended upon in case of an invasion. Every thing tended to keep the governor’s mind in a state of constant anxiety; false alarms were often given: on one occasion a French squadron actually approached the island, hove to, and appeared to be meditating an attack; such of the marines as returned to their duty were in a very debilitated state, and even if the whole had been under arms, they were greatly out-numbered by their black auxiliaries, whose real feeling towards them it was impossible to discover. At length. Governor Maurice himself was attacked with the intermittent fever, and after a distressing illness of three months, he found himself obliged to try a change of climate; for which purpose he embarked in the homeward-bound packet., Oct. 13th, 1809. Previous to his quitting Mariegalante, he received an address from the legislative body and principal inhabitants, expressing the happiness and comfort they had experienced under his administration, and imploring him, if possible, to continue at the head of their affairs.
Captain Maurice’s next appointment was, in Aug. 1810, to be governor of Anholt, an island situated in the Cattegat, and at that time forming an important point of communication between Great Britain and the Baltic[10]. A brilliant exploit performed by the officers and men under his command, is thus officially described by himself, in a letter addressed to Sir James Saumarez, Bart. K.B. commander-in-chief on that station:–
“Fort Yorke, island of Anholt, 27 Mar. 1811.
"Sir,– I reported to you in my letter of the 10th ultimo, my having received information of an intended attack on this island by the Danes. On the 8th instant, I received corroboration of this intelligence; but as every exertion had been made to complete the works as well as our materials would allow, and as picquets were nightly stationed from one extreme of the island to the other, in order to prevent surprise, I awaited with confidence the meditated attack.
“Yesterday H.M. ship Tartar anchored on the north side of the island[11]. The enemy’s flotilla and army, consisting in all of nearly 4,000 men, have this day after a close combat of four hours and a half, received a most complete and decisive defeat, and are fled back to their ports, with the loss of three pieces of cannon, and upwards of 500 prisoners: a number greater by 150 men than the garrison I command.
“I am now to detail the proceedings of the day. In the morning, just before dawn, the out-picquets on the south side of the island made the signal for the enemy being in sight. The garrison was immediately put under arms, and I lost not a moment in proceeding with the brigade of howitzers, and 200 infantry, accompanied by Captain Robert Torrens, R.M. (who had hitherto acted as major commandant to the battalion), in order to oppose their landing. On ascending an elevation, for the purpose of reconnoitring, I discovered the landing had already been effected, under the cover of darkness and a fog; also that the enemy were advancing rapidly, and in great numbers.
“On both wings the enemy now far outflanked us, and I saw that if we continued to advance, they would get between us and our works; I instantly ordered a retreat, which was effected in good order, and without loss, although the enemy were within pistol-shot of our rear, and seemed determined to enter our batteries by storm; but fort Yorke and the Massareene battery opened such a well-directed fire of grape and musketry, that the assailants were obliged to fall back and shelter themselves under the sandhills. As the day lightened we perceived that the enemy’s flotilla, consisting of 18 gun-boats, had taken up a position on the south side of the island, at point-blank shot. I ordered the signal to be made to the Tartar and Sheldrake, that the enemy had landed, upon which these vessels immediately weighed, and under a heavy press of sail used every endeavour to beat up the south side; but the extent of the shoals threw them out so many miles, that it was some hours before their intention could be accomplished. The gun-boats now opened a very heavy fire on our works, while a column of about 600 men crossed the island to the westward, and took up a position on the northern shore, covered by hillocks of sand, by breaks and inequality of ground. Another column made many attempts to carry the Massareene battery by storm, but were as often repulsed, and compelled to cover themselves under hillocks of sand, which on this island are thrown up by every gale.
“The column on the south side had now succeeded in bringing up a field-piece against us; and Captain William Holtaway, R.M., who had commanded at the advanced post, joined us by water. I had been under great apprehensions that this officer had fallen into the hands of the enemy; but finding, after several gallant attempts, that he was cut off from reaching head-quarters by land, he, with the coolest judgment, launched a boat, and landed his party under Fort Yorke, amidst the acclamations of the garrison. Immediately afterwards. Lieutenant Henry Loraine Baker, R.N., who (with Lieutenant Richard Turnbull, of the marines, and some brave volunteers) had, in the Anholt schooner, gone on the daring enterprise of destroying the enemy’s flotilla in his own ports, bore down along the north side of the island. Things were in this position when the column on the northern shore, which, divided by the sand-hills, had approached within fifty paces of our lines, made another desperate effort to carry the Massareene battery by storm; the column to the S.E. also pushed on, and the reserve appeared on the hills ready to support them; but while the commanding officer was leading on his men with great gallantry, a musket-ball put a period to his life. Panic-struck by the loss of their chief, the enemy again fell back, and sheltered themselves behind the sand-hills. At this critical moment, Lieutenant Baker, with great skill and gallantry, anchored his vessel on their flank, and opened a well-directed fire. The sand-hills being no longer a protection, and finding it impossible either to advance or retreat, the assailants hung out a flag of truce, and offered to surrender upon terms; but I would listen to nothing less than an unconditional submission, and I have the pleasure to inform you, that this corps also laid down their arms, and surrendered themselves prisoners of war.
“The prisoners, now more numerous than my small garrison, were no sooner secured, than operations were commenced against the reserve, which had been seen retreating to the westward of the island.
“I took the field with Captain Torrens (who, though wounded, insisted on accompanying me); but, as our prisoners were so numerous, and we had no place of security in which to place them, I could only employ on this occasion the brigade of howitzers, under Lieutenants Richard C. Steele and John Bezant, of the royal marine artillery“ (the former subaltern acting as adjutant), “and part of the light company, commanded by Lieutenant Turnbull. When we arrived at the west end of the island, we found that the enemy had formed on the beach, and were protected by 14 boats, towed close to the shore: to attack such a force, with 4 howitzers and 40 men, seemed a useless sacrifice of brave men’s lives; I therefore, with the advice of Captain Torrens, halted on the hills, while I reluctantly saw the reserve embarked, under cover of the gun-boats, and the flotilla take a final leave of the island. I am happy to say our loss has not been so considerable as might have been expected from so desperate an attack, we having only 2 killed and 30 wounded. The enemy have suffered severely; we have buried between 30 and 40 of their dead, and received in the hospital 23 wounded, most of whom have undergone amputations: a great number were carried off the field to their boats. Major Melsteat, the commandant (an officer of great distinction) fell in the field; Captain Borgan, the next in command, was wounded in the arm; Captain Prutz, adjutant-general to the commander of the forces in Jutland, lost both his legs, and is (with 3 men) since dead.
“The most pleasing part of my duty is to bear testimony to the zeal, energy, and intrepidity of the officers and men I had the honor to command: to particularize would be impossible: the same ardour inspired the whole. To Lieutenant Baker, next in command, who will have the honor of delivering this despatch, and be able to give you every information you require, I am much indebted; his merit and zeal as an officer, which I have some years been acquainted with, and his volunteering with me on this service, claim my warmest esteem. Captain Torrens, the senior officer of royal marines, bore a conspicuous part on this day, and, although wounded, I did not lose his valuable service and able support. The discipline and state of perfection to which he had brought the battalion is highly creditable to him as an officer. Lieutenant R. C. Steele also claims my warmest acknowledgments for the arrangements he made, which enabled us to keep up so heavy and destructive a fire. Captain Steele, Lieutenant and Quarter-Master Fischer, senior subaltern. Lieutenants Stewart, Gray, Ford, Jellico, Atkinson, and Curtayne, all merit my warmest acknowledgments for the assistance they afforded me. Lieutenant Bezant deserves every commendation I can give him for his cool and able judgment in the direction of the guns in the Massareene battery. Lieutenant Turnbull, who acted as captain of the light company, when we pursued the reserve, manifested such zeal and energy, that I have no doubt, had we brought the enemy again to action, he would have bore a very conspicuous part.
“I cannot sufficiently express my thanks to Captains Baker and Stewart, of the Tartar and Sheldrake, for their great exertions to get round to the flotilla: had the wind favored them, they would have destroyed the whole[12]. * * * * *.
(Signed)“J. W. Maurice.”
“Admiralty, April 8, 1811.
“Dear Sir,– Your despatches, accompanied by your private letter of the 31st, arrived here last night, and I congratulate you on the brilliant success which has attended your judicious and officerlike conduct in the defence of Anholt, supported by the determined bravery of the officers and men under your command. Their Lordships have highly approved of your gallant conduct; and I am happy to inform you that Lieutenant H. L. Baker, the second officer in command, will be immediately promoted to the rank of Commander. It will give me pleasure to find myself enabled to notice the meritorious behaviour of Captain Torrens, as well as of Mr. Gray, the acting surgeon of the garrison.
“It gives me satisfaction to find that it is your wish to remain in command of this important island for another year; a request that I willingly comply with, as I am persuaded it cannot be placed in abler or safer hands.
“I think it will be proper to desire an engineer officer to go over for the purpose of looking at your batteries, &c., and to bring back a plan or survey, in case any thing additional should be required against next winter[13].
“I hope to find myself able in a short time to express my sense of your good conduct by appointing your brother to a sloop of war, for which I have directed him to be noted, at an early opportunity[14]. I remain, dear Sir, yours very faithfully,
(Signed)“C. Yorke.”
“To Captain Maurice, Governor of Anholt, &c.”
“London, 10th April, 1811.
“My dear Sir,– I most heartily congratulate you on the brilliant success of the brave garrison under your command, in having repulsed an attack of the enemy’s select troops, consisting of as many thousands as the whole force opposed to them amounted to hundreds, and by the gallantry and intrepid conduct of your valiant heroes, succeeded in taking a greater number of prisoners than their whole collected force. Mr. Yorke having signified to me that he would write to you, I can only assure you that this gallant affair is the theme of every one’s praise, and has excited the admiration of all; and I have no doubt but yonr services upon this occasion will be duly appreciated by the Admiralty. I have great pleasure in adding that Lieutenant Baker is made a Commander, and that Captain Torrens and Lieutenant Fischer are recommended to H.R.H. the Prince Regent for brevet rank. I have the honor to be, with high regard, &c.
(Signed)“James Saumarez.”
“To Capt. Maurice, Anholt.”
The garrison of Anholt subsequently presented their gallant governor with a valuable and highly finished sword, on which is the following inscription:
“Presented by the officers, non-commissioned officers, gunners, and privates, of the royal marines and royal marine artillery, in garrison at Anholt, to their esteemed governor. Captain James Wilkes Maurice, of the royal navy, in token of their admiration of his personal bravery in the battle of the 27th March, 1811; and as a grateful memorial for his liberal forbearance and kind consideration of their feelings during his government.”
The presentation of this sword[15] took place on the anniversary of our late revered monarch’s birth-day; the garrison, and the men of war at anchor off the island, having previously fired the usual royal salutes. Captain Holtaway, then senior officer of the marine battalion, addressed Governor Maurice as follows:
“Sir,– I am requested by the officers and men composing the garrison under your command, to beg your acceptance of this sword, although a very inadequate testimony of the high sense entertained by them all of the gallantry and courage manifested by you in the battle of the 27th March, 1811, as likewise for the mildness and forbearance you have at all times evinced during your government of the island. In alluding. Sir, to the 27th of March, I trust, from the brilliancy of the issue of that day, it will long be remembered with the greatest pleasure and satisfaction, by you and all who had the good fortune to be placed under your command. Permit me. Governor Maurice, in presenting you this sword, individually to wish you a long continuance of health to wear it, with the fullest conviction that it will never be drawn without reason, or sheathed without honor: and that as each revolving year shall bring about the anniversary of the day (whether you shall be employed in defending the honor and independence of your King and Country, or seeking ease in a state of retirement), it may still come attended with an increase of happiness and pleasure to yourself, and all who take an interest in your welfare.”
Captain Maurice continued to command at Anholt until Sept. 1812; on the 21st of which month the following garrison order was issued by his successor:
“A guard, consisting of one subaltern, one serjeant, one corporal, one drummer, and twenty privates, will be ordered in readiness to-morrow to attend Governor Maurice at the beach, on his embarkation for England; and a salute of 13 guns will be fired from fort Yorke, as a compliment to the Governor on the same occasion, with three cheers from the garrison for his brave and gallant defence of this island.
(Signed)“W. B. Campbell, Major,
R. V. Battalion[16].”
Captain Maurice arrived in England Oct. 20, 1812; and has not since been employed. He married, Oct. 5, 1814, Miss Sarah Lyne, of Plymouth, which lady died of typhus fever in June 1815, aged 21 years.
Agents.– Messrs. Maude.
- ↑ See Vol. II. pp. 288 and 797.
- ↑ An animated account of the Diamond Rock, and of the circumstances attending its occupation by the British, will be found in the Nav. Chron. vol. xii, pp. 205–212.
- ↑ Rear-Admiral Cochrane had been sent out to assume the chief command at the Leeward Islands. He anchored at Barbadoes only a few hours before the Lieutenant of the Diamond Rock arrived, and on the following morning sailed for St. Domingo. The French squadron returned to Europe May 20, in the same year. See Vol. I, p. 261.
- ↑ A tank, capable of holding 500 tons of water, was built under a ravine, but unfortunately no rain fell whilst the rock was retained by the British. Rear-Admiral Cochrane having gone to leeward with must of the ships under his orders, Captain Maurice was deprived of the supplies usually furnished by the cruisers on that station.
- ↑ The Diamond Rock had only 107 officers, men, and boys.
- ↑ See Vol. I, p. 591.
- ↑ See p. 195 of this volume.
- ↑ Soldiers, &c. who landed.
- ↑ The French official account of the capture of the Diamond Rock is given in the Naval Chronicle, Vol. xv, pp. 129–136.
- ↑ See Vol. II. Part I., p. 121.
- ↑ The Tartar frigate, Sheldrake sloop, and Safeguard and Wrangler, gun-brigs, had been despatched from England in consequence of Governor Maurice’s letter to Sir James Saumarez, dated Feb. 10, 1811.
- ↑ Captain Joseph Baker died at Presteigne, in June, 1817. Captain James Pattison Stewart obtained post rank Feb. 1, 1812.
- ↑ We should here observe that Governor Maurice found the works in their infancy, and that he was indefatigably employed completing them during the preceding long and severe winter. An octagon battery round the light-house was scarcely finished when the enemy made their appearance.
- ↑ Ferdinand Moore Maurice, Esq. Commander, R.N. (twin-brother to the subject of this memoir) was soon afterwards appointed to the Magnet brig, in which vessel he perished with all his crew, when proceeding to the Halifax station, in the autumn of 1812. He had the reputation of being a truly zealous officer, and his loss was greatly lamented.
- ↑ Value 150 guineas.
- ↑ The 11th royal veteran battalion was sent out to relieve the marine detachment.