by John Marshall

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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 ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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 ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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] . ”

“ 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. ”