by John Marshall

“ The Americans had long exerted their utmost ability and ingenuity to put this place in a formidable state of defence; they had expended considerable sums of money in the erection of fortifications; and it was garrisoned by 300 men. On the morning of the 28th June, the General and Commodore having finally settled their plan, the Thunder-bomb took her station, covered by an armed ship, and began to throw shells into the fort; at the same time the Bristol, Experiment, Active, [errata 3] and Solebay, brought up and opened a most furious cannonade. ”

“ By this means most of the negroes from the settlements up the rivers Belez, Sherboon, &c., and as much of the property of the inhabitants as could be collected together, were embarked in the different craft in the settlement, and conveyed to the Island of Rattan, where they settled during the continuance of the war. Three hundred of these bay-men were assembled at that island, and served at the capture of Omoa, where they rendered essential service. Captain Nugent remained on the Jamaica station until the summer of 1782, when he returned to England with Sir Peter Parker. ”

“ Previous to the capture of this important place, which is the key to the bay of Honduras, and where the Spaniards send their register ships and treasure from Guatimala in time of war, Captain Nugent was despatched by Commodore Luttrell to procure pilots at St. George’s Quay, with orders to leave the Pomona at anchor, at Quay Boquel, and to proceed in the Racehorse schooner. ”