Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

thyst, and that it was my intention to have preceded the expedition, in com pany with the Venerable, on board which ship Lord Chatham had embark. ed; but finding the public service might suffer from the Commanders in Chief being separated, I therefore shif ted to the Venerable, and sailed from the Downs at day-light on the 28th ult. I have now to acquaint you, for their Lordship's information, of my arrival on the evening of that day, in the Stone Deeps, with the Amethyst and several smaller vessels, where I was joined by the Fisgard, Captain Bolton, who had, with great judgement, placed vessels on the various shoals off this coast. Af ter dark, Lieutenant Groves of this ship, with some skilful pilots in Deal boats, were dispatched to sound the Room Pot Channel, and to station vessels at its entrance.

Early next morning, the 29th, the division of Lieut.-General Sir John Hope, conducted by Capt. Bathurst, in the Salsette, joined me, as did also Rear Admiral Sir Richard Keats in the Superb. This zealous officer had the command of the blockading squadron off the entrance of the Scheldt, but, ob. serving the armament pass, he, with his usual promptitude, left that squadron under the orders of Lord Gardiner, and resumed the charge of Sir John Hope's division; I therefore directed the Rear-Admiral to shift his flag to the Salsette, and to proceed to the Room Pot.

[ocr errors]

The entrance to that channel is very narrow, and as I was aware of Sir Home Popham's local knowledge of the insular navigation before me, I intrusted to that officer the service of leading Sir Richard Keats's division in, and which he did, with great skill, in the Sabrina, Captain Kattoe; the whole were anchored in safety opposite Zeerickzee, situated between the islands of Schowen and North Beveland.

That afternoon Rear-Admiral Otway, with the left wing of the army, under Sir Eyre Coote, joined me in the Stone Deeps, but it blew too fresh to have any communication.

On the morning of the 30th, Sir H. Popham, returned, with a letter from Sir Richard Keats, acquainting me that the division under his charge were al safely anchored; and I was likewise in

formed that there was sufficient space in the Room Pot to contain all the ships to which anchorage Sir Home Popham undertook to conduct them and as it blew fresh, with all the appearance of an approaching gale, the squadron was instantly got under sail, and led in by the Venerable, when they all came to in safety off the Vere Gat.

As soon as the ships were secured, measures were instantly taken to prepare to land the army on the island of Walcheren. I did not wait for the gunboats coming up, but ordered those who happened to be near the Venerable, together with the mortar brigs, to push in shore to cover the landing, and to force the Derhaak battery..

At half past four, the boats put off under the direction of Lord Amelius Beauclerc of the Royal Oak, and Capt. Cockburn of the Belleisle, and the troops were landed in excellent order, without opposition, the firing from the mortar and gun-vessels having driven the enemy completely from the Derhaak battery.

Having thus accomplished this first object, I lost no time in directing the bombs and gun-vessels to proceed up the Vere-Gat, off Campvere, and having given Sir Home Popham, who, at the request of Lord Chatham, had remained on shore with his Lordship, permission to employ them as the service might require, he, the next morning, began to cannonade Campvere, which had been summoned, but held out. The fire of the gun-boats was exceedingly well directed, and did much da. mage to the town.

The officers and crews, engaged in that service, had a great claim to my admiration for their conduct. Three of our gun-boats were sunk. In the afternoon, it blew fresh, and as the strength of the tide prevented the bombs from acting, I directed the flotilla to fall back, preserving a menacing position. At night, Captain Richardson of the Cesar, who was on the Dike on shore, threw some rockets at the nearest battery of Campvere, and, soon after, the Commanding Officer of the town sent out an offer to surrender. A copy of the terms, acceded to by LieutenantGeneral Fraser, and Captain, Richardson, the senior naval officer on the spot, accompanies this letter.

The

The army under Sir John Hope landed at South Beveland on the 1st of this month, and, by a letter from Sir Rich ard Keats, of yesterday's date, I find, the whole of the island is in our posess sion, the enemy's ships are all above Lillo, and those most advanced, as high up as Antwerp. We are getting our flotilla through the slough into the Western Scheldt, to prevent succours being thrown into Flushing by the canal of Ghent. When the Ramekens battery is taken, we hope to pass the lighter vessels to the Western Scheldt, for the purpose of following up the other objects of the expedition.

I cannot conclude this letter without acknowledging the assistance I have received from Rear-Admiral Otway, and how much I approve of the arrange, ments he made for landing the division under Sir Eyre Coote, which was carried into effect by Lord Amelius Beauclerc, and Captain Cockburn, with much skill and activity. Sir Richard Keats, in the execution of the arduous duties he has had to perform, has shewn his accustomed zeal and judgment. The Captains, Officers, and crews of his Majesty's ships are indefatigable in the execution of their respective duties, and I have much pleasure in adding, that there is a most perfect co-operation of the army and navy.--I have, &c.

R. J. STRACHAN. P. S.-I send this by Lieut. Duncan, whose cutter, the Idas, was close in shore, and covered the landing.

Venerable, off the Vere Gat, Aug. 5. 1809, SIR,

It is with great satisfaction that I am enabled to inclose, for their Lordships information, a copy of the capitulation of the fort of Ramekens which surrendered to his Majesty's forces under Lieutenant-General Fraser yesterday afternoon. The possession of this post is of great importance to our further operations in the West Scheldt, as it will enable me, without molestation, to advance the whole of the flotilla, together with the Camilla and Pallas, by the Slough, and which, I trust, will effectually prevent any succours being thrown into Flushing, either from Cadsand, or by the Ghent Channel.

I have also the honour of forwarding copies of Sir Richard Keats's account of

his proceedings in South Beveland, by which their Lordships will perceive that the operations of the combined force under the Rear-Admiral and Sir John Hope, have been very successful, and that the important post of Bathz has been evacuated by the enemy. I came here to forward this dispatch to England, and shall leave the command of this division with Rear-Admiral Otway, and return to the flotilla, which I conclude is now investing Flushing. It is my intention to hoist my flag in one of the small vessels in the Slough, that I may be near the head-quarters of Lord Chatham, and to conduct the various servi ces in the West Scheldt. I am, &c. (Signed)

Hon. W. W. Pole.

R. J. STRACHAN.

Sabrina, off South Beveland, Aug. 1,
SIR,

I have the satisfaction to inform you that Sir John Hope, and seven thousand of his division of the army, were landed on South Beveland this afternoon, since which I have been informed by message from him, that he was met, on his approach towards Goes, by the magistrates, into which place he is at liberty to enter whenever he pleases. Three of the enemy's ships of the line, and six brigs, are at anchor off the east end of South Beveland; the others, I conclude, have moved higher up the Scheldt.

Three of the four sloops I brought up with me struck in coming up. I have hoisted my flag in the Sabrina, and am not without hopes of getting the remaining parts of the division on shore, and most part of the army supplied to-mor row. I have, &c.

(Signed)

R. G. KEATS.

The substance of this letter was sent by telegraphic communication from the Sabrina, at five c'clock. The six brigs are getting under sail, and moving of the line are still fast. up the Scheldt apparently, but the ships

Sabrina, off Wemeldinge, Aug. 3. Soon after I landed I was informed by letter from Sir John Hope, that Bathz had been evacuated in the night; and, as he informed me, the communication was open between Walcheren and this island, and he had sent to Lord Chatham an account of the evacuation, I conclu

ded

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

ded you would hear it from thence, and went on to Bathz with a view to make observations, and from which I am this moment returned. R. G. KEATS. Rear Admiral Sir R.J. Strachan, Bart. Articles of capitulation for the surrender of the town of Middleburgh to his Britannic Majesty's forces, in consequence of a deputation from the Prefect and Burgomasters for that purpose:

1. Security to be granted to every person, public functionaries, citizens, and inhabitants, provided they conduct themselves, as peaceable citizens, and conform to such regulations as will be hereafter established by the authority of the British Government. II. Protection to all private property whatsoever, but all public property to be accounted for to such Commissioners as will be named by the General commanding his Britannic Majesty's forces. III. The armed citizens, or other inhabitants who have done military duty, to be protected in their persons and property, upon condition that their arms are gi ven to such persons as will be duly au thorised to receive them. IV. Public functionaries and their families are permitted, if they desire it, to return to any other part of Holland. V. All mili. tary sick in hospital to remain where they are at present, and to be taken care of by their own medical people, but must be considered prisoners of war. (Signed) EYRE COOTE, Lieut.-Gen. Heights of Bree Sand, this

31st day of July 1809. Articles of capitulation granted by Gen. Mackenzie Fraser, to the fortress of Veer, Aug. 1. 1809.

The garrison to march out of the town with all the honours of war, and to ground their arms on the glacis, but to be considered prisoners of war.The officers to keep their horses, swords, and property, and the soldiers their knapsacks. All the artillery and stores, and public property, to be delivered up.

Prisoners taken at Ter Veer. Artillery-1 Lieut.-Colonel, 1 Captain, 4 Lieutenants, 7 serjeants, 9 cor<porals, 6 fire-workers, 5 artificers, 65 gunners, I drummer. Infantry-4 Cap tains, 4 first Lieutenants, 5 second Lieu

tenants, 4 Serjeant-Majors, 13 serjeants 4 touriers, 10 drummers, 3 pipers, 328 soldiers. Naval, 1 Captain, 1 Master, 17 sailors, 1 boy, serjeant, 1 corporal, 13 privates (serving as marines.)-Total, 519.

Terms of Capitulation of the Fortress of Ramakens, August 3. 1809.

The garrison surrenders prisoners of war, with every thing that belongs to the fortress, whether ammunition, cannon, or government stores, belonging to the French and Dutch, of every sort and kind. The garrison will lay down their arms this moment; and to be disposed of as the British Government

chuses.

The officers to keep their swords, and will, with their soldiers, be permitted to keep their private baggage.

Strength of the garrison.

2 Captains, 1 Lieutenant, 4 serjeants 7 corporals, 2 drummers, 111 privates. Total 127.

Dispatches, of which the following

are copies, have been received at the office of Lord Viscount Castlereagh, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, from Lieutent-General the Earl of Chatham, K. G.

MY LORD,

Head-quarters, Middleburgh, August 7. 1809. Nothing very material has occurred since my last dispatch of the 3d instant. We have been unremmittingly employed in bringing up the artillery of siege, ammunition, and stores, to the vicinity of Flushing, and the troops have been occupied in the construction of the bat. teries, and in carrying in the several been necessarily interrupted by the very works before the place, but which have heavy rains which have fallen here.

The enemy is active and enterprising, and the garrison has certainly considerable reinforcements from the opposite coast; nor has it been in the power of the flotilla hitherto to prevent it. Under these circumstances it has been found necessary to land Lieut-General Grosvenor's division, and the two light battalions of the King's German legion have been also for the present brought on shore.

Immediately on the fall of the Ramakens, I determined, as soon as the necessary arrangements were made, to pass the infantry of Lieut-General the Earl

of

of Rosslyn's corps, together with Lieut. General the Marquis of Huntly's division, and the light brigades of artillery, into South Beveland, with the reserve under Lieutenant-General Sir John Hope, and that the cavalry and ordnance ships, together with the transports for Lieutenant-General Grosvenor's division, the moment their services could be spared from before Flushing, should be brought through the Slow Passage, and proceed up the West Scheldt, but of course this latter operation cannot take place until a sufficient naval force shall have been enabled to enter the river, and to proceed in advance; but the very severe blowing weather we have constantly experienced, added to the great difficulty of the navigation, has hitherto baffled all their efforts.

By letters from. Lieutenant-General Sir John Hope, I find that the enemy had, on the 5th instant, come down with about 28 gun-vessels before Batz, on which place they kept up a smart cannonade for some hours, but were forced to retire by the guns from the fort, and every thing has since remained quiet in that quarter.

I have the honour to inclose a statement of the casualties that have occurred in the several corps before Flushing, since the last returns of killed and wounded. I have the honour to be, &c. CHATHAM,

Return of the rank and names of the of ficers, and of the number of non-commissioned officers and rank and file killed, wounded, and missing, since last return (August 2.) to August 6. 4809, inclusive.

Head quarters, Middleburgh, Aug. 7. 1809. 2d Batt. 1st Foot-4 rank and file killed; 5 rank and file wounded.

5th Foot-1 rank and file killed; zo rank and file wounded.

14th Foot-2 rank and file wounded. 26th Foot-5 rank and file killed; t Lieutenant, 1 serjeant, 19 rank and file wounded.

[ocr errors]

32d Foot-2 rank and file killed; 15 rank and file wounded.

68th Foot-2 rank and file killed; 1 Major, Lieutenant, 1 Ensign, 6 rank and file wounded.

71st Foot-1 Assistant-Surgeon, 8 rank and file, killed; 2 Lieutenants, 1

serjeant, 24 rank and file, wounded; 4 rank and file missing.-(Not returned in time to be inserted in last return.)

81st Foot- rank and file killed; 1 Lieutenant, 4 rank and file wounded. S5th Foot-7 rank and file wounded. 95th Foot-1 rank and file killed; I Lieutenant, 2 serjeants, 6 rank and file, wounded.

Embodied Detachment-1 Ensign, 3 rank and file, wounded.

Staff Corps-1 Lieutenant, 3 rank and file, wounded. (Not returned in time to be included in last return.) Total Assistant Surgeon, 25 rank and file, killed; 1 Major, 6 Lieutenants, 2 Ensigns, 4 serjeants, 114 rank and file, wounded; 4 rank and file missing. Names of officers killed and wounded. 26th Foot-Lieut. Maxwell, dangerously wounded.

68th Foot-Major Thompson, dangerously wounded;-Lieutenant H. B. Muids and Ensign A. Thompson, slightly wounded.

71st Foot-Assist.-Surgeon H. Quin, killed; Lieutenant D. Fletcher, slightly

wounded.

[blocks in formation]
[ocr errors]

der Colonel Hay. These corps, together with detachments of the royal artillery, the 95th and light battalions of the King's German legion, received the enemy with their accustomed intrepi dity, and, after a sharp contest, of some duration, forced him to retire with very considerable loss, in killed, wounded, and prisoners.

In this affair, the enemy has had another opportunity of witnessing the su perior gallantry of British troops. In no instance has he succeeded in making the least impression throughout our line, and, on this occasion, so far from profiting by his attempt, he has been obliged to relinquish some very advantageous ground, where our advanced posts are now established.

I cannot too strongly express my sense of the unremitting vigilance and ability manifested by Major General Graham, in securing and maintaining his post against the repeated attempts of the enemy to dislodge him; and I have great satisfaction in acquainting your Lordship, that the Major-General mentions, in terms of the warmest approbation, the distinguished conduct and gallantry of the officers and troops engaged on this occasion.

I am now enabled to transmit, for your Lordship's information, an abstract re. turn of the ordnance, ammunition, and stores, that have fallen into our hands since our arrival in this island.

I am, &c.

CHATHAM.

(Here follows a list of ordnance, &c. taken at Haak, Veer, Ramakens, and batteries on the coast, amounting to upwards of 50 brass guns, 24 pounders, &c.; a number of mortars, cohorns, howitzers, muskets, swivels; a vast quantity of ammunition, ball cartridges, gun and travelling carriages, ordnance stores, tools, cannon, &c. of every description.)

Return of the rank and names of officers, and of the number of non-commissioned officers, and rank and file, killed, wounded, and missing, in the affair of the 7th August.

Middleburg, August 8. 1809. Royal Artillery-1 Lieut. 1 rank and file, wounded.

3d Bat. 1st Foot-1 rank and file killed; serjeant 10 rank and file, wounded.

5th Foot-1 serjeant, 4 rank and file, killed; 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant, 2 Ensigns, 47 rank and file, wounded; 1 Brevet-Major, 2 rank and file, missing.

35th Foot-3 rank and file killed; 3 serjeants, 51 rank and file, wounded; z rank and file missing.

59th Foot-1 rank and file wounded. 76th Foot-1 rank and file killed. 95th Foot-1 Lieutenant, 2 serjeants, 4 rank and file, wounded.

1st Light Battalion of the King's German legion-4 rank and file killed, I Lieutenant, 1 Ensign, 12 rank and file, wounded.

Total-1 serjeant, 13 rank and file, killed; 1 Captain, 4 Lieutenants, 3 Ensigns, 7 serjeants, 126 rank and file, wounded; 1 Brevet-Major, 4 rank and file, missing,

Names of officers wounded and missing. Royal Artillery-Lieut. Grant slightly wounded.

5th Foot-Brevet-Major Bird missing, supposed, to be taken prisoner; Captain Hamilton dangerously wounded; Lieutenant C. Bird, Ensigns Galbraith and Walton, slightly wounded. 95th Foot-Lieut. Clarke dangerously wounded.

1st Light Bat. of the King's German legion-Lieutenant Frederick Du Fay and Ensign Frederick Hedeman, dangerously wounded.

ADMIRALTY OFFICE,-Aug. 19. 1809. Dispatches, of which the following are copies, have been received at this of, fice from Sir Richard John Strachan, Bart. K. B. Rear Admiral of the White, &c. addressed to the Hon. W. W. Pole.

Kangaroo, in the West Scheldt, off the Kaloot, Aug, 11, 1809.

SIR,

I beg leave to acquaint you, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that I am this moment going up to Bathz, in South Beveland, which has been attacked by a strong detachment of the enemy's flotilla, and which, by Sir Richard Keats's reports, consists of two frigates, one bearing a Vice-Admiral's flag, thirty brigs, eight luggers or schooners, and fourteen gun boats.

I was under the necessity of detaining our flotilla, to prevent supplies be

« ZurückWeiter »