shall avail ourselves of such statements of the facts as the
different official and other communications upon the subject will
furnish us with.

'The harbour was defended by regular fortifications of two tier of
guns. Fort Amsterdam alone mounting sixty-six pieces of cannon; the
entrance only fifty yards wide, and so circumstanced, that it is
impossible for a ship to return by the same wind that takes it in.
Athwart the entrance of the harbour was the Dutch frigate Kenaw
Hatslam, of 36 guns, and the Surinam, of 22 guns, with two large
schooners of war; a chain of forts was on Mesleberg heights, and that
almost impregnable fortress, Fort Republique, within the distance of
grape-shot, enfilading the whole harbour. The cool determined bravery
of British seamen perceives obstacles only to surmount them; and with
this determination the squadron entered the harbour, the Arethusa,
Captain Brisbane, leading, followed in close line by the Latona,
Captain Wood; Anson, Captain Lydiard; and Fisguard, Captain Bolton.

'When the headmost ship got round the point of the harbour's mouth,
the wind became so unfavourable that she could not fetch in; but to
return was impossible--it was too late. What a trying moment! At that
instant, however, there came on a squall, in which the wind shifted
two points in their favour, and they proceeded close together.

'The enemy were panic-struck at such unexpected gallantry, and all was
confusion. A severe and destructive cannonade now commenced, and the
Dutch frigate was boarded by Captain Brisbane, when the Latona
instantly warped alongside and took possession, and Captain Brisbane
proceeded to the shore. The Surinam was boarded from the larboard bow
of the Anson, while her starboard guns were firing at the batteries;
and Captain Lydiard, upon securing the Surinam, went immediately on
shore, and landed at the same moment with Captain Brisbane.
Immediately debarking their respective officers and ship's companies,
they proceeded to storm the forts, citadel, and town, which were by
seven o'clock completely in their possession, and at ten o'clock the
British flag was hoisted on Fort Republique. Captains Brisbane and
Lydiard were the first upon the walls of Fort Amsterdam. Indeed, too
much cannot be said in praise of the almost unparalleled bravery
displayed by the officers and men of all the ships on this occasion.
It may be truly said to be 'perfectly in union with everything
glorious in the past,