ng exposed to such a fire from the shipping, as in
all probability they could not have sustained. This scheme was likewise
proposed to Mr. Dury; but he seemed to be actuated by a spirit of
infatuation. The English line being drawn up in uneven ground, began
the action with an irregular fire from right to left, which the enemy
returned; but their usual fortitude and resolution seemed to forsake
them on this occasion. They saw themselves in danger of being surrounded
and cut in pieces; their officers dropped on every side; and all hope
of retreat was now intercepted. In this cruel dilemma, their spirits
failed; they were seized with a panic; they faultered, they broke; and
in less than five minutes after the engagement began, they fled in the
utmost confusion, pursued by the enemy, who no sooner saw them give way
than they fell in among them with their bayonets fixed, and made a great
carnage. General Dury being dangerously wounded, ran into the sea, where
he perished; and this was the fate of a great number, officers as well
as soldiers. Many swam towards the boats and vessels, which were ordered
to give them all manner of assistance; but by far the greater number
were either butchered on the beach, or drowned in the water: a small
body, however, instead of throwing themselves into the sea, retired to
the rock on the left, where they made a stand, until they had exhausted
their ammunition, and then surrendered at discretion The havock was
moreover increased by the shot and shells discharged from the battery
which the enemy had raised on the hill. The slaughter would not have
been so great, had not the French soldiers been exasperated by the fire
from the frigates, which was still maintained even after the English
troops were routed; but this was no sooner silenced by a signal from the
commodore, than the enemy exhibited a noble example of moderation
and humanity, in granting immediate quarter and protection to the
vanquished. About one thousand chosen men of the English army were
killed and taken prisoners on this occasion: nor was the advantage
cheaply purchased by the French troops, among whom the shot and shells
from the frigates and ketches had done great execution. The clemency
of the victors was the more remarkable, as the British troops in this
expedition had been shamefully guilty of marauding, pillaging, burning,
and other excesses. War is so dreadful in itself, and so severe in its
consequences, that the exercise