ration and generosity.

While this spirited adventurer struggled with these wants and
difficulties, his arrival in those seas filled the whole kingdom with
alarm. Bodies of regular troops and militia were posted along the coast
of Ireland and Scotland; and besides the squadron of commodore Boys, who
sailed to the northward on purpose to pursue the enemy, other ships
of war were ordered to scour the British channel, and cruise between
Scotland and Ireland. The weather no sooner permitted Thurot to pursue
his destination, than he sailed from Islay to the bay of Carrickfergus,
in Ireland, and made all the necessary preparations for a descent; which
was accordingly effected with six hundred men, on the twenty-first day
of February. Lieutenant-colonel Jennings, who commanded four companies
of raw undisciplined men at Carrickfergus, having received information
that three ships had anchored about two miles and a half from the
castle, which was ruinous and defenceless, immediately detached a party
to make observations, and ordered the French prisoners there confined to
be removed to Belfast. Meanwhile, the enemy landing without opposition,
advanced towards the town, which they found as well guarded as the
nature of the place, which was entirely open, and the circumstances of
the English commander, would allow. A regular attack was carried on, and
a spirited defence made,* until the ammunition of the English failed;
then colonel Jennings retired in order to the castle, which, however,
was in all respects untenable; for, besides a breach in the wall, near
fifty feet wide, they found themselves destitute of provisions and
ammunition.

* One circumstance that attended this dispute deserves to be
transmitted to posterity, as an instance of that courage,
mingled with humanity, which constitutes true heroism. While
the French and English were hotly engaged in one of the
streets, a little child ran playfully between them, having
no idea of the danger to which it was exposed: a common
soldier of the enemy, perceiving the life of this poor
innocent at stake, grounded his piece, advanced deliberately
between the lines of fire, took up the child in his arms,
conveyed it to a place of safety; then returning to his
place, resumed his musket, and renewed his hostility.

Nevertheless, they repulsed the assailants in the first attack, even
after the gate was burst open, and supplied the