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The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
British squadron under Commodore Keppel captured the French-held Island of Goree on December 28-29, 1758, after rejecting the governor's capitulation terms. 300 French prisoners taken; artillery and provisions seized. Reported via London Gazette, January 29, 1759.
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Wednesday last the Earl of Halifax Packet Boat, Capt. Bolison, arrived here from Falmouth in 5 Weeks and 3 Days. From the English Prints down to Feb. 13, we have the following important Foreign Advices, viz.
From the London Gazette Extraordinary:
WHITEHALL, January 29, 1759.
On Saturday Night last was received the following Letter from the Hon. Commodore Keppel, to the Right Hon. Mr. Secretary PITT.
Torbay, in Goree-Bay, Jan. 3, 1759.
SIR,
Arrived here with the Squadron under my Command the 28th of December past, in the Evening; and the next Morning, agreeable to his Majesty's Instructions, I attacked, with the ships, the Forts and Batteries on the Island of Goree, which were soon reduced to desire to capitulate; and the Governor's demands were, to be allowed to march the French troops out of the garrison with the honours of war. His terms I absolutely rejected, and began a fresh attack; it was, however, but of a very short duration, when the Island, Forts, Garrison, &c. surrendered at discretion to his Majesty's squadron.
Lieut. Col. Worge had his troops embarked in the flat-bottom'd Boats, in good order and readiness, at a proper distance, with the transports, to attempt a descent, when it should be found practicable, or requisite.
Two days after the surrender of the Island, I ordered it to be delivered up with the cannon, artillery, stores, and provision, &c. found in it, to the Officer and Troops Lieut. Colonel Worge thought fit to garrison the Place with; and the Colonel is taking all imaginable pains to settle and regulate the garrison in the best manner, and as fast as things will admit.
The enclosed, Sir, is the state of the island, with the artillery, ammunition, and provisions, found in the place at its surrender.
State of the Island of Goree, as it surrendered to his Majesty's Squadron the 29th of December, 1758.
French made Prisoners of War; 300.
Blacks in arms, a great number; but I am not well enough informed as yet to say precisely.
The loss the enemy sustained, as to men, is so very differently stated to me by those that have been asked, that I must defer saying the number till another opportunity.
Of iron ordnance 38 24-pounders, one broke: 43 18-ditto, one broke: 4 12-ditto: 5 6-ditto: 1 4-ditto: 2 3-ditto: and 1 12-pounder Brass; in all 94. 11 iron swivels mounted on carriages: 2 13-inch brass mortars mounted on beds: 1 10-inch ditto: 1 of 10 inch ditto iron. 100 barrels of powder in the magazine. A great quantity of shells (filled and empty) shot of different sizes, and cannon cartridges filled. Provisions of all species for 400 men for 4 months.
(Thus far the Gazette.)
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Island Of Goree
Event Date
28th And 29th Of December 1758
Key Persons
Outcome
island, forts, garrison surrendered at discretion; french made prisoners of war: 300; blacks in arms: a great number; various artillery captured including 94 iron and brass guns, mortars, swivels; 100 barrels of powder; provisions for 400 men for 4 months.
Event Details
British squadron under Commodore Keppel arrived at Goree-Bay on December 28, 1758, and attacked the forts and batteries on the Island of Goree the next morning. The French governor offered capitulation with honours of war, which was rejected, leading to a short renewed attack and unconditional surrender. Troops under Lieut. Col. Worge were ready for descent but not needed. The island was garrisoned by British forces.