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Gazette Of The United States And Daily Evening Advertiser
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
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Report from Fort St. Andres on Isle of Bommel, Oct. 19: French batteries opened fire on the fort and Rossum village early morning; two defenders killed, four grenadiers miraculously unharmed. Captain Christy died from Dutch friendly fire. Reinforcements arrived; defenders holding narrow pass against French advance, with vessels as escape means.
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Sunday Night, Oct. 19.
About three in the morning, the French opened a battery upon the fort, and the village of Rossum. We were all under arms in ten minutes. The chief French battery is in a thick wood, and six lesser ones are placed circularly, by which they endeavour to flank the fort. We have had two men killed, and what is remarkable, four grenadiers of the 78th regiment, highlanders, had their caps taken off by cannon-balls and neither of the men were wounded. On Friday last, through an unfortunate mistake the Dutch fired upon the picquet of Captain Christy six rounds of grape shot, one of which tore off the greater part of Captain Christy's forehead, in consequence of which he languished in great agony till this morning, and then died; he was a brave, and most useful officer. Two battalions of the guards marched into the Island last night, and this day 800, part of the 80th and 84th, arrived. We are exerting our utmost efforts to defend the pass, the only one which is practicable to the French, and which is but forty yards over. If they should accomplish this, we must move off immediately, for they could erect batteries that would destroy the vessels, which are our only means escape.
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Isle Of Bommel
Event Date
Sunday Night, Oct. 19
Key Persons
Outcome
two men killed; four grenadiers of 78th regiment unharmed despite caps removed by cannon-balls; captain christy died from dutch friendly fire wound to forehead.
Event Details
French opened battery fire on Fort St. Andres and Rossum village around 3am; defenders under arms quickly. Main French battery in wood, six others flanking fort. Reinforcements: two battalions of guards and 800 from 80th/84th regiments arrived. Defending narrow 40-yard pass; potential retreat by vessels if overrun.