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Foreign News
June 4, 1762
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
British forces under Major General Monckton and Rear Admiral Rodney capture the island of Martinico from the French in February 1762, with Governor M. Le Vasor De la Touche surrendering St. Peter's. Plans to reduce Grenada and blockades on other Caribbean islands. St. Lucia surrenders shortly after.
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From the LONDON GAZETTE.
WHITEHALL. April 2. 1762.
Yesterday morning Capt. Ricaut. aid de-camp to Major General Monckton. arrived here with the following letter to the Earl of Egremont. one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State. dated St. Peter's Island Martinico, Feb. 27. 1762.
My LORD,
I had the honor of writing to your Lordship the 9th instant from Fort Royal, which went by my aid de camp Major Gates, who sailed from hence in his Majesty's ship Nightingale the 10th inst. a duplicate of that letter I now inclose.
Just when I was about to embark for the reduction of St. Peter's. two deputies arrived at Fort-Royal, on the 12th inst: offering terms of capitulation. for the whole island. on the part of M. Le Vasor De la Touche. the Governor General. On the 13th they received the Admiral's and my answers to their proposals, which they carried to St. Peter's ; and on the 14th they returned with the Capitulation signed. In consequence of which, I left Fort Royal the 15th, with the grenadiers of the army, and the 2d brigade. and on the following day took possession of this large and opulent town. with all the posts in the neighbourhood. The enemy marched out about 320 grenadiers, who are embarked, and will sail immediately for France. M. Le Vaor De la Touche. the Governor General. M. Rouille, Lieutenant Governor, and the Staff will shortly follow.
Inclosed I send your Lordship a copy of the capitulation for the Island, which we humbly hope will meet with his Majesty's gracious approbation. Com. Swanton is now off the Grenades, with a squadron of men of war ; and I purpose sending immediately Brig. Gen. Walsh, with the 5th brigade, and the corps of light infantry under Col. Scott, in order to reduce that island. I have undoubted intelligence that the number of white men in the Grenades does not exceed 200; and in the other islands not quite so many:
I should have proceeded upon this service myself. had I not thought it of more consequence for his Majesty's service, my remaining here at this critical time, when by what we can learn, a rupture with Spain may be daily expected ; and here I am also at hand to settle many material affairs relative to the security of this conquest.
Indeed I have good reason to believe, that Brigadier Walsh will meet with very little obstruction in his operations. However, should he not immediately succeed, I shall move that way with a larger force, and make no doubt to compel them to a speedy surrender.
It was not my intention to have sent home an express until I could have informed your Lordship of the reduction of the other islands mentioned in his Majesty's instructions : But as this island is now completely reduced to his Majesty's obedience, a delay, in signifying this interesting event, might be attended with some bad consequence at this critical juncture.
I therefore send this by my aid de camp, Capt. Ricaut, who can inform your Lordship of any particular you may desire to know ; and I beg leave to recommend him to your Lordship's countenance, as a very deserving and good officer.
It was necessary for his Majesty's service, immediately to fill some civil employments here, I have accordingly appointed proper persons to act until his Majesty's pleasure be known.
Your Lordship has herewith a return of the artillery and warlike stores found in the town, the redoubt, and the other different posts. I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT MONCKTON.
Extract of a Letter from Rear Admiral Rodney, to Mr. Cleveland. dated St. Pierre's Road, Martinico, February 28. 1762.
SINCE my Dispatches of the 10th Inst. by Capt. Darby, acquainting their Lordships with the surrender of Fort Royal, and the capitulation of the greatest part of the inhabitants, I have the additional pleasure to congratulate their Lordships on the conquest of the whole Island of Martinico ; M. de la Touche having thought proper to send his brother on board the Marlborough, with articles of capitulation, just in time to save the town from destruction ; a copy of which capitulation I have the honor to inclose.
As this island is now entirely subjected to his Majesty's obedience, I can only repeat, in this public manner, my entire approbation of the conduct of all the officers and seamen of that part of his Majesty's Fleet which I have the honor to command, all having exerted themselves in their proper stations, with an ardor and resolution becoming British seamen.
Immediately on the surrender of St. Pierre's, I dispatched Commodore Swanton, with a squadron of his Majesty's ships, to join those already before the island of Grenades, and block up that port as close as possible : The islands of St. Vincent and St. Lucia are likewise very closely blockaded : and I make not the least doubt, but that all the Caribbee islands will, in a very short time, be subjected to his Majesty.
On the 4th inst. Capt. Ourry, of his Majesty's ship Actaeon, cruising off Tobago, fell in with and took a large Spanish register ship, laden with cannon, powder, small arms, and ordnance stores, bound to Laguira.
Copy of a Letter from Rear Admiral Rodney, to Mr. Cleveland, dated St. Pierre's Road, Martinico, March 1. 1762.
I have this moment received an express from Capt. Hervey, that the island of St. Lucia is surrendered at discretion.
A Return of the Guns, Mortars, Shot, Shells. Powder and Ordnance Stores. taken at the Several Batteries and Magazines on the Heights and Town of St. Peter's in Martinico, February 18. 1762:
Iron Ordnance from 2 to 26 Pounders 173.
Brass Mortars, one 13 inch, three 9 and half inch.
Powder Barrels 331 and a half.
Round Shot from 2 to 26 pounders, 17,478.
Shells, empty & filled, 2 of 13 inch, 471 of 9 & half.
Carcaes fixed, 102 of 9 & half inch.
Musket Balls, 152 C wt.
Musket Cartridges 10,600.
Fuzees, 220 of 13 inch, 200 of 9 and half ditto.
Petarraroes, 5...... Handspikes, 413.
Spunges with Staves from 2 to 26 pounders, 203.
Ladles with Staves from 2 to 26 pounders. 106.
Paper, 42 Reams fine... ditto 12 of Cartridge.
Coils of small Tarred Rope, 12.
Musket Flints, 15,500.
Paper Cartridges empty, 6765..:. Ditto filled 1023:
Double headed Shot 4 & 6 pounders, 415.
Spare standing Carriages from 6 to 26 pounders, 12:
Langrage Shot in Bags from 4 to 26 pounders, 1670.
Musquets of different Sorts, 725.
Match 475 Wt...Linstocks, 44...Powder Horns, 103.
Priming Irons, 101....Hammers for Vents, 3.
Tin Powder Measures of different Sorts, 42.
Double Wood Blocks Strapp'd, 17.
Suit. Small Barrels. 3......Old Sails. 2.
Oil for painting Carriages, 8 Jarrs.
Spades and Shovels, 50.... Sheet Lead, 500 wt.
Empty Flannel Cartridges,
450 of 18 pounders:
400 of 6 ditto:
Spunge Tacks, 2000... Wadds different sorts, 3000.
Iron Crows. 8... Truck Wheels spare, 46.
Spare Ramrods for Muskets. Wood 400.
Truck Carriages for Carrying Mortars, 2.
Furnaces for heating Shot, 2... Triangle Gins, 3.
Small Iron Ball for Grape, 355 wt.
Mortar Beds, spare. 13 and half Inch.
Sledge Hammers, 2...Stink Pots, 60.
Blunderbusses, 45.... Pistols 30
GEORGE LEWIS.
Captain Lieutenant of the Royal Artillery:
[See the New Hampshire Gazette of the 7th of May, for the Articles of Capitulation of the Island of Martineco.]
WHITEHALL. April 2. 1762.
Yesterday morning Capt. Ricaut. aid de-camp to Major General Monckton. arrived here with the following letter to the Earl of Egremont. one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State. dated St. Peter's Island Martinico, Feb. 27. 1762.
My LORD,
I had the honor of writing to your Lordship the 9th instant from Fort Royal, which went by my aid de camp Major Gates, who sailed from hence in his Majesty's ship Nightingale the 10th inst. a duplicate of that letter I now inclose.
Just when I was about to embark for the reduction of St. Peter's. two deputies arrived at Fort-Royal, on the 12th inst: offering terms of capitulation. for the whole island. on the part of M. Le Vasor De la Touche. the Governor General. On the 13th they received the Admiral's and my answers to their proposals, which they carried to St. Peter's ; and on the 14th they returned with the Capitulation signed. In consequence of which, I left Fort Royal the 15th, with the grenadiers of the army, and the 2d brigade. and on the following day took possession of this large and opulent town. with all the posts in the neighbourhood. The enemy marched out about 320 grenadiers, who are embarked, and will sail immediately for France. M. Le Vaor De la Touche. the Governor General. M. Rouille, Lieutenant Governor, and the Staff will shortly follow.
Inclosed I send your Lordship a copy of the capitulation for the Island, which we humbly hope will meet with his Majesty's gracious approbation. Com. Swanton is now off the Grenades, with a squadron of men of war ; and I purpose sending immediately Brig. Gen. Walsh, with the 5th brigade, and the corps of light infantry under Col. Scott, in order to reduce that island. I have undoubted intelligence that the number of white men in the Grenades does not exceed 200; and in the other islands not quite so many:
I should have proceeded upon this service myself. had I not thought it of more consequence for his Majesty's service, my remaining here at this critical time, when by what we can learn, a rupture with Spain may be daily expected ; and here I am also at hand to settle many material affairs relative to the security of this conquest.
Indeed I have good reason to believe, that Brigadier Walsh will meet with very little obstruction in his operations. However, should he not immediately succeed, I shall move that way with a larger force, and make no doubt to compel them to a speedy surrender.
It was not my intention to have sent home an express until I could have informed your Lordship of the reduction of the other islands mentioned in his Majesty's instructions : But as this island is now completely reduced to his Majesty's obedience, a delay, in signifying this interesting event, might be attended with some bad consequence at this critical juncture.
I therefore send this by my aid de camp, Capt. Ricaut, who can inform your Lordship of any particular you may desire to know ; and I beg leave to recommend him to your Lordship's countenance, as a very deserving and good officer.
It was necessary for his Majesty's service, immediately to fill some civil employments here, I have accordingly appointed proper persons to act until his Majesty's pleasure be known.
Your Lordship has herewith a return of the artillery and warlike stores found in the town, the redoubt, and the other different posts. I have the honor to be, &c.
ROBERT MONCKTON.
Extract of a Letter from Rear Admiral Rodney, to Mr. Cleveland. dated St. Pierre's Road, Martinico, February 28. 1762.
SINCE my Dispatches of the 10th Inst. by Capt. Darby, acquainting their Lordships with the surrender of Fort Royal, and the capitulation of the greatest part of the inhabitants, I have the additional pleasure to congratulate their Lordships on the conquest of the whole Island of Martinico ; M. de la Touche having thought proper to send his brother on board the Marlborough, with articles of capitulation, just in time to save the town from destruction ; a copy of which capitulation I have the honor to inclose.
As this island is now entirely subjected to his Majesty's obedience, I can only repeat, in this public manner, my entire approbation of the conduct of all the officers and seamen of that part of his Majesty's Fleet which I have the honor to command, all having exerted themselves in their proper stations, with an ardor and resolution becoming British seamen.
Immediately on the surrender of St. Pierre's, I dispatched Commodore Swanton, with a squadron of his Majesty's ships, to join those already before the island of Grenades, and block up that port as close as possible : The islands of St. Vincent and St. Lucia are likewise very closely blockaded : and I make not the least doubt, but that all the Caribbee islands will, in a very short time, be subjected to his Majesty.
On the 4th inst. Capt. Ourry, of his Majesty's ship Actaeon, cruising off Tobago, fell in with and took a large Spanish register ship, laden with cannon, powder, small arms, and ordnance stores, bound to Laguira.
Copy of a Letter from Rear Admiral Rodney, to Mr. Cleveland, dated St. Pierre's Road, Martinico, March 1. 1762.
I have this moment received an express from Capt. Hervey, that the island of St. Lucia is surrendered at discretion.
A Return of the Guns, Mortars, Shot, Shells. Powder and Ordnance Stores. taken at the Several Batteries and Magazines on the Heights and Town of St. Peter's in Martinico, February 18. 1762:
Iron Ordnance from 2 to 26 Pounders 173.
Brass Mortars, one 13 inch, three 9 and half inch.
Powder Barrels 331 and a half.
Round Shot from 2 to 26 pounders, 17,478.
Shells, empty & filled, 2 of 13 inch, 471 of 9 & half.
Carcaes fixed, 102 of 9 & half inch.
Musket Balls, 152 C wt.
Musket Cartridges 10,600.
Fuzees, 220 of 13 inch, 200 of 9 and half ditto.
Petarraroes, 5...... Handspikes, 413.
Spunges with Staves from 2 to 26 pounders, 203.
Ladles with Staves from 2 to 26 pounders. 106.
Paper, 42 Reams fine... ditto 12 of Cartridge.
Coils of small Tarred Rope, 12.
Musket Flints, 15,500.
Paper Cartridges empty, 6765..:. Ditto filled 1023:
Double headed Shot 4 & 6 pounders, 415.
Spare standing Carriages from 6 to 26 pounders, 12:
Langrage Shot in Bags from 4 to 26 pounders, 1670.
Musquets of different Sorts, 725.
Match 475 Wt...Linstocks, 44...Powder Horns, 103.
Priming Irons, 101....Hammers for Vents, 3.
Tin Powder Measures of different Sorts, 42.
Double Wood Blocks Strapp'd, 17.
Suit. Small Barrels. 3......Old Sails. 2.
Oil for painting Carriages, 8 Jarrs.
Spades and Shovels, 50.... Sheet Lead, 500 wt.
Empty Flannel Cartridges,
450 of 18 pounders:
400 of 6 ditto:
Spunge Tacks, 2000... Wadds different sorts, 3000.
Iron Crows. 8... Truck Wheels spare, 46.
Spare Ramrods for Muskets. Wood 400.
Truck Carriages for Carrying Mortars, 2.
Furnaces for heating Shot, 2... Triangle Gins, 3.
Small Iron Ball for Grape, 355 wt.
Mortar Beds, spare. 13 and half Inch.
Sledge Hammers, 2...Stink Pots, 60.
Blunderbusses, 45.... Pistols 30
GEORGE LEWIS.
Captain Lieutenant of the Royal Artillery:
[See the New Hampshire Gazette of the 7th of May, for the Articles of Capitulation of the Island of Martineco.]
What sub-type of article is it?
Military Campaign
Naval Affairs
War Report
What keywords are associated?
Martinico Capitulation
British Conquest
Caribbean Campaign
Grenada Blockade
St Lucia Surrender
Spanish Ship Capture
What entities or persons were involved?
Robert Monckton
M. Le Vasor De La Touche
Rear Admiral Rodney
Earl Of Egremont
Com. Swanton
Brig. Gen. Walsh
Col. Scott
Where did it happen?
Martinico
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Martinico
Event Date
February 1762
Key Persons
Robert Monckton
M. Le Vasor De La Touche
Rear Admiral Rodney
Earl Of Egremont
Com. Swanton
Brig. Gen. Walsh
Col. Scott
Outcome
island of martinico surrendered to british forces; about 320 french grenadiers embarked for france; extensive artillery and stores captured; plans to reduce grenada; st. lucia surrendered at discretion; spanish register ship captured off tobago.
Event Details
British expedition under Major General Monckton and Rear Admiral Rodney captured Fort Royal earlier; on Feb 12-14, 1762, French Governor M. Le Vasor De la Touche capitulated the whole island of Martinico, allowing British possession of St. Peter's on Feb 16. Commodore Swanton blockaded Grenada; St. Vincent and St. Lucia blockaded. Capt. Ourry captured Spanish ship on Feb 4. St. Lucia surrendered March 1.