Virginia Argus

PHILADELPHIA, April 23.

Invasion of St. Christophers.

From a St. Christopher's Courier, of March 13.

On Tuesday morning, the 5th inst. a squadron of the line of battle ships appeared in sight, which proved afterwards to be the force that had been at Dominica, ten or twelve days previously and consisting of the following ships, viz.

Ships
Le Majestueux, commanded by Admiral Missiessy, with Gen. Grange on board commander of the land forces.
Le Magnanime
Le Suffren,
Le Jemmapes
Le Lyon,
L'Armide,
L'Incorruptible,
L'Intrepide,
Le Lynx,
L'Action (brig)
Le Bouclier (schr.)
(do.)

About 12 o'clock, the frigates having anchored with the transports, and with springs on their cables, and the line of battle ships laying too a breast of the town, a shot was fired at fort Smith, when the flag was immediately struck. The two small forts to windward and leeward of the harbor, being unable to make any essential resistance, the militia having gone early in the morning to reinforce the garrison of Brimstone Hill, and no protection for the town of Basseterre, either in troops or British men of war, any resistance was deemed ineffectual, to so formidable a force. A few gentlemen who remained in town assembled, and appointed a committee to go off to the French commander, to obtain the best terms in their power for the inhabitants of Basseterre, with its dependencies, and for the estates throughout the island. The committee consisted of the following gentlemen:

The hon. John Garnett, Speaker of Assembly
Ulick Burke,
John Macnamara,
Clement Caines,
Esquires.
John Bryan, and
Daniel Sharry,

Mr. Pitcher, understanding something of the French Language, offered his services, if they could be considered useful, and accordingly accompanied the committee: as did also Mr. Male

As no flag of truce appeared from the enemy, but preparations were observed for landing troops, the above gentlemen went off, with a flag of truce, and were received on board the Le Lynx frigate, where general Barbot, chief of the etat major, demanded to hear our proposals. He enquired for the President, to treat with him, but appeared satisfied on being informed that his honor was at Brimstone Hill. He also enquired what number of troops were on the island, but the committee assured him they could say nothing on that subject.

The terms of capitulation proposed, for the inhabitants of Basseterre, and its dependencies, with the estates throughout the island, were—

1st That they shall retain their laws, as far as the same relate to their persons and properties, during the war.
2d. That their persons and properties shall be safe, and taken under protection of the French government.
3d. All forts, batteries, arms and ammunition, within the power of the inhabitants above described, shall be delivered up to the French government.

General Barbot then remarked, that a contribution should be levied, and hostages required for its fulfillment, but directed the committee to go on board the Majestueux, to the admiral, and general in chief; and said that he would land immediately, with only a small detachment of troops, which should not enter the town, but take advantageous positions, at a small distance from it—Mr. Caines requested permission to accompany the troops in landing, for the purpose of explaining to the inhabitants of the town, that no violence would be committed, in the first instance: but that the troops would be fixed out of Basseterre, till the committee agreed upon terms with the commander in chief.

The committee, on being introduced to the Admiral and General, were received with politeness, and were informed, that the French were sorry to make war upon the defenceless inhabitants of West India towns; that the French government was desirous of peace, but that the English government preferred war, which consequently exposed us to their invasion. The terms, as before mentioned, were read to the Gen. and Admiral. General Le Grange replied, that they would now inform us, categorically the terms they demanded were, viz.

The surrender of the merchant shipping in the road.
The occupation by their troops of the two small forts, of Smith and Bluff point, and
A contribution of a million of Livres Tournois, to be carried on board the Majestueux, by nine o'clock the next morning.

The gentlemen of the committee, not knowing the value of the French currency, requested to be informed how many thousand pounds sterling it would be. The Admiral and General did not know, but after making some enquiries, they directly said, and repeated it three or four times, that it was five thousand pounds sterling. The committee, considering this demand as lenient and moderate on the part of the enemy, and that their moderation was occasioned chiefly by our making no unnecessary resistance or destroying the shipping, returned on shore, accompanied by Mr. Ducrocq, the French commissary. In the boat they endeavored to calculate the precise sum demanded, and then explained that the sterling sum was considerably more than had been mutually understood.

On the return of the committee ashore at four o'clock, general Barbot marched his troops up to Taylor's Estate, where he fixed his head quarters. He demanded the treasurer and collector; sent a guard over the custom-house, and Mr. Coffin's house, as also some troops to occupy the two forts. Mr. Coffin attended general Barbot, who ordered him to produce 5000l. sterling in money by 8 o'clock the next morning. The committee went up to general Barbot, and made a representation to him on the subject of the contribution demanded. He replied it mattered not: that he had received positive orders to levy a contribution of nothing less than a Million of Livres, and that he would enforce these orders: that if the sum was not raised by nine o'clock in the morning, it should be doubled until the next day: and, if not then completed, the whole of the French troops should be landed, the town and country given up to plunder, and afterwards the town be demolished by the line of battle ships. He stated, that this contribution was not to be considered as levied on the inhabitants themselves, but by the French government, on the English government, which would indemnify us for our losses. In addition to this, he declared he must have 5000l. sterling separately from the collector; and 200,000 livres (nearly 10,000 sterling) as a compensation for the troops already landed, and under his orders. The committee, after all this, naturally viewed the colony as destined for inevitable destruction

On Wednesday morning, the 6th inst. many of the inhabitants of the island, finding the prudence and necessity of the case, raised as much money as possible from their families & acquaintances, and carried it to the house of Mr. Macnamara, where the officers had been hospitably provided for, in all respects, and where they waited to receive the money. At 11 o'clock, it amounted to 11,320l. currency, (about 6000 guineas) in dollars, joes, doubloons, guineas, &c.— Several merchants produced large sums, with a spirit suitable to the occasion, and were assisted by other individuals of the community. General Barbot then sent a file of soldiers, with a message enquiring what sum was raised; and saying, that if a considerable augmentation was not made to it by 6 o'clock in the evening, the town and country would be given up to military execution. He then told the collector, that as he had not produced the 5000l. sterling in cash, he would now demand double. From the absolute impossibility of raising this sum, recourse was had to the negociation of it by bills. Accordingly Mr. Coffin, the collector, drew on general Matthews (who was on a visit to the island from America) for 10,000l. sterling, in favor of general Barbot, which bill was accepted by general Matthews. He then gave his own bills on the American Consul in Paris for the amount which was demanded by general Barbot. By this act of general Matthews, and by his personal representations, he is to be considered as having rendered essential service to the colony.

At 5 o'clock in the afternoon, a guard having been placed over Messrs. Garnett, Burke, Bryan, Sharry, Macnamara and Pitcher, they were carried on board L'Armide frigate, where Mr. Sharry and Mr. Bryan were detained as hostages, and the four other gentlemen were carried to a considerable distance at sea, on board the Majestueux, where they arrived about 8 o'clock. General Le Grange addressed them with marks of displeasure, said that he was extremely dissatisfied at the smallness of the sum raised; that he was certain there was a great deal more money in the island, which was withheld by the planters and others who had retired to Brimstone Hill; & that he would compel those now in his power to be answerable for its being produced for him. He then demanded, that 22,000l. sterling more should be brought on board Le Majestueux at 8 o'clock the next morning, and that the committee should be permitted to go on shore to raise it The gentlemen then frankly stated to the general their absolute inability, as private gentlemen, to pledge themselves to the performance of such a contract, because such a sum could not be raised, by any possible exertions on their part, as very little more specie could remain on the island; that they delivered this opinion on their oath and their honor; that the commanders judged of us probably, by the planters in their own colonies of Martinique & Guadaloupe; where many opulent proprietors resided, who sold their produce for money, and consequently often kept large sums in their houses; that the planters in this island were not similarly circumstanced, as their sugars were principally remitted to England; and explanations were candidly given of the plan upon which their properties were generally conducted—Gen. Le Grange still appeared dissatisfied; and, as the gentlemen who were negociating could not possibly undertake to produce the sum demanded, they were ordered below into the lieutenant's cabin, with the threat of being carried away from the island, as well as Mr Sharry and Mr. Bryan, who were then on board L'Armide. After an hour, or an hour and a half had elapsed, the committee were again ordered into the presence of the admiral and general, where they were addressed by general Barbot.—He said, that the commanders would consent to lessen their demand; and that we must make an offer of what sum we would pledge ourselves to bring on board by eight in the morning. The committee tried to conciliate the commanders, by the truth and candour of their assertions; that they must throw themselves upon the generosity of the general, as they would not presume to make an offer they might be unable to realize.

Gen Barbot soon after said, that he would not have any further parley, but that he would deliver his ultimatum in two words—that the gentlemen present must pledge themselves to carry on board 2,000 guineas, by 8 o'clock precisely: —that the town should then be saved from destruction, and no injury committed. The gentlemen, tho' without the certainty of success in this particular, yet considering it reasonable, in comparison with prior demands, and confiding in the honor, the activity, and spirit of patriotism, which they knew many worthy individuals of this island to possess, then undertook at their own risk, that the demand should be complied with, on their parts. That if they did not succeed by the limited time, they would as men of honor, return on board the Majestueux and submit to the will of the admiral and general It was then ten at night;—they entreated as long an indulgence as possible, and one hour longer was granted. Permission was requested to allow Mr. Sharry and Mr. Bryan to accompany the committee on shore; but the former only was consented to. On returning in the boat, Mr. Ducrocq permitted that the money should be carried on board L'Armide, instead of the Majestueux; but if there was any want of punctuality the town should be cannonaded and we must take the consequences.

The committee landed at one o'clock in the morning, and never had gentlemen greater reason to be gratified at placing confidence in their fellow-citizens, than they experienced till 9 o'clock. To praise individuals, is unnecessary: in discharging an honorable duty, they must feel conscious satisfaction, and wish for no other panegyric. By great and zealous exertions, the coin was procured by 9 o'clock; when it was carried off, accompanied by Mr Garnett, Mr. Macnamara, and Mr. Pitcher, on board L'Armide, which lay a great way off. They were received by capt Louvet and Mr. Ducrocq, with expressions of approbation, at the honor and fidelity with which the engagement had been complied with.

On assurances being given that the money was correct, they refused to count or weigh it; and said the committee were then free, and might return on shore with safety.

Mr. Ducrocq, whose conduct had been mild and liberal, during two days ashore, and who had mediated between the general in chief, and the committee, was then requested in the name of those gentlemen, to accept a gold watch, as a small testimony of the esteem in which his character was viewed, and as executing his orders with lenity, and the good manners of a gentleman, and an officer.

Nor will we be so uncandid as to withhold the tribute of praise from our enemy altogether. We are bound to admire the conduct of those, who, as having the ascendancy at present in these seas, have exercised it with so much mercy, magnanimity and moderation; thereby softening the usual rigors of war. To the commanders of the expedition, this praise is justly due; as well as to general Barbot; the aid de camp Baylin, Mr. Ducrocq; and many other officers, whose names we are unacquainted with; and who prevented the soldiery, from any kind of irregularity whatever.

By this compromise for our present safety, we have to thank Almighty God that we have escaped the numberless horrors, inseparable from general plunder and desolation. Our towns and estates have escaped conflagration, and pillage, and now stand as before the arrival of the enemy; which may be considered as a happy issue from the alarming situation in which we were placed, for 3 days.

The coin is almost entirely carried out of the island, and some measures will, no doubt be taken, to encourage the importation of a fresh supply.

At 12 o'clock on the 7th, the squadron departed, and went to Nevis, where they obtained 4,200l. currency, landed no soldiers, and behaved with the utmost politeness. They demanded at first, 20,000 guineas.

During the two nights the French were here, several robberies were committed in town, and at Sandy Point, by the licentiousness of some negroes. Mr Pitcher's stores were broke open both nights, and linen goods and others, were carried off, to a large amount. Mr. Bradley's, and some others also, shared a similar fate. Two negroes were shot by the militia in Sandy Point, while attempting plunder.

The day after the French landed, the cannon at the forts, as well as three field-pieces, that were found in town, were spiked, and the carriages of the latter burnt in the square—The same day they commenced setting fire to the different ships and vessels that had fallen into their hands, and brought with them from Nevis, viz

Ship Twins, capt. Peake, ran on shore, and burnt
Ship Lady Jane, Halliday, capt. Chivers, do.
Brig Nelly, capt. --, (Mr. Shipley's) do.

Those carried off or destroyed in this island, were:

Ship Caroline, capt. Hayes, with a quantity of sugar on board, as well as a part of the sugar taken from the Matthew and put on board her, carried off.
Ship Matthew, capt. Young, burnt.
Lady Nelson, capt. Bonner, do.
Thetis, capt Smith, do.
, Capt. Grierson, laden with coffee and cotton, do.
Ship Ossippee, capt. Penniston, (Mr. Bradley's) do.
Mr Dawes's sloop Eclipse, do. and
A Spanish Polacre, prize to his majesty's cutter King's Fisher, on shore, but will be got off.