1762, Rear-admiral Rodney sailed to Fort Royal bay.
On the 5th of January, 1762, Rear-admiral Rodney, sailed from Carlisle bey with a strong squadron ot ships of war, and a large fleet of transports, having on board 13,96.5 land-forces, under the command of Major-general Monckton, destined for the attack of Martinico ; at fhe same time Commodore Swanton was detached with five sail of the line to destroy the enemy’s batteries, and to make a diversion in Fort Royal bay. On the 8th the admiral anchored (he fleet in St. Anne’s bay, where a large body of troops were landed, and batteries erected. It was soon after found that this situation was by no means likely to make any effectual impression on the enemy. The admiral and general therefore determined to alter their plan of operations, re-embarked the troops, and proceeded to Fort .Royal bay; on the loth the troops were landed, together with a detachment of seamen, who drew the heavy artillery with great perseverance and courage over steep mountains, often exposed to a galling fire from the enemy’s batteries. The siege .of Fort Royal continued until the 4th of February, when it surrendered ; and on the 16th the whole island was in possession ot the British. The loss sustained in this expedition did not amount to more than oQ6 men. The Raisonable, of 64 guns, struck on a reef of rocks, when standing in to attack a battery, and was lost; her crew, stores, and guns were saved. Major Gates and Captain Darby were sent home with the news of the surrender of Fort Royal; they were each presented with 5001. to buy a sword.
Soon after the islands of St. Lucia, Granada, and St. Vincent were captured by Commodore Swanton. and tb< Hon. Captain Harvey.
