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 . An important service subsequently performed by Lieutenant Maurice, is thus described in a letter from the Commodore to Sir Evan Nepean, dated off Martinique, Nov. 26, 1803:

For their gallantry on this occasion, Lieutenants Maurice and Ayscough were each presented with a sword value 50l., by the Patriotic Fund. A similar reward was also voted to Captain Crozier, and a sword of smaller value to his wounded subaltern.

Shortly after this event. Commodore Hood resolved to take possession of, and fortify, an almost impregnable rock, situated near Point Diamond, the S.W. end of Martinique; in order that he might be enabled more effectually to check the enemy’s coasting trade, as well as to prevent their cruisers passing through the narrow channel formed by the rock, and thereby effecting their escape when pursued, as he had witnessed in one remarkable instance, when serving as a Lieutenant of his uncle’s flag-ship, during the American war.

The altitude of the Diamond rock is 600 feet; its circumference about three-quarters of a mile. The south side is inaccessible, it being a flat steep, like a wall, sloping a little towards the top. The east side is likewise inaccessible, with an overhanging cave of great height. On the S.W. there are other caves of considerable magnitude, but perfectly 