Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp2.djvu/133

 On the 31st Jan. 1804, a squadron consisting of the Theseus 74, Captain John Bligh, senior officer; Hercule, Captain Richard Dalling Dunn; Blanche and Pique frigates, Captains Zachary Mudge and Charles B. H. Boss; and Gipsy schooner, commanded by Mr. Michael Fitton, arrived off the town of St. Ann, Curaçoa; having been sent by Sir John T. Duckworth to demand the surrender of that island upon liberal conditions, and in case of a refusal, to endeavour to reduce it by force. The following is an outline of the operations that ensued; and by comparing it with the account given by Mr. James, our readers will be enabled to correct several material errors in that part of his naval history.

Captain Ross having embarked on board the Gipsy, was despatched with a flag of truce and a summons to the Dutch governor, to surrender the colony to the British. At 9-30 A.M., the Gipsy stood out of the harbour, with a preconcerted signal displayed, announcing that the proposed terms had been rejected.

According to a previous arrangement, the boats of the squadron, containing 605 officers, seamen, and marines, had assembled alongside the Hercule; and the whole detachment was placed under the orders of Captain Dunn.

“In passing Fort Amsterdam, situated on the S.E. side of the entrance to St. Ann, the two 74’s were fired at, but without effect, the shot falling short. At 11-30, Fort Piscadero, mounting 10 Dutch 12-pounders, and protecting the intended point of disembarkation, opened a fire. This was immediately returned by the Theseus, within half-musket shot, although the ship was unable to remain alongside owing to a strong head wind and lee current. By-making short tacks, however, the Theseus brought her guns