let us

lomew, Acting Lieutenant of the Antelope, to the character of the commander to comhad charge of the first carcass intended to ment upon lightly and generally be applied; and Capt. Brownrigg requested refer to the official report. to take the other.

"On the third instant (Jan. 1806), we "Your Lordship is aware how difficult made Table land, and on the 4th, in the it is to ascertain the precise injury done to evening, we reached our preconcerted anthe enemy in an enterprise of this nature, chorage to the westward of Robbin Island, which in most cases must be undertaken though too late to do any thing but take a in the night; but that you may be possessed superficial view of Blue Berg Bay, where it of the best information in that respect, I was proposed to land the main body of the sent the Fox cu.ter, whose master is an ac- army; making, however, a demonstration tive intelligent man, and well acquainted off Green Point with the Leda frigate and with Fort Rouge, to reconnoitre the place transports, containing the 24th regiment, as close as possible without risk; and I an- which was certainly well executed by Capt. nex his report to Lieut Steuart's, as the Honyman. On the 5th, at three o'clock clearest that can be given of the able and in the morning, the troops were put into officer-like manner in which the Susannah the boats and assembled alongside the Eswas placed, and the evident consequences poir; but the surf ran so high that a landof such an application even under circum- ing was deemed totally impracticable, and stances of considerable disadvantage.

"I very much regret that Mr. Bartholomew could not fetch the port, for I am positive he would have lashed the carcass to the piles; he, however, very prudently returned with it to the Dart; and although something prevented the second carcass from going off, which evidently had been striking against the piles from the indention at one end, yet he recovered and brought it also on board.

"I am most perfectly satisfied with the zeal and activity manifested by Capt. Brownrigg on this occasion. The Dart was admirably placed, and every assistance afforded from her that could insure the success of this service, which must now be considered as confined to the efforts of the Susannah And I take this opportunity of most particularly recommending Lieut. Steuart to your Lordship's notice, which I hope will also be extended to Mr. Bartholomew, notwithstanding he could not fetch the battery; and your Lordship must be alive to the enterprising conduct of those officers on a former occasion.

"I cannot conclude my report without assuring your Lordship that Lieut. Lake, of the Locust gun brig, who was appointed to cover the boats, behaved in a most exemplary manner, by keeping so close in as to draw all the fire upon his own vessel; and I have great satisfaction in stating that not an officer or man was hurt in this operation. I have the honour to be, &c. "HOME POPHAM." "Right Hon. Lord Keith, K B."

consequently the troops returned to their ships; and I immediately accompanied him on board the Espoir for the purpose of making a close examination of the whole coast, from Craig's Tower to Los pard's Bay; on no part of which did it appear possible to land a single boat without extreme danger.

"To the evil consequences of delay in commencing operations on an enemy's coast, was to be added the very alarming possibility that some reinforcement might arrive by one of the various squadrons in motion when we left Europe; and therefore the General and myself were induced to consider that however difficult the task might be of advancing from Saldannah Bay, yet it was an object of very great importance to accomplish a safe and speedy landing for the troops; and the instant the decision was made, the Diomede, with the transports of the 28th regiment, the cavalry ships, and a proportion of artillery, under the orders of Brigadier-General Beresford, sailed for Saldannah Bay, preceded by Capt. King in the Espoir, having on board Capt. Smyth of the engineers (an officer well acquainted with the country), with a view of seizing the post-master, and as many cattle as possible, antecedent to the arrival of the advanced division of the fleet. Soon after the Diomede weighed the westerly wind began to abate; and on the 5th, in the morning, the officers examining the beach reported that the surf had considerably subsided during the night, which indeed was

In the year 1805, the fiery ordeal of public opinion being in great measure passed through, Sir H. Popham was appointed to command, as senior officer with rank of commodore, an expedition sent against the Dutch settlement of the Cape of Good Hope; the result of which expedition, although so recent, it were an act perhaps of injustice the Encounter gun-brig.

*The force put under his orders on this occasion consisted of the Diadem of C4 guns, on board which his own pendant was hoisted; the Belliqueux and Raisonable of the same force; the Diomede of 44; the Narcissus and Leda frigates; the Espoir sloop, and

"When the army was in motion to take its position at Craig's Tower, and while I was proceeding up the bay to anchor in the most convenient place for landing the battering-train, a flag of truce was observed coming towards the Diadem, by which I received the letter No. 1. from the Com mandant of the town and castle; and the next day, in conjunction with Sir David Baird, the capitulation, No.2. was accepted, and at six a royal salute was fired from the squadron, on his Majesty's colours being once more hoisted on the castle.

so evident from the Diomede, when she Leda, Protector, and Encounter, and a distood in shore, that I requested Sir David vision of transports; and I understand from Baird to permit General Fergusson and firing that evening occasionally over the Colonel Brownrigg, the Quarter master- bank towards the Salt pan, that the enemy General, to attend the officer on his second was obliged to move from an eligible siuexamination, that their feelings might in ation which he had before occupied. On some measure be balanced against those of the following morning, we observed the professional men, and to satisfy the army British army advancing with an unparalleled that no measure in which its safety was so rapidity over a heavy country, defended by immediately connected, should be deter- a numerous train of well-served artillery; mined on without due and proper delibe- and as I conceived a few fresh troops might ration. In the mean time, the Diomede, be applied to advantage, I desired Captain Leda, and Encounter were placed in a situa- Downman to land with the marines of the tion to render the most effectual assistance; squadron and two field-pieces, to await the and the 71st and 72d regiments, with two arrival of Sir David Baird at the Reit Valley, field pieces and a howitzer ready mounted, whom I very soon after had the pleasure of in the boats of the Raisonable and Belli- personally congratulating on the victory he queux, rendezvoused alongside the two had obtained over a general of such high former ships, manifesting the most ardent military fame as General Jansens. desire for the signal from Gen. Fergusson. At this moment the Protector joined the squadron, and Capt. Rowley, who was well acquainted with the anchorage, volunteered his services to place her to the northward so as to cross the fire of the Encounter, and more effectually cover the landing of the troops. Capt. Downman at the same time went in shore with a light transport brig, drawing only six feet, to run her on the beach as a break-water, if it would in any degree facilitate the debarkation of the troops. At half-past twelve, the Encounter conveyed, by signal, General Fergusson's opinion that a landing might be effected; and the joy that was inanifest in the countenance of every officer, heightened the characteristic ardour of the troops, and, under an anxiety probably to be first on shore, induced them to urge the boats to extend their line of beach farther than was prudent, and occasioned the loss of one boat with a party of the 95d regiment. I report this event to their Lordships with the most unfeigned regret ; and it is doubly painful to me, because, from all the efforts of an enemy, posted on an advantageous height, the army had only two men wounded on landing. This circumstance must fully prove how well the covering-vessels were placed, and how ably their guns were served; and, I trust my country will acquit me of not having applied every expedient that could be devised to prevent the occurrence of an accident which I so sincerely deplore. The surf increased considerably towards the close of the evening, and about eight o'clock the landing of any more troops was stopped, but recommenced in the morning, when all the men and prisoners which the General thought necessary to take were disembarked without a moment's loss of time.

"Conceiving that a detachment of the squadron might be of service at the head of the bay, I proceeded there with the

"Although their Lordships will perceive by the detailed accounts of our transactions here, and accompanying plan of the dif ferent dispositions which were made, that no brilliant service fell to the lot of the squadron I have the honour to command, yet it is what I owe to every officer and seaman to state, that, under the most la borious duty I ever experienced, their zeal never abated. To Captain Rowley 1 feel personally indebted for his readiness on every occasion; and I have no doubt but the highest satisfaction will be expressed of the conduct of Capt Byng, who commanded the marine battalion by an authority far exceeding mine. And I inclose, for their Lordships' information, a copy of the report he made to me on the conduct of the officers serving in that battalion, to which, exclusive of those belonging to the squadron, are added Capt. Hardinge of the Salsette, and several other officers now on their passage to India to join their ships. Capt. Butterfield and Lieut. Cochrane, of the transports, were on all occasions ready to forward the service; and we are particularly indebted to Captains Cameron, Christopher, and Moring, of the Honourable Company's ships Duchess of Gordon, Sir William Pulteney, and Comet, who patticularly exerted themselves in assisting the troops through the surf.

"It is impossible for me to transinit any returns of the stores taken by this opportunity, or the state of the Bato of 68 guns, in Seaman's Bay; but it is however so strongly reported, that the enemy has not succeeded in his attempt to burn her, that 1 have sent Capt. Percy to take possession of her, and if possible to move her into safety, as the enemy had totally abandoned

her."

first object of the expedition being fulfilled, Sir Home, burning with a truly popular desire of promoting what he considered the true interests of his country to the utmost of his power, after due consultation with the commander in chief of the military, judging the new conquest perfectly safe from any attack of the enemy, concerted an expedition, to be executed by a detachment, against one of the most important settlements in the possession of Spain, on the coast of South America.

We have been induced to be more copious, ex ending, perhaps, in the opinion of some to a tedious prolixity, in the preceding ex- This opinion appears to have been by tract; but we conceive we have manifold no means hastily and loosely taken up, but reasons for having thus long trespassed on to have been produced by serious informathe patience of the reader, and refreshed tion, strong reflection, and long, as well as his memory more completely in respect to prudent, consideration. The situation of a transaction so recent, and which it is al- the naval forces, both of France and Spain, most next to impossible but that he must were well known to, and well calculated recollect at least the outline of; we have upon, by Sir Home; he was well aware therefore to remark, notwithstanding the that although Spain herself might possess a facility with which this gigantic enterprise few ships fit for service, she never would was executed under the fortunate (for we venture sending any of these to sea on any will use that term, if it be only to keep the project or expedition of relief, unaided or unantagonists of Sir H. Popham in the best supported by, at least, an equal force from temper we are able) auspices of this gentle- France. The fleet of the latter he knew man, without the least noise, trouble, or had been perfectly well disposed of by the anxiety, either on the part of the captors, two successive victories obtained by Lord Nelor of the nation itself: deprecating every son and Sir T. Duckworth: what remained thing like a compar son of merits (for no of their force (at least such as deserved to person can hold more deservedly a higher be so called) was securely confined to Brest opinion of the late captor than the writer harbour, by the British feet; and the miof the present article), it was reduced by serable remnant of all that remained to them Sir Home with the most consummate ease. on the side of the Atlantic, not exceeding On a former occasion (and certainly the four shattered ships, was still more securely works had not fallen to decay by being in cooped up at Cadiz; as to the squadron, the possession of the English, was a matter which in spite of British watchfulness, had of the utmost difficulty when reduced in the eluded the vigilance of its commanders, first instance) its conquest was considered under the orders of Willeaumez, its desas a grand epoch in the war, and as of the tination was accurately ascertained to be first national consequence. The restoration towards another quarter of the world, where of it was reprobated, both in and out of par- even supposing danger imminent, it cerliament, in the severest terms; those who tainly could not be afforded or diverted by advised it were stigmatised as traitors to any force under the orders of Sir Home. their country; and the advantages resulting Actuated by this reflection and this knowto the British government from the posses- ledge, and fearing, as the event proved, but sion of it were declared to be almost incal- feeble resistance on the part of the assailed culable. Mark, now, the reverse of the enemy, the expedition against Buenos medal-when taken for the second time, Ayres was commenced. Its speedy and dewithout noise, trouble, with trivial expence, cisive issue is too recent to be forgotten. aud almost without bloodshed, it is most As the right to public enquiry, in respect to scandalously and sneeringly represented as a the merits or the crimes of Sir Home, explace of no consequence: so unimportant tend not one step beyond this pointwas it held to be, that the common suffrage for this we must peremptorily insist on (thanks constantly given on all other occa- being the fact we shall here pause, and sions, and on the conquest of the most petty content ourselves with requiring a candid settlement from the enemy) was not only answer to the simple questions: first, withheld, but absolutely refused. "Tell it whether, which no person can deny the not in Gath, proclaim it not in Ascalon!”— truth of, the wishes and views of the proBut mark now the end of this romantic jector were fulfilled; and secondly, whether, history; for were the historian and the after those wishes were in the first instance biographer equally silent in recording these fulfilled, he could have averted, or, in any facts, future ages perhaps might be in- degree, palliated the misfortune, which duced to consider them incredible. The subsequently took place. It is a me

First, whether a commander-in-chief, be his rank what it may, possesses inherently, as that commander-in-chief, a discretionary power of extending his attacks to any quar ter not absolutely included within any other district of command, whither he supposes the arms of his country may be carried with effect.

Secondly, whether, provided such powers are not inherent, Sir Home Popham possessed any special powers, or even parole authority for the extension of his services beyond the Cape of Good Hope (the given destination of the squadron).

lancholy truth, that in the British nation, of a legal nature, and relate very closely the merits of the commander are almost with legal argument, connected with a universally appreciated, not by the intrin knowledge of the rules of the service, and sic value of the service itself, but by the any opinion in respect to duty; it resolves success, and by the consequences that at- itself into the following simple points: tend it; so has it proved in the instance of Sir Home Popham: for without meaning any thing beyond a plain and candid remark on the conduct of those persons who have presumed to stand forth, on the present occasion, among the foremost of his persecutors, we trust it is not assuming too much to say, that the boldest a mong them would have shrunk from the task of hazarding the slighest charge against him, had the Spanish settlement of Buenos Ayres still continued a British possession. The subject is a bitter one, and we turn, in absolute disgust, from British ingratitude. In respect to the facts, it were almost an insult to the reader, and certainly a useless piece of printing tautology, were we to offer any detail of an event so recent, at the same time so extensive, though we must observe also, from the singular ease, owing to the abilities of the commander-in-chief, with which it was accomplished, very unimportant. Here we must again recur to our first position and opinion, that it is of no consequence to the country, whether A has sustained a longer action by six hours than B, whether he had 500 men killed, or 15 only; the only simple question it has to ask, is, whether A has performed all the service that could have been required of B, had he been in the same situation? and here we rest our

case.

We now come, like the peroration of a speech, to the acme of the present biography of Sir Home: we shall now exclaim in the words of the poet, using the customary liberty of poetical fancy :

Treason has done its worst-nor steel nor
poison,

Malice domestic, foreign bevy, nothing
Can touch him further.

Thirdly, provided he did not possess such powers, or such parole authority, in what manner is his conduct to be justified? did he, beyond all hope of palliation, err so violently against the rules of the service, be the event what it might, or did he only incur the popular odium, because notwithstanding success crowned his attempt the fruits of it were rendered for the time nugatory?

On the first of the queries we shall be completely silent; candour compels us to confess that every case must rest on its own basis. A variety of instances occur in naval history, where the most unlimited commands have been bestowed, and in some of them, perhaps, assumed without being bestowed to the highest national advantage. We instance the Earl of Peterbo rough for one of the former class, and many others. We shall not be invidious enough to point out those who have most deservedly acquired the highest popular applause; but that applause of the other wise would be antagonists, dare not exert its calumny, through the fear of its being strangled in its very birth, and of drawing down a general odium on the heads of those who dared to propagate it.

a

On the second head, we decidedly anthat even admitting such powers not to be inherent, and that Sir Home Popham did not possess actually written powers for that purpose, he was nevertheless most indubitably invested with all possible parole authority to act according to his own discretion: we will venture to go farther than this, and say, first, that those who have now stood foremost in the rank of his assailants, would not have dared to have uttered a single breath in calumniation of him, had not certain political changes subsequently arisen which had raised them into consequence as enemies, and as persecutors.

We feel, on this occasion, the high and due respect we ought to pay swer, those honourable persons composing the court, who had an opportunity of canvassing and examining all the evidence adduced on this important occasion, in far too high estimation, to call forth any animadversion in the smallest degree hostile to their decision, notwithstanding that decision may in some respects vary from our own opinion with all deference, therefore, we shall state the points we consider they had to deliberate upon. The only question, and the conclusion we have to draw is, whether those points have or have not been established: the question is almost completely

[To be concluded in our next.]

THE COFFEE-ROOM.-No. I.

Draw them like, for, 1 assure you,
You will want no caricatura.

SWIFT.

bave reflected on, of either envy or ill-nature, my sole object being to recommend myself, not to condemn them.

Having thus got over that Pons

HE advice contained in my asinorum of authors, the introduction, THE motto is well worthy the atten- it now becomes necessary that I tion of all modern dramatists, whe- should give my readers some account ther distinguished as tragic, comic, or of the person who addresses them, operatic, or ranking under the broader why he has thus intruded on their and more generally appropriate appel- present attention, and what claims he lation of farcical. The motley groupes may fancy himself to possess on their of spectres, virtuous rakes, sailor joc- future patronage. Without regularly kies, compilers of dictionaries, archi- elucidating any of these matters, the tects, and auctioneers, decking the following account may perhaps afford present stage, when compared with sufficient information on all. the chastly dignified, or the naturally In a tavern, near Fleet-market, ludicrous characters that adorned the there is allotted for the accommodaformer, afford as striking a contrast as tion of a select few, an apartment, the two kings in Hamlet, or the win- which could never have aspired so dow of a print-shop in St. James's- high as the title adopted for this pa street opposed to a collection of the per, had there existed in the Chain of Flemish school. Nature possesses, Being any intermediate connecting not only a more pleasing, but also a link between a coffee-room and the more eccentric creative power than parlour of a public-house. This, belongs to any author's brain; and, however, not being the case, and as it since the writers for the stage have, is undoubtedly superior to the last of in general, no particular aversion to- these social receptacles, its inmates wards borrowing, it would certainly dignify it with the appellation of the be most proper, as well as advanta- first. geous, for them to copy only where This spot forms the select rendezsuccess must inevitably reward their yous of a party of eight; who, from plagiarisms. habit, or various causes, have become As to the herd of novelists, male in some degree essential to each and female, whose labours seem other's comfort. They meet here chiefly intended to encourage our pa- nightly; and, although their attenper manufactories and employ our dance is voluntary, few instances of journeymen printers, I forbear to absence ever occur. To a conversa, press on their attention a lesson, tion which took place in this society which, if observed, would materially the present paper owes its existence: diminish such beneficial effects. Be- but, before proceeding to detail it, my sides, they may still continue to afford readers ought in justice to be further amusement to girls and old maids informed respecting the personages without attending to either nature or who supported it. common sense: the deficient obser- The first character belonging to the vation of youth, and the impaired me- coffee-room, meriting description, is mory of age, being alike insensible to the one most difficult to describe. the grossest violations of probability. Like a countenance shadowed by a That pulling down others power- veil, the features of which, though fully assists self-elevation, a reference boldly prominent and strongly marked, to our most famous, political, clerical, yet, as they partially and separately and legal characters, will sufficiently discover themselves, cannot be pour prove and we accordingly do not trayed with exactness, the harmony find them backward to adopt this ex- and effect of the whole being broken pedient. Sanctioned, therefore, by by concealment; so the thoughts, acsuch authorities, I trust the preceding tions, and even passions, of Mr. Courtobservations will be generally re- land, as at intervals developed by occeived as a very proper introduction casion, afford no general characterto a new undertaking; nay, I even istic of his mind. His opinions, ever hope to be acquitted by the parties I stamped with excellence, pass current UNIVERSAL MAG. VOL. VII.

2 D