CHARLES BROOKING (British, 1723-1759) The celebrated English privateer squadron known as the 'Royal Family' engaging enemy ships during the War of the Austrian Succession
The Battle of St George's Caye 1798
In 1798, a battle for what is now Belize, ensued between the English and Spanish and took place at St. George's Caye. It is this very battle that was pivotal in securing the area into what is today Belize. The event has been well documented in historical reports and has become an important part of the annual September Celebrations in Belize. Letters written by Thomas Barrow and John Moss immediatley after the Battle, were published in newspapers in Jan 1799. These letters provide a concise overview of the activities leading up to September 10, 1798.
Letter written by Lieutenant Colonel Commandment Thomas Barrow, Superintendent of the Settlement in the Bay of Honduras
To His Grace, Duke of Portland
Honduras, 23rd September 1798
My Lord,
After the date of my last dispatch . . . I continued to strengthen our flotilla which now consists of,
No.1. Towser, 1 Gun, Eighteen pounder
No. 2. Tickler, 1 Gun, Eighteen pounder
No. 3. Mermaid, 1 Gun Nine pounder
No. 4. Swinger, 4 Guns, Six pounders and 2 Guns, Four Pounders
No. 5. Teazer, 6 Guns, Four Pounders
Besides Eight Flat Gun Boats, carrying each a Nine Pounder in the Prow.
No. 1 and No. 2 are commanded by Mr Gelston and Mr Holmer, Masters of the Merchant Vessels who, with some of their crew, volunteered the business in a very handsome manner: to those gentlemen I am much indebted for their able and active services. The Masters and Crews of the other vessels consisted entirely of volunteers from the Colonial Troops, and together amount to 350 men now afloat. The enemy was so well watched by scout boats and canoes, not a single movement could be made by him without our knowledge; and finding that he aimed for possession of St. Georges Key, the armed vessels No. 1, 4 and 5 were sent to that place to guard the narrow channels leading to the commodious harbour.
On the 3rd September, the enemy endeavoured to force a passage over Montego Key Shoal with five vessels, two of which carried heavy metal, but was repulsed: he renewed his attempt on the following day; but our little squadron, now being reinforced by six gun boats beat them off with great ease and the five vessels returned to the main body of the fleet, then at anchor about two leagues northward. This movement gave our people the opportunity of destroying all the beacons and stakes which the enemy had placed in this narrow and crooked channel and without the use of which, nothing but vessels of very easy draft= of water can pass. On the 5th, the same vessels, accompanied by two others and a number of launches, endeavoured to get over the shoal by another passage, but were repulsed, apparently with loss. On this, as well as on the two preceding days, the Spaniards expended an immense quantity of ammunition to no manner of purpose, while our people fired comparatively little, but with a steadiness which surpasses the most sanguine hopes.
Captain Moss, in His Majesty’s Ship Merlin left his anchorage in Belize on the evening of the 5th and arrived at St. George’s Key about noon on the 6th of September. The Spaniards, having found a passage through the Leeward Channel impracticable had got underway on the morning of that day with their whole fleet, seemingly with a view to forcing a passage through the Windward, a Sandbourne Passage to the eastward of Long Key; but on seeing the Merlin beating into the harbour at St George’s Key , and that our fleet was reinforced by the armed vessels No.2 and No. 3 and a large gun boat, they returned to their former anchorage between Long Key and Key Chapel.
I was now of opinion that the enemy would alter his mode of attack, and endeavour to make a landing on the mainland to the northward of our ports at the Haulover. Under this idea, I began to prepare small vessels and gun-boats, in which I meant to embark with 200 men including detachments of His Majesties 63rd and 6th West India Regiments, and of the Royal Artillery, with one Howitzer and two field pieces, six pounders : with this force it was my intention to block up the channel between the Main and Western points of Hick’s Keys and to obstruct as much as possible a landing in that quarter; or, if foiled in both of these objectives to throw the whole strength into the works at the Haulover and to defend that port to the last extremity; while a body of experienced bush men, all good shots, and order orders for that purpose, should hang on the flanks and rear of the enemy.
On the morning of Monday, 10th of September, fourteen of the largest vessels of the Spanish fleet weighed anchor, and at nine o’clock, brought to about a mile and a half distant from our fleet. Captain Moss was then of the opinion that they meant to delay their attack until the following day; but nine of them got underway at about noon: these carried each 2 twenty-four pounders in the bow and 2 eighteen pounders in the stern; one schooner carried twenty-two and the rest from eight to fourteen guns, and every one besides being crowded with men towed a large launch full of soldiers. The other five vessels, with several large launches all full of men, remained at the last anchorage at the distance of a mile and a half.
Our fleet was drawn up with His Majesty’s Ship Merlin in the centre and directly abreast of the channel: the sloops with heavy guns and the gun boats in some advance to the northward were in the eastward and westward flanks.
The enemy came down in a very handsome manner and with a good countenance, in a line abreast using both sails and oars. About half after two o’clock Captain Moss made the signal to engage, which was obeyed with a cool and determined firmness, that, to use his own expression to me on the occasion, would have done credit to veterans. The action lasted about two hours and a half, when the Spaniards began to fall into confusion, and soon afterwards cut their cables and sailed and rowed off, assisted by a great number of launches, which took them in tow.
Captain Moss, on seeing them retreat, made the signal for our vessels to chase, but night coming on, and rendering a pursuit too dangerous in the narrow channel and difficult navigation, they were soon after recalled.
At half after three in the afternoon, I received a letter from Captain Moss, stating that the enemy was preparing to attack him, and requiring all the assistance I could give. I immediately ordered as many men to embark and proceed to his assistance, as small craft to carry them could be procured. The alacrity shown on this occasion was great indeed, but as a requisition of this nature was by no means expected, the necessary arrangements had not been made for so speedily embarking the troops and of consequence some irregularity ensued; for the cannonade being distinctly heard, and a certainty of engagement having taken place, it became impossible to restrain the eagerness of the colonial troops, who, possessing canoes, dories and pitpans, without thought or retrospect to those left behind, hastened with impetuosity to join their companions and share their danger; hence arose difficulty and disappointment to the regular troops, who being under arms and anxious to proceed with all expedition suffered delay for want of necessary boats and crafts to embark in.
As soon as I saw seventeen craft of different descriptions having on board two hundred men set off with orders to rally round the Merlin, I immediately joined them in hopes of assisting Captain Moss and harassing the enemy; but although we were only two hours in getting on board the Merlin, a distance of only three leagues and a half in the winds-eye, we were too late to have any share in the action. But I am of the opinion that in the sight of so many craft full of men coming up with velocity, hastened the return of the enemy and that their appearance on the following day, as well as the junction of two armed ships, the Juba and Columbia, which I had ordered round to St. George’s Key on the 9th, induced the fleet to prepare for returning to their respective ports. The Spaniards remained under Key-Chapel until the 15th ; on the morning of which they made various movements, and in the course of the day, some of them anchored under Key Caulker. On the morning of the 16th, it was discovered they had stolen off; eight of their largest vessels got out to sea and stood to the northward; the remainder being twenty-three in number shaped their course for Baccalar.
We have every reason to believe the enemy suffered much in the action of the 10th as well in killed and wounded as in the hulls and rigging of the vessels engaged; I am happy to inform your lordship that we had not a single man hurt and that no injury was done to any of our vessels deserving of notice.
It would be unjust, my lordship to mention the names of any officers, either of the military or the militia, on account of any particular service performed by them; for the conduct of all being such as to merit my best thanks, no particular distinction can be made.
It is also unnecessary of me to say anything respecting Captain Moss: his penetration in discovering and activity in defeating the views of the enemy; his coolness and readiness of conduct in action, point him out as an officer of great merit. He first suggested to me the very great use which might be made of gun-boats against the enemy, and gave me much assistance by the Artifices belonging to his ship in fitting them out. I am happy to say that the most cordial cooperation has always existed between us. On the 13th September, I sent out two scout canoes, well-manned with order to pass the Spanish fleet in the night and proceeding to the northward to board the first small vessel they could fall in with. On the 16th they captured a small packet boat with five hands, when taking out the prisoners, letters, etc, and destroying the boat, they returned here on the 17th. At daylight of that day, the canoes were entangled with the retreating Spanish fleet near Savannah Quay and escaped with difficulty.
The (Spanish) expedition was commanded by Arthur O’Neil, a Field Marshall in the armies of Spain, and Captain General of the Province of Yucatan. The Campeche fleet was commanded by Captain Bocco Negra: Two thousand soldiers were embarked and distributed in proportion to the dimensions of their vessels on board the fleet which consisted of:
The vessels which made the attack in number 9
Reserve of equal force 5
A very large sloop of equal force and six schooners, not so large but armed in the same manner of those which came down to the attack, and drawing too much water remained with the transports and victuallers, 7
Transports and victuallers etc all carrying bow and side guns of different calibres 11
Total 32
And navigated by 500 seamen, principally of Havanna and Campeche.
I am, etc. Thomas Barrow, Lieutenant Colonel Commandment
Honduras, 23rd September 1798
My Lord,
After the date of my last dispatch . . . I continued to strengthen our flotilla which now consists of,
No.1. Towser, 1 Gun, Eighteen pounder
No. 2. Tickler, 1 Gun, Eighteen pounder
No. 3. Mermaid, 1 Gun Nine pounder
No. 4. Swinger, 4 Guns, Six pounders and 2 Guns, Four Pounders
No. 5. Teazer, 6 Guns, Four Pounders
Besides Eight Flat Gun Boats, carrying each a Nine Pounder in the Prow.
No. 1 and No. 2 are commanded by Mr Gelston and Mr Holmer, Masters of the Merchant Vessels who, with some of their crew, volunteered the business in a very handsome manner: to those gentlemen I am much indebted for their able and active services. The Masters and Crews of the other vessels consisted entirely of volunteers from the Colonial Troops, and together amount to 350 men now afloat. The enemy was so well watched by scout boats and canoes, not a single movement could be made by him without our knowledge; and finding that he aimed for possession of St. Georges Key, the armed vessels No. 1, 4 and 5 were sent to that place to guard the narrow channels leading to the commodious harbour.
On the 3rd September, the enemy endeavoured to force a passage over Montego Key Shoal with five vessels, two of which carried heavy metal, but was repulsed: he renewed his attempt on the following day; but our little squadron, now being reinforced by six gun boats beat them off with great ease and the five vessels returned to the main body of the fleet, then at anchor about two leagues northward. This movement gave our people the opportunity of destroying all the beacons and stakes which the enemy had placed in this narrow and crooked channel and without the use of which, nothing but vessels of very easy draft= of water can pass. On the 5th, the same vessels, accompanied by two others and a number of launches, endeavoured to get over the shoal by another passage, but were repulsed, apparently with loss. On this, as well as on the two preceding days, the Spaniards expended an immense quantity of ammunition to no manner of purpose, while our people fired comparatively little, but with a steadiness which surpasses the most sanguine hopes.
Captain Moss, in His Majesty’s Ship Merlin left his anchorage in Belize on the evening of the 5th and arrived at St. George’s Key about noon on the 6th of September. The Spaniards, having found a passage through the Leeward Channel impracticable had got underway on the morning of that day with their whole fleet, seemingly with a view to forcing a passage through the Windward, a Sandbourne Passage to the eastward of Long Key; but on seeing the Merlin beating into the harbour at St George’s Key , and that our fleet was reinforced by the armed vessels No.2 and No. 3 and a large gun boat, they returned to their former anchorage between Long Key and Key Chapel.
I was now of opinion that the enemy would alter his mode of attack, and endeavour to make a landing on the mainland to the northward of our ports at the Haulover. Under this idea, I began to prepare small vessels and gun-boats, in which I meant to embark with 200 men including detachments of His Majesties 63rd and 6th West India Regiments, and of the Royal Artillery, with one Howitzer and two field pieces, six pounders : with this force it was my intention to block up the channel between the Main and Western points of Hick’s Keys and to obstruct as much as possible a landing in that quarter; or, if foiled in both of these objectives to throw the whole strength into the works at the Haulover and to defend that port to the last extremity; while a body of experienced bush men, all good shots, and order orders for that purpose, should hang on the flanks and rear of the enemy.
On the morning of Monday, 10th of September, fourteen of the largest vessels of the Spanish fleet weighed anchor, and at nine o’clock, brought to about a mile and a half distant from our fleet. Captain Moss was then of the opinion that they meant to delay their attack until the following day; but nine of them got underway at about noon: these carried each 2 twenty-four pounders in the bow and 2 eighteen pounders in the stern; one schooner carried twenty-two and the rest from eight to fourteen guns, and every one besides being crowded with men towed a large launch full of soldiers. The other five vessels, with several large launches all full of men, remained at the last anchorage at the distance of a mile and a half.
Our fleet was drawn up with His Majesty’s Ship Merlin in the centre and directly abreast of the channel: the sloops with heavy guns and the gun boats in some advance to the northward were in the eastward and westward flanks.
The enemy came down in a very handsome manner and with a good countenance, in a line abreast using both sails and oars. About half after two o’clock Captain Moss made the signal to engage, which was obeyed with a cool and determined firmness, that, to use his own expression to me on the occasion, would have done credit to veterans. The action lasted about two hours and a half, when the Spaniards began to fall into confusion, and soon afterwards cut their cables and sailed and rowed off, assisted by a great number of launches, which took them in tow.
Captain Moss, on seeing them retreat, made the signal for our vessels to chase, but night coming on, and rendering a pursuit too dangerous in the narrow channel and difficult navigation, they were soon after recalled.
At half after three in the afternoon, I received a letter from Captain Moss, stating that the enemy was preparing to attack him, and requiring all the assistance I could give. I immediately ordered as many men to embark and proceed to his assistance, as small craft to carry them could be procured. The alacrity shown on this occasion was great indeed, but as a requisition of this nature was by no means expected, the necessary arrangements had not been made for so speedily embarking the troops and of consequence some irregularity ensued; for the cannonade being distinctly heard, and a certainty of engagement having taken place, it became impossible to restrain the eagerness of the colonial troops, who, possessing canoes, dories and pitpans, without thought or retrospect to those left behind, hastened with impetuosity to join their companions and share their danger; hence arose difficulty and disappointment to the regular troops, who being under arms and anxious to proceed with all expedition suffered delay for want of necessary boats and crafts to embark in.
As soon as I saw seventeen craft of different descriptions having on board two hundred men set off with orders to rally round the Merlin, I immediately joined them in hopes of assisting Captain Moss and harassing the enemy; but although we were only two hours in getting on board the Merlin, a distance of only three leagues and a half in the winds-eye, we were too late to have any share in the action. But I am of the opinion that in the sight of so many craft full of men coming up with velocity, hastened the return of the enemy and that their appearance on the following day, as well as the junction of two armed ships, the Juba and Columbia, which I had ordered round to St. George’s Key on the 9th, induced the fleet to prepare for returning to their respective ports. The Spaniards remained under Key-Chapel until the 15th ; on the morning of which they made various movements, and in the course of the day, some of them anchored under Key Caulker. On the morning of the 16th, it was discovered they had stolen off; eight of their largest vessels got out to sea and stood to the northward; the remainder being twenty-three in number shaped their course for Baccalar.
We have every reason to believe the enemy suffered much in the action of the 10th as well in killed and wounded as in the hulls and rigging of the vessels engaged; I am happy to inform your lordship that we had not a single man hurt and that no injury was done to any of our vessels deserving of notice.
It would be unjust, my lordship to mention the names of any officers, either of the military or the militia, on account of any particular service performed by them; for the conduct of all being such as to merit my best thanks, no particular distinction can be made.
It is also unnecessary of me to say anything respecting Captain Moss: his penetration in discovering and activity in defeating the views of the enemy; his coolness and readiness of conduct in action, point him out as an officer of great merit. He first suggested to me the very great use which might be made of gun-boats against the enemy, and gave me much assistance by the Artifices belonging to his ship in fitting them out. I am happy to say that the most cordial cooperation has always existed between us. On the 13th September, I sent out two scout canoes, well-manned with order to pass the Spanish fleet in the night and proceeding to the northward to board the first small vessel they could fall in with. On the 16th they captured a small packet boat with five hands, when taking out the prisoners, letters, etc, and destroying the boat, they returned here on the 17th. At daylight of that day, the canoes were entangled with the retreating Spanish fleet near Savannah Quay and escaped with difficulty.
The (Spanish) expedition was commanded by Arthur O’Neil, a Field Marshall in the armies of Spain, and Captain General of the Province of Yucatan. The Campeche fleet was commanded by Captain Bocco Negra: Two thousand soldiers were embarked and distributed in proportion to the dimensions of their vessels on board the fleet which consisted of:
The vessels which made the attack in number 9
Reserve of equal force 5
A very large sloop of equal force and six schooners, not so large but armed in the same manner of those which came down to the attack, and drawing too much water remained with the transports and victuallers, 7
Transports and victuallers etc all carrying bow and side guns of different calibres 11
Total 32
And navigated by 500 seamen, principally of Havanna and Campeche.
I am, etc. Thomas Barrow, Lieutenant Colonel Commandment
The London GazetteThe London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government and has been published since 1655. The letter written by the John Moss, Captain of the HMS Merlin, recounting the activities leading up to September 10, 1798, was published in the London Gazette issue Jan 19-22, 1799.
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The English ChroniclePublished between 1622 to 1932, the English Chronicle also featured Captain Moss's report.
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Links
London Gazette by The Gazette, Official Public Record
