University of Virginia Library

See anonymous verses. The additional stanza by the author.

Prometheus

The annals of the former as well as of the late war are emblazon'd with records of the most signal national deliverances, and brilliant victories over the numerous fleets and armies of France. No time can erase the memory of the glorious service done his country, when the magnanimous Sir Edward Hawke encountered and subdued the powerful fleets of Bourbon, equipped for the invasion and destruction of the British nation.

While we glory in the name and prerogative of free Britons, the important overthrow of the common enemy of our religious liberty, accomplished under the immediate direction of divine providence, must be engraven on our hearts in the very deepest characters of gratitude and praise: And more especially as the discomfiture of an enraged and disappointed enemy brings to our remembrance the awful catastrophe of another Armada (in that age of heroism) whose signal overthrow, at that critical time, was the everlasting renown of the English navy, as it was in a most eminent degree the supreme safety and deliverance of these nations. But these atchievement of true heroism have been recorded by much abler pens; I consine myself to the northern invasion.

With manifest design to devide the force, to distract the attention of Britain from making a suitable resistance, while M. Conflans spread terror and desolation over the southern coasts of England, M. Thurot was appointed by express commission from the French King to disturb the eastern coasts of Scotland, the northern and western islands, and to land his troops in some of the remote districts, as should appear most eligible at the time.

After a long delay, M. Thurot succeeded at last in getting into the north seas with his squadron, which had been blocked up for many weeks by twenty sail of British men of war. Thurot's fleet consisted of the Marshal Belleisle of 48 guns, 600 men, the Begon of 36 guns, 600 men, La Blonde 36 guns, 400 men, La Terpsichore 24 guns, 230 men, La Marante 24 guns, 140 men. This armament took on board a select draught of troops from five different regiments. It was furnished with 168 guns, with 900 sailors, and with 1270 soldiers, draughted from the Swiss guards, from the corps of Hussars, and the light armed companies about Dunkirk.

The rumour of such an armament, so completely furnished, was sufficient to disturb the peace of a country entirely defenceless towards the north, alarming apprehensions were entertained of their destination, and Commodore Boice watched their motions, with a large fleet of men of war, and followed their course as far north as Aberdeen.

After collecting from the islands of Orkney what could then be had of provisions, they sailed for the western islands about the end of January 1760: There they landed in a few days, and continued two weeks victualling their little fleet. M. Thurot was of the greatest service to the gentlemen of Ilay, to John Campbell of Ardmac, to Mr M'Donald, and Mr M'Neil, in procuring payment to the inhabitants for meal, flour, and cattle. Particularly, he behaved in the most generous and honourable manner, obliging the land-officers to lay down all the gold they had, and to give draughts for the remainder on the King's Bank at Paris. Some officers had been so mean as to cheat the people with mock bills on the resident at the Hague; but this was severely remonstrated against by M. Thurot, whose deportment was in every respect most honourable, like a soldier.

When by consent they had agreed to burn and waste the whole country, he brought from his desk the commission from the French King, which expressly declared against hostilities unless resisted; and when some appeared yet by their looks refractory, he swore in great indignation, that not a soul of them should set foot again aboard the Marshal Belleisle who should commit the least trespass upon the friendly and defenceless inhabitants of the western islands.

M. Thurot landed at Carricfergus about a thousand troops: The town was without walls, and garrisoned by 180 new recruits, who, without ammunition, most obstinately defended the gate with their fixed bayonets. The Old Castle, in whose wall was a breach of 50 feet, capitulated with the town. The French there lost near 100 men, and again embarked on some sudden information, after carrying off the arms and necessaries from the Royal Magazine.

Upon the first tidings of the enemy being at Carricfergus, Commodore Elliot sailed in the Eolus, with the Pallas and Brilliant of 36 guns each, and in two days came up with the French squadron off the Isle of Man. The engagement continued near four glasses, and was obstinate, bloody, and decisive. They were all captured, the Marshal Belliesle commanded by M. Thurot, the La Blonde by Captain La Kayce, and the Terpsichore by Captain Dufraudais. The gallant M. Thurot fighting bravely to the last, and encouraging his men, was unfortunately slain.

The engagement having been continued closely and for so long a time, the slaughter on board the French ships was a perfect carnage: Amid the undistinguished mass of mangled bodies, the corpse of the brave commander was thrown over board with others. The public thanks was decreed by the Irish House of Commons, to Commodore Elliot and the other Captains with him, but the joy of all ranks was clouded by the death of Thurot; so far had the humane and generous conduct of an enemy gained upon the impartial sensations of mankind.

Some days after, the body of Thurot was cast ashore near Wigton, and being known by his dress and by some certain particular marks, was interred in the church-yard of Sorbay. A monument was erected over his grave, and his portrait engraven in copper, by subscription.

Here is the burial place of the famous Fergus Lord of Galloway, who so bravely repulsed the various inroads of the ancient Britons, and gave them a memorable overthrow.