Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-04-20
BRIDGErowN, L Barbadoes,)


March SO.
Gallant defence Of Dominica and dejeas of
the French.
This highly pleasing intelligence was
received here yesterday by the arrival Of
a vessel direct from that Island, and we
are enabled, from the information of We
ny Intelligent gentleman who came pas
senger from thence, 10 I'VE our readers
some particulars which cannot fail 10 be
Interesting. The enemy having, as we
were before informed, arrived or Rosseau
early in the morning Of the 2ad uIt. were
mistaken for an English squadron, and
had even made some dispositions TO de-
bark their troops before the error was dis
covered; no sooner, however, were they
ascertained, than warm fire was opened
on them from the batteries along the coast,
which their ships instantly returned, and
continued a smart cannonade until they
had effected the landing, at about o.
clock, at pointe Mochelle, of full 5000
troops. Brig. General Provost, ever on
the alert, had at this time advantageous
ly posted deiachmen, from the SSH re-
giment, and Town militia, with q few black
troops, amounting in all 10 not more Than
$50 men, 10 annoy the enemy; this small
band led on by major Nuns, most gal
lantly opposed the enemy. and no.wi,h-
| standing their superior numbers, Instant
| ly checked their advance, and threw the
whole body into confusion. The action
became more general, the enemy repeat
eddy endeavoring tn advance, bur being AS
often repulsed, found i; necessary to send
of their wounded, and received fresh
troops from their ships. In This time the
town unfortunately took FIRE from the wad
ot the batteries commanding it, having
fallen on some of the houses; the cne-
my's force being also undiminished
from the fresh supplies which were
landed, while their opponents were har-
rasscd and faiigued, anil the flames spread.
ing wi'h destructive fury, naturally crea
ting great confusion, our gallant but uns-
quail corps were drawn off with the great
est Judgment, and conducted by gen.
Provost IN sale retreat TO prince Ruperl's.
During the contest made with such gal
laniry and effect, major NUNS received a
wound Cleared TO be faial,) and one mill
tia man and FIVE regulars were killed,
and about 80 slightly wounded but
The loss on the part of the enemy was
considerable; the wounded cannot be as
acknowledgements, full 900 of the slain
serve to shew the effects Of our well
directed FIRE, and gallant defence. A Eag
OF truce was now (about two in the after.
noon OF the 22d) sent ia 10 the French
commandan,s, and the shattered town
and two evacuated forts agreed TO be sur
rendered a. discretion 20 an unworthy and
disSfaceiul enemy, whose obicGi, instead
OF conquest, was sordid plumber and op.
pFessive acquisitions. a demand of $500
dollars to be instantly furnished, 6. the un-
consumed remnant ofthe town given up To
the mercy OF their diaboical marauders.
In their career Of pillage, not even the
most trIhIng articles escaped them, and
many worthless and abandoned negroes
gave them aid. Having Obtained their
booty, they re embarked on "wednesday
morning last, aud before two in the after
noon, the men on board the fleet, havingpre-
ousIy burnt one ship III the bay, sunk two
smaller vessels, and sent 10 or ! 5 others,
1.-THE whole there) TO Guada'oups, stood TO
sea with light wind and, when the Yea.
sci which brings these particulars left
Rosseau (about four O'Clock that after
noon,) they were not mo!e than three
leagues from the land, with their heads to
the nor,hward.
Amidst all that promp,itude and alscri. (
" which has been manifested, as well on
the part Of the Kings regular garrison, ]
as the militia forces Of the island, since |,
the arrival of the encmy's squadron in
these seas, We have never for moment
lost sight Of the vigiIant zeal Of sir Samu-
81 Hood on the same eccssjoa. Tie