enabled them to sail again previous to the arrival of Rear-Admiral Cochrane, who had proceeded thither from Carlisle bay, in consequence of Captain Maurice’s representation[1].
Soon after this event. Sir Samuel Hood visited the Diamond Rock, in company with his lady; and Captain Maurice had the gratification of receiving the highest praise from that distinguished officer, for his continued zeal and activity, together with an assurance of the Commodore’s sincere friendship, and his readiness to serve him on any future occasion that might offer.
The official details not having been published in the London Gazette, very little has hitherto been known in this country relative to the loss of the Diamond Rock, which would no doubt have proved impregnable to an enemy, whilst in the hands of the British, had it not been for the unfortunate shortness of ammunition, and the absolute want of water[2], under which its brave defenders laboured, when attacked by a French squadron in May, 1805. It will be obvious on a perusal of the following correspondence, and sentence of a court-martial by which he was tried, that Captain Maurice, though not able to command, fully deserved success:
- ↑ Rear-Admiral Cochrane had been sent out to assume the chief command at the Leeward Islands. He anchored at Barbadoes only a few hours before the Lieutenant of the Diamond Rock arrived, and on the following morning sailed for St. Domingo. The French squadron returned to Europe May 20, in the same year. See Vol. I, p. 261.
- ↑ A tank, capable of holding 500 tons of water, was built under a ravine, but unfortunately no rain fell whilst the rock was retained by the British. Rear-Admiral Cochrane having gone to leeward with must of the ships under his orders, Captain Maurice was deprived of the supplies usually furnished by the cruisers on that station.
- ↑ The Diamond Rock had only 107 officers, men, and boys.
