“My dear Sir,– I most heartily congratulate you on the brilliant success of the brave garrison under your command, in having repulsed an attack of the enemy’s select troops, consisting of as many thousands as the whole force opposed to them amounted to hundreds, and by the gallantry and intrepid conduct of your valiant heroes, succeeded in taking a greater number of prisoners than their whole collected force. Mr. Yorke having signified to me that he would write to you, I can only assure you that this gallant affair is the theme of every one’s praise, and has excited the admiration of all; and I have no doubt but yonr services upon this occasion will be duly appreciated by the Admiralty. I have great pleasure in adding that Lieutenant Baker is made a Commander, and that Captain Torrens and Lieutenant Fischer are recommended to H.R.H. the Prince Regent for brevet rank. I have the honor to be, with high regard, &c.
“To Capt. Maurice, Anholt.”
The garrison of Anholt subsequently presented their gallant governor with a valuable and highly finished sword, on which is the following inscription:
“Presented by the officers, non-commissioned officers, gunners, and privates, of the royal marines and royal marine artillery, in garrison at Anholt, to their esteemed governor. Captain James Wilkes Maurice, of the royal navy, in token of their admiration of his personal bravery in the battle of the 27th March, 1811; and as a grateful memorial for his liberal forbearance and kind consideration of their feelings during his government.”
The presentation of this sword[1] took place on the anniversary of our late revered monarch’s birth-day; the garrison, and the men of war at anchor off the island, having previously fired the usual royal salutes. Captain Holtaway, then senior officer of the marine battalion, addressed Governor Maurice as follows:
- ↑ Value 150 guineas.
