nesa, another frigate, the command of which he retained till June, 1798, when she was paid off at Plymouth, preparatory to her being broken up.
Captain Giffard was subsequently appointed in succession to the Active and Loire frigates, and Magnificent, 74. In the former he captured the French cutter privateer, le Quinola, of 14 guns and 48 men; and in the latter was sent with several other ships to the West Indies, for the purpose of watching the motions of a powerful armament, despatched from France immediately after the signing of the definitive treaty of peace at Amiens, to attempt the re-conquest of St.Domingo.
In the early part of April, 1802, some heavy shot fired from the lower Cabritta, went over the Magnificent, as she lay at anchor in Prince Rupert’s Bay, Dominica. This was the first symptom of a dangerous insurrection of the 8th West India regiment, then in garrison at Fort Shirley, which was marked by acts of the most shocking barbarity; and but for the prudent conduct of Captain Giffard, would most probably have deluged the island in blood, and produced the ruin of the colony.
On the return of the officer whom he had sent on shore for the purpose of obtaining information, with a note from the President, stating that the lives of the loyal inhabitants depended on the presence of the Magnificent, and the exertions of her commander; Captain Giffard, who had already got his ship under weigh, and prepared for action, immediately landed a large party of seamen and marines, with a quantity of ammunition and provisions for the militia. He afterwards went on shore himself to concert a plan of attack on Fort Shirley, and to offer the active co-operation of the navy. On the arrival of the Governor from Rosseau, and preparations being made for storming the inner Cabritta, the mutineers offered to receive the forces sent against them with presented arms, then to ground them at the word of command, and submit unconditionally. This was performed so far as the ceremony of presenting and grounding their arms; but, when ordered to advance three paces, they refused to obey, and many took up their pieces and fired. This was instantly returned by the British troops, and a dreadful slaughter ensued among the black soldiers, who were soon put to the rout. The Magni-
