ship formed part of the grand fleet under Earl Howe. During the ensuing three years, he served successively in the Pegasus and Andromeda frigates, and Europa of 50 guns, on the Newfoundland, Channel, and Jamaica stations; and in the latter was present at the capture of Jeremie and Cape Nichola Mole, St. Domingo, by Commodore Ford and Lieutenant-Colonel Whitelocke, Sept. 20 and 23, 1793[1].
By the former officer, with whom he had proceeded to the West Indies in the preceding year, Mr. Moubray was soon after promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, in the Magicienne, of 32 guns. From that frigate he returned to the Europa, still carrying the Commodore’s broad pendant, and was first Lieutenant of her at the capture of Port-au-Prince. He had previously acted as Captain of the Iphigenia, and assisted in landing the troops at Port-au-Prince[2].
- ↑ See p. 505.
- ↑ In 1794, the campaign on the Jamaica station opened by the reduction of the different districts on the north and south sides of the Bight of Leogane. On the 3d Feb., the strong post at Cape Tiberon was taken after a sharp conflict, in which the British had 3 men killed and 10 wounded. About fifty of the French Republicans were slain; the remainder, amounting to 600, retired to Aux Cayes, leaving behind them a considerable quantity of stores, artillery, and ammunition. Shortly afterwards, the post of l’Arul, six miles from Leogane, garrisoned by 600 men, was stormed by the troops under Lieutenant-Colonel Whitelocke.
On the 30th May, Commodore Ford having collected a squadron in the road of l’Archaye, consisting of one 74, two 64’s, one 50, three frigates, two sloops of war, and one smaller vessel; and embarked a large body of troops, with stores, artillery, &c. under Brigadier-General Whyte, sailed to the attack of Port-au-Prince. On the same evening, the ships of war and transports anchored in their respective stations; and the operations being ready to commence, a flag of truce was sent the next morning to demand the surrender of the place; but as the boat approached the harbour, the officer charged with the despatch was informed that no communication would be allowed; he consequently returned to the Europa.
The naval and military commanders agreeing in opinion, that the possession of Fort Bizotten was an object of the first consideration, the necessary preparations were immediately made for attacking it. Accordingly, at 7h 30’ A.M. on the 1st June, the Belliqueux and Sceptre, 64’s, got under weigh with the sea breeze, and were placed by their Captains (James Brine and J. R. Dacres) with great precision, against that fortress, and instantly commenced a brisk and well-directed fire upon it. The Penelope frigate, Captain B. S. Rowley, at the same time anchored close to the shore, to
