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CONJUNCT EXPEDITION AGAINST HOLLAND, OF LIEUT. GENERAL SIR RALPH ABERCROMBY AND ADMIRAL (afterwards Sir Andrew) MITCHELL, 27th AUGUST 1799; FORMING THE VAN OF THE GRAND ARMAMENT UNDER HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF YORK.

The progress of events had given a fair prospect of the Dutch people's disposition to get rid of that close connexion with the French, whose fraternal alliance had so little tended either to their interest or glory. -To completely detach the Batavian Republic, as it was now called, from that of France, and thus powerfully weaken that growing Empire, if not restore the authority of the Stadtholder, a grand expedition was formed comprising the very flower of the British army in point of officers, and thirty-three thousand troops, including a body of Russian auxiliaries. The command

was confided to the Duke of York, and in course the arrangements made under His Royal Highness's directions.

The first division, or advanced guard (about 12,000 men) of this army, embarked at Deal on the 13th of August 1799, under the orders of Sir Ralph Abercromby, on board a fleet commanded by Vice-Admiral Mitchell, and so completely attained its object as to obtain the Vote of Parliamentary Thanks immediately on the opening of the Session in a most distinguished manner. The Commander in Chief had not yet arrived with the main body, though His Royal Highness quickly shared in the glories and dangers of the whole, and ultimately secured by his diplomatic spirit under most conflicting circumstances the naval acquisitions which had been made.

Denied the communications of thanks we are here amply supplied in the proud eulogia pronounced, in moving them in both Houses of Parliament, on the skill with which the transport was conducted, and the just

attribute of it in Admiral Mitchell's answer, to the unanimity of the Navy and Army.

Lord Grenville having moved thanks to the Army to be conveyed through the Duke of York, Earl Spencer spoke of the skill, activity and perseverance requisite to have ensured his success. Having conducted his fleet over the boisterous element, passing through a narrow sea, and avoiding the dangers of a difficult coast, he again led his squadron in order of battle along the perilous navigation of the Zuyder Zee. Here prepared for naval triumph, he obtained a bloodless victory of importance. His firm demeanor had given the Dutch sailors an opportunity of openly manifesting their disposition to be restored to their legitimate government, to renew that friendship and alliance which distinguished the most brilliant periods of the Dutch Republic. "I therefore move," (said his Lordship) "the thanks of the House to Admiral Mitchell, together with the officers and seamen employed in the expedition to Holland,

AND GAINING POSSESSION OF THE DUTCH NAVY."

In the House of Commons, Mr. Dundas after much praise thus described the fact. The armament destined for Holland sailed thence in very fair weather, which continued for two or three days; but early on the morning of the third day, there arose a very heavy, and for the time of the year a very uncommon storm. In this storm, this gallant Admiral had the conducting of two hundred transports of various descriptions, subject to no military discipline from the nature of things; and in this condition did he conduct the whole of this mass for ten or twelve days, kept them together immense as they were, and brought them to their place of landing in safety.

The following were the answers returned to the communications.

Head Quarters Schagen Brug, Oct. 10th, 1799.
My Lord,

In consequence of your Lord

ship's letter of the 3d instant, I have communicated the thanks of the House of Lords to Lieutenant General Sir Ralph Abercromby, the Generals and other officers under his command, together with their Lordships' approbation and acknowledgement of the services of the troops employ. ed at the attack of the Helder on the 27th August 1799; which thanks have been received by Sir Ralph Abercromby, the Generals, other officers and troops, as one of the most honourable testimonies and best rewards of their exertions in the service of their country.

I beg to express that having been employed to communicate their Lordships' resolu tions upon this occasion, I shall ever consider as one of the most pleasing circumstances of my military life.

I am &c.

(Signed)

The Right Honourable

FREDERICK.

the Lord Chancellor, &c. &c.

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