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CAPTURE OF MARTINIQUE, BY

LIEUT.-GENS. SIR G. BECKWITH,
PREVOST, AND MAITLAND; BRIGA-
DIER-GENERALS HOUGHTON, SIR C.
SHIPLEY, AND STEHELIN; REAR-AD-
MIRAL SIR A. COCHRANE, AND COMMO-
DORE SIR G. COCKBURN. JANUARY
24, 1809.

While the Peninsular war exhibited a sort of chasm, other objects seem to have been crowding upon public attention.That the capture of Martinique remained to be achieved at this period, was owing to the efforts of French intrigue.—West Indian captures are so much of course as to require no explanation. Those of which the present formed a part were, however, most important; the persons here concerned are of the most prominent character.

Luna 5 die Februarii, 1810.

My Lord,

Martinique, 9th July, 1809.

I received, by the last packet, the dispatch with which your Lordship honored me upon the 3d of May, transmitting, in terms most flattering, the resolutions of the House of Lords, expressive of their Lordships' thanks to the army under my command, employed in the reduction of Martinique; which have been communicated to the forces now under my orders in the West Indies, and which I shall not fail to embrace the first occasion to forward to Lieut.-Gen. Sir George Prevost, Bart. in Nova Scotia.

So eminent a proof of their Lordships' approbation, cannot but afford the highest inducements to future exertion, and are received in this army with that enthusiasm and devotion which belong to the military character of a great empire fighting in the cause of humanity, for the glory of their

country, and for the independence of the world.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration and respect, your Lordship's most obedient and most humble Servant, GEORGE BECKWITH,

Commander of the forces in the Windward and Leeward Charibbee Islands, and Continental Provinces in South America. The Right Hon.

the Lord Chancellor, &c. &c. &c.

Jovis 25 die Januarii, 1810.

Martinique, 22d May, 1809.

Sir,

I received yesterday the letter which you did me the honor to address to me upon the 15th of April last, containing the unanimous vote of thanks of the House of Commons, expressive of their favorable sense of my services, and of those of the army under my command, employed in the reduction of this important colony.

It has been announced this day in public orders, and will, I am confident, be received with all that devotion which belongs to the British military character, and which it has not failed to impress upon me; affording strong additional inducements to persevering exertion in the public service.

I request, Sir, you will be pleased to permit me to express my grateful acknowledgments for the flattering terms in which you have conveyed so distinguished a proof of the approbation of the House of Commons; and have the honor to be, with the highest respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant,

GEO. BECK WITH, Commander of the forces in the Windward and Leeward Charibbee Islands, and Continental Provinces of South America. The Honorable the

Speaker of the House of Commons.

His Majesty's Ship Neptune, at St. Pierre, Martinique, 5th June, 1809.

Sir,

I have been honored with your letter dated the 15th April, enclosing the unanimous vote of thanks of the House of Commons to me and the officers of the squadron employed in the reduction of Martinique, and approving the services of the seamen and marines serving upon that expedition, which I shall cause to be made known to them in the manner you desire.

This flattering and honorable testimony of the resolutions of the House of Commons in our favor, is rendered the more acceptable by the polite and elegant manner in which you have been pleased to communicate the same.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, Sir, your most obedient humble Servant,

ALEX. COCHRANE.

The Right Honorable the

Speaker of the House of Commons, &c. &c.

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