into effect, lie yielded. The king’s advocate however,
and the constable, who it would appear were also
prisoners, refused their signatures. At the same time
that this important affair was settled, the French
general issued a proclamation in the name of the king
of France, requiring the submission of the islanders,
and containing the usual promises of protection and
threats of punishment; and produced also, a commission
from his master, appointing him governor of
.Jersey. The shops were ordered to be opened,—and
business to proceed as usual; and in fact, the new
governor appears to have acted, as if he were master
of the island.
In proceeding thus however, he had calculated
upon the effect of Major Corbet’s order, which had
been despatched to the different corps, desiring them
to remain in their quarters ; as well as on the notice of
capitulation, which he had sent to Elizabeth Castle;
though it is difficult to conceive, what reasonable expectations
Rullecourt could have had, of long maintaining
his advantage with the trifling force under his
command. It appears however, that the orders despatched
by Major Corbet, did not produce the effects
which the French general calculated upon. The
officers of the different corps, understanding that
Major Corbet was a prisoner, did not consider his
orders binding : accordingly, they advanced upon the
town—and the island militia also, promptly assembling,
joined the regulars.
After Major Corbet had sent notice of capitulation
to the castle, a part of the French troops headed by
the commander,—who, it is said, held Major Corbet
by the arm,—left St. Helier, to take possession of the
stronghold; but upon the column advancing, the
discharge of cannon shewed Rullecourt, that Major
Corbet’s order had not been obeyed. Rullecourt was
forced to retire : and a second officer was despatched
to the castle, with a written copy of the capitulation,
and a peremptory order from Major Corbet, to surrender
to the French. But this order was alike
disregarded.
Meanwhile, the whole of the regular forces, together
with the island artillery, all under the command of
Major Pierson of the 95th regiment, upon whom the
chief command had devolved, were concentrated on
the heights above the town; and soon after, they
began to descend Gallows’ Hill,—an eminence within
half a mile of the town, to the westward. It now
became apparent to Rullecourt, that he was not to
succeed by stratagem ; though he still made one more
effort ; for on the British troops advancing, he sent an
officer to Major Pierson, to endeavour still to effect
the capitulation. A truce of half an hour was acceded
to; and at the same time the adjutant of the 95th
regiment was sent to demand the liberation of the
lieutenant governor. When introduced to the presence
of Rullecourt and Major Corbet, the latter was
asked, if he were a prisoner; to whicli he is said to
have replied in the negative,—a reply incapable of
being justified on any ground : and all hope of negotiation
being now ended, Rullecourt prepared to
effect his purpose by means more creditable to a
soldier, than by the falsehood and stratagem which
had proved unavailing.
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