26
EXCESSES OF THE FRENCH.
But to return to the particulars of the attack. The next morning, about four o'clock, M. de Clodoré, &c, attended by 200 men, landed upon the beach, and, guided by Baston, proceeded to the house where the governor, Colonel Carden, then resided, which was situated about a mile and a half from the shore. The English fought with their usual bravery, but were at length overpowered; and Colonel Carden, Colonel .Monk, and about thirty other officers, were taken prisoners, and the house burnt to the ground. The governor, being thus captured, was conveyed on board the admiral's ship ; and the French were so elated with their success, that they determined to push on their good fortune, and endeavour to subdue the whole island. The next day, they again landed at day break, attended by 240 men, divided into two companies, and guided by Baston. Reaching a large house situated upon a hill, they dispatched a trumpeter to summon the inhabitants to surrender, among whom was Mrs. Carden, the wife of the governor. This trumpeter carried a letter, written by Colonel Carden, describing how well he was treated (?), and advising them not to wait to the last extremity to surrender, but to do so without delay. To this letter they returned a verbal answer, thanking the French for their polite treatment to their governor, but at the same time intimating, that they were resolved to do their duty, and resist to the last. Upon receiving this reply, the French commanders prepared for battle, and resolved to storm the house.
At first
from the French king to Charles II. of England, dated 26th May, 1667, and addressed to Louis XIV., is inserted :—" Il nous dit de plus que le Sieur de la Barre avat ruiné celle d'Antigoa, et en avait fait transporter tout ce qu'il avait pu afin d'être mieux en etat de conserver de St. Christophe." Translation.—"He"—that is, the deputy from Zealand, with whom Count D'Estrade had had a conference at Breda, on 21st May, 1667— " informed us, in addition, that the said M. de la Barre had ruined the colony of Antigua, and had taken and transported from it all that he could, to the end that he might he in a better condition to retain possession of St. Christopher's."