The Campaign of 1760 in Canada - A Narrative Attributed to Chevalier Johnstone by chevalier de James Johnstone Johnstone
page 16 of 28 (57%)
page 16 of 28 (57%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
judging that they might be of use to him, and remained on board with
the wounded, his colors always flying. The English, after firing some time at his vessel, and receiving no answer, approached in their boats and asked him why he did not fire, or lower his flag? De Vauquelin answered them fiercely that, had he had any more powder he would not have been silent so long; that if they had a mind to take him, they might cut down his flag themselves, as hitherto his custom was not to strike his colors, but to make others--his country's enemies--do so. The English then went on board of his ship, and took him prisoner, with his wounded men, and in consideration of his determination--they having cut down his flag--treated him with the regard which bravery can claim at the hands of a generous enemy. De Vauquelin had already made himself known to the English by his undaunted courage at the siege of Louisburg. His intrepidity so delighted the English Admiral, that he begged him to tell him freely how he could serve him. He answered the Admiral, "that what he wished for of all things was to have his liberty and permission to return to France." The Admiral had so great a consideration for him, that he caused a vessel to be immediately fitted out to carry him to Europe, ordering the English captain to obey De Vauquelin and land him in any French port he might ask for, leaving him at the same time to choose what French passengers would accompany him. This noble and generous behaviour of the English did honor to their nation, by rendering justice to, and discerning the merit of, an enemy, far beyond what De Vauquelin met with from Berryer, the Secretary of the Navy, on his arrival in France. The unhappy situation of the colony was now past remedy, and may be compared to a man in the agonies of death, to whom the physician |
|