storm it; and, also, to take post on the top of the hill
which is above it.

"Every ship to land the number of men as against their names
expressed, with a proper proportion of officers, exclusive of
commissioned officers and servants--[as stated in the letter to
Captain Troubridge]--and the captains are at liberty to send as
many more men as they please; leaving sufficient to manage the
ship, and to man the launch and another boat. Every captain, that
chuses, is at liberty to land and command his seamen, under the
command of Captain Troubridge.

"It is recommended to put as many marine coats or jackets on the
seamen as can be procured; and, that all should have canvas crop
belts.

"The marines to be all under the direction of Captain Oldfield, the
senior marine officer: and he is directed to put himself under the
direction of Captain Troubridge; as is Lieutenant Baynes of the
Royal Artillery, with his detachment."

To these general regulations were added the following particular
instructions--

"Theseus, July 21, 1797.

"The Culloden's officers and men, with only their arms, to be ready
to go on board the Terpsichore, at one P.M. this day. To carry with
them four ladders--each of which to have a lanyard four fathoms
long--a sledge hammer, wedges, and a broad axe.

"The boats oars to be muffled with either a piece of canvas or
kersey.

"Horatio Nelson.

"Memorandum--The Culloden and Zealous to each make a platform for
one eighteen pounder, the Theseus to make a sley for dragging
cannon.

"Each ship to make as many iron ramrods as possible; it being found
that the wooden ones are very liable to break, when used in a
hurry.

"The Seahorse to make a platform for one nine pounder."

The whole plan of proceedings being thus judiciously arranged, the
attempt was commenced with every hope of success: but it turned out,
that a very erroneous representation had been given of the forces of the
enemy, which appear to have been far too numerous for so small a body of
men successfully to encounter; and, indeed, there were other unexpected
difficulties and disappointments.

The following letter, from Captain Troubridge to Sir Horatio Nelson,
will account, in a considerable degree, for the miscarriage of the
enterprise.

"Culloden, 25th July 1797.