d rapid _coup de main_, which should suddenly have obtained
possession, in the first place, of the fort on the north-east side of the
bay; and, in the second, of the heights by which it was commanded. The
primary of these objects was wholly frustrated by the non-arrival of the
boats at the place of destination under cover of the night; for, at the
dawning of day, the Spaniards having discovered both the forces and
their intention, were induced to lose as little time as possible in
previously occupying the heights above the fort. Thus, by the delay of
the boats, in the first instance, and by waiting, in the second, to
consult with the rear-admiral, instead of at once pushing forward to
secure this essential post, the business was completely reduced to a
merely forlorn hope; and had better, from that moment, have been
entirely abandoned. The exalted mind of the rear-admiral, however,
though it felt, there is good reason to believe, the full force of this
opinion, being conscious of having received instructions, from his
commander in chief, to make a vigorous and spirited attack, and
convinced that such attack had not been yet made, could by no means have
satisfied itself, had he not at least endeavoured, whatever the risque
might prove, to execute, with every effort, the utmost intention of his
orders. With a promptness which never failed him, he now directed the
troops to be embarked from the shore; having resolved on vigorously
attacking the town, and even the citadel itself. This design, however,
he ingeniously contrived to cover, by remaining apparently inactive on
the 23d, as if he had entirely abandoned his intentions against the
place: and, on the 24th, by approaching and anchoring to the northward
of the town, and making every apparent disposition for assailing the
heights, he drew the notice of the Spaniards entirely to that quarter;
who, consequently, left less invulnerable the objects of his real
attention. The design of this meditated assault was certainly desperate;
and so conscious did he feel of it's danger, though nothing could deter
him from the attempt, that he has been frequently heard to declare the
sensation he experienced, on going over the ship's side, to enter his
boat, on the 24th at night, was a full conviction that he should never
return. There was, indeed, a hope of success, but it was a faint one,
and the evil genius of the expedition again interposed to defeat it. The
boats did not keep togethe