Existing comment:
The Corps of Colonel Marines in the Chesapeake:
On April 2, 1814, Vice-Admiral Cochrane took command of the British North American Station and issued the following proclamation to encourage those blacks who so desired to enlist in his Majesty's Corps of Colonial Marines. Within the year, an estimated 300 blacks joined the British army.
On September 3, 1814 the Corps were joined with part of the 3rd Battalion Royal Marines to make a new 3rd Battalion Royal and Colonial Marines. The Corps served in many actions in the Chesapeake during 1814, including at the Battle of Bladensburg where one man from the Corps was killed and three others were wounded.
The Colonial Marines did inspire hatred and fear among the Americans. The corps took part in the burning of Washington and skirmished against American forces all along the coast. The British commander-in-chief said they were "infinitely more dreaded by the Americans than the British troops.
WHEREAS, it has been represented to me, that many Persons now resident in the UNITED STATES, have expressed a desire to withdraw these from, with a view by entering into His Majesty's Service, or of being received as Free Settlers into some of His Majesty's Colonies. This is therefore to Give Notice.
That all those who may be disposed to emigrate from the UNITED STATES will, with their Families, be received on board His Majesty's Ships or Vessels of War, or at the Military Posts that may be established, upon or neat the Coast of the UNITED STATES, when they will have their choice of either entering into His Majesty's Sea or Land Forces, or of being sent as FREE settlers to the British Possession in North America or the West Indies, where they will meet with due encouragement.
Given under my Hand at Bermuda, this 2nd day of April 1814.
ALEXANDER COCHRANE.
God Save The King. |