1809	Capture of Cayenne	211

two other batteries about a mile up the river on opposite sides the one on the right bank, named Trio, situated upon an eminence commanding the Creek (Crique fouillée) leading to Cayenne ; the other on the opposite side situated at the entrance of canal de Torcy, on the creek leading to the house and plantation of Victor Hugues, and evidently erected for no other purpose than its defence.

The Portuguese cutters, Lion and Vinganza, each armed with a few 4-pounders, were anchored abreast, of the two forts, when a smart action commenced, and continued for an hour. Finding the superiority of the enemy's metal and position, and that many on board the vessels were falling from the incessant showers of grape-shot, Captain Yeo resolved to storm both the forts. Accordingly, while Mr. Savory, with a party of Portuguese troops, landed at the battery that defended the house of Victor Hugues, Captain Yeo, accompanied by Lieutenant Blyth and his gig's crew, also by a party of Portuguese troops, proceeded to attack Trio. Although both parties had to land at the very muzzles of the guns, the cool bravery of the assailants, in defiance of a continual fire of grape and musketry, soon carried both posts, each mounting two 8-pounders, and put to flight the 100 men divided between them.

Scarcely had this service been accomplished, when the French troops from the town of Cayenne attached Colonel Marques at Dégras des Cannes. The allied forces being much dispersed, Captain Yeo, without waiting an instant, pushed off with the boats ; and, arriving at the post, compelled the French, after a smart action of three hours, to retreat to Cayenne. At about the same time 250 men appeared before Fort Diamant ; but, perceiving Lieutenant Mulcaster prepared to receive them, imagining his force to be much greater than it was, and learning what had been the fate of their general, they quickly followed his example. The strongest post yet remained to be taken, the general's private house ; before which he had planted a fieldpiece and a swivel, with 100 of his best troops. On the 8th, in the morning, the allied forces proceeded to attack this post. As a preliminary measure, Captain Yeo tried the effect of a summons. The general's advanced guard allowed the gig with the flag of truce to approach within a boat's length, then fired two volleys at Lieutenant Mulcaster and his party, and quickly retreated. Upon this, Captain Yen landed his men; but, considering that the outrage might have been committed without the knowledge of the French general, he again sent Lieutenant Mulcaster : at whom, this time, the field-piece was discharged. One of the general's slaves was next sent, and he returned with an answer that the communication must be in writing. At the same moment the general fired his field-piece as a signal to the troops, who lay in ambush in the wood to the right of the allied forces, and who now opened upon the latter a steady and well

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