ABSTRACT
In consequence of the distresses of the inhabitants of Jamaica from the earthquake, the French determined to attack that island, expecting to make a complete conquest. M. du Casse, with three men of war and twenty privateers, having on board 1500 troops, appeared off Cow Bay, June 27th, where he landed 800 soldiers under M. Beauregard, with orders to desolate the country to Port Morant. These barbarians obeyed their instructions to the full extent: they set fire to every settlement, tortured the prisoners, and made some behold the violation of their wives by their own Negroes before they murdered them. The militia of this part of the country had been drawn off to guard the capital. After seizing about 1000 Negroes, Du Casse moved to Carlisle Bay, where he met such resistance from the militia, part of whom had marched thirty miles without refreshment, that the French were obliged to retreat, and returned to
Espanola with their booty, having lost near 700 men. The old buccaneer, De Graff, was one of the commanders upon this expedition. Du Casse was accused by his followers of appropriating too large a share of the plunder to himself and the officers; but his government approved his conduct, for they settled upon him for life 100 pistoles per annum for his services upon this occasion.
